One Piece: 5 Pirates with a Deep-Seated Hatred for Their Fathers

Overview of Father-Son Relationships Among Pirates in One Piece

Many characters struggle with strained relationships with their fathers, adding layers to the narrative.
The theme of Inherited Will is prevalent, showcasing how ideals can transcend family ties.
Notable characters like Sanji, Ace, Doflamingo, Drake, and Yamato exhibit complex feelings towards their fathers, ranging from hatred to longing.

One of the recurring themes in One Piece is the turbulent dynamics between pirates and their fathers. This ongoing conflict often serves as a source of narrative tension, shaping character motivations and arcs. Another significant theme is the concept of Inherited Will, which illustrates how ideals and ambitions can surpass traditional family connections, sometimes creating rifts rather than bonds.

These themes manifest in various ways throughout the series, particularly among characters who harbor intense feelings towards their fathers. Below, we delve into some of the most notable pirate characters from One Piece who grapple with their paternal relationships.

Sanji

The Son of Vinsmoke Judge

Crew: Straw Hat Pirates (Cook)

Sanji’s upbringing within the Vinsmoke family was riddled with conflict. His father, Vinsmoke Judge, sought to create superhuman sons devoid of emotion, while his mother, Sora, wished for them to have a normal childhood. Tragically, Judge’s interference in Sora’s pregnancies had catastrophic effects, leading to her untimely death after taking a counteractive drug.

Although three of the Vinsmoke siblings thrived under Judge’s harsh upbringing, Sanji emerged as the only compassionate child. After Sora’s death, Judge permitted his other sons to torment Sanji, driving a wedge between them. Sanji’s sister, Reiju, ultimately facilitated his escape, making her the only support he had left within his family.

After fleeing, Sanji encountered “Red Leg”Zeff, a pirate captain who became a father figure to him. Zeff instilled values in Sanji through a tough-love approach, teaching him essential skills in both cooking and combat. Eventually, Sanji joined the Straw Hat Pirates, where he continues to grapple with the legacy of his father while forging his own identity.

Portgas D. Ace

The Son of Gol D. Roger

Crew: Spade Pirates (former captain); Whitebeard Pirates (2nd Division Commander)

Gol D. Roger, celebrated as the King of the Pirates, also faced resentment from his son, Ace. Born as Gol D. Ace, he chose to distance himself from his father’s name, opting for his mother’s surname—Portgas—out of respect for Portgas D. Rouge, who sacrificed her life to bring him into the world after a prolonged pregnancy.

Despite Roger’s status, he could not fulfill his role as a father due to his circumstances. He entrusted Ace’s care to Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp, emphasizing his desire to spare Ace from the stigma attached to his name. Growing up alongside Monkey D. Luffy, another son of a notorious figure, Ace eventually formed his own crew and later allied with Whitebeard, who treated him as family.

Ultimately, Ace’s resentment stemmed from the burden of his father’s legacy. He struggled with feelings of neglect, especially compared to the love and sacrifice of his mother, who died in her final moments wishing for his well-being. Ironically, Ace shared many ideals with Roger, further complicating his relationship with his father.

Donquixote Doflamingo

The Son of Donquixote Homing

Crew: Donquixote Pirates (Captain)

Donquixote Doflamingo’s father, Donquixote Homing, made a controversial decision to renounce his position as a World Noble, seeking to provide a different upbringing for his family. Unfortunately, this choice was met with hostility from their new neighbors, leading to immense suffering and ultimately Homing’s wife dying from neglectful treatment during their exile.

Homing aimed to remedy the impact of their privileged upbringing on Doflamingo, but the hardships they faced fostered resentment instead. At the young age of ten, Doflamingo killed his father after acquiring a Devil Fruit and a pistol, which marked the beginning of Doflamingo’s ruthless pursuit of power.

Despite claiming to forgive Homing, Doflamingo’s actions reveal his deep-seated need to surpass the World Nobles, which ultimately becomes an obsession fueled by his traumatic past.

X Drake

The Son of Diez Barrels

Crew: Drake Pirates (Captain); Barrels Pirates (former); Beasts Pirates (former; double agent)

X Drake’s childhood was marred by his father’s downfall from an esteemed marine to a pirate. Diez Barrels became increasingly abusive, pulling his son into a life of crime. Following Barrels’s eventual death at the hands of Doflamingo, Drake surprisingly expressed no animosity towards him.

Drake’s life took a significant turn when Tsuru and Sengoku intervened, guiding him to a new path within the marines. Advancing to the rank of rear admiral, he later assumed a double role as a pirate. Surprisingly, his return to piracy served a greater purpose as he worked undercover for SWORD, a clandestine marine organization that allows operatives to maintain plausible deniability.

Drake’s complex relationship with his father and his dual roles in the marine and pirate world illustrates the struggle between loyalty and the desire for autonomy. His willingness to ally temporarily with Luffy further emphasizes his ongoing conflict between these divergent identities.

Yamato

The Son of Kaido

Crew: Beasts Pirates (former)

Yamato, the child of Kaido, grew disenchanted with his father and instead admired Kozuki Oden, aspiring to emulate the legendary samurai’s life. In a disturbing display of control, Kaido imprisoned Yamato and subjected him to horrific treatment, including explosive shackles meant to keep him confined to Wano.

Despite the inhospitable environment, Yamato formed a bond with Ace, who introduced him to the world beyond his father’s grasp. Eventually, after meeting Luffy, Yamato expressed a desire to join the Straw Hat crew, reaffirming his rejection of Kaido’s legacy in pursuit of his own identity.

This narrative showcases the complexities of Yamato’s struggle against a deeply abusive parental figure while also highlighting the hope for redemption and growth. With the support of the Kozuki clan, Yamato aims to complete a pilgrimage in Oden’s footsteps before finally pursuing a life of adventure.

While Kaido recognizes Yamato’s strength, he has failed to understand the impact of his abuse. Yamato’s journey represents a quest for freedom and self-definition, moving beyond a legacy marked by tumult.

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