Within the universe of One Piece, the Marines represent the enforcement of maritime justice and uphold the directives of the World Government. However, beneath this veneer of righteousness, they are entangled in a web of corruption, oppression, and hidden agendas that drive many major conflicts throughout the narrative.
Some Marines, disillusioned by these revelations, choose to defect and forge their own paths. Conversely, others succumb to the lure of power, wielding their authority against the vulnerable. For these characters, leaving the Marines is not merely a professional transition; it often transforms them into enemies of a system they once defended—a theme that threads deeply through the tale of One Piece.
Aokiji
The Man With A Different Kind Of Justice
- First Appearance: Episode 225
Aokiji’s exit from the Marine ranks was rooted in a fundamental clash of ideals that would shape the organization’s trajectory. Following Sengoku’s retirement as Fleet Admiral, Aokiji and Akainu vied for the top position. Aokiji advocated for a more flexible interpretation of justice that allowed personal judgment, a perspective exemplified in his dealings with the Ohara incident involving Saul and Robin. In stark contrast, Akainu represented a cold, uncompromising vision of justice, willing to eliminate any perceived threat to maintain order.
Despite receiving support from Sengoku, the World Government ultimately favored Akainu, precipitating a fierce confrontation between the two former comrades. Their battle on Punk Hazard raged for ten consecutive days, so destructive that it permanently altered the island’s ecosystem. Ultimately, Aokiji, unwilling to serve under a leader whose principles he opposed, chose to leave the Marines. Interestingly, he later allied himself with the unlikely Blackbeard Pirates.
Jaguar D. Saul
An Ally Of The Ohara People
- First Appearance: Episode 275
As a vice admiral, Jaguar D. Saul distinguished himself through commendable leadership and integrity, often diverging from the dogmatic obedience of his peers. His pivotal moment came upon uncovering the truth behind the Buster Call orchestrated against Ohara. Having personal ties to the scholars involved, particularly Olivia, Saul recognized the injustice of the situation.
This realization led to his irrevocable decision to betray the Marines. Unable to be a bystander while innocents faced annihilation, Saul chose to defect. Although Admiral Aokiji attempted to halt his escape by encasing him in ice, Saul himself survived the encounter.
Zephyr
The Rebirth Of A Villain
- Appearance: One Piece Film: Z
Initially a revered admiral within the Marines, Zephyr dedicated his life to nurturing new recruits and emphasizing discipline in their ranks. His esteemed students included figures like Kizaru and Aokiji. However, a series of tragedies—first the loss of his wife and child to piracy, then the slaughter of his division and the severance of his arm—transformed him into a villain.
Feeling betrayed and abandoned by an organization he once trusted, Zephyr ultimately severed ties with the Marines, founding the Neo Marines, and resolved to eradicate piracy in a desperate bid for revenge. Despite his immense strength, Zephyr’s quest for vengeance would lead to his eventual demise.
Rod
The Double Agent
- First Appearance: Episode 597
In the intricate world of One Piece, not every Marine is a true believer. Vergo initially infiltrated the Marines as a spy for Donquixote Doflamingo, where he advanced through the ranks to become a vice admiral and commander of G-5, a notorious Marine base.
His duplicity allowed him to manipulate information to benefit Doflamingo’s operations, maintaining his double life until the crisis at Punk Hazard, which threatened to expose his cover. Desperate to retain control, Vergo resorted to violent measures against his subordinates, ultimately facing his end at Trafalgar Law’s hands.
Monkey D. Dragon
The Revolutionary
- First Appearance: Episode 52
As the son of Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp and the father of Luffy, Monkey D. Dragon has emerged as an influential figure, leading the Revolutionary Army against the oppressive World Government. His insights into the functioning and corruption within the Marine structure fuel his commitment to challenging the system.
Dragon’s past remains shrouded in mystery, yet it’s evident that his choice to become a revolutionary—rather than following the path of piracy—highlights his dedication to systemic change, setting him apart from many of his compatriots who succumbed to the siren song of piracy.
Gasparde
A Pirate At Heart
- Appearance: One Piece The Movie: Dead End Adventure
In contrast to characters like Saul and Dragon, Gasparde’s motivations for leaving the Marines were far from ideological. He never intended to embody justice, viewing the Marines solely as a means to further his own ambitions. No loyalty to the Marine ideals drove him; instead, he fully embraced a life of piracy, surrounding himself with dangerous outlaws.
After acquiring the powers of the Ame Ame no Mi, a logia-type devil fruit that transformed his body into syrup, Gasparde evolved into a formidable pirate. However, his overconfidence ultimately led to his downfall when he underestimated Monkey D. Luffy, resulting in his defeat.
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