One Piece: An Explanation of the New Marines Introduced at the Series’ Conclusion

This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Final Saga.

Overview

The Marines are under Akainu’s command, who strictly adheres to the concept of Absolute Justice.
The existing Marine hierarchy is deeply corrupt and requires significant reform.
New, idealistic Marines like Koby are expected to emerge and redefine the organization’s values.

In the expansive world of One Piece, the Marines play a crucial role as one of the Three Great Powers, dedicated to combating the rise of piracy and criminal activity. From the series’ inception, the Marines have been a constant presence, and their significance has only amplified over time. While they are often perceived as the “heroes”striving to eliminate piracy, the complexity within their ranks reveals a spectrum of moral ambiguity, with some members displaying villainous traits.

However, as the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the current Marine establishment is fundamentally flawed and requires urgent reform. The conclusion of the Great War is anticipated to bring about sweeping changes, potentially resulting in a redefined Marine organization essential for promoting global peace.

Current State of the Marines

The leadership of the Marines is firmly held by Akainu.
Akainu’s philosophy revolves around the notion of Absolute Justice.

During the Great Age of Piracy, the primary mission of the Marines has been to curb the rapid growth of piracy in response to the surge ignited by Gol D. Roger’s legendary declaration about the One Piece. While the intent appears commendable—stemming piracy and restoring order—the reality reveals a darker narrative. Pirates hold various moral standings, as evidenced by the Straw Hat Pirates, who are regarded as heroes in several instances.

“There is no place for pirates in the world!” – Akainu

The moral landscape among the Marines is equally complex. While some serve honorably, others have committed heinous acts under the guise of justice. The doctrine of Absolute Justice has led certain Marines to make devastating decisions, even at the expense of innocent lives. The central authority of the Marines, the World Government, is stained with corruption, which began with its establishment after the Void Century war. This sinister organization manipulates the Marines as its military arm, making it imperative for the Marines to reassess their role and affiliations.

Need for Reform within the Marines

Pursuit of True Justice

As previously noted, the Marines have strayed from their noble cause, currently aligning themselves with the corrupt World Government. This association not only taints their reputation but also undermines their moral authority. If the truth about the World Government unfolds, it is anticipated that Marine members will begin to question the legitimacy of their superiors, signaling a pressing need for extensive reform within their ranks.

“You can’t figure everything out unless you look at it from the outside.” – Kuzan

To restore legitimacy, the Marines must eradicate the pervasive corruption within themselves. A pivotal transformation is expected as they confront the impending fallout from the Great War and work to dismantle the corrupt leadership of the World Government. However, it is unlikely that all Marines will be purged during this upheaval; some, especially those encapsulating the Absolute Justice ideology, may resist the changes and face reckoning from their more righteous colleagues, possibly led by figures like Fujitora.

The Future of the Marines

Emerging Leaders of the New Generation

The potential for a coup within the Marines to oppose their corrupt creators could usher in a transformative era by the series’ conclusion. With a new, reformed government potentially emerging under Dragon’s leadership, the Marines will experience significant restructuring, shedding their current corrupt elements.

It is anticipated that extremists who cling to Absolute Justice, such as Sakazuki and his allies, will be ousted as the new Navy takes shape. The older generation, including titans like Sengoku and Garp, may also step aside, creating space for a new wave of leaders such as Koby, Prince Grus, Kujaku, Hibari, and Tashigi to rise in prominence.

As the story develops, these young leaders are poised to ascend to high ranks like Vice Admirals and Admirals, with Smoker likely emerging as the new face of the Marines, possibly ascending to Fleet Admiral. This revitalized organization aims to embody true justice, proving that the future of the Marines holds great promise as fans await these pivotal changes.

Readers can keep up with the latest chapters of One Piece through platforms like Viz Media, and engage with the series officially and free via the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The next chapter, One Piece 1136, is scheduled for release on January 19, 2025.

Source&Images