Overview
- Post-Marineford War, Akainu ascended to the position of Fleet Admiral, marking a significant shift in the marine hierarchy.
- There is ongoing speculation within the One Piece fan community that Akainu could be leading a covert faction known as Sword, fueled by clues such as his distinctive sword tattoo.
- Although much of the discourse is grounded in speculation, the theory regarding Akainu’s leadership of Sword raises intriguing possibilities in the One Piece narrative.
Akainu’s full introduction during the Marineford War solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable characters in the series; he demonstrated his strength by confronting and fatally injuring the iconic Whitebeard. Since that pivotal moment and following the brutal execution of Ace, Akainu has often been painted as a harsh antagonist. However, his concept of justice—rigid and unwavering—has led many to speculate about his potential role as the undisputed leader of Sword, a secret unit that operates independently of the World Government. This article will delve into the reasons behind this theory and the implications it has for the One Piece universe.
The Case for Akainu as Leader of Sword
Arguments for His Leadership
| First Appearance | One Piece, Chapter 397, “In Hopes of Reaching the Future” |
|---|---|
| Debut Date | January 30, 2006 |
| Story Arc | Enies Lobby |
Following the conclusion of the Marineford War, Sengoku’s departure as Fleet Admiral left a power gap, one that Akainu and Aokiji sought to fill. The resulting clash on Punk Hazard concluded with Akainu as the victor, thereby assuming the highest rank within the Navy. However, glimpses of Akainu since that time have been sporadic, maintaining the element of mystery around his character. A specific instance that sparked debate among fans came from Chapter 592, where Akainu was depicted shirtless, engaged in the art of bonsai, revealing a sword tattoo on his shoulder—a detail that many saw as a possible hint towards his leadership in the mysterious group Sword.
The notion that Akainu’s tattoo signifies his leadership of Sword has gained traction among fans. This secretive unit operates apart from the World Government’s direct influence, which could explain Akainu’s fierce independence—from his prior experiences, particularly as seen in Chapter 793, where he articulately confronted the Five Elders, the ultimate authority in the world.
His willingness to challenge the world’s elite indicates a rebellious streak, suggesting that he might actively seek to lead a group like Sword, which allows him greater autonomy to pursue his own vision of justice—one that may not align with the broader goals of the World Government. This independent path hints at why he might covertly engage in operations that the Celestial Dragons might not condone.
Conversely, the narrative concerning Aokiji’s trajectory raises additional questions. The prevailing theory holds that Aokiji abandoned the Navy post-defeat from Akainu, opting instead to join forces with the Blackbeard Pirates. However, an alternative perspective posits that Aokiji’s departure was strategic, serving as an assignment from Akainu to infiltrate the enemy ranks—implying Aokiji’s real allegiance lies with Sword.
This layer of intrigue enhances the narrative, especially considering Aokiji’s ambiguous actions during significant events, including sparing Garp while under the command of the Titanic Captains, which raises speculation about his true motivations.
Evaluating the Likelihood of This Theory
Assessing Akainu’s Role as Sword’s Leader
While the conjecture surrounding Akainu’s potential leadership role in Sword is captivating, it is largely rooted in conjecture. His unwavering belief in Absolute Justice stands in stark contrast to the notion of associating with a group that operates outside the realm of World Government influence, particularly one that embodies ideologies contrary to his own.
Ultimately, Akainu’s sword tattoo may well hold no deeper significance beyond a mere coincidence—yet, it acts as a springboard for rich speculation among the fanbase. Given Eiichiro Oda’s mastery of character development and layered storytelling, though, the idea of Akainu as the clandestine leader of Sword is a compelling possibility that continues to engage fans.
Fans can catch up with the latest adventures in One Piece, available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Leave a Reply