Essential Insights
- Admirals play a crucial role in bolstering the Navy’s capabilities, although some may consider aligning with the pirates in the Final Saga.
- Akainu and Ryokugyu demonstrate unwavering fidelity to the World Government, while the loyalties of Kizaru and Aokiji remain ambiguous.
- Fujitora’s robust sense of justice suggests a potential defection from the World Government, as he often clashes with their ideology.
The Admirals are among the most formidable assets of the Navy within the expansive universe of One Piece. They stand as a formidable line of defense against pirate forces, often compared in strength to the notorious Emperors of the Sea. Despite ongoing debates regarding their true power levels, it is evident that their capabilities are of a significant caliber.
As cornerstones of resilience and might, the Admirals are regarded by Marines as the most reliable champions of the World Government. However, a select few have occasionally expressed discontent with the governmental approach, prompting fans to speculate that certain Admirals might align themselves with pirates during the climactic Final Saga.
Fleet Admiral Akainu & Admiral Ryokugyu
Unyielding Loyalty
| Akainu First Appearance | One Piece, Chapter 397, “In Hopes of Reaching the Future” |
|---|---|
| Ryokugyu First Appearance | One Piece, Chapter 905, “A Beautiful World” |
Upholding loyalty to the World Government is essential for any Admiral, and Akainu epitomizes this principle. Despite previously voicing dissent to the Gorosei after becoming Fleet Admiral, he executes orders—no matter how brutal—with unmatched efficacy. A notable instance of this is his assault on the vessel containing survivors from Ohara, alongside his extraordinary prowess displayed during the Marineford War against the Whitebeard Pirates.
In his determination to impose justice, Akainu boldly states, “The world may hate me, but I will uphold justice, even if I must bear the weight of that hatred alone!”
Newly appointed Admiral Ryokugyu showcases a deep-seated loyalty to the Celestial Dragons, a reflection of his indoctrination into their belief system. His devotion was publicly evident during his introduction in Wano, framing the oppressive ruling class as deities. Tensions arose during the Reverie Arc when he confronted Fujitora, suspecting the latter of allowing villains to evade punishment under the guise of safeguarding the innocent.
Admiral Kizaru & Former Admiral Aokiji
Ambiguous Loyalties
| Kizaru First Appearance | One Piece, Chapter 504, “Pirate Front Line on the Move” |
|---|---|
| Aokiji First Appearance | One Piece, Chapter 303, “Rich Pirates” |
Kizaru and Aokiji present a more nuanced view of loyalty within the Navy. On one hand, Kizaru’s recent actions on Egghead suggest a potential allegiance to the World Government. Yet, his earlier betrayal, which resulted in the death of a close ally, raises questions about his true loyalties. There are indications that he might even encourage Luffy’s resurgence into Gear 5, hinting at a possible shift in allegiance.
He reflects, “The thing called ‘justice’ changes its shape, depending on where you stand.”
Aokiji, formerly an Admiral, stands at an ambiguous crossroads. While many suspect he secretly collaborates with Sword as an informant within the Blackbeard Pirates, definitive evidence regarding his alliance remains elusive. Speculation persists that Aokiji may return to actively support the Straw Hats in their battle against Blackbeard, thereby changing the tide in the series’ climactic moments.
Admiral Fujitora
Probable Defector
| Fujitora First Appearance | One Piece, Chapter 701, “Adventure in the Land of Love, Passion and Toys” |
|---|---|
| Story Arc | Dressrosa |
Fujitora, like Ryokugyu, is a recent addition to the ranks of Admirals without prior Navy experience. His principled stance, showcased in the Dressrosa and Reverie arcs, has garnered admiration from fans and the Straw Hats alike, highlighting his deep-rooted humanity. His definition of justice intertwines with a sincere empathy for the innocent; one cannot coexist without the other.
Fujitora astutely observes, “Not having sight is a blessing. The world of men is full of filthy things not worth laying eyes upon.”
Given his strong moral compass and his increasing disillusionment with the World Government’s antediluvian practices, many fans anticipate that Fujitora is likely to switch sides in the series’ Final Saga. His quest for justice, coupled with a profound desire to protect innocents, will likely lead him to align with the Straw Hats after uncovering the Government’s darker truths.
One Piece is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
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