Overview of Marine Justice in One Piece
- Lazy Justice: Kuzan transitions from “Burning Justice”to “Lazy Justice”as he recognizes the pitfalls of extreme measures.
- Unclear Justice: Borsalino maintains a relaxed yet ruthless demeanor, often prioritizing orders over personal convictions.
- Humane Justice: Issho adopts a balanced philosophy focused on apprehending criminals while safeguarding innocent lives and combating corruption.
Justice, in its essence, involves delivering appropriate responses—be it punishment, restitution, or care—based on individuals’ actions and circumstances. For the marines under the World Government, this primarily translates into analyzing how to deal with criminal activities effectively.
While an “Absolute Justice”motto prevails within the organization, each admiral in One Piece embodies a distinct philosophy. Eiichiro Oda has provided insights into the justices represented by the marine admirals, showcasing their unique interpretations through their decisions and values. Here, we delve into the philosophies held by the five current and former admirals.
5Lazy Justice
Kuzan’s Justice
- Revealed in SBS Volume 64, Page 66 / Chapter 629
Kuzan, formerly an admiral, began his career adhering to a philosophy known as “Burning Justice, ”which aligned with the marines’ hardline approach to justice. This perspective justified extreme actions in the battle against evil. However, during the Ohara Incident, where countless lives were lost to root out non-violent scholars, Kuzan reevaluated this stance. The tragedy deepened when he believed he had killed his friend, Vice Admiral Jaguar D. Saul, during the same event, further complicating his moral outlook.
This pivotal moment led to his development of “Lazy Justice, ”where he concluded that not all situations warranted intense effort. His extensive training under Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp bestowed him with significant power, yet his interests often leaned toward seeing Nico Robin prosper rather than pursuing her as a target. After failing to ascend to Fleet Admiral, he chose to leave the marines, joining the Blackbeard Pirates while still appearing to uphold his own moral standards.
4Unclear Justice
Borsalino’s Philosophy
- Revealed in SBS Volume 64, Page 66 / Chapter 629
Borsalino, known as Kizaru, is unique among admirals for retaining his position after the time skip, having eschewed a bid for Fleet Admiral. His approach to justice is a curious blend of laid-back demeanor and ruthless efficiency. Oda has left much of Borsalino’s justice philosophy ambiguous, suggesting that his interpretation aligns more with following orders than with personal ethics.
Despite this detachment, Borsalino has shown signs of being impacted by his obligations, particularly when ordered to eliminate his longtime friend, Dr. Vegapunk. This conflict highlights his struggle between personal loyalty and duty, which reinforces the “Unclear Justice”he embodies—a portrait of a man who often prioritizes his assignments over his fundamental beliefs.
3Thorough Justice
Sakazuki’s Philosophy
- Revealed in SBS Volume 64, Page 66 / Chapter 629
Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, also known as Akainu, stands as one of the most extreme figures in the marine hierarchy. His ascension followed a brutal duel with Kuzan, cementing his reputation for committing actions that can only be described as genocidal if they target perceived “evildoers.”His cruelty, showcased during the Ohara Incident, reveals a willingness to harm innocents to eliminate threats, firmly establishing his “Thorough Justice”philosophy.
A deep-seated disdain for criminals—including their families—propels Sakazuki’s aggressive stance, which has earned him both followers and detractors within the marine ranks. His commitment to maintaining the dignity of the marines often contradicts his ruthless methods. Sakazuki’s deteriorating relationship with fellow commanders, the Celestial Dragons, and even the Five Elders is indicative of his complex moral standing within the organization.
2Humane Justice
Issho’s Philosophy
- Revealed in SBS Volume 106, Page 164 / Chapter 1074
Admiral Issho, known as Fujitora, is notable for his profound commitment to justice shaped by his experiences. His choice to blind himself stemmed from a deep-seated revulsion towards the injustices of the world, which was compounded by a history marred by allegations of war crimes. His promotion to admiral was a result of his notable prowess as both a fighter and a leader.
Issho’s philosophy, “Humane Justice, ”seeks to balance the apprehending of criminals with a commitment to protecting innocent lives. This principle was prominently displayed when he publicly apologized to King Riku of Dressrosa, recognizing the World Government’s complicity in the upheaval led by Doflamingo. Moreover, his respect for characters like Monkey D. Luffy exemplifies his willingness to appreciate values in others, regardless of their affiliations.
He actively pursues the eradication of corruption within the World Government, emphasizing the necessity to dismantle systems that enable criminality. His collaboration with the Revolutionary Army manifests a determination to extend justice beyond mere enforcement, advocating for a more comprehensive moral framework that redefines the role of the marines.
1Determined Justice
Aramaki’s Justice
- Revealed in SBS Volume 106, Page 164 / Chapter 1074
Admiral Aramaki, known as Ryokugyu, is a recent addition to the admiral ranks and has emerged as a controversial figure. An ex-cop from Taya Kingdom, he was previously imprisoned but subsequently embraced by the World Government for his formidable strength.
What sets Aramaki apart is his overt belief in systemic oppression, advocating for the dominance of powerful nations and individuals. His worldview appears to equate authority with virtue, positioning himself as an enforcer rather than a protector of justice. His unwavering loyalty to the World Nobles reflects this ideology, and he doesn’t shy away from clashing with fellow admirals when their principles diverge from his interests.
This complex understanding of “Determined Justice”illustrates his willingness to balance defiance with loyalty to his superiors, allowing him to pursue his agenda. By embracing confrontations with more powerful foes, such as Shanks or Kaido, Aramaki embodies a paradox of strength and obedience, making his true motivations a topic of interest among fans.
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