Ranking the Strongest Royal Guards in One Piece

Overview

In the world of One Piece, royal guards are defined by their loyalty, abilities, and strength, essential for safeguarding their rulers.
Cipher Pol serves as the elite enforcers for the Celestial Dragons, known for their lethal combat techniques and intelligence operations.
Notable figures such as Inuarashi, Kyros, and Kawamatsu demonstrate exceptional fighting skills and unwavering loyalty as royal protectors.

In the acclaimed series One Piece, monarchs often rely on elite royal guards to uphold their authority and ensure their safety. These guards must embody more than just combat excellence; loyalty and the capacity to carry out their rulers’ orders are vital due to their significant protective roles.

As the foremost defenders of their sovereigns, royal guards differ in their individual combat abilities, showcasing various strengths and styles that set them apart in the grand narrative.

8 Cipher Pol

The Silent Executioners for the Celestial Dragons

First Appearance: Episode 230

Cipher Pol may not be traditional royal guards, but they play a crucial role in protecting the interests of the Celestial Dragons and World Nobles. Functioning as elite intelligence agents under the World Government, Cipher Pol is distinguished by their lethal efficiency and enigmatic operations. Members are experts in advanced combat strategies, including Rokushiki and Haki.

Key figures such as Rob Lucci, Kaku, and Stussy wield enormous power, particularly through their Devil Fruit abilities. Lucci, for example, showcased his incredible strength both before and after the time skip, managing to battle against Monkey D. Luffy, one of the series’ most formidable characters. While he ultimately could not match Luffy’s Gear 5 form, his prowess remains unquestionable. Cipher Pol are more than mere enforcers; they symbolize the iron rule of the World Government, often operating covertly while deploying decisive force when required.

7 Inuarashi

The Daylight Beast of Zou

First Appearance: Episode 756

Inuarashi, referred to as Duke Dogstorm, stands out as a powerful member of the Akazaya Nine and the second ruler of the Mokomo Dukedom on Zou. Renowned for his exceptional sword skills and adept use of Electro—a unique technique of the Mink Tribe—Inuarashi becomes an invaluable ally in battle. When transformed into his Sulong form under the full moon, his abilities surge dramatically, allowing him to match even the strongest opponents.

Leading the Minks in their confrontation against Kaido’s forces, he faced Jack the Drought, a top commander of Kaido. Despite sustaining injuries from a previous encounter with Jack, Inuarashi fought bravely and ultimately triumphed in a pivotal clash. His unwavering loyalty to the Kozuki family, especially shown in his dedication to Momonosuke following the loss of his father, further cements his status as a distinguished royal guard.

6 Ashura Doji

The Wild Samurai of Wano

First Appearance: Episode 910

Ashura Doji ranks among Wano’s mightiest fighters. Once a feared criminal named Shuntemaru after Oden’s death, he did not let this mar his combat capabilities. As part of the Akazaya Nine, Ashura was committed to defending Wano and its royal lineage.

His contributions were integral during the Onigashima raid, where his strength and resilience made him a sought-after ally. His loyalty to Oden and indomitable spirit during the Wano Arc affirm his elite status among warriors.

5. Denjiro

Wano’s Silent Protector

First Appearance: Episode 909

Denjiro is renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship, placing him among Wano’s elite warriors. A close ally of Oden, Denjiro’s skills rival those of top swordsmen throughout the series. However, it is his cunning intelligence that truly distinguishes him. After Oden’s passing, he assumed the guise of Kyoshiro, infiltrating Orochi’s circle while secretly undermining his authority. This duplicity required remarkable discipline, essential qualities for a royal guard.

When Orochi commanded him to execute Komurasaki, Oden’s daughter, Denjiro masterfully simulated her death without inflicting any harm. The years he spent watching Wano suffer under tyranny did not diminish his resolve; instead, he patiently plotted to reclaim Wano’s freedom, demonstrating that his strength extends well beyond the blade.

4 Cyrus

The Unyielding Gladiator of Dressrosa

First Appearance: Episode 631

Kyros is regarded as one of the strongest guardians in the series. His background as a former Colosseum gladiator, where he achieved extraordinary feats, became a legend in Dressrosa with an incredible record of 3,000 victories. After being liberated by King Riku, he took on the role of captain of the royal army, dedicating himself to protecting the kingdom and its royalty.

Even in the aftermath of Dressrosa’s calamities, Kyros strives to safeguard his daughter, Rebecca, and the kingdom itself. Remarkably, after Sugar transformed him into a toy soldier, Kyros maintained his remarkable combat capabilities, defeating Diamante despite being confined to one leg.

3. Kawamatsu

The Fishman Karate Samurai

First Appearance: Episode 910

Kawamatsu’s prowess in Fish-Man Karate distinctly marks him as a prominent member of the Akazaya 9. His ability to manipulate water enhances his combat versatility. During the Onigashima raid, he showcased his unique fighting tactics, effortlessly dispatching numerous foes aligned with Kaido.

His fusion of swordsmanship and Fish-Man Karate makes him one of the most adaptable warriors within the Scabbards. Despite enduring over a decade of imprisonment and severe conditions in Udon, he exhibited remarkable mental and physical resilience, upholding his fighting spirit even in the direst situations.

2 Pell

The Sacred Guardian of Alabasta

First Appearance: Episode 91

Pell served valiantly under King Cobra and Princess Vivi of Alabasta. His Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Falcon, allows him to transform into a falcon, providing him with exceptional speed and aerial agility that enhances his effectiveness in battle. His ability to traverse the skies establishes him as Alabasta’s ultimate protector.

Pell’s true heroism emerged during the Alabasta civil war, where he took significant action to protect his kingdom. At the climax of the arc, he heroically flew a formidable bomb launched by Baroque Works away from the capital, demonstrating remarkable bravery and self-sacrifice for the sake of his people. Although he miraculously survived, this act of valor solidified his reputation as both a formidable warrior and a noble guardian.

1 Dalton

The Iron Bison of Drum Island

First Appearance: Episode 79

Dalton served as the head of the royal guards under King Wapol and possesses considerable strength, further amplified by his Ushi Ushi no Mi, a zoan-type devil fruit that allows him to transform into a bison. This transformation provides him with increased durability, speed, and power, making Dalton a formidable presence in battle.

More than his physical abilities, Dalton’s steadfast moral principles and dedication to the Drum Kingdom make him a significant protector of his people. In the face of Wapol’s tyranny, he stood resolute, emerging as a symbol of hope even after Wapol’s downfall. He courageously opposed Wapol upon the latter’s return, defending the kingdom and embodying the true essence of a royal guard.

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