Overview of the Roger Pirates
- The Roger Pirates are distinguished as the only crew to successfully navigate to Laugh Tale, where they uncovered the One Piece, leading Gol D. Roger to be crowned the Pirate King.
- Following the disbandment of their crew, notable members such as Shanks and Buggy embarked on their individual journeys, forming new pirate crews with varying degrees of strength.
- Silvers Rayleigh played a pivotal role as Roger’s first mate, maintaining a prominent influence in the unfolding narrative through his character actions.
The Roger Pirates remain a cornerstone in the lore of One Piece, noted for being the only team to traverse the entire expanse of the seas leading to Laugh Tale. It was here that their captain, Gol D. Roger, uncovered the elusive One Piece, subsequently earning the unparalleled title of King of the Pirates. His voluntary execution was intended as a means to curb the rampant trends of piracy but instead sparked an unprecedented wave of aspiring pirates eager to seize the promised treasure he spoke of in his last words.
Following the dissolution of their crew, most of the Roger Pirates opted for seclusion, with the Marines adamantly keeping their bounties intact until they were confirmed dead. Despite this, several members remain active within the ongoing saga, showcasing various degrees of involvement and power over two decades after the crew’s split.
1. Shanks
From Apprentice to Emperor
- Crew Role: Apprentice, joined as an infant
Shanks, a descendant of the affluent Figarland family among the World Nobles, found himself serendipitously rescued by the Roger Pirates during infancy when discovered inside a treasure chest from God Valley. He became an apprentice and developed a competitive yet friendly dynamic with his fellow apprentice, Buggy. His bond with Roger was symbolized through the captain’s straw hat, a treasured gift he wore with pride. When Buggy fell ill, Shanks selflessly chose not to join the expedition to Laugh Tale, instead opting to care for his friend.
After the disbandment of the crew, Shanks established his own crew, the Red-Haired Pirates. There, he encountered a spirited young boy, Monkey D. Luffy, who aspired to become a pirate. Recognizing his captain’s spirit within Luffy, Shanks bestowed upon him Roger’s straw hat, requesting he return it once he achieved greatness as a pirate. This relationship significantly influences the series, propelling Luffy’s journey forward. As an established Emperor, Shanks has emerged as a formidable force recognized by the World Government. Interestingly, his twin brother, Shamrock, claims Shanks once visited Mary Geoise, but he ultimately rejected his noble lineage. Recently, Shanks has expressed his ambition of returning to Laugh Tale, reigniting his quest for the One Piece.
2. Buggy
A Figurehead Emperor
- Role in the crew: Apprentice, joined at a young age
Born on the Grand Line, Buggy joined the Roger Pirates at a youthful age, becoming an apprentice alongside Shanks at just nine. Their myriad debates, including trivial matters like geographical temperatures, fostered an ongoing rivalry, leading to Buggy holding a grudge against Shanks. His transformation into a powerful figure was somewhat accidental, having consumed the Bara Bara no Mi, a Devil Fruit that rendered him unable to swim—a significant disadvantage in a pirate’s life. Despite their differences, Shanks demonstrated care for Buggy during his illness, opting to delay his own ambitions for camaraderie.
In the years post-Roger Pirates, Buggy established his own crew but never attained the same level of power as Shanks. He bears animosity toward Luffy, seeing the boy as a representation of his rivalry with Shanks. Their encounters have led to Buggy spending time in Impel Down, where he fortuitously teamed up with Luffy to escape. His previous status as a Roger Pirate, along with his unimpressive exploits, created a façade of power, attracting formidable allies after the break from Impel Down. Buggy later climbed the ranks to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, leveraging this title to construct a mercenary enterprise known as Buggy’s Delivery. However, after the abolition of the warlord system, Buggy found himself increasingly vulnerable, especially with Crocodile’s influence overshadowing him within their joint endeavors in Cross Guild. Although a figurehead leader, Buggy has capitalized on his charisma, recently issuing commands to his mercenaries to locate the One Piece, aspiring to declare himself Pirate King.
3. Silvers Rayleigh
Roger’s Right Hand
- Role in the crew: First Mate, second in command to Roger
Silvers Rayleigh, revered as the First Mate of the Roger Pirates, greatly contributed to the crew’s infamous legacy alongside Gol D. Roger. Initially reluctant to join forces with a young Roger, Rayleigh eventually became his most trusted companion, embodying the crew’s discipline alongside Roger’s exuberance. Unlike the carefree captain, Rayleigh often found himself chastising younger members like Shanks and Buggy for petty disputes amidst combat. His deep respect for Roger was evident, choosing to celebrate his captain’s legacy rather than witnessing his execution.
Since retiring from piracy, Rayleigh transitioned into the role of a ship’s coating mechanic, using his skills for modifying vessels for underwater journeys. He further established a personal connection with Amazon Lily through his marriage to Shakuyaku, a former empress of the island. Having developed a positive rapport with Boa Hancock, Rayleigh is one of the few men she respects. His protective instincts surfaced during the warlord system dissolution, ultimately prompting him to visit Amazon Lily to ensure its safety. Rayleigh also became an essential mentor to Luffy, training him in the advanced use of haki during an impactful timeskip. Despite his age, he remains an exceptionally powerful fighter, having gone head-to-head with Admiral Kizaru and intimidating other formidable forces such as Marshall D. Teach.
4. Crocus
An Accomplished Medical Specialist
- Role in the crew: Ship’s Doctor, provided medical expertise to Roger and his crew
Crocus distinguished himself as a skilled doctor, having previously sailed with the Rumbar Pirates, before briefly taking over their command. A significant part of his journey involved caring for Laboon, a young whale left behind under his responsibility. When invited to join the Roger Pirates, it was under the conviction that Crocus could treat Gol D. Roger’s grave illness. His amicable demeanor sometimes clashed with Roger’s darker habits, highlighting his concerns over the captain’s drinking, particularly in the context of the latter’s critical condition.
Post-disbandment, Crocus dedicated himself to Laboon, attempting to convince the whale about the alleged cowardice of the Rumbar Pirates history, a claim Laboon steadfastly rejected leading to self-inflicted wounds against the Reverse Mountain. His eventual encounter with the Straw Hat Pirates brought about a friendship with Luffy, further affirming the connective narratives among former crewmates. Luffy’s demonstration, which included painting a Jolly Roger on Laboon’s head, demonstrated a unique bond and effects, reinforcing Crocus’s observations about Luffy’s striking resemblance to Roger’s spirit.
5. Inuarashi and Nekomamushi
Two Red Scabbards
- Role in the crew: Apprentices, both joined as young children
Inuarashi, the minks’ dog representative, and Nekomamushi, the cat, both childhood friends from Momoko Dukedom, initiated their adventures in Wano alongside Kawamatsu, a fish-man. They were freed by the legendary figure Kozuki Oden, becoming integral parts of the Nine Red Scabbards, companions for life. Following their adventures with Oden, they managed to stowaway aboard the Whitebeard Pirates and later joined the Roger Pirates upon Oden’s decision to change allegiances, influenced by Roger’s aspirations for a final voyage.
After accompanying the crew to Laugh Tale, Oden wound up falling victim to Orochi and Kaido’s plots upon returning to Wano, leading to tragic consequences for the residents. Retrofitting blame upon each other for Oden’s demise resulted in ongoing hostilities between Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, which persisted until they became co-rulers, taking turns over the dukedom. Their stories further intertwine as they strive to restore peace in Wano’s governance, allocating the dukedom’s leadership to Carrot, a younger member of their lineage as they venture back to Wano.
6. Scopper Front
Roger’s Left Hand
- Role in the crew: Left-Hand Man, possessed significant authority
Scopper Gaban, a formidable member of the Roger Pirates with power comparable to Rayleigh, employed axes unlike his predominantly sword-wielding comrades. He is believed to have joined the crew during their exploits at God Valley, although the details of his initiation remain obscured in lore. Recently, he was depicted sharing a drink with Crocus, which illustrated his desire to maintain relationships with fellow crewmates.
In later chronicles, he settled in Elbaf, forming a common-law partnership with Ripley, a member of the nation’s final warrior generation, together raising Colon, their human-giant hybrid son. Gaban’s resistance against formal marriage is due to the disparity in aging processes between giants and humans, which adds another layer of complexity to their love story. Recently, Gaban has challenged the Straw Hat Pirates to a duel, with the stakes revolving around the liberation of Loki, Elbaf’s destructive prince. Echoing sentiments shared by many of his old comrades, Gaban too is inspired by Luffy’s resemblance to Roger.
7. Those Dead and Disappeared
The Other Roger Pirates
- Role in the crew: Captain (Roger), Various roles for others
Among the Roger Pirates, only three confirmed fatalities remain connected to the crew’s legacy: Gol D. Roger, executed of his own volition after defeating his ailment; Kozuki Oden, victim of Kaido’s betrayal; and Toki, who suffered a tragic fate in the aftermath of Oden’s demise, orchestrated by Kurozumi Orochi. The children, Momonosuke and Hiyori, survived, now pivotal figures in Wano’s restoration, with Momonosuke presently serving as shogun.
The fates of additional Roger Pirates remain murky; while no significant casualties have been confirmed since their disbandment, it is presumed that many are in hiding, with their bounties still in effect until their demise is verified. Some may very well emerge again in the storyline, similar to Gaban, who seems to have found sanctuary in plain sight. For now, the lingered tales of their lives await revelation in the ever-evolving world of One Piece.
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