Overview
- Under the leadership of Fisher Tiger, the Sun Pirates not only united former slaves but also fostered a spirit of rebellion while adhering to a strict anti-violence policy towards humans.
- After Tiger’s death, the crew fractured due to various internal disputes and external challenges, leading to Arlong establishing a new faction fueled by hatred and vengeance.
- Jinbe’s alliance with Big Mom and subsequent rebellion illustrate the enduring influence and complexities surrounding the legacy of the Sun Pirates in the One Piece universe.
Table of Contents
- The Rise of the Sun Pirates in the One Piece World
- The Split of the Sun Pirates
- The Sun Pirates’ Fate After the Split
- The Lasting Impact of the Sun Pirates’ Story
The Sun Pirates are emblematic within the One Piece narrative, recognized not merely as a powerful crew but as poignant symbols against the systemic oppression faced by the Fish-Men and broader societal injustices. Founded by the legendary Fisher Tiger, the crew initially comprised freed slaves marked by their torturous past under the Celestial Dragons, unifying under the symbol of the burning sun and a shared mission for liberation.
Yet, as with many heroic tales, their saga is fraught with tragedy, leading to a critical rift within the crew. This division arose from both ideological conflicts and the external pressures posed by powerful forces such as the World Government and the Marines, illustrating the complexities of their journey within the One Piece realm.
The Rise of the Sun Pirates in the One Piece World
Fisher Tiger’s Vision and Leadership
Pioneering the Sun Pirates, Fisher Tiger became an iconic leader among the Fish-Men after a spectacular raid on Mary Geoise aimed at liberating enslaved individuals across races. His efforts not only empowered former slaves but also forged a crew recognized for their strength and unwavering defiance against human subjugation. Importantly, Tiger instilled a strict moral code prohibiting the killing of humans, as he believed that such actions would only perpetuate the cycle of oppression.
The Tragic Death of Fisher Tiger
The fate of the Sun Pirates took a calamitous turn during their attempt to return a former slave, Koala, to her home, where they encountered betrayal from the island’s inhabitants. Tiger was mortally wounded during this ambush by the Marines. His aversion to accepting a blood transfusion from humans—reflective of his deep trauma from past experiences—ultimately led to his demise. In his final moments, he expressed a desire to protect his crew from the harsh truths of his own past as a slave, leaving them to chart an uncertain course forward without his guidance.
Listen carefully! I did things the way I wanted and … against Otohime’s will, but I still believe in her. I still believe that she is right. Everyone wants peace. But our generation cannot bring that peace; we are bound to an ugly past. Only children like Koala, free of that history, can change the world.— Fisher Tiger’s last words
The Split of the Sun Pirates
Jinbe’s Leadership and the Crew’s Division
After Tiger’s passing, Jinbe emerged as the captain of the Sun Pirates. His increasing prominence eventually led to an invitation to the ranks of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a role that provided significant protection to Fish-Man Island. However, accepting this position also meant the effective dissolution of the Sun Pirates in their original form. Faced with a choice to either return to Fish-Man Island or pursue their destinies, the crew found themselves at a crossroads.
Why Arlong Left the Sun Pirates
During his tenure under Tiger’s command, Arlong often found himself at odds with his captain’s philosophies, despite his admiration for Fisher. He championed an aggressive agenda focused on violent retaliation against humans, perceiving Tiger’s non-violent methods as weak and ineffective. Following the death of Tiger, Arlong quickly disentangled himself from the Sun Pirates, seeking to establish his own crew that aligned more closely with his beliefs centered on Fish-Man superiority.
Everyone has their own designated place and position in life […] you see, not all living things are born equal! — Arlong
Arlong’s departure was solidified by his grim interpretation of Tiger’s fate, which he saw as validating his belief that humans were irredeemable and untrustworthy. This conviction drove him away from Jinbe, who continued to pursue peaceful coexistence. Arlong’s new crew, the Arlong Pirates, embarked on a reign of terror in the East Blue, where he oppressed and extorted humans, enacting vengeance that mirrored the oppression he had once suffered.
Macro Pirates: A Shift in Morality
Another faction arose under the leadership of Macro, who, along with his followers, resorted to immoral practices like kidnapping and slave trading, thus perpetuating the cycle of suffering they initially sought to dismantle. Unlike Jinbe, who pursued a diplomatic and peaceful path, Macro and his crew capitulated to temptations of exploitation, abandoning their former values in pursuit of power and wealth.
Despite their criminal deeds, the Macro Pirates never gained the notoriety of Arlong’s crew, operating largely in the shadows and participating in underhanded dealings. Their actions exemplify how desperation and poor leadership can lead members astray from noble objectives, highlighting the inherent risks of fractured ideologies.
The Sun Pirates’ Fate After the Split
Jinbe’s Alliance with Big Mom
Years following the division, Jinbe chose to step down from his Warlord title just before the pivotal Summit War of Marineford, leading to the Sun Pirates being reclassified as criminals. In an effort to safeguard Fish-Man Island, Jinbe forged an alliance with the formidable Emperor Big Mom, leveraging this partnership to secure a precarious peace at the cost of subsuming his own identity under her reign.
During the Whole Cake Island saga, however, Jinbe’s convictions led him to defy Big Mom, ultimately siding with Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates—whom he believed embodied a brighter vision for the future. His fellow Sun Pirates supported him in this defiance, risking their own safety to facilitate his escape. After aiding Luffy, Jinbe returned to ensure the welfare of his crew, pledging that once they were secure, he would join Luffy’s cause.
I can’t leave them behind! ── Jinbe
The Lasting Impact of the Sun Pirates’ Story
The saga of the Sun Pirates poignantly reflects key themes present in One Piece: the quest for freedom, the burden of historical trauma, and the consequences resulting from ideological fractures. From the noble aspirations of Fisher Tiger to the destructive path of Arlong, each faction within the crew offers diverse responses to oppression. Even in disarray, the legacy of the Sun Pirates continues to resonate powerfully through the One Piece narrative, serving as a stark reminder of the enduring struggle for equality and the toll of vengeance.
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