In the universe of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga, the Navy plays a crucial role as a dominant force. It acts as the armed wing of the World Government , with the primary mission of maintaining justice and order on the oceans of the New World. Its goal is to fight against pirates and put an end to criminal activities.
The characters of the Navy have left their mark on the history of the series, as friends or adversaries of Luffy and the Straw Hat crew . Let's discover the major figures of the Navy, from its illustrious leaders to legendary heroes, including rising stars.
Navy leaders
The Navy is led by an elite cadre of senior officers , responsible for defining strategies and responses to global threats. Within this hierarchy, the Generalissimo and the Admirals play a leading role through their power and influence.
Admiral Commander-in-Chief: Sakazuki
Serving as the supreme leader of the Navy and acting as the deputy leader of the World Government, the High Commander (元帥, Gensui) exercises complete control over the Navy's forces and has veto power over decisions made by the Admirals. He is the sole point of contact with the Five Stars , the clandestine rulers of the world, and has the exclusive right to appoint or dismiss the Seven Great Corsairs , pirates in the service of the World Government.
The current Commander Sakazuki , better known as Akainu (赤犬, Red Dog), took over from Sengoku following the Battle of Marineford. Characterized by his ruthlessness and zeal, Sakazuki adheres to the philosophy of Absolute Justice , advocating the merciless elimination of all criminals. He is one of the major antagonists of the series, famous for killing Luffy's brother Ace and opposing the Straw Hats and his companions on several occasions.
The Admirals
Just below the Generalissimo, the Admirals (大将, Taishō) form the trio of the highest officials of the Navy. They direct the majority of military operations and enjoy the absolute respect of the troops. Considered the ultimate weapons of the World Government, they are one of the pillars of the Three Great Powers , maintaining the world's balance alongside the Four Emperors and the Seven Great Corsairs .
The current Admirals are Kizaru (黄猿, Yellow Monkey), Fujitora (藤虎, Purple Tiger), and Ryokugyu (緑牛, Green Ox), with Kizaru being the only one to have retained his position after the war at the top. Fujitora and Ryokugyu were inducted as a result of the Global Military Recruitment Program . These high-ranking officers are Logia-type Devil Fruit users , granting them astonishing elemental powers.
Their power allows them to stand up to the greatest pirates and destroy entire islands.
Heroes and Legends of the Navy
The history of the Navy is filled with heroic figures whose bravery, skill, and fame have shaped the fascinating world of One Piece. These characters have left an indelible mark on the memories of sailors and pirates across generations.
Some names stand out in particular, with Monkey D. Garp , Sengoku , and Kuzan dominating.
Monkey D. Garp
Known as Garp the Hero (ガープ "英雄", Gāpu "Eiyū"), Monkey D. Garp is the grandfather of Luffy and the father of Dragon. Serving as a Vice Admiral of the Navy, he has repeatedly refused to be promoted to Admiral in order to maintain his freedom of action. Garp is recognized as the most powerful sailor, having been the only one to stand up to the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. His reputation also extends to his confrontations with figureheads such as Shiki the Golden Lion and Rocks D. Xebec. Feared and respected by all pirates, who nickname him Garp the Mad Dog (ガープ "狂犬", Gāpu "Kyōken"), he embodies Personal Justice , acting according to his own ethics.
Sengoku
Sengoku the Buddha (仏のセンゴク, Hotoke no Sengoku), the former Marine Generalissimo and Sakazuki's predecessor, remained active as a Special Advisor to the World Government following his retirement. A possessor of the Human-Human Devil Fruit , Buddha model, he can transform into an imposing golden statue. A longtime friend of Garp, he has faced the most dangerous pirates of their time. Sengoku embraces Reasonable Justice , favoring pragmatism and moderation in his judgments.
Kuzan
Formerly known as Aokiji (青雉, Blue Pheasant), Kuzan , the former Navy Admiral and Sakazuki's rival, left office following their clash for the position of High Commander. He now lives as a nomad, possibly with ties to the Dragon Revolutionary Forces, and wields the Ice-Ice Devil Fruit , which grants him the power to generate and manipulate ice. Known for his lax approach, Kuzan is an adept of Lazy Justice , favoring the avoidance of unnecessary conflict and showing leniency in certain situations.
Rising figures of the Navy
The Navy is distinguished by the presence of promising figures, endowed with remarkable potential and destined to play a key role in the future. These individuals are noted for their talent , their determination , and their will to contribute to a better world. Three names stand out in particular: Smoker , Tashigi , and Coby .
Smoker
Known as Smoker the White Hunter (白猟のスモーカー, Hakuryō no Sumōkā), Smoker holds the position of Vice Admiral in the Navy, a promotion earned following the Marineford Summit War. He is recognized as Luffy's rival from their first encounter in Loguetown , where he nearly captures the latter. Smoker possesses the Smoke-Smoke Devil Fruit , granting him the ability to transform into smoke and manipulate it at will.
Armed with a sea granite jutte staff , he can nullify the powers of Devil Fruit users. He is a follower of Ambiguous Justice , a philosophy that leads him to defy the World Government when he believes it is committing injustices.
Tashigi
Tashigi the Sabress (剣士のたしぎ, Kenshi no Tashigi), a Navy captain promoted after the war to the top of Marine Ford, is Smoker's subordinate and accompanies him on his various missions. An expert in sabers, she wields the Shigure , a high-quality saber. Her resemblance to Kuina , Zoro's childhood friend, weaves a complex relationship between them. Her goal is to recover the famous sabers held by pirates, whom she considers unworthy of possessing them.
Coby
Coby the Pink Hero (桃色の英雄コビー, Momoiro no Eiyū Kobī) is a Marine captain , promoted following the Marineford Summit War. Luffy's first friend, they met in Shell Town , where Coby was being held as a slave by Captain Morgan . Trained by Garp , he developed remarkable powers , including Observation Haki and Soru , a Rokushiki technique. His dream is to become a great admiral of the Marines to bring positive change to the world.
The Navy, ally or enemy of pirates?
The Navy, a central element of the One Piece universe, is distinguished by its fascinating history, its elaborate hierarchical structure, and its variety of philosophies. This entity plays a dual role, acting as both an adversary and a partner of the pirates, thus contributing significantly to the overall balance. Its workforce consists of leaders, heroes, legends, and new rising stars, each bringing their own unique touch through their personality, abilities, and interactions with the main characters of the series.
Learn more about the World Government organizations: