Navy (One Piece)
This article is about the Navy (海軍 Kaigun) in One Piece, a manga and anime series by Eiichiro Oda. It is a fictional military force under the command of the World Government (世界政府 Sekai Seifu) that exists within the series.
Navy or Marine Corps?
In the Japanese version of the series, the military forces are referred to by the term Kaigun (海軍), which means "Navy." The Navy's emblem prominently features the word "MARINE", and as a result, many English-speaking fans of the series call the Navy the "Marines" instead. The English manga adaptation by VIZ Media addresses this by calling the organization the "Navy" and its soldier-sailors "Naval Marines," while the English dub by 4Kids Entertainment goes as far as painting over every instance of the "MARINE" emblem to read "NAVY."
Evidence from the series (specifically, the author's frequent use of vocabulary from mainland European languages) suggests that the use of "Marine" in the Navy's emblem may come from French or German, where "Marine" has the same meaning as the English word "Navy". In English, to call the Navy the "Marines" or the "Marine Corps" can be considered a mistake, because Marines (in the English sense of the word) only make up a portion of the Navy's forces. Nevertheless, fans of the series generally accept either term, though some who are fans of the Japanese version (but do not actually speak Japanese) have been known to criticize the use of the word "Navy," either as a knee-jerk reaction against the English dub of the anime (which uses the term) or out of unawareness that the word "Navy" is a correct translation of the term "Kaigun."
The Navy and "Justice"
The Doctrine of "Absolute Justice"
The Navy of One Piece follows a strict motto of "Absolute Justice" (絶対正義 Zettai Seigi), when it comes to prosecuting those who violate the government's laws. It is a central tenet of Naval doctrine, to the point where the word "Justice" (正義 Seigi) is emblazoned on the uniform coats of all commissioned officers. Pirates have been especially singled out by the Navy as a major threat to order. They are considered criminals regardless of whether they have committed any crimes other than raising the Jolly Roger. Civilians, too, are targeted by the prohibition against piracy: persons known to have associated with pirates are barred from entering the Navy (except for Koby), and providing aid or comfort to pirates is a serious crime, especially if they are well-known bounty heads.
Subversion of "Justice"
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"Absolute Justice" vs. "Moral Justice"
One of the ongoing themes of One Piece is the misapplication of the principle of "justice" by the Navy. While the Navy wishes to maintain law and order by apprehending criminals, the techniques that it (or at least some of its members) uses can often be no better than the pirates they seek to wipe out, trampling the rights or needs of civilians in order to pursue its own ends.
Rank System
The system of military rank in place for the One Piece Navy is fairly straightforward: the author laid out the system he uses in one of his "SBS" columns in volume 8 of the manga, where each rank is clearly delineated. This too is a source of confusion among English-speaking fans, because Japanese terms for military rank equate to different English words, depending on what kind of military force they refer to. This has led to fan-translations that mix naval terms with those from other armed forces, as well as fierce debate as to which terms are the "right" ones to use. This is not a problem exclusive to One Piece; there have been many such debates among fans of Mobile Suit Gundam over the past two decades that have never fully been resolved.
Generally speaking, the ranks of commissioned officers seem to best fit the Navy model, as these officers are typically in command positions in bases and on ships. On the other hand, non-commissioned officers appear to be a hybrid of traditional sailors and infantry soldiers, being essentially part-marines. But since they are members of the Navy, ranks given here will also conform to the Naval model, as per the Viz adaptation of the manga.
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Rank Insignia
The One Piece Navy does not have a system of rank insignia per se. There is significant variation in the kind of uniform worn by officers, with many opting to wear a variety of dress showcasing their own eccentric style. However, as a general rule set down by the author in volume 24, uniform guidelines are as follows:
- Upon first entering the Navy, new recruits are given the standard uniform, consisting of a white short-sleeved shirt emblazoned with the Naval emblem on the back, a blue neckerchief, dark blue trousers, and a baseball cap with "MARINE" across the front. All officers at the rank of Seaman (一等兵 Ittōhei) and below wear this. The quasi-rank of "Chore Boy" (雑用 Zatsuyō) adds the kanji 雑 Zatsu ("various" or "odds and ends") to the sleeves, and to the Naval emblem on the back.
- Once an officer has reached the rank of Petty Officer (伍長 Gochō), he or she can choose from a number of different uniforms, including his or her personal clothes. Only those who really want to appear "sailor-like" will stay with a more traditional uniform.
- Sailors at the rank of Warrant Officer (准尉 Jun'i) and above are allowed to wear the coat with "Justice" (正義 Seigi) on the back. This coat tends to be worn like a cape, draped over the shoulders with the arms not in the sleeves.
- For the rank of Lieutenant-Commander (少佐 Shōsa) and above, a suit worn underneath the "Justice" coat is the preferred attire.
There are, of course, exceptions: Django and Fullbody wear their own clothes with the "MARINE" hat, despite holding the rank of "Seaman Recruit" (三等兵 Santōhei). This may have something to do with the exceptional circumstances by which both of these men were brought into their present situation, or it may simply be lenience on the part of Hina, their Captain.
Characters in the Navy
These are characters in the series who are known members of Navy. The list is sorted by rank.
Fleet Admiral
The rank of Fleet Admiral is carried by only one person in the Navy, and is the highest rank within the organization. He oversees Naval operations from Naval Headquarters on the Grand Line.
Sengoku
Fleet Admiral Sengoku (センゴク元帥 Sengoku Gensui), nicknamed "Sengoku the Buddha" (仏のセンゴク Hotoke no Sengoku), is the supreme commander of all Naval forces in the One Piece world, his status apparent by the life-size seagull attached to his hat. He oversees the workings of the Navy from his base in the Sanctuary of Marie Joie, though he is subordinate to the leaders of the World Government, the Five Elder Stars (五老星 Gorōsei). He also has a pet goat, It's possible he might have a Devil fruit power, since he's the boss of all the Navy, and the fact that some of his Navy subordinates have Devil fruit powers, such as Smoker, Hina, and Aokiji. Note that sengoku can be written as Kanji for "war country", a period in Feudal Japan
Admiral
There are only three people in the Navy with the title of Admiral in One Piece. They are known by their aliases, "Blue Pheasant" (Aokiji), "Red Dog" (Akainu), and "Yellow Monkey" (Kizaru). Aokiji and Akainu, who both appeared in Robin's flashback to the Buster Call that wiped out her home island of Ohara, have been referred to by their real names, while Kizaru remains unseen and anonymous. The three admirals and the Fleet Admiral are the only individuals within the Navy who are capable of issuing Buster Calls, which dispatch 10 warships commanded by 5 Vice-Admirals to obliterate a specific target.
Aokiji
See: Aokiji
Akainu
Akainu, the "Red Dog", Known as Vice Admiral Sakazuki before his promotion, he was present at the Ohara incident. He ordered the destruction of a ship of civilians, claiming it needed to be destroyed in case any scholars snuck on board. His entire face is not seen during his appearance, as it is hidden by the hood of his jacket. He believes in "absolute justice", which is against Aokiji's way of thinking.
Kizaru
Kizaru, the "Yellow Monkey", the third of the three Admirals.
Vice-Admiral
A Vice-Admiral is the Navy Rank under Admirals, they may often act as assistants to Admirals, or act independently under the command of the World Government. One of the official duties of Vice Admirals is to participate and lead Buster Calls.
Buster Call: A Buster Call is a military order that requires Five Vice-admirals and ten warships to attack and annihilate a select target. The two known Buster Calls to date have been to the Island of Ohara, and more recently on Enies Lobby, in order to take out the Straw Hats. Buster calls can only be ordered by Admirals, to date, there are only four people in the world that are known to be able to call for a Buster Call: Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru and Sengoku. In recent chapters, Aokiji gave the right to call for a Buster Call to Spandam the head of CP9, who accidentally used it to call for an attack on Enies Lobby.
Garp
Vice-Admiral Garp (ガープ中将 Gāpu Chūjō) is the commanding officer of the Navy's 153rd Branch, and the man in charge of both Koby and Helmeppo. He is something of a father figure to the two of them, and helps keep their unorthodox behavior in check so that they can achieve their dreams of greatness in the Navy. Garp also displays a fondness for eating doughnuts, as well as a tendency to fall asleep at inappropriate moments.
Tsuru
Vice-Admiral Tsuru (つる中将 Tsuru Chūjō) the "Great Tactician" (大参謀 Dai-Sanbō) is one of Sengoku's direct subordinates at the base in the Sanctuary of Marie Joie. She is an elderly woman, similar in appearance to Dr. Kureha, but older-looking (and probably younger). She was present for the gathering of the Seven Warlords of the Sea (Shichibukai) to choose a replacement for Sir Crocodile.
Komir
Vice-Admiral Komir (コーミル中将 Kōmiru Chūjō) is the commander of Naval Base G2 in Ace's chapter title-page mini-story. Komir's administrative meetings are plagued by bitter coffee, as Ace witnesses firsthand when he infiltrates the base posing as a Naval officer. Though Ace's cover is blown, he ends up saving the day by reuniting the milkmaiden Moda with her parents on the Naval Grocery Ship. This ensures a steady supply of milk to Base G2, as well as pleasant meetings with tasty coffee for the Vice-Admiral.
Jaguar D. Saul
Vice-Admiral Jaguar D. Saul (ハグワール・D・サウロ中将 Haguwāru D Sauro Chūjō) is a former Naval officer introduced in Nico Robin's flashback during the Enies Lobby arc. Saul is a giant, but unlike previously introduced giants in the One Piece manga, Saul did not originate from the viking-inspired warrior's paradise, Elbaf. Saul is also characterized as having a unique, but awkward laugh ("Dereshi") that he finds somewhat embarrassing.
Saul is the fifth character in the series to possess a "D" as his middle initial, and was the first to explain that the "D" is in fact a family or clan-name. Although there is no solid evidence in support, this leads many fans to speculate that Saul is the grandfather of Monkey D. Luffy; this claim is further inflamed by Aokiji's admission of "dealing with" Luffy's grandfather.
While on duty, Saul's vessel encountered a wanted ship run by the Archaeologists of Ohara, who left West Blue to locate and decipher the mysterious Poneglyphs that bear an ancient, forgotten history of the One Piece world. Despite ordering his men to take the archaeologists alive, Saul's crew slaughtered all but one; Nico Olvia, the mother of future Straw Hat crewmember Nico Robin. After her capture, Saul was informed by Sengoku that he would be one of the five chosen Vice Admirals to lead a Buster Call against the Ohara for its crimes of deciphering the Poneglyphs. Rejecting the study of history as a justification for the order, Saul, like Smoker, would begin to doubt the Naval doctrine of "Absolute Justice".
After interrogating Olvia, Saul grew disgusted with the military's brutal intentions and defected against the World Government by releasing her. Shortly thereafter, he was shipwrecked in a storm, then sent adrift in the ocean until fatefully landing on Ohara itself. There, he met and befriended Nico Robin and was reunited with Nico Olvia. After promising Olvia to ensure Robin's safety, Saul was frozen to death by Vice Admiral Kuzan (Aokiji). As he was dying, Saul smiled and laughed, cryptically echoing the way Gold Roger was executed two years prior.
Commodore
Purin-Purin
Commodore Purin-Purin (プリンプリン准将 Purinpurin Junshō) is a Naval officer in the Navy's 77th Branch, who is dispatched to Arlong Park to evacuate the survivors of Arlong's tyrannical reign. He never arrives. When Purin-Purin sees the fish-man's base, hubris gets the better of the Commodore, and he orders an attack. This provokes Arlong's ire, and the fish-man crew makes quick work of Purin-Purin and his ship, sending it to the bottom of the sea in an artificial maelstrom.
Captain
Morgan
Captain Morgan (モーガン大佐 Mōgan Taisa), called "Axe-Hand Morgan" (斧手のモーガン Onote no Mōgan) as he literally has an axe for a right arm, is the first Naval officer of significant rank to be seen in the series.
When Morgan is first introduced, he is governing over the small island of Shell Town, where his Naval base is located. Yet he is ruling by fear, abusing his rank to make people pay taxes, and even going as far as killing his own men if they do not obey his commands. He has a very spoiled son named Helmeppo, who is just as bad at using his father's rank to get what he wants from the island's inhabitants. This all changes however when Luffy comes to town to help Koby fulfil his dream and possibly recruit Roronoa Zoro into his crew. After Luffy accidentally breaks a newly finished statue of Morgan, the captain immediately sets after him, confronting Luffy in the courtyard of the Navy base. Morgan is defeated by Luffy without even landing a single blow, though he is finished off by Zoro as Luffy has to deal with Helmeppo holding Koby hostage.
Later, it is revealed in the Captain Kuro Arc that he was the only survivor in an attack by Kuro on a Navy ship, which left him with a broken jaw. He was hypnotised by Django into believing that he had captured Kuro (actually a lookalike pirate), gaining him immediate fame and possibly setting him on the path to his current obsession with rank and power.
The last that was seen of Morgan in the series was in a chapter title page mini-story, as a prisoner stripped of rank on Vice-Admiral Garp's ship, where both Koby and Helmeppo also happen to be serving. However, he slashes Garp and escapes the ship by using his own son as a hostage. Helmeppo disowns him shortly thereafter and returns to the Navy ship, leaving Morgan alone and drifting the ocean.
He was seen again as a cameo in Jango's Mini-arc taking a nap in the ocean as Jango unknowingly passes him.
The word "Möwe", which appears on Morgan's metal jaw, is German for "seagull."
Nezumi
Captain Nezumi (ネズミ大佐 Nezumi Taisa) is a Naval Officer of the Navy's 16th Branch, in the East Blue. His appearance and manner are rodent-like (as "nezumi" is Japanese for both "mouse" and "rat"), and he is arrogant and decidedly corrupt. Nezumi takes bribes from Arlong, so the fish-man pirate can keep a low profile. Acting on a tip from Arlong, he uncovers the treasure that Nami had been hoarding in order to buy back Cocoyashi Village (Coco Village in the English dub), and confiscates it from her. After Arlong is defeated, Nezumi attempts to intervene against the Straw Hat Pirates, but he is quickly defeated. His report back to his superiors is what prompts the Navy to assign Luffy with his first bounty.
Hina
Captain Hina (ヒナ大佐 Hina Taisa) is an officer in the Navy, and the object of both Jango's and Fullbody's affections. She has received the nickname "Hina the Black Cage" (黒檻のヒナ Kuro-Ori no Hina) because of her Ori-Ori Devil Fruit ability, which allows her to bend parts of her body around people and imprison them. Hina has a tendency to speak in the third person, though this only seems to add to her attractiveness for her subordinates. It is usual for young children in Japan to refer to themselves by using their own name. This is seen as "cute". For her part, however, she coldly spurns any advances made towards her.
She is a long-time friend of Captain Smoker, joining the Navy at the same time as him, and helping him getting out of situations where Smoker could have been fired.
She is 32 years old.
In a recent Japanese Fan Poll, Hina is currently ranked the 36th most popular character in One Piece.
T-Bone
Captain T-Bone (Ｔボーン大佐 Tī-Bōn Taisa) is a Naval officer working with the Government-employed agency CP9. He was assigned to help escort the CP9 agents to Enies Lobby, the Judicial Heaquarters of the World Government on the Grand Line, where T-Bone is usually stationed. T-Bone is also known as the "Ship-Cutter" (船切り Funegiri), for his mastery of swordsmanship allows him to slice open large objects (like ships or sea monsters). T-Bone has a hideous face, but he is a very honorable and considerate person, and absolutely abhors needless violence. His attacks compose of creating a blue line of energy which acts as a blade. This is poweful enough to cut through trains, boats, and sea kings.
After his car is detached from The Sea Train, Puffing Tom, T-Bone sets out on the tracks by himself, seeking help. He is defeated and knocked into the sea by Roronoa Zoro as Rocketman, the prototype Sea Train, speeds down the tracks.
In a recent Japanese Fan Poll, T-Bone is currently ranked the 40th most popular character in One Piece.
Smoker
- See Smoker.
Lieutenant-Commander
Brandnew
Brandnew is a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, who appears at a base while Luffy and crew are en route to Logue Town. He is the officer who announces Luffy's first bounty of 30 million Belis.
Lieutenant
Fullbody
- See below.
Master Chief Petty Officer
Tashigi
Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi (たしぎ曹長 Tashigi Sōchō) is a Naval officer serving under Captain Smoker. She was first introduced when the Straw Hat Pirates docked in Logue Town, where she was stationed. Smoker, her Captain, seems to regard her as a protégé; the two work very well together and share what appears to be almost a father-daughter relationship. While adept at sword fighting, she is unusually clumsy, which tends to gets on Smoker's nerves. She is also very well-versed in katana, knowing their names and origins.
Tashigi's stated goal is to remove all Meitō (named swords with prestigious histories) from the hands of those who would use them for their own selfish ends. After meeting Roronoa Zoro (whom she had inadvertently helped pick new swords before she learned his name), she set out to sea with Smoker, chasing after him and the rest of the Straw Hat crew.
Like Smoker, Tashigi has her own view of "Justice" which differs from the Navy's own definition, and will fight for what she sees as the right thing to do. During the battle for Alubarna, Tashigi is badly wounded while fighting against Nico Robin, and bears witness to the triumph of Luffy and his crew in the name of their friends. Though association with pirates is a serious offense, neither she nor Smoker feel the need to pursue any charges against the Royal Family of Alabasta, opting instead to continue sailing the Grand Line.
When he first saw Tashigi, Zoro was instantly struck by how much Tashigi looks like his deceased childhood friend Kuina (so shocked that he instantly crushed Tashigi's glasses in his hand). It is a promise made with Kuina that motivates Zoro to be the greatest swordsman in the world, and Kuina left him the Wadō Ichimonji, his greatest treasure. It remains to be seen if there is a more than coincidental connection between Kuina and Tashigi.
She and Smoker haven't been seen since the two of them left Alabasta.
Tashigi is 21 years old and is 170cm tall. Her birthday is October 6th.
In Japanese Fan Polls, Tashigi is currently the 20th most popular character.
Seaman Recruit
Django
Fullbody
Fullbody (フルボディ Furubodi) is a Seaman Recruit (三等兵 Santōhei), serving under captain Hina along with his friend Django. He was once a Lieutenant (大尉 Tai'i) with the nickname "Ironfist Fullbody" (鉄拳のフルボディ Tekken no Furubodi), and a suave ladies' man. Sanji ruins his date with a woman by humiliating the arrogant man, and completely thrashes him when he ruins Sanji's soup. Fullbody, his ego in tatters, flees the oceangoing restaurant Baratie once the pirate Gin breaks out of his cell on Fullbody's ship.
The next time Fullbody is seen, he is competing in a dance contest on Mirrorball Island. After coming in 2nd place behind Django (who is in disguise so as not to be caught by the authorities), the two become fast friends while remaining oblivious to the other's identity. This is not to last long though, as Fullbody's men find Django's trademark clothes in an alleyway. As a pirate crew invades the island, Django takes the opportunity to escape while Fullbody attempts to fight them off. He is thwarted when their leader takes a woman hostage, and Fullbody surrenders to keep her safe. Suddenly Django bursts back onto the scene to save his friend. Putting aside their allegiances, Django and Fullbody wipe out the pirates.
Fullbody still has his duties, however, and arrests Django. But as Django is tried in court, Fullbody returns the favor and offers an objection dance which gets the whole courtroom caught up in a huge emotional dance-fest. Unable to deny the power of the men's friendship, the court acquits Django on the condition that Fullbody be demoted to the rank of Seaman Recruit. Afterwards, Django is about to hypnotize Fullbody into forgetting their friendship ever occurred (so that neither of their careers would be jeopardized in the future), when they both spot the beaufitul Captain Hina. Inspired, they both become members of her crew.
Fullbody later appears in Alabasta, sporting two iron plates and the nickname "Double Ironfist Fullbody" (両鉄拳のフルボディ Ryōtekken no Furubodi). Like his friend Django, he is completely enamored of Hina and will do anything to please her. He and Django attempt to prevent the Straw Hat Pirates from escaping Alabasta, but are soundly defeated.
Fullbody appears much later in the story, tracking down remaining members of Baroque Works with Django and Hina on Kyūka Island. He and Django assist Hina in capturing Miss Valentine, and are hunting down Mr. 5, Miss Goldenweek, and Mr. 2 Bon Clay (disguised as Mr. 3).
Chore Boy
Koby
Koby (コビー Kobī), a small, timid, bespectacled boy, is the first person Luffy meets on his haphazard journey. Koby had intended to board a ship for a fishing trip one day, but by accident, instead found himself amid the dangerous crew of Lady Alvida. To stay alive, he 'volunteered' to become a lowly cabin boy for this band of pirates, but fostered a desire to escape one day, and even join the Navy. His fear of Alvida prevented him from leaving, but Luffy's arrival and triumph over the 'ugly old hag' (as Koby summoned the courage to call her) finally brought him hope. After helping Luffy and Zoro free a nearby Naval base from the grip of the tyrannical Captain Morgan, Koby is admitted to join the Navy as a Chore Boy (雑用 Zatsuyō), alongside the Captain's disgraced son Helmeppo.
In his and Helmeppo's title page mini-arc, the two become unwillingly involved in an escape attempt by Morgan the prisoner (Morgan takes his son hostage and steals a ship). Though Morgan escapes, the bravery shown by the two earns them the respect of their superiors, and the attention of Vice-Admiral Garp. He and Helmeppo are currently serving under the Vice-Admiral, at the same base that is apparently Captain Hina's home port.
Helmeppo
Helmeppo is Axe-Hand Morgan's bratty son. After Morgan is defeated, he does petty work for the Naval Base in Shell Town along with Koby. This changes when they meet Vice-Admiral Garp, who takes them to his own base on the Grand Line to watch over and help guide their progress. His dream is to become an officer so he can regain the life of luxury he had before Luffy defeated his corrupt father. He currently has a bet with Koby on who will become an officer first.
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