In Eiichiro Oda's manga One Piece, the Marines play a crucial role as a dominant force. They serve as the armed arm of the World Government, with the main mission of maintaining justice and order on the oceans of the New World. Their objective is to combat pirates and put an end to criminal activities.
The Marine characters have left their mark on the series’ history, serving as both friends and adversaries to Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew. Let’s explore the major figures of the Marines, from its illustrious leaders to legendary heroes, as well as its rising stars.
The Marine Leaders
The leadership of the Marines is provided by an elite group of senior officers responsible for defining strategies and responding to global threats. Within this hierarchy, the Generalissimo and the Admirals play a pivotal role due to their power and influence.
The Commanding Admiral: Sakazuki
Holding the position of supreme leader of the Marines and acting as the deputy of the World Government, the Generalissimo (元帥, Gensui) exercises total control over the maritime forces and has a veto power over decisions made by the Admirals. He is the sole point of contact with the Five Elders, the clandestine leaders of the world, and has the exclusive authority to appoint or dismiss the Seven Warlords of the Sea, pirates employed by the World Government.
The current Generalissimo, Sakazuki, better known as Akainu (赤犬, Red Dog), succeeded Sengoku following the Battle of Marineford. Characterized by his ruthlessness and zeal, Sakazuki adheres to the philosophy of Absolute Justice, advocating for the merciless elimination of all criminals. He is one of the series' major antagonists, famous for having killed Ace, Luffy’s brother, and for repeatedly clashing with the Straw Hat Crew and its allies.
The Admirals
Just below the Generalissimo, the Admirals (大将, Taishō) form the trio of highest-ranking Marine officers. They command the majority of military operations and enjoy the absolute respect of their troops. Considered the ultimate weapons of the World Government, they are one of the pillars of the Three Great Powers, maintaining global balance alongside the Four Emperors and the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
The current Admirals are Kizaru (黄猿, Yellow Monkey), Fujitora (藤虎, Purple Tiger), and Ryokugyu (緑牛, Green Bull), with Kizaru being the only one to have retained his position after the Summit War. Fujitora and Ryokugyu were incorporated following the Global Military Recruitment Program. These high-ranking officers are users of Devil Fruits of the Logia type, granting them astonishing elemental powers.
Their immense power allows them to stand up to the greatest pirates and to annihilate entire islands.
The Heroes and Legends of the Marines
The history of the Marines is populated by heroic figures whose bravery, talent, and renown 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, notably Monkey D. Garp, Sengoku, and Kuzan.
Monkey D. Garp
Known as Garp the Hero (ガープ "英雄", Gāpu "Eiyū"), Monkey D. Garp is Luffy’s grandfather and Dragon’s father. Serving as a vice admiral in the Marines, he has repeatedly refused promotion to Admiral in order to maintain his freedom of action. Garp is recognized as the most powerful Marine, having been the only one to stand up to the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. His reputation also extends to his confrontations with prominent figures 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 code.
Sengoku
Sengoku the Buddha (仏のセンゴク, Hotoke no Sengoku), the former Generalissimo of the Marines and predecessor to Sakazuki, remains active as a Special Advisor to the World Government following his retirement. Possessing the Human-Human Devil Fruit, model Buddha, he can transform into an imposing golden statue. A longtime friend of Garp, he has fought against the most dangerous pirates of his time. Sengoku embraces the philosophy of Reasonable Justice, favoring pragmatism and moderation in his judgments.
Kuzan
Formerly known as Aokiji (青雉, Blue Pheasant), Kuzan, the former Admiral of the Marines and rival of Sakazuki, left his post after their confrontation for the position of Generalissimo. He now lives as a nomad, possibly connected to Dragon's Revolutionary Forces, and wields the Ice-Ice Devil Fruit, which grants him the power to generate and manipulate ice. Known for his lenient approach, Kuzan is an advocate of Lax Justice, preferring to avoid unnecessary conflicts and showing mercy in certain situations.
The Rising Figures of the Marines
The Marines are distinguished by the presence of promising figures endowed with remarkable potential and destined to play a key role in the future. These individuals stand out for their talent, their determination, and their willingness to contribute to a better world. Three names, in particular, stand out: 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 within the Marines, a promotion he received following the Summit War at Marineford. He is recognized as Luffy’s rival from their first encounter in Loguetown, where he nearly captured Luffy. Smoker wields the Smoke-Smoke Devil Fruit, which grants him the ability to transform into and manipulate smoke at will.
Armed with a granite baton-club, he can nullify the powers of Devil Fruit users. He adheres to the philosophy of Ambiguous Justice, which drives him to challenge the World Government when he believes it is committing injustices.
Tashigi
Tashigi the Swordswoman (剣士のたしぎ, Kenshi no Tashigi), a Marine captain promoted following the Summit War at Marineford, is Smoker’s subordinate and accompanies him on various missions. An expert swordsman, she wields the Shigure, a high-quality sword. Her resemblance to Kuina, Zoro’s childhood friend, creates a complex relationship between them. Her goal is to recover the famous swords held by pirates, which she deems unworthy of their possession.
Coby
Coby the Pink Hero (桃色の英雄コビー, Momoiro no Eiyū Kobī) is a Marine captain promoted following the Summit War at Marineford. Luffy’s first friend, he met Luffy in Shell Town when Coby was enslaved by Captain Morgan. Trained by Garp, he has developed remarkable powers, including Observation Haki and Soru, a technique from Rokushiki. His dream is to become a great admiral in the Marines to bring about positive change in the world.
Marines: Ally or Enemy of the Pirates?
The Marines, a central element of the One Piece universe, stand out for their fascinating history, intricate hierarchical structure, and variety of philosophies. This organization plays a dual role, acting as both an adversary and a partner to the pirates, thereby contributing significantly to the overall balance. Its ranks are filled with leaders, heroes, legends, and rising stars, each bringing a unique touch through their personality, abilities, and interactions with the series' main characters.
Learn more about the World Government organizations: