Since the East Blue Arc, the World Government has established itself as the supreme organization ruling the world of One Piece. But who are the members of this far-reaching entity that dictates its law to both pirates and citizens?
The Navy, led by admirals, is its armed wing, also overseeing the Cipher Pol intelligence unit that operates in the shadows. In the past, the Warlords of the Sea, these fearsome pirates, served the Government. At the top, the Five Elders, leaders of the Celestial Dragons, make the decisions. But we have recently discovered their true master... Imu.
Against them, the Revolutionary Army and the Pirate Crews are fighting to overthrow this established order. Discover the different faces of this organization that pulls the strings of the world of One Piece!
Imu: The King of the World
Introduced in chapter 906 of One Piece, The Holy Land of Mariejois, Imu is the most enigmatic character in the manga. Known as the King of the World, he holds the highest authority within the World Government. Even the Five Elders obey him blindly and bow before him! His existence is kept secret from the world, and only the highest-ranking leaders are aware of it.
A Mysterious Figure
So far, we have only seen Imu as a silhouette, both in the manga and in the anime. We still don’t know if he is a human or a divine creature, but he wears a very long robe with patterns. On his head, he has a large crown with four very tall spikes. The only thing visible of his face are his eyes... which are completely red!
The Major Antagonist of One Piece?
We don't know much about Imu yet, but he has shown he can be ruthless. When the people of Lulusia sided with the Revolutionary Army, he did not hesitate to destroy the island in a matter of seconds. He is willing to do anything to maintain the authority of the World Government, even if it means sacrificing thousands of innocent lives. But Imu seems to have some regard for certain characters in One Piece:
- Luffy: Recently, we saw Imu stab and tear up Luffy's bounty poster. Luffy, who dreams of becoming the Pirate King, may uncover the secrets of the Forgotten Century... and Imu is determined to prevent that!
- Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard): Imu shows the same treatment to Blackbeard's bounty poster, indicating he sees him as a threat on the same level as Luffy. Blackbeard seems to know too much about the world's secrets. Perhaps Imu fears he could use these secrets to overthrow him and take his place?
- Shirahoshi: By cutting her photo, Imu shows he views her differently. He may not see her as an enemy to be eliminated, but as a potential asset to control. As a Mermaid Princess, Shirahoshi holds great influence over Fish-Man Island. Most importantly, as the Ancient Weapon Poseidon, she has the power to command the Sea Kings, a tremendous force. Imu might want to use this power to his advantage.
- Nefertari Vivi: Vivi's case is the most intriguing. By completely sparing her bounty poster, Imu shows special treatment. She is a beloved princess who fought to protect the kingdom of Alabasta. Imu may see her as a valuable ally, someone who could legitimize his reign in the eyes of the world.
Destructive Powers
Imu occupies the Empty Throne, which symbolizes absolute authority over the World Government and, by extension, over the entire world of One Piece... We’ll let you imagine the power he holds. While we haven't seen his powers in action yet, here are our theories:
- Imu might possess the ancient weapon Uranus, one of the three legendary weapons created during the Forgotten Century. That would explain how he destroyed Lulusia Island in just a few seconds, from the sky.
- Imu could have eaten a powerful Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. Perhaps even the original fruit or a unique one of its kind.
- Imu might be the creature responsible for the creation of the Devil Fruits, a kind of deity or primordial entity linked to their origin.
A final showdown with Luffy, the embodiment of total freedom, seems inevitable to decide the fate of the world. Imu will most likely be the ultimate antagonist that the young pirate will have to defeat!
The Five Elders: The Face of the World Government
The Five Elders, also known as the Gorosei, are the highest-ranking Celestial Dragons and represent the highest authority of the World Government. They rule over the Navy, Cipher Pol, and had made an agreement with the 7 Warlords of the Sea before their abolition. Their authority surpasses even that of the Fleet Admiral of the Navy. Only Imu is above them.
Council Members
|
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn 
|
Saint Marcus Mars 
|
Saint Topman Warcury 
|
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro 
|
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter 
|
Immortal Figures?
The Five Elders seem to be immortal or at least not aging. Their appearance has remained unchanged for decades, as shown in a flashback of Vegapunk meeting them 40 years ago. This suggests that they have been alive since the time of the Forgotten Century and periodically carry out large purges to erase their existence from history.
Chaotic Influence in the New World
In order to maintain the fragile political balance, the Elders have orchestrated several major events:
- During the War at Marineford, they triggered the confrontation between the Navy and Whitebeard's crew. We all remember the tragic execution of Portgas D. Ace by Admiral Akainu. They also recruited Blackbeard as a Warlord to destabilize the New World even further.
- More recently, they intervened on Egghead Island. They sent an Admiral and CP0 agent Lucci to prevent compromising information from Dr. Vegapunk from leaking.
- During the Reverie, they oversaw the meeting of the world leaders. Following an incident with the Revolutionaries, they suppressed the matter, leading to the mysterious disappearance of Sabo. Their influence thus extends over nearly the entire world, making them the true masters in the shadows.
With their devilish powers and immense influence, the Five Elders are the ultimate barrier protecting the secrets of the Forgotten Century and the world order. Their dramatic entrance in the latest chapters suggests a final showdown with Luffy and his allies for the fate of the world... It’s going to be epic!
The Celestial Dragons: The Founding Families
The Celestial Dragons, also known as the World Nobles, are the descendants of 19 of the 20 founding kings of the World Government. As nobles, they consider themselves as chosen ones with pure blood, even though they appear as normal humans.
The Celestial Dragons are recognized by their attire, reminiscent of astronauts, including a transparent round helmet covering their heads. This extravagant clothing, along with their privileges, makes them instantly recognizable. They wear these helmets to avoid breathing the same air as the common people, which shows their contempt for lower classes.
Members of the Celestial Dragons
|
Gorosei 
|
Saint Mjosgard (†) 
|
Father of Saint Mjosgard 
|
Saint Charlos 
|
Saint Sharlia
|
|
Saint Rosward 
|
Don Quichotte Homing 
|
Homing’s Wife 
|
Don Quichotte Doflamingo 
|
Don Quichotte Rosinante 
|
Privileged Beings
As the supreme aristocracy, the Celestial Dragons enjoy unimaginable privileges. They are incredibly wealthy and above all laws. They view other humans as subhuman and don't hesitate to enslave them for their personal service.
Their behavior is cruel and capricious, displaying a deep disdain for the common people. They demand that the populace kneels in their presence. Beware... those who show them disrespect face death or enslavement!
The Cruel Antagonists
In One Piece, the Celestial Dragons embody the worst traits of the powerful: abuse of power, gratuitous cruelty, and contempt for others. They are recurring antagonists who the heroes encounter throughout the story. Luffy and his crew often stand against their tyranny, daring to challenge them despite the risks. Everyone remembers the moment Luffy strikes the Celestial Dragon Charlos who had shot his friend Hachi.
The Navy: The Military Arm
The Navy is the primary military force of the World Government and one of the main antagonists in One Piece. It represents the armed arm that enforces the laws and order of the World Government across the seas of the New World. Its role is to capture pirates and maintain justice.
The Navy is a highly hierarchical organization, with hundreds of millions of soldiers spread across the world. It is led by the current Fleet Admiral, Akainu, but its authority is subordinate to that of the Five Elders and the World Government. Once based in Marineford, its headquarters is now located at New Marineford.
Members of the Navy
|
Sakazuki Akainu 
|
Borsalino Kizaru 
|
Issho 
|
Aramaki Ryokugyu 
|
Smoker 
|
|
Momonga 
|
Tsuru 
|
Brannew 
|
Daigin 
|
Morgan 
|
|
Tashigi 
|
Hina 
|
Hermep 
|
Ripper 
|
Koby 
|
Ranks
The hierarchy of the Navy includes many ranks, from the simple soldier to the Fleet Admiral. The main ones are:
- Fleet Admiral: The highest rank, commands all forces
- Admirals: 3 extremely powerful officers just below the Fleet Admiral
- Vice-Admirals: Senior officers commanding bases and fleets
- Rear Admirals: Mid-level officers
- Colonels and Lieutenants: Field officers commanding ships
- Commanders and Junior Lieutenants: Non-commissioned officers
- Seamen and soldiers: Basic troops
There are also special elite units like Cipher Pol and the G-5.
An Extremely Powerful Organization
The Navy has considerable means to enforce justice across the Grand Line seas:
- An immense fleet of warships, some of which can cross the Calm Belt
- Hundreds of millions of trained and disciplined soldiers
- Dozens of bases spread across all seas and islands
- Access to weapons of mass destruction such as the Buster Call
- Powerful allies like the Seven Warlords of the Sea (before their abolition)
But its main strength lies in the power of its senior officers, particularly the Admirals who wield Devil Fruits with immense powers and Haki. They are among the strongest fighters in the One Piece world.
A Threat to Pirate Crews
Throughout the chapters, the Navy constantly opposes Luffy and the other pirates, attempting to stop them in the name of Justice. But it often faces its own contradictions and the abuses of the World Government it serves.
Officers like Smoker, Aokiji, or Fujitora challenge the notion of Absolute Justice and are more measured in their approach toward Luffy. Others like Akainu or Kizaru remain inflexible. The Navy plays a central role in major arcs like Enies Lobby, Impel Down, Marineford, or Dressrosa. It represents a major obstacle for Luffy in his quest for freedom and the One Piece.
The Cipher Pol: The Secret Service
The Cipher Pol is a branch of the World Government responsible for espionage, intelligence, and assassinations. It is essentially the secret service of the World Government. Their role is to protect the interests of the World Government by eliminating potential threats and gathering sensitive information.
Organized in Bands
The Cipher Pol is divided into several numbered agencies from CP1 to CP8, plus two elite units: CP9 and CP-AIGIS0 (also known as CP0).
- The CP1 to CP8 agencies are responsible for more classic intelligence and espionage missions.
- CP9 is a secret assassination unit that operates entirely in the shadows. Its agents master the Rokushiki combat techniques. CP9 was involved in the events of Water Seven and Enies Lobby.
- CP0 is the most important and mysterious agency. It is directly under the orders of the Five Elders and handles the most sensitive missions. Its agents are among the most powerful in Cipher Pol.
Members of Cipher Pol
|
Spandam 
|
Rob Lucci 
|
Kaku 
|
Guernica 
|
Maha 
|
Formidable Fighters
The Cipher Pol agents, particularly those of CP9 and CP0, master Rokushiki, a combat style based on six special powers:
- Geppo: Allows movement in the air by kicking the void.
- Tekkai: Hardens the body to make it as tough as steel.
- Shigan: Turns fingers into deadly human pistols.
- Rankyaku: Allows the launching of sharp air blades with the legs.
- Soru: A technique for ultra-fast movement.
- Kami-e: Makes the body as flexible as paper to avoid attacks.
Some characters like Lucci even master advanced techniques like Rokuogan, a devastating impact shock.
A Disruptive Organization
The Cipher Pol, and especially CP9, played a central role in the Water Seven/Enies Lobby saga. Attempting to capture Nico Robin and the plans for the ancient weapon Pluton, they opposed the Straw Hat crew. We witnessed epic battles, particularly between Luffy and Lucci.
More recently, CP0 intervened in Dressrosa and later in Wano Country, always in the shadows. They sought to control the Ancient Weapons and Luffy’s Devil Fruit. Their presence highlights the growing importance of the stakes surrounding the Ancient Weapons and the secret of the Forgotten Century.
The World Government Alliances
The 7 Warlords of the Sea
The 7 Warlords of the Sea, also known as Shichibukai, are a group of powerful pirates who have made a pact with the World Government. In exchange for the cancellation of their bounties and some immunity for their past crimes, they agree to work for the World Government.
In total, 11 pirates have been known to hold the title of Shichibukai. We could also mention Trafalgar Law, Edward Weevil, and Buggy the Clown, but here are our favorites:
|
Dracule Mihawk 
|
Kuma 
|
Boa Hancock 
|
Crocodile 
|
Gecko Moria 
|
|
Don Quixote
|
Marshall D. 
|