7 One Piece Characters Who Never Should Have Joined the Marines

Summary

Vegapunk, a scientist forced to make weapons for Marines due to funding and safety issues.
Jaguar D. Saul, a Marine Vice Admiral who turned against the institution to save innocent lives.
Aramaki (Ryokugyu), an Admiral willing to commit crimes for recognition, unfit to be a Marine.

In the realm of One Piece, I bear witness to the Marine as the sole entity tasked with ensuring global safety and security. They’re not without flaws; they make doubtful choices at times, and there are instances where their actions border on questionable, even potentially harmful or dangerous. Yet, despite these imperfections, their presence is indispensable for the vast majority of people sailing across this boundless ocean.

It’s regrettable that a significant number of Marine officers seem ill-suited for this distinguished institution. Some are morally questionable and unfit for the Marine Corps, while others are overly honest and upright, making them seemingly out of place within its ranks. Remarkably, such individuals can be found at every level of command, from Captain to Fleet Admiral. Here are seven characters from “One Piece” who should not have been Marines.

7. Vegapunk

The Scientist Who Had No Choice but to Serve the Marines

Last/Current Rank: Head Scientist
First Appearance: Episode 1096

From the heart of an ardent admirer, let me tell you about Dr. Vegapunk – a man who’s committed his life to scientific exploration. Sadly, much of his groundbreaking work has been twisted into tools for the Marines. As the World Government’s Chief Scientist, it might seem contradictory that he’d align with an organization known for its oppression. But, consider this: the allure of unlimited resources and security was too compelling to resist. After all, a man who cherishes science’s sanctity may find solace in the opportunity to advance his field, despite the less-than-ideal circumstances.

Vegapunk recognizes the importance of his studies, particularly concerning the Void Century. However, like in reality, groundbreaking science necessitates funds and security. Being a genius, he’s also a potential target, and without the World Government’s support, his discoveries might end up in dangerous hands. This left him with no other option but to ally with them, much to the disappointment of his friends. What the Marines don’t know, though, is that Vegapunk develops their weapons while covertly pursuing his research on the Void Century.

6. Jaguar D. Saul

A Man Too Good for the Marines

Last/Current Rank: Vice Admiral
First Appearance: Episode 275

Jaguar D. Saul was an exemplary man, whose greatest desire was to serve the public. Under the guidance of his superior, Saul frequently interacted with researchers from Ohara. These scholars showed him kindness, and in reciprocation, he made every effort to safeguard these brilliant minds from this minuscule island during their global explorations.

However, as Saul grew accustomed to life in Ohara, it was revealed that their research centered around the Void Century, prompting the Marines to launch the notorious Buster Call on Ohara Island. This order signaled total annihilation and massacre, which left Saul shocked and appalled by his former comrades’ actions. In a desperate attempt to protect the people of Ohara, he turned against the Marine institution he had once admired. Regrettably, he arrived too late, managing to save only one person – a young girl named Nico Robin. This event marked the point at which Saul deeply regretted his decision to join the Marines.

5. Aramaki

A Man Who Would Do Anything to Gain Sakazuki’s Recognition

Last/Current Rank: Admiral
First Appearance: Episode 882

Aramaki, or Ryokugyu as he’s also known, is one of the two high-ranking naval officers who took over after Aokiji and Akainu left their posts. His unique ability allows him to control plant and forest power, making him an incredibly formidable and hazardous adversary for pirates and other lawbreakers.

Instead of Admiral Fujitora, Aramaki’s allegiance is not towards the populace, justice, or legal system. He submits to Fleet Admiral Sengoku and will go to great lengths, including breaking laws and causing harm to innocents, to gain his approval. This is evident in his decision to infiltrate the rescued Wano Country with the intention of killing Luffy, potentially endangering Momonosuke and the samurai of Wano. His motive? Seeking acknowledgment from Sakazuki. It’s questionable whether a man like this should even be part of the Marines.

4. Sakazuki

A Cruel and Merciless Marine

Last/Current Rank: Fleet Admiral
First Appearance: Episode 278

In current times, Sakazuki serves as the top-ranking officer in the Marines, known as Fleet Admiral. Throughout his tenure as an Admiral, he has earned a reputation for being relentless in apprehending criminals, going to any lengths necessary. Deception, betrayal, and even lethal means are tactics he is not averse to employing if they obstruct him or his intended objective. His notion of justice can be harsh and unmerciful.

Throughout the story, it’s clear that Sakazuki consistently demonstrates a ruthless personality, with instances such as his actions during the Marineford War and his fierce fight against fellow Admiral Aokiji standing out. While Marines are tasked with maintaining justice and capturing criminals, they shouldn’t discard their humanity entirely. A Marine who is ready to go to any lengths to apprehend a Pirate may end up harming innocent civilians under the pretense of enforcing the law. In fact, someone like Sakazuki should never have been a Marine in the first place.

3. Vergo

The Marine Who Was a Spy All Along

Last/Current Rank: Vice Admiral
First Appearance: Episode 597

I once encountered a Marine Vice Admiral named Vergo, who made his debut in the Punk Hazard arc. Known for his exceptional skills with Armament Haki, this respected marine could effortlessly subdue entire pirate crews without the need for Devil Fruit powers. What many in the Marines fail to comprehend is that Vergo, despite his Marine rank, is one of the Doflamingo Pirates’ top-tier officers. He chose to serve in the Marines as a covert operative for Doflamingo.

As a fervent supporter and ardent believer in the Marine’s prestige and honor, it’s downright staggering, even disheartening, to uncover that one of their own high-ranking officials is, in fact, a spy. The magnitude of classified information Vergo has seemingly effortlessly handed over to Doflamingo is almost unfathomable.

The blame here lies not with Vergo, but with the Marines themselves for failing to safeguard their sacred institution and uphold its integrity. Given his questionable past, it’s hard to believe that Vergo would ever ascend to such a lofty position as Vice Admiral within the Marine ranks. Yet, there he stands, basking in his power.

It leaves me feeling a profound sense of disillusionment and concern for the future of our esteemed Marine Corps. If such a high-ranking official can betray their own institution, what hope is there for the rest of us who strive to uphold its noble ideals?

2. Nezumi

A Corrupt and Money-Hungry Marine Captain

Last/Current Rank: Captain
First Appearance: Episode 31

During the Arlong Park storyline, we meet a Marine Captain named Nezumi who is tasked with protecting the inhabitants of Comoni Island and its neighboring islands. Instead of confronting the tyrant Arlong, the local ruler, Nezumi chooses to accept regular bribes from him, thereby ignoring Arlong’s misdeeds and allowing him to continue his reign unchallenged in exchange for a significant amount of money.

Sakazuki, despite being harsh and aggressive, remains committed to his role as an upholder of justice. In contrast, Nezumi seems indifferent about performing his duties effectively. Instead, he exploits his rank as a Marine Captain for personal gain, making him a corrupt official who should have been dismissed long ago.

1. Morgan

A Cruel and Power-Hungry Marine Captain

Last/Current Rank: Captain
First Appearance: Episode 2

In this series, Captain Morgan serves as the initial formidable adversary. Previously known for his unwavering adherence to the law as a Marine, he was esteemed by citizens and respected by peers. However, once he ascended to the position of Captain and gained control over his own territory, something caused him to deviate from his strict adherence to lawfulness, leading to Zoro’s capture and threat of execution against him.

Without delay, Morgan succumbed to the allure of power and authority. He misused his position and governed with harshness. Anyone who dared challenge him would confront a grim fate – the gallows. Unlike Nezumi, who merely exploits his role for personal gain, Morgan actively harmed and punished innocent civilians.

It’s evident that it was Luffy, the rising pirate, who managed to halt Morgan, which clearly shows the Marines’ negligence in their supervision. If the Marine Headquarters had merely investigated Morgan, they would have discovered that he is unfit for the Marine ranks, let alone a Captain. His dismissal and imprisonment were long overdue.

2025-05-31 11:34