Every Major Villain’s Worst Crime

Summary

Buggy led a destructive takeover of Orange Town, showing his true nature when he believed he had power.
Dracule Mihawk massacred a pirate fleet and has a bloodthirst rooted in the joy of combat.
Crocodile orchestrated Operation Utopia in Alabasta, involving a massacre and civil war to seize power.

In the world of One Piece, there exists a multitude of significant adversaries. These villains often sail as pirates, aspiring to control the world, while others masquerade as upholders of the law, only to exploit and oppress those less fortunate. Despite their varying identities, they are often antagonistic forces that have either clashed with or pose potential threats to the Straw Hat Pirates, the central characters of this story. Some may already be enemies, while others are anticipated challenges yet to face by these pirate protagonists.

Delving into the darker side of One Piece, I’ve decided to compile a list that highlights some of the most heinous deeds committed by its most formidable antagonists. To keep things manageable, this list will primarily feature one or two villains from each saga, with a few notable exceptions where the wickedness of certain characters demands special attention.

Spoilers Ahead for One Piece.

Buggy

Wiped Out Orange Town

Current Affiliation: Cross Guild.

Although Buggy hasn’t been a major adversary since the East Blue Saga, he has consistently been a significant character in the series. Recently, he found himself in a leadership role within the Cross Guild, a group known for hunting Marines. Despite being outranked in terms of power by many of his subordinates and potential opponents, one might underestimate him due to this misconception. However, Buggy continues to climb up the ranks, suggesting that he is anything but harmless.

Yet, his initial portrayal might offer a truer glimpse into his behavior when he believes he truly wields authority. Interestingly, the Buggy Pirates are depicted overtaking Orange Town, ironically, a settlement established by refugees from a past pirate raid. Buggy is seen trying to ruin the town out of malice and greed for its treasures. Remarkably, it was the Straw Hat Pirates in an early stage of their formation that thwarted his plans, ultimately leading to his downfall.

In the Grand Line, though Buggy hasn’t undergone any transformation in essence, there has been a shift towards more practicality in his behavior. He formed a winning alliance with Monkey D. Luffy to break out of Impel Down, which significantly improved his standing among others. Following this escape, many ex-convicts swore allegiance to him. The realization of his own weakness compared to the perceived strength of his followers appears to be what keeps him in check. His earlier portrayal in the series could offer a glimpse into how Buggy might rule as an Emperor if he were to fall prey to his own overestimation of himself.

Dracule Mihawk

Massacred A Pirate Fleet

Current Affiliation: Cross Guild.

Mihawk Dracule, a swashbuckler, derives more satisfaction from swordplay than sea robbery. He is famed as the most powerful swordsman globally, often portrayed as Zoro’s rival, who yearns to usurp

In a remarkable display of skill, Mihawk virtually annihilated over four-fifths of the Krieg Pirates’ massive fleet, which at its height consisted of approximately 5,000 ships. However, with an ease that suggested superhuman ability, Mihawk reduced 49 out of their 50 vessels to rubble, leaving only the crew on the flagship numbering around 100. Despite his reputation for being intolerant of fools and weakness, Mihawk appears to refrain from attacking those who do not intend to retaliate. Although Mihawk’s destructive capabilities are undeniably terrifying, his selectiveness in choosing targets is intriguing, as it implies that his thirst for blood may stem less from sadism, but rather from the exhilaration of combat.

* It’s possible that he had eliminated greater quantities in the past. He was chosen as a Shichibukai mainly to prevent him from murdering marines, and he was one of the few who generally adhered to their regulations. Once released with the other members, he jointly established Cross Guild alongside Crocodile.
* In his past, it’s plausible that he eliminated a considerable amount of individuals. He was appointed as a Shichibukai primarily to prevent him from killing marines, and he was one of the few who mostly obeyed their rules. After being set free with the other members, he co-founded Cross Guild along with Crocodile.
* It’s possible that he had eradicated numerous individuals in the past. He was made a Shichibukai primarily to keep him from murdering marines, and he was one of the few who generally complied with their rules. Once released together with the others, he co-created Cross Guild alongside Crocodile.
* It might be that he had annihilated more individuals in the past. He was designated as a Shichibukai mainly to prevent him from killing marines, and he was one of the few who generally stuck to their rules. Following his release with the other members, he co-founded Cross Guild together with Crocodile.
* It’s possible that he had eliminated larger groups in the past. He was selected as a Shichibukai primarily to prevent him from murdering marines, and he was one of the few who generally obeyed their regulations. Once set free along with the other members, he co-founded Cross Guild alongside Crocodile.
* It’s plausible that he had eliminated multiple individuals in the past. He was chosen as a Shichibukai mainly to prevent him from killing marines, and he was one of the few who generally adhered to their rules. Upon being released with the other members, he co-established Cross Guild together with Crocodile.
* It’s possible that he had exterminated greater numbers in the past. He was appointed as a Shichibukai primarily to prevent him from murdering marines, and he was one of the few who generally complied with their rules. Once set at liberty along with the other members, he co-founded Cross Guild alongside Crocodile.
* It might be that he had erased more lives in the past. He was designated as a Shichibukai mainly to prevent him from killing marines, and he was one of the few who generally followed their rules. Upon release with the other members, he co-created Cross Guild together with Crocodile.

Arlong

Extorted Cocoyasi Village For Several Years

Current Affiliation: Unclear, arrested by marines.

Arlong is a Fish-Man who believes his kind is superior to humans and desires to oppress them, symbolizing the pain his people have endured at human hands. He forcefully taxed the inhabitants of Cocoyasi Village, eventually killing Bell-mère, a surrogate mother to Nami and Nojiko, after she disrespected him and refused to pay for her own life. This act marked Arlong’s entry into the East Blue, where he would later establish Arlong Park.

In the end, he managed to bring Nami into his group, appreciating her map-making abilities and assuring that he would liberate Cocoyasi Village if she paid him 100 million berries. Yet, Arlong didn’t stop at just extortion; he bribed corrupt marines by making them seize Nami’s savings. This shows that Arlong had no intention of setting her free or the village. The events in East Blue eventually prompted Jinbe, who would later join Nami’s crew and was once captain under Arlong, to express regret for advocating for his pardon.

Crocodile

Operation Utopia

Current Affiliation: Cross Guild

A crocodile, once a pirate, has grown disenchanted with the fantasies and romanticism tied to the golden era of piracy. Now, he yearns for power instead of legendary treasures. One of his most obvious power plays was the attempted takeover in Alabasta, aiming to become its new ruler. This operation, codenamed Utopia, was a multi-faceted plan.

Initially, Crocodile was admired by Alabasta’s people, seen as a hero until his deceit was revealed. He exploited Dance Powder to cause a widespread drought across most of Alabasta, while bestowing an abundance of rain on the capital city. The intention was to blame Nefetari Cobra, then ruler, for the disaster. To further his plot, they employed Mr. 2 Bon Clay’s abilities to pose as Cobra and order a massacre of innocent civilians, hiding any evidence of Dance Powder use. This act fueled growing dissent, sparking a civil war. Crocodile even placed a bomb in the city with the intention of killing everyone, and sought to utilize his Baroque Works subordinates to assassinate Nefetari Vivi, Cobra’s daughter, who had infiltrated their ranks.

Amongst all the atrocities attributed to Crocodile, this power grab, marked by numerous actual and attempted murders, stands out as one of his most heinous acts, for it encapsulates the vast majority of his other recognized transgressions within the storyline. Subsequently, Crocodile, along with Dracule Mihawk, established Cross Guild; however, due to some misunderstandings, Buggy was appointed as its public face instead.

Enel

Destroyed His Homeland

Current Affiliation: Himself

In a turn of events, Enel managed to upset each of the Sky Island Races by seizing control of Skypiea, essentially becoming an undisputed deity. This conquest also encompassed the “Upper Yard,” a region that was previously part of Jaya, causing resentment among Shandians who had been feuding with Skypieans over the territory for centuries. However, it’s worth noting that while Enel made significant strides in gaining power over these groups, the most heinous of his actions remain largely unseen by us.

It’s rumored that after acquiring the Goro Goro no Mi, Enel devastated his native town of Birka. His devotees, the God’s Army, make up most of the known Birkans in the series, though characters like Urouge are thought to be Birkan too. It remains a mystery whether he aimed to annihilate it or simply take control, as Skypiea was, but his actions certainly showcase his ruthless nature. Enel’s god complex is so profound that he doesn’t care about his own people, let alone others. Now, he resides on the moon, former home of all Sky Island races. He found contentment among the alien pirates living there instead. Currently, he governs a group of automatons who assisted him in his travels.

Rob Lucci

The Island Raid

Current Affiliation: Cipher Pol Aigis 0

Rob Lucci is one of the elite agents of the World Government, who once worked with Cipher Pol 9. Since his youth, he dedicated himself to becoming a relentless combatant through rigorous training. In an unsuccessful attempt, he infiltrated Water 7 alongside three other agents to acquire blueprints for Pluton, one of the ancient weapons. His failure to obtain Pluton and defeat the Straw Hat Pirates resulted in his dismissal, along with most of his team, as their leader, Spandam, blamed them collectively for the mission’s failure. After exposing a conspiracy by Spandam and his father to seize control of the government, Lucci was reassigned to Cipher Pol Aigis Zero, where he now works alongside his former colleagues, with Spandam now serving under him.

In a significant event that occurred about 17 years prior to the main storyline, Lucci, still a young teenager, was assigned to resolve a hostage crisis in a kingdom. A pirate captain had seized 500 soldiers as hostages and demanded to be crowned king in return for their release. In an extreme measure, Lucci ended the hostage situation by executing every single soldier himself. He subsequently eliminated the pirate crew and returned with the captain’s head as proof of his deed. This encounter left him with the scars on his back that are visible today, which were inflicted by the pirate crew’s gunfire.

Spandam

Attempted A Coup Against the World Government, Twice

Current Affiliation: Cipher Pol Aigis 0

Previously serving as head of Cipher Pol 9, Spandam is a character known for his alternating traits of detestability and weakness. His defining characteristic seems to be an ongoing struggle between these two aspects. While he may lack physical prowess, he compensates with his position of authority, often relying on nepotism as the foundation for his power. The main source of Spandam’s schemes appears to be his ambition to take over the World Government. Initially, he attempted this by manipulating the Five Elders into changing their policy regarding Ancient Weapons.

In his role as head of Cipher Pol 5, Spandam provoked Tom, who had trained both Franky and Iceburg, by using Franky’s battleships to attack a court ship, all while trying to grab hold of Tom’s design plans under the guise of this action. Despite not succeeding in his mission, his actions instigated events that eventually led to Tom’s execution. Furthermore, Spandam orchestrated the unsuccessful Cipher Pol 9 operation in Water 7 and inadvertently triggered the Buster Call, which brought a massive Marine force to Enies Lobby. This ultimately failed to keep Franky, Robin, or the Pluton blueprints out of the wrong hands, thwarting his initial attempt to manipulate the government.

During a time gap, he ascended to the position of head of Cipher Pol Aigis 0. However, following his part in another coup attempt, this time joined by his influential father Spandine, members of the criminal network, and a high-security prisoner from Impel Down, he was ultimately demoted due to their exposure by his previous comrades. Despite his limited ability to cause harm, his relentless aspirations led to unnecessary hardships for the Straw Hat Pirates.

Gecko Moria

Mass Shadow Theft

Current Affiliation: Thriller Bark Pirates

Gecko Moria, formerly a formidable pirate, derives his power from the Kage Kage no Mi, an ability that enables him to seize others’ shadows and implant them into dead bodies, resulting in the creation of zombies. The individuals whose shadows are taken slip into a coma and disintegrate if sunlight reaches their body without first touching their shadow. At his peak, Moria commanded hundreds of these undead creatures, thereby putting an equivalent number of people on the brink of death. Although he had reasons to keep them alive since his zombies would disappear if the shadow holders perish, he also showed little concern when some of his victims were destroyed by sunlight.

Moria demonstrates a profound sense of concern whenever members of his own crew are lost, as seen by his current state following Kaido’s slaughter of his entire previous team. This emotional response was also evident when the Blackbeard Pirates killed Absalom, causing Moria to refuse any alliance with them due to loyalty towards one of his surviving crewmates. However, it seems that Moria’s compassion only extends to those directly under him, as he appears to be indifferent about endangering others in the process.

Magellan

Oversaw Numerous Brutal Acts As Warden

Current Affiliation: World Government (Impel Down)

Magellan, a character, carries an intrinsic danger as his touch could be harmful. Previously, he served as the guardian of Impel Down, a prison located at sea, where the World Government houses its most infamous criminals. The extent to which he influenced the prison’s regulations is unclear, but it’s certain that he enforced the various penalties meted out to prisoners according to their respective offenses.

Each level in Impel Down offers unique penalties. Crimson Hell, the initial floor, demands inmates to maneuver amidst sharp-edged trees and prickly grass while avoiding guards and venomous spiders that spit poison. This is where the least disruptive prisoners are confined. Other punishments include being pursued by wild beasts, enduring forced hunger, being subjected to fire or freezing temperatures, and ultimately, a cell for a verdict on life or death.

It’s worth noting that although Magellan is known for being somewhat brutal, he went too far with his treatment of inmate Shiryu, who was executed due to his excessive cruelty towards prisoners. However, it wasn’t Magellan’s use of punishment that led to his demotion, but rather his inability to effectively manage a prison break orchestrated by Luffy. Despite this setback, Magellan is still widely respected as the Vice Warden of the prison.

Sakazuki

Involvement In The Ohara Incident

Current Affiliation: World Government (Navy)

Sakazuki, initially a marine admiral, was elevated to fleet admiral following his victory against rival contender Kuzan, who later chose to abandon the Marines. It was Cipher Pol agent Spandine who instigated what would become known as the Ohara Incident. He achieved this by drawing attention to scholars on Ohara who were endeavoring to investigate poneglyphs and the Void Century, a period strictly prohibited by law. Sakazuki and Kuzan were among the vice admirals summoned to address the situation on Ohara.

As a passionate narrator, I recount an instance where, as a vice-admiral, Sakazuki gave the order to fire upon vessels attempting to escape, fearing that scholars might be hiding amongst the civilians. This action solidified Sakazuki’s image as someone indifferent, if not cruel, towards innocents unintentionally ensnared in his military operations. That fateful day left a lasting impression on Kuzan, who developed an intense disdain for Sakazuki and the ruthless justice he adhered to. The news of Sakazuki’s promotion to fleet admiral can only foreshadow more innocent lives becoming collateral damage in the relentless battle against pirates that he champions.

2025-07-25 11:36