One Piece: A Missing Element In The Series

Key Takeaways

Bounty hunters are noticeably absent in One Piece lore, missing potential for a three-way power dynamic.
The rivalry between pirates and bounty hunters could have added depth and intensity to the series.
The presence of bounty hunters would have made bounties more than mere notoriety, creating constant threats for pirates.

As a die-hard fan of One Piece spanning over two decades, I can’t help but ponder the fascinating world created by Eiichiro Oda and wonder what it would have been like if bounty hunters had played a more prominent role. Growing up with pirates and marines, I always found myself yearning for a group that existed in the grey area between these two forces.

In a simplified and engaging manner, the universe of “One Piece” is expansive and richly detailed, boasting an array of elements that give depth and complexity to its world and narrative. Nevertheless, despite this intricate world-building and extensive lore, the series lacks one crucial element that would have been expected—the inclusion of Bounty Hunters.

In addition to Pirates and Marines, Bounty Hunters could have enriched the world of “One Piece” by offering insights into various segments of society, each with their unique strength. Furthermore, these bounty hunters would represent a faction that remains loyal not to either the Marines or Pirates, but solely to the rewards they pursue.

The Mystery Of Bounty Hunters

Where Are All The Bounty Hunters?

In the world of One Piece, there’s a lingering query—“Where did all the bounty hunters disappear to?” Previously in the series, bounty hunters were common figures, such as Zoro who was once a bounty hunter before joining the Straw Hats. He would capture pirates for their bounties, but his reasons were more about survival and sustenance rather than any deep-seated desire to hunt pirates.

Furthermore, despite being considered just a side story, the Ice Hunter Arc effectively highlighted the presence of bounty hunters within the world of One Piece. In this arc, Don Accino, wielder of the Atsu Atsu no Mi, was a formidable bounty hunter who led a crew. They had captured numerous pirates and displayed their flags as trophies. During their confrontation with the Straw Hats to seize their bounties, Don Accino’s crew suffered defeat, but they gave the Straw Hats a tough fight. In fact, they even made off with the Straw Hats’ Jolly Roger in the process.

The Missed Potential

How Bounty Hunters Could Have Added Depth To The Series

One Piece: A Missing Element In The Series

In a universe abounding in rewards for valor, the lack of individuals actively chasing these rewards is an untapped opportunity at its best. While pirates and Marines are sworn adversaries, they need not be each other’s sole foes, and the Marines aren’t always compelled to deplete their scarce resources in pursuit of the Sea’s Terror. The Marines have frequently found themselves in a bind, managing multiple formidable pirate crews simultaneously. In such scenarios, bounty hunters could have proven valuable allies.

In essence, given the prestige and acclaim from vanquishing a renowned pirate, coupled with the vast riches in millions and billions of berries, a formidable bounty hunter wouldn’t hesitate to act. This scenario would lead to a tri-hegemony in the One Piece world, comprising the Marines, Pirates, and Bounty hunters, instead of establishing a group like the Warlords of the Sea, who are essentially pirates acting under Marine command. Establishing a bounty-hunting hegemony would more readily match the power of the other two hegemonies, adding depth to the overall narrative.

Pirates Vs. Bounty Hunters

A Rivalry That Never Was

Competing pirates against bounty hunters would likely escalate into a fierce rivalry that could overshadow the existing ones in “One Piece”. Bounty hunters thrive on the idea of capturing pirates to receive rewards from the Marines, so their enmity is inevitable. However, this rivalry never fully materialized, at least not significantly.

Given the high number of bounties in the series and the scarcity of active bounty hunters, it’s intriguing to ponder why pirates are assigned bounties instead of being labeled as dangerous or assigned danger levels. After all, ordinary citizens wouldn’t have the ability to capture pirates, and if Marines apprehend pirates, they would be celebrated as heroes rather than receiving a bounty as a reward. Furthermore, pirates themselves cannot claim bounties from the marines because they are already considered ‘wicked’ and ‘unjust’.

A World Full Of Bounties But Few Hunters

Examining The Disconnect And How Bounty Hunters Could Have Changed The Power Dynamics Of One Piece

Instead of offering rewards if no one can claim them, could it be that the purpose of bestowing bounties on pirates is to underscore their menacing nature? In the world of One Piece, the intricate backstory suggests that bounty hunters might have deviated from the core values of freedom and law embodied by pirates and marines, respectively. This divergence could imply that the bounties issued by the Marines serve more as symbols of status rather than motivators for apprehending fugitives. However, the notion of the Marines awarding ‘trophies’ in the form of bounties to pirates seems paradoxical when considering their pursuit of justice.

If bounty hunters were involved, they’d transform the concept of bounties from symbols of honor into much riskier propositions. This would make only the most perilous pirates feel at ease sporting substantial bounties. It would also speed up the process of separating the weak from the strong, as characters such as Buggy and Usopp might find their bounties a source of embarrassment rather than pride. Furthermore, it would be amusing to see characters like Usopp being pursued for their high bounties and wishing they were smaller.

In essence, when riches or opportunities (referred to as “bounties”) aren’t accompanied by effective means for their acquisition, it creates a plot hole within the narrative. By introducing bounty hunters, we could have witnessed numerous intricate developments in the storyline. Furthermore, if high bounties carried not just a sense of infamy but an ongoing danger, even the most powerful pirates would find themselves uneasy.

One Piece is available to watch on Crunchyroll.

2024-11-06 21:05