Villains With Heartbreaking Backstories In One Piece

In the world of One Piece, you’ll find a diverse array of villains, each with their unique forms and backgrounds. The series illustrates that wickedness isn’t confined to specific environments, as it emerges from various aspects of life. However, it’s worth noting that some villains share a trait: they often have a sorrowful past.

Some villains seem barely acquainted with tragedy, while others have been deeply affected by it, using this painful history as a catalyst for their descent into evil. It’s hard not to question if these characters would have chosen a path of wickedness without the influence of the tragic incidents that molded their past. These villains in our series possess some of the most heart-wrenching backstories.

1. Gecko Moria

Lost His Entire Pirate Crew to Kaido

Debut: Chapter 449 (Manga), Episode 343 (Anime)

Gecko Moria, often referred to as a pirate, is recognized more for his lazy demeanor than any genuine physical prowess. He typically relies on his Devil Fruit for power. Beneath this sluggish exterior, though, lies a heartbreaking past that led to his current state. Originally, Moria was the captain of the esteemed Gecko Pirate crew. Sadly, they were all wiped out by Kaido, despite their reputation.

Following the traumatic event at Moria’s former base, he decided to rebuild his pirate crew from undead members, reasoning that his loyal subordinates had failed due only to their being alive. Regrettably, one of the few surviving crew members in this newly formed, mostly zombie-filled crew was recently killed. His associate, Absalom, was brutally slain for his Devil Fruit by the Blackbeard Pirates. This act angered Moria so much that he rejected any alliance with a crew who primarily value power over mutual concern. He was captured, but managed to free himself and another living crewmate, Perona, from captivity.

2. Donquixote Doflamingo

A Celestial Dragon Defanged

Debut: Chapter 233 (Manga), Episode 151 (Anime)

From my perspective, it’s not hard to see that Doflamingo’s upbringing might have shaped him into a spoiled, potentially malevolent individual, had he known a different kind of childhood. You see, he was part of the World Nobles, an elite group whose ancestors established the World Government and willingly relinquished their sovereignty over kingdoms for greater wealth, influence, and status.

In essence, they were exempt from the law, and that privilege allowed them to engage in practices like enslaving people, eliminating dissidents, and behaving as if they were deities. This elite class has come to accept such behaviors as the norm.

For similar reasons, Donquixote Homing decided to renounce his noble title and live among commoners. This decision led to Doflamingo’s family being relocated from Mary Geoise, the capital of the World Government, where only nobles resided, and had their privileges revoked. However, their previous status as World Nobles instilled resentment in the general population who were adversely affected by the actions of other World Nobles.

As a consequence, Doflamingo, his younger brother Rosinante, their parents were all targeted by violent mobs who relentlessly attacked them. Homing tried to persuade the World Nobles to reinstate his family’s previous status to protect them, but was met with outright rejection. Sadly, Homing’s wife succumbed to poverty and illness, while her husband and children continued to endure hardship. Despite being disliked by the general public, a small group headed by a man covered in mucus was captivated by Doflamingo’s Conqueror’s Haki, and decided to serve him, providing him with a gun and a Devil Fruit. In a fit of rage, Doflamingo fatally shot his father, claiming it was an act of forgiveness for all the suffering he had inflicted upon him.

In the crew that followed, known as the Donquixote Pirates, Doflamingo’s associates rose to become the top-ranking officers. They eventually seized control of Dressrosa, causing hardship throughout the kingdom with their actions. Despite sharing many traits with the World Nobles, Doflamingo harbors a deep-seated grudge against them, stemming from the loss of his standing among them.

3. Kurozumi Orochi

Once An Innocent

Debut: Chapter 927 (Manga), Episode 921 (Anime)

In the land of Wano, the once powerful and disreputable Kurozumi Clan attempted a treacherous takeover when it seemed that the ruling Kozuki Family’s Shogun, who had no apparent heir, might not be able to maintain his position. Following the murder of several daimyo, their coup was unsuccessful as Kozuki Sukiyaki, later the next Shogun, miraculously arrived. After the head of the Kurozumi Clan received a severe punishment, resulting in the loss of most of their power and their leader being forced to take his own life through seppuku, the clan was widely despised by the people of Wano Country. This disdain led to many members of the clan being pursued and killed by the citizens of Wano.

One unfortunate soul among them, young Kurozumi Orochi, who later became embroiled in this uprising’s violence, was targeted by these violent mobs. Orochi didn’t understand why he was so despised, but over time, he grew to resent the people of Wano, as they made his life a torturous existence. Eventually, Kurozumi Higurashi, a fellow clan survivor along with Seminaru, approached him and urged Orochi to assume his grandfather’s role as shogun.

Although harboring deep-seated hostility towards the Kozuki family, Orochi devised a cunning plan to gain their favor. He resorted to deception and unscrupulous means to build his wealth and status, eventually ascending to the position of shogun. His reign was marked by oppression, and he retaliated against the Kozuki family with slander, possibly due to the lingering bias held by the citizens towards him. However, Orochi’s rule was brought to an end after a prolonged struggle by Kozuki Oden’s loyal retainers.

4. Kurozumi Kanjuro

Guilty By Association

Debut: Chapter 700 (Manga), Episode 629 (Anime)

Two entertainers belonging to the Kurozumi lineage, met their untimely end onstage due to their ties with the Kurozumi Family. This tragic event led their son, Kanjuro, to align himself with other members of the Kurozumi clan who were working covertly to elevate their new chief, Kurozumi Orochi, as the potential future shogun of Wano.

Relatives of Kanjuro avenged his parents’ deaths, leaving him an orphan who was ready to work as a spy for the Kozuki Family during their power decline. To do this, he became a hair thief and eventually caught the attention of Oden and his group. Over time, he and his eight companions earned the title “Nine Red Scabbards” by being part of this group. While working with the Kurozumi clan, Kanjuro shared information about the Kozuki clan, until his former ally Kin’emon ultimately killed him.

5. Senor Pink

Lost His Family

Debut: Chapter 702 (Manga), Episode 632 (Anime)

Senior Pink is a longtime associate of the Donquixote Pirates. After more than a decade with the crew, he found himself smitten by a woman named Russian, who harbored a strong disdain for pirates. To win her affection, Pink disguised his true profession and presented himself as a banker. The couple wed and had a son named Gimlet. Tragically, it appeared that Gimlet died during infancy while Pink was absent on business. To add to the tragedy, Russian discovered Pink’s deception and left him. She later met with a terrible fate in a landslide, leaving her brain-damaged. Racked with guilt over the pain he caused her, Pink visited his estranged wife and donned a baby cap, bringing a smile to her face despite their troubled past. Eventually, Russian passed away, but to remember the family he lost, Pink took to dressing like an infant.

Despite being deeply embarrassed due to his peculiar attire and less-than-ideal physique, he didn’t seem bothered at all. Surprisingly, Pink, who is not exactly fit and wears an unusual outfit, continues to captivate female audiences. However, he secretly hopes they would take a liking to someone younger instead.

Even now, he remains a part of the Donquixote Pirates, often finding himself at odds with Franky from the Straw Hat Pirates. After their confrontation, there grew a mutual admiration between them, and should they meet again, Franky expresses curiosity about Pink’s past.

6. Charlotte Linlin

Forgotten By Family

Debut: Chapter 651 (Anime), Episode 571 (Manga)

Despite her colossal stature and formidable power, Charlotte Linlin originated from ordinary human parents. Managing her proved challenging, so she was placed at Mother Carmel’s foster home in Elbaf – a sanctuary that welcomed all. There, she discovered acceptance but also found herself causing mischief due to her exuberant personality and immense size. This led to widespread dislike among the giants after an unintentional incident during the Winter Solstice Festival where Jorul lost his life. Linlin struggled with fasting, a common practice during the festival.

In contrast, Linlin’s exile from Elbaf was just one of many troubles she faced. It turned out that Mother Carmel, the woman taking care of the orphans, was involved in human trafficking, with some of these children ending up as marine recruits like John Giant, the first giant to join the force. On her sixth birthday, Linlin’s celebration ended with her tearfully consuming all the food provided. It seems she didn’t just eat the food meant for her, but also her fellow orphans and Mother Carmel, who had consumed the Soru Soru no Mi Devil Fruit. As a result, Linlin gained Carmel’s Devil Fruit powers. This violent incident was witnessed by Streusen, a pirate chef, who then approached Linlin to form a crew.

Eventually, Linlin transformed into both a pirate captain and mother, using multiple partners to further her vision of a unified, multi-ethnic society. Following her time with the Rocks Pirates, she emerged as an intimidating captain in her own right, creating the Big Mom Pirates, and giving birth to several powerful offspring who served as her loyal subordinates.

7. Kaido

Only Ever Valued For Strength

Debut: Chapter 795 (Manga), Episode 736 (Anime)

During their time together in the Rocks Pirates, Kaido and Linlin shared a bond reminiscent of siblings. This intriguing dynamic arises when you examine their similarities and contrasting backgrounds. While Linlin managed to escape a life of exploitation and embarked on her pirate journey, Kaido was essentially born into it. In the Vodka Kingdom, he served as a child soldier, participating in plundering other territories for admission into the World Government. However, as his doubts grew about this practice, he was given to the marines. Despite being repeatedly captured by them, Kaido kept escaping and even took advantage of their battleships’ supplies in the process.

Edward Newgate once invited him to join the Rocks Pirates, and even at a young age, he was already a powerful force. Later, their crew disbanded following a defeat in a battle against Garp and Roger at God Valley. Subsequently, Kaido underwent experiments at Punk Hazard, together with his future comrade, Alber (who became known as “King”). Their strength allowed them to endure harsh treatment during these experiments. Eventually, they managed to escape and established the Beasts Pirates.

In the Kurozumi Family’s scheme to seize control over Wano, Kaido was once more employed as their enforcer. Notably, he killed Kurozumi Higurashi who disrupted his battle against Oden. The Beasts Pirates had a lasting alliance with Orochi, the current shogun of Wano, which turned sour when Kaido failed to assassinate him, instead opting to install another, stronger Shogun who was more in line with his interests.

At heart, Kaido was raised with a belief that strength determines rightness. From the start, he excelled in confrontations, but was either manipulated or perceived as a threat whenever he could have been spared this destiny. Despite being captured by the Marines on multiple occasions, they’ve never managed to execute him. Kaido’s resilience has transformed his suicide attempts into a pastime of sorts, which prompted Urouge to offer prayers during one such incident.

2025-01-19 06:06