One Piece: The Most Influential Villains Who Rule the World

In addition to the notorious pirate crew members, it’s important to note that there are numerous wicked and excessive characters hidden among the Marines and their associates in the world of One Piece.

This compilation examines undeniably wicked characters, regardless of whether they operate on the right or wrong side of the law. We’ll assess their impact by considering their role within the story’s world. Many of them hold leadership positions, but their influence extends beyond the groups they control. Here are the most powerful villains in the universe of One Piece.

10. Arlong

Hateful Towards Humans

Affiliation: Arlong Pirates (Captain), Sun Pirates (Formerly)

It can be inferred that Arlong’s impact mirrors Fisher Tiger’s, since nearly every fish-man character in the series is connected to him. However, while Tiger abhorred anti-human prejudice, considering it unfit for fish-men, Arlong saw it as a positive trait. Furthermore, the Arlong Pirates came before the Sun Pirates, and as a young adult, Arlong’s beliefs influenced a young Hody Jones and his companions.

Following his departure from the Sun Pirates, Arlong formed his own group of pirates once more and settled in East Blue, using bribes to manipulate some marine patrols within the region. Despite suffering a defeat at the hands of Monkey D. Luffy, Arlong’s impact remained significant. The New Fish-Man Pirates, under the leadership of Hody Jones, sought to overthrow Ryugu Kingdom and impose their beliefs upon its fish-man inhabitants. However, even though this coup ultimately failed, it was partially due to the intervention by Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew.

Despite the general mistrust that many merfolk have towards humans due to the oppressive actions of World Nobles and similar groups, Arlong’s particular bigotry towards all humans was significant in influencing other merfolk on its own terms.

9. Dracule Mihawk and Crocodile

Co-Founders of Cross Guild

Affiliation: Cross Guild (Co-Leaders), Baroque Works (Former Leader; Crocodile Only), Seven Warlords of the Sea (Formerly)

Dracule Mihawk, famously known as the world’s most powerful swordsman, has encountered every other claimant to this title and is believed to have bested them all. In addition, he takes on the role of mentor to Roronoa Zoro, whom he appears to consider a potential successor to his title.

Although Mihawk used to enjoy hunting marines in his spare time, he eventually became part of the Seven Sea Warlords, a team that consists of pirates officially endorsed by the government, likely for the purpose of confronting formidable adversaries. However, this group was ultimately dismantled due to alleged corruption among its members, with pirates like Crocodile exploiting the absence of government control.

The elusive character known as the Crocodile, formerly Mr. 0, often hides himself while gradually gaining control. He established Baroque Works, an organization whose mission was to conquer Alabasta, all while posing as its protector. After being unmasked and publicly shamed in Alabasta, he was eventually transported to Impel Down. However, he managed to escape from there after joining a riot instigated by Monkey D. Luffy, ironically one of the reasons for his initial imprisonment. Despite this connection, he fought alongside Luffy during the Summit War, clashing with figures such as Mihawk and government affiliates.

After gaining his liberty, Crocodile teamed up with Dracule Mihawk to establish Cross Guild, a replacement for Buggy’s Delivery, which was initially financed by him. This new mercenary group primarily targets Marines and places bounties on them to motivate their capture or demise. To shield themselves from potential punishment, Crocodile and Mihawk placed Buggy in a figurehead role. However, they remain the true leaders behind the scenes, making them the effective heads of one of the few organizations that openly defy the Marines, along with the Revolutionary Army.

8. Donquixote Doflamingo

The Arms Dealer

Affiliation: Donquixote Pirates (Captain), Seven Warlords of the Sea (Formerly)

Once a powerful figure known as the Celestial Dragon was overthrown, he gained notoriety for his exceptional skills in business. These abilities extended to both pirates and the World Government, with whom he maintained intricate relationships. His dealings within the criminal underworld were extensive, encompassing illicit trades of drugs, weapons, and even human trafficking. Prior to his downfall, he also owned an auction house situated in Sabaody Archipelago. The consequences of his defeat were far-reaching, effectively halting numerous conflicts, and sparked an attempt to retaliate against the Straw Hat pirates for eliminating him.

He had links with Kaido, utilizing fake Devil Fruits called SMILEs made by the SAD Caear Clown. These SMILEs were supposedly traded for valuable weapons within Wano, which some, like the World Government, tried to acquire from the country after Doflamingo was removed as a threat. He was also the former king of Dressrosa, ruling the nation with an iron fist for a long time. Some people wonder if Doflamingo’s recent imprisonment really means he’s gone for good, considering his numerous connections.

7. Kaido

An Emperor On Prime Real Estate

Affiliation: Beasts Pirates (Governor General), Rocks Pirates (Formerly)

Kaido serves as the leader of the Beasts Pirates. Although rumors suggest he’s dead, his strength and influence were considerable. He had a significant business alliance with Donquixote Doflamingo, due to his control over Wano Country. As an ally and powerful enforcer for Kurozumi Orochi, the shogun of Wano, Kaido was stronger than Orochi in power, and they usually agreed when it mattered. However, it’s important to note that technically, Orochi is his superior.

Beyond the high-priced merchandise he traded, Kaido was a formidable fighter who left many pirate crews crippled. Notably, subordinates like Basil Hawkins, Scratchmen Apoo, Sasaki, and Page One were once pirate captains in their own right. However, Kaido’s overpowering might compelled them to serve under him. The World Government and Marines hesitated to intervene in Wano Country due to the potential confrontation with this formidable criminal they had repeatedly failed to apprehend. Kaido earned the title of an “Emperor”, a prestigious designation bestowed by the World Government upon the four pirates they view as the greatest threats.

6. Big Mom

A Cunning Emperor

Affiliation: Big Mom Pirates (Captain), Rocks Pirates (Formerly)

Charlotte “Big Mom” Linlin possesses unique abilities derived from a Devil Fruit, enabling her to seize the spirits of individuals she overpowers. Similar to Kaido, there’s speculation about whether she’s truly deceased; however, her strength and durability cast doubt on this assumption. This power often serves as an effective tool for acquiring what she desires from various factions. She maintains connections with the expansive criminal underworld, functioning both as a customer and having some of her underlings serve as intermediaries. Her influence within it is so profound that even Underworld emperors attend her gatherings, understanding the potential repercussions for refusal. In the past, she coerced Ryugu Kingdom into a protection scheme: she would safeguard them in return for candy, but this arrangement was disrupted by Luffy, who opted to consume the sweets himself instead.

In this rephrased version: She rules over an island chain called Totto Land, made up of numerous islands where her offspring serve as ministerial figures. Additionally, she commands the Big Mom Pirates, a formidable group whose members have substantial bounties. Her children are often used in political maneuvers through arranged marriages to seize the power of their partners. The immense power she wields and her cunning strategies to expand it make her a terrifying and influential antagonist.

5. Blackbeard

A Newer Emperor

Affiliation: Blackbeard Pirates (Admiral), Seven Warlords of the Sea (Formerly), Whitebeard Pirates (Formerly)

Blackbeard gained control when he assassed his previous captain, Whitebeard, and seized his Devil Fruit abilities. Using his understanding of the pirate’s territories, he successfully took over several of them. He then engaged in a fierce battle called the Payback War, which eliminated most of the remaining crew members. As a result, those who survived are currently in hiding.

Blackbeard is depicted as commanding both a larger crew and notable figures within his own band of pirates. Among these notable subordinates is Kuzan, a former high-ranking marine officer who had aspirations to reach the position of fleet admiral. Kuzan’s crew includes several notorious pirates whose misdeeds were considered so heinous that the World Government chose to erase their presence from history. Blackbeard demonstrates exceptional prowess, having reportedly eliminated crews that managed to best other emperors, with the possibility that he may have taken out most of the Heart Pirates.

4. Sakazuki “Akainu”

The Fleet Admiral

Affiliation: Marines (Fleet Admiral), World Government

Sakazuki, commonly referred to as Akainu, is a merciless marine officer who doesn’t hesitate to use extreme force against lawbreakers. He is determined to uphold justice in his own way, even if it means confronting those of higher rank or punishing those below him. This ruthless approach has made him an enemy to many, including Monkey D. Luffy and Nico Robin, who have suffered personal losses due to his harsh policies.

Following a prolonged battle against Kuzan, he managed to secure the title of Fleet Admiral, granting him the greatest power within the Marine forces. Given his personal ideology of “Unyielding Justice,” it is expected that this concept will be frequently referenced in missions led by him.

3. Rocks D. Xebec

The Emperor-Maker

Affiliation: Rocks Pirates (Former Captain)

Captain Rocks D. Xebec, often overlooked, once commanded the Rocks Pirate gang. This band was formidable yet fractious, with its key members frequently clashing and struggling to adhere to commands. However, this crew served as a stepping stone between obscurity and great fame for numerous famous pirates, such as Kaido, Big Mom, and Whitebeard, who all went on to achieve terrifying power and influence.

Xebec harbored a grand ambition to rule over the entire world, and he delved into topics typically considered off-limits in pursuit of this dream. Unfortunately, when his crew encountered an alliance led by Monkey D. Garp and Gol D. Roger, they suffered defeat. Despite their subsequent disbandment, Xebec’s impact might have extended beyond the emperors under his command. Blackbeard named his main vessel, the Saber of Xebec, and given his passion for history, he may be more knowledgeable about this elusive pirate than others realize.

2. The Five Elders

The Public Leaders of the World Government

Affiliation: World Government (Public Faces)

This group is made up of five World Nobles, each having specialized authority in a specific area. Each member is considered a “saint” whose title as a Warrior God defines their specific domain. The most familiar version includes Jaygarcia Saturn (responsible for Science and Defense), Marcus Mars (Environment), Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro (Finance), Shepherd Ju Peter (Agriculture), and Topman Warcury (Justice). Notably, after the demise of Jaygarcia Saturn, Figarland Garling, head of God’s Knights, has taken over as the Warrior God for Science and Defense.

If any former members are still around, they remain unidentified. Each of these individuals holds significant power in the legal system and has the ability to manipulate laws according to their wishes. They even have the authority to punish those who typically evade such penalties, such as the World Nobles. Garling himself orchestrated the execution of Donquixote Mjosgard, a World Noble who collaborated with the attack on Charlos. Another World Noble, Shirahoshi’s attempted captor, was also subjected to punishment by him.

1. Imu

King of the World

Affiliation: World Government (Secret Ruler)

Behind the public figures known as the Five Elders in the World Government lies a hidden ruler, Imu, whose silhouette bears a crown. Sitting on the Empty Throne, this enigmatic character symbolizes their powerless reign, and they wield absolute control over all government actions. Punishing those who disobey them is not uncommon for this secretive figure, as evidenced by the death of Jaygarcia Saturn following his own misstep.

Beyond simply challenging dominant powers, Imu possesses the destructive capability to annihilate entire continents. This enigmatic figure also controls a vast portion of history, referred to as the Void Century. However, details about their character, methods, and possible deceitful strategies used to acquire and preserve power remain obscure. For now, what’s certain is the extent of their influence, as they effectively serve as the global authority, shaping laws worldwide.

2025-01-23 17:35