10 One Piece Characters Who Earned Whitebeard’s Ultimate Respect Revealed!

Summary

Izo gained Whitebeard’s respect by staying loyal and becoming the 16th division commander.
Whitebeard respected Kaido’s power despite their differences in morality.
Luffy’s determination to save Ace in the war earned Whitebeard’s admiration.

Known as Whitebeard, the legendary pirate Edward Newgate is seldom moved by mere mortals. Given that he was considered the strongest man in existence during his prime, anyone wishing to make a lasting impression on him must exceed expectations, demonstrating they possess the skills necessary to either challenge him as an equal or join him as a trusted crewmate.

Even though Whitebeard is typically kinder and more approachable than most pirates in One Piece, he has a tendency to brush off individuals if he perceives them as weak or unworthy of his valuable time. Nevertheless, the characters discussed here managed to win Whitebeard’s esteem through their actions and words, frequently gaining a position on his ship or at least becoming someone he closely observed during his epic voyages across the vast oceans.

8. Izo

After Izo Stumbled Onto His Ship Alongside Oden, Whitebeard Started To Warm-Up To The Gun-Wielding Samurai

First Appearance: Episode 461

When Oden unexpectedly leaped onto Whitebeard’s vessel as they were leaving Wano, Izo, questioning his motives, opted to follow suit. It was Marco who ultimately invited him aboard, but the captain, Whitebeard, didn’t appear overly enthusiastic about a mysterious samurai joining their crew; however, his perception of Izo would eventually evolve positively over time.

Initially, Oden departed from Whitebeard’s crew to join Roger, but Izo chose to remain on board until their fateful encounter during the Marineford War. Although this left him absent from much of the narrative, his eventual promotion to commander of the 16th division underscores the high level of trust and respect that Whitebeard had for the samurai who wielded pistols.

7. Kaido

Whitebeard Would Have No Choice But To Respect His Former Crewmates’ Strength

First Appearance: Episode 736

Reflecting on their incredible might as single entities, it seems challenging to fathom the level of destruction and turmoil that Whitebeard and Kaido must have caused together in the Rocks Pirates crew. Although it’s doubtful that Whitebeard would admire Whitebeard’s skewed moral compass or his penchant for violent sprees, what he did appreciate was the Yonko’s immense power.

In the wake of Oden’s demise, I found it plausible that Whitebeard would have charged into Wano for retribution. However, he chose a different path, sensing that Kaido, a unique entity in the One Piece world capable of instigating the annihilation of an entire nation if provoked, was too formidable to confront at that moment. Few can match Whitebeard’s might, but Kaido stands out as an exception.

6. Monkey D. Luffy

Luffy’s Determination To Save Ace From Being Killed Didn’t Go Unnoticed By Whitebeard

First Appearance: Episode 1

To prevent Ace from being executed by the Marines, Whitebeard assembled his entire armada and was ready to engage in battle if needed. However, unbeknownst to him, help was on its way in the form of Luffy. At first, Luffy’s impulsive and bold personality seemed odd to Whitebeard, but once Luffy charged towards Ace, leaving many Marines in his wake, Whitebeard recognized that they both shared the same goal.

It wasn’t overlooked by Whitebeard that Luffy dared to face all three Admirals simultaneously, such courage was highly respected by Whitebeard during the war. Despite having a brief encounter with Luffy towards the end of his life, Whitebeard’s impression of him transformed significantly upon witnessing his bravery.

5. Kouzuki Oden

Oden Came Across As A Bumbling Idiot, But Whitebeard Came To Ackwnoledge His Passion To Become A Pirate

First Appearance: Episode 960

Upon unexpectedly landing in Wano, I found myself standing near Whitebeard, observing as his crew disembarked. A certain samurai named Oden, with dreams of global exploration and opening up Wano’s borders, couldn’t hide his eagerness to join the legendary captain. However, Whitebeard seemed uninterested in the clumsy samurai at first, instead assigning him an arduous task – holding onto a chain being dragged across the sea for three long days as a form of humiliation.

After Oden demonstrated his exceptional abilities in a remarkable way, Whitebeard formally incorporated him into the team, eventually admiring his swordsmanship greatly. However, before long, Oden left Whitebeard’s crew to join Roger’s, but despite some initial reservations, Whitebeard held Oden in high regard, considering him as one of his own even though he wasn’t overjoyed about Oden’s initial attempt to join the ship.

4. Shanks

Whitebeard’s Fellow Yonko, Shanks, Was Much Easier To Get Along With Compared To Kaido And Big Mom

First Appearance: Episode 1

As Yonko, Whitebeard and Shanks were sworn adversaries, yet they didn’t consistently behave in that manner. While it was not uncommon for them to engage in a fight occasionally to test their Haki and sword abilities, instances like when Shanks agreed to prevent Kaido from disrupting Whitebeard’s voyage to Marineford demonstrate the mutual respect these two captains have for each other.

Shanks differs significantly from Kaido and Big Mom because he isn’t a ruthless warmonger who takes pleasure in violence. Instead, at his core, he is a noble captain who champions justice when needed, a trait that resonates deeply with Whitebeard.

3. Portgas D. Ace

It Was Hard Not To Acknowledge And Respect Ace’s Unwavering Loyalty To The Crew

First Appearance: Episode 91

Initially green and eager as a pirate, Ace set out with the ambition to slay Whitebeard. However, following countless unsuccessful attempts, he eventually conceded and earned a place on Whitebeard’s crew instead. Over time, Ace’s commitment to his captain and adherence to the crew’s rules intensified, while Whitebeard developed a profound bond and deep respect for Ace, particularly admiring Ace’s efforts to maintain the “family” unit.

When Blackbeard traitorously stole the Yami Yami no Mi, Ace determinedly pursued him. Though it wasn’t the wisest choice given the distance, Ace’s relentless pursuit to set things right left a lasting impact. Whitebeard, instead of abandoning Ace after his capture, demonstrated an immense amount of affection and admiration for Roger’s son by launching a full-scale war in a valiant attempt to rescue him.

2. Marco

The Blue Phoenix Would Make Such An Impression On Whitebeard That He Eventually Became His Right-Hand Man

First Appearance: Episode 151

In the narrative, we don’t delve too deeply into Marco’s past, yet it’s evident that he spent a significant part of his life as a crew member under Whitebeard. From the flashbacks, Marco appears as a pirate who can be headstrong and immature, which isn’t typically what Whitebeard seeks when choosing new recruits. However, it doesn’t take long for Marco to demonstrate to Whitebeard why he merits advancement in the crew hierarchy.

Over time, Marco’s tactical prowess, combined with his dual-purpose Mythical Zoan fruit, gained him such high regard from Whitebeard that he appointed Marco as the first commander of his crew. This became evident during the Battle of Marineford, where it was clear that Whitebeard held immense trust in Marco’s skills and had deep respect for the loyal companion who stood by his side through thick and thin.

1. Gol D. Roger

Roger Was One Of The Only Men Strong Enough To Be Considered A Rival

First Appearance: Episode 1

One of the most awe-inspiring moments in the series occurs when Whitebeard and Roger exchange powerful sword blows. However, what makes this fight extraordinary isn’t their intention to kill each other, but rather their mutual enjoyment and camaraderie. Their eyes sparkle with excitement, and they can’t help but break into wide grins as they engage in an intense duel. Afterwards, they celebrate their battle by sharing a few bottles of sake, toasting to their shared pain.

Roger was one of the few individuals who could fight evenly against Whitebeard due to his proficiency in Haki. However, in the past, Roger had been Whitebeard’s adversary, particularly with the Rocks crew. But it’s understandable that over time, anyone as charming and powerful as the legendary Gol D. Roger would inspire some degree of admiration.

2025-04-21 08:35