You have used all your credits for this month. Please add more credits to continue.

Summary

Former pirate captains in One Piece often end up as subordinate crew members under more powerful individuals.
Reasons for demotion vary from alliances and partnerships to being forcibly assimilated into new crews.
Despite losing authority, ex-captains like Ace and Brook can still climb ranks and hold influence in larger crews.

In the world of One Piece, it’s rare for pirates to be captains without having served under someone else first, with exceptions like our hero Monkey D. Luffy. Notably, all Pirate Emperors or Yonko, whether from the past or present, have done time as a loyal crew member before setting out on their own path. It’s also worth mentioning that this hierarchy can sometimes be reversed, with a captain having once served under another pirate.

Occasionally, a charismatic pirate leader may choose to relinquish their command, typically to serve under a more extraordinary pirate as their devoted second-in-command. This discussion will delve into these pirates, exploring their former roles as captains and the factors that led them to surrender their leadership in the current context.

1. Alvida

Ex-Captain of the Alvida Pirates

Reason(s) for demotion: Teamed up with Buggy to find Luffy

Initially, Alvida served as the first antagonist in the main plot, instilling fear in Koby with her menacing iron mace. However, Luffy, who showed no particular fear, easily defeated her using a single Gomu Gomu no Pistol. Known as the captain of the Alvida Pirates, she was not exceptionally notable. Afterward, she teamed up with Buggy, another early adversary of Luffy’s, during their encounter at Loguetown. Her apparent attraction to Luffy stemmed from his initial violent act, which she found “pleasurable,” yet she didn’t object when Buggy contemplated killing him.

Since her debut, she has consistently been associated with Buggy, even taking on the role of captain while he was imprisoned, but none of her original crew members have shown up. In subsequent adaptations of the crew, such as “Buggy’s Delivery,” Alvida is portrayed as ranking below him. At present, she is linked to the Cross Guild, which is a newer version of Buggy’s crew.

2. Buggy

Ex-Captain of the Buggy Pirates/ Buggy’s Delivery

Reason(s) for demotion: Unwittingly made Cross Guild’s scapegoat in place of its true leaders

Previously known as Roger Pirate, Buggy now holds the title of Emperor. His tenure as leader in the marine-hunting Cross Guild, however, was not a wise decision and seems to have been part of a larger plot orchestrated by its original masterminds. When Crocodile sought to collect on a debt he owed Buggy for establishing Buggy’s Delivery, the pirate captain appeared to be financially bankrupt. As a consequence, instead of repaying the debt, Buggy agreed to perform marketing tasks for the Cross Guild, the newly formed mercenary group led by Crocodile and Mihawk. However, Buggy’s astonished followers erroneously regarded him as the guild leader.

Initially angered, Crocodile and Mihawk opted to manipulate the situation, casting Buggy as a scapegoat to shift blame away from themselves as the real leaders. In essence, Buggy serves as a figurehead leader, but uses pomp and circumstance to project an air of authentic authority over his followers who are oblivious to his true power and admire him. The excitement of his subordinates for the One Piece is mirrored in their words, yet it elicits disapproval from those who truly command him.

3. Portgas D. Ace

Ex-Captain of the Spade Pirates

Reason(s) for demotion: Forcibly assimilated into the Whitebeard Pirates

Portgas D. Ace, son of the legendary pirate Gol D. Roger, harbored a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps as a pirate captain. He led the Spade Pirates until he was overpowered by Whitebeard, who not only subdued him but also extended an invitation for him to join his crew. After careful consideration, Ace agreed, thereby earning the title of Whitebeard’s “adopted son.” In large crews such as the Whitebeard Pirates, it is possible for former captains to regain some of their lost influence and even ascend in the ranks again.

Ever since he joined Whitebeard’s crew, Ace dedicated himself to serving their captain, forming bonds with numerous fellow pirates, and climbing the ranks to become the Division Commander, managing a part of the crew. Known as a formidable pirate, Ace defeated powerful opponents like Hanafuda, a subordinate of Kaido’s Warlord, and Doma, a well-known captain who later became an ally of Whitebeard, although he never officially joined the crew. Instead, he held the position of Subordinate Captain, retaining significant power within the crew. However, Ace’s subordinate Marshall D. Teach’s betrayal led him to challenge Teach separately, which eventually culminated in a series of events that resulted in both Ace and his captain perishing during the Summit War.

4. Brook

Ex-Captain of the Rumbar Pirates

Reason(s) for demotion: Former crewmates died many years ago, joined the Straw Hat Pirates as a musician.

Though he often acted childishly, the elderly pirate named Brook is an experienced figure in the pirate realm, having been part of the Rumbar Pirates band, initially led by Yorki. Tragically, Yorki and several other crew members fell ill with a fatal disease and isolated themselves to prevent its spread. Brook was then promoted to captain, navigating with the surviving Rumbar Pirates. Regrettably, they all perished following an ambush from another pirate crew wielding poisoned weapons. At age 38, after consuming the Yomi Yomi no Mi, Brook was miraculously brought back to life. Due to a damaged rudder on his ship, he spent numerous years sailing alone.

Instead, he found himself trapped on Thriller Bark, his shadow seized by Gecko Moria. In an attempt to vanquish Ryuma, the spectral being who controlled his shadow, he instead pleaded for leniency. Subsequently, he crossed paths with the Straw Hat Pirates and assisted them in their conflict against the pirates of Thriller Bark. Following the cessation of hostilities, Brook petitioned to become part of Luffy’s crew, a proposition that found favor with the captain, who had long desired a musician among his comrades.

5. Kibagaeru

Ex-Captain of the Fanged Toad Pirates

Reason(s) for demotion: Selected by Foxy Pirates in a Davy Back Fight

At the point when the Foxy Pirates were engaged in their battle against the Straw Hat Pirates known as the Davy Back Fight, this cross-eyed pirate was a new addition to their team. The Fanged Toad Pirates suffered heavy losses, resulting in their chief doctor, ship builder, and navigator being captured together with the Jolly Roger. Despite this, Kibagaeru and his comrades appeared initially delighted to have joined the Foxy Pirates.

Observing the scene, an unusual turn of events unfolded as Kibagaeru ejected Foxy from the crew following his defeat in the final Davy Back Fight. This move, in essence, sparked a rebellion among the crew members. Alongside characters like Porche and Hamburg, Foxy was compelled to depart, seeking Luffy’s mercy to rejoin the group. Interestingly, it seems that Foxy, Porche, and Hamburg are now the only remaining members of the Foxy Pirates. It’s speculated that Kibagaeru and others might have been defeated in Davy Back Fights against more formidable crews, potentially leading to their disappearance.

6. Jean Bart

Ex-Captain of an Unnamed Crew

Reason(s) for demotion: Captured and enslaved in the past

Once a well-known pirate captain, Jean Bart was later enslaved, leaving the details of his former crew or relationships with them uncertain. He was one of Saint Rosward from the Celestial Dragons, who kept a collection of ex-pirate captains, including Devil Dias of the Acumate Pirates. Forced to move on all fours like many slaves, Jean Bart was chained outside an auction house, where Rosward’s family often went to acquire more slaves.

In a clash against the marines together with Eustass Kid and Monkey D. Luffy, Trafalgar D. Water Law rescued Jean Bart from imprisonment. Since that incident, Bart pledged allegiance to Law and became part of the Heart Pirates. Tragically, Bart and most of his crew were believed to have perished when their submarine, the Polar Tang, was sunk during an encounter with the Blackbeard Pirates. However, it’s important to note that their demise has not been definitively confirmed.

7. Bellamy

Ex-Captain of the Bellamy Pirates

Reason(s) for demotion: Wanted to directly serve Doflamingo

Originating from the affluent town of Notice, Bellamy and his companions were granted permission to fly the Jolly Roger flag belonging to the Donquixote Pirates, but only so long as they maintained its honor. For a while, Bellamy held onto the belief that he and his crew could usher in a new era for piracy, following the age of dreams where power determined who possessed valuable treasures like the One Piece and the Golden Bell of Shandoria. However, this idea faced resistance from stronger pirates such as Marshall D. Teach and Monkey D. Luffy, who dealt a heavy blow to Bellamy, rendering him unconscious.

Following his defeat, Bellamy was reprimanded by Doflamingo for disrespecting the flag. In an attempt to make amends, he embarked on a journey to Sky Island with his former crew and managed to retrieve a golden pillar. Unfortunately, several of his comrades did not survive this perilous voyage.

Previously with his team, Bellamy switched allegiance to serve Doflamingo more closely. His newfound strength was evident, yet he was still defeated by Elizabello II’s King Punch. Bellamy confessed his long-standing admiration for Doflamingo and aimed to join his ranks, showing kindness and respect towards the officers of the crew. However, Doflamingo showed little affection towards Bellamy, often disregarding him due to his perceived weakness. After another defeat at the hands of Luffy, Bellamy realized his mistake and decided to abandon piracy altogether, instead choosing to train as an apprentice dyer. Despite this, Bellamy asked Luffy for a fragment of his Vivre Card, so he could potentially aid Luffy in the future if necessary.

8. Jimbei

Ex-Captain of the Sun Pirates

Reason(s) for demotion: Wanted to join the Straw Hat Pirates

Similar to Brook, Jimbei’s ascension to captaincy occurred following Fisher Tiger’s demise. This event prompted the crew to fragment into three distinct groups, with the Arlong Pirates and Macro Pirates splitting off. Eager to honor his predecessor’s legacy, Jimbei even attained the title of Warlord, thereby securing pardons for his comrades, enabling their return to Fish-Man Island. However, during the Summit War, he chose not to engage Whitebeard in combat but instead willingly submitted himself to imprisonment at Impel Down. It was here that he crossed paths with Luffy, the sibling of his acquaintance, Ace. During this incarceration, Luffy sought out and aimed to rescue his older brother. Over time, Jimbei developed a favorable opinion of Luffy and formed a genuine bond with him.

After their encounter on Fish-Man Island, Jimbei crossed paths with the Straw Hat Pirates. On this island, they collaborated with the Ryugu Kingdom against Hody Jones, the commander of the New Fish-Man Pirates. During this time, Luffy extended an invitation to Jimbei to join his crew. However, Jimbei had prior commitments and promised to sail with them later.

While preparing to leave, Jimbei sought to rescue his former comrades from the clutches of Big Mom, who had forced them into an alliance by protecting Fish-Man Island and arranging a marriage between her daughter, Charlotte Praline, and Aladine, a member of the Sun Pirates. However, Praline betrayed her mother when the Sun Pirates engaged in conflict with the Big Mom Pirates and eventually managed to escape.

In Big Mom’s absence, the Straw Hats claimed Fish-Man Island. True to his word, Jimbei rejoined the Straw Hat Pirates at a later date, in Wano. Since then, he has been sailing alongside them as a permanent member.

9. Jewelry Bonney

Former Captain of the Bonney Pirates

Reason(s) for demotion: With virtually no authority, as all crewmates are presumed incarcerated

As a member of the notorious Worst Generation, I, Jewelry Bonney, embarked on my pirating journey alongside other young, high-bounty rogues at the Sabaody Archipelago. Unbeknownst to many, I was born to an unnamed Celestial Dragon and a revolutionary named Ginny, who was his enslaved wife. My upbringing was overseen by Kuma, Ginny’s lover, who eventually met a tragic fate of being taken away and transformed into a Pacifista.

Growing up among a few childhood friends who knew Kuma and Ginny, I seized the helm as captain of my very own pirate crew, the Bonney Pirates, at just ten years old. Our mission was simple: find Kuma. With my unique Devil Fruit power, the Toshi Toshi no Mi, I could manipulate not only my age but that of others as well. This ability granted our crew a fearsome reputation for targeting the young and the old, earning us quite the infamous name.

I also utilized this power to evade detection when necessary – like when I transformed back into my true age to protect Zoro from being slain by Charlos. However, our reign of piracy was short-lived, as we were ultimately defeated by the Blackbeard Pirates and apprehended by the Marines.

Now that’s a tale worth spinning, don’t you think?

Only Bonney managed to avoid capture, and afterward she persisted in searching for Kuma individually. Later on, she made allies with the Straw Hat Pirates at Egghead. In essence, Bonney’s role as a captain is now questionable, even though she was seen active as a pirate after this timeframe. Eventually, Bonney encountered her father again, and there are hints they might have chosen to live in Elbaf. However, details about the fate of her crew members remain scarce.

10. At Least Five of the Beasts Pirates

X Drake, Scratchmen Apoo, Basil Hawkins, Sasaki, and Who’s Who

Reason(s) for demotion: Subjugated by Kaido

Despite having several distinguished ex-captains in the Beasts Pirates, such as members from the Worst Generation, a former Cipher Pol 9 agent, and more, their narratives share a common thread: they were all demoted from captain. Their crews encountered Kaido and ultimately chose to align with him, presumably due to his formidable power. However, it’s worth noting that the reasons behind some of the captains who were once part of the crew for joining Kaido are somewhat complex.

Basil Hawkins joined the Beasts Pirates out of fear, as he had been held captive by Scratchmen Apoo who had deceptively proposed an alliance while secretly being a member of Kaido’s crew previously. X Drake masquerades as a pirate, having assumed this role due to his affiliation with the Black Ops marine unit called SWORD. This background gives context to his actions, which appeared to be hostile towards Kaido, but were actually part of an infiltration strategy. Even though they no longer hold captain positions, many of these pirates still command a degree of respect within the crew. Drake, Sasaki, and Who’s Who make up half of the Flying Six, which represents the third-highest rank achievable within the Beasts Pirates.

2025-05-27 11:36