One Piece Characters Who Gave Up Being Marines

Characters from the “One Piece” narrative are often depicted as upholders of maritime law. They operate under the authority of the World Government, but beneath their official image hides a past marred by corruption, oppressive actions, and hidden truths that significantly influence many storylines within the series.

Consequently, certain Marine characters in One Piece perceive the system as corrupted and opt to depart from it, seeking their own path. However, others become power-hungry, desiring to wield their authority against the weak. Leaving the Marines is not merely a career shift for these characters; it’s a significant, life-changing decision that often makes them adversaries of the organization they previously served and protected.

Aokiji

The Man With A Different Kind Of Justice

First Appearance: Episode 225

Aokiji parted ways with the Marines due to a disagreement over principles, and his departure significantly shaped the Marine’s future trajectory. When Sengoku resigned as Fleet Admiral, both Aokiji and Akainu were potential successors. Aokiji advocated for a more adaptable form of justice that considered human discernment. This stance was evident in his handling of Ohara’s case involving Saul and Robin. On the other hand, Akainu represented unwavering justice, being stern and willing to make any sacrifice to maintain order.

Even though Sengoku advocated for Aokiji to be made Fleet Admiral, the World Government chose Akainu instead, setting up a confrontation between the two powerful admirals. This fierce battle on Punk Hazard lasted ten days and was so intense that it drastically altered the island’s weather pattern forever. Regrettably, Akainu was defeated in this epic clash. Instead of submitting to a commander whose principles he abhorred, Akainu decided to part ways with the Marines. Strikingly, Aokiji reappeared in an unforeseen location post his departure from the Marines – joining forces with the Blackbeard Pirates.

Jaguar D. Saul

An Ally Of The Ohara People

First Appearance: Episode 275

In his position as a vice admiral within the Marines, Saul demonstrated an impressive blend of strength and competence. Unlike some of his fellow officers who blindly adhere to commands, Saul possesses a compassionate nature and a strong moral compass. However, Saul’s perspective shifted dramatically from his Marine duties when he uncovered the truth behind Operation Buster Call in Ohara. The World Government had falsely accused the island’s scholars of being dangerous criminals, using this pretext to justify their brutal massacre under the guise of preserving history.

In that instance, Saul discerned the deception; he was certain these individuals posed no danger to the globe since he personally knew one of the imprisoned scholars, Olivia. At that critical juncture, Saul took a momentous risk and chose to betray the Marines. He felt compelled to act as an onlooker while innocent lives were being endangered, so he turned against his Marine comrades. Yet, going against the World Government’s mandates carried penalties, and Saul’s actions set the stage for his destiny. Admiral Aokiji obeyed commands and encased Saul in ice, but the former marine miraculously endured the experience.

Zephyr

The Rebirth Of A Villain

Appearance: One Piece Film: Z

Before becoming the infamous rogue figure known as Zephyr, he was a highly respected marine admiral and one of the most formidable fighters during his time. He was committed to shaping the future, investing his efforts in training new Marine recruits and instilling discipline for the purpose of safeguarding the world. Among his students in the Marines were Kizaru, Aokiji, Akainu, as well as numerous other Marine officers. Zephyr had faith in the Marine organization, but unfortunately, they failed him. During his time with the Marines, his wife and child met an untimely death at the hands of a pirate.

In the wake of a heart-wrenching family loss, I found myself contemplating leaving the Marines, but was persuaded to remain, taking on the role of an instructor instead. Years later, my entire division was wiped out by an unidentified pirate, and I lost my arm in the process. The World Government, in a move that pushed me beyond endurance, made the man responsible for my maiming and the deaths of my crew into the Sea Warlord. This atrocity served as my breaking point, and I finally chose to depart from the Marines. From there, I founded the Neo Marines and began plotting the annihilation of all pirates and the New World. Despite possessing immense power, my end eventually came.

Vergo

The Double Agent

First Appearance: Episode 597

In the One Piece series, it’s important to note that just because someone wears a Marine uniform doesn’t necessarily mean they are loyal to the Marines. For instance, Vergo, who appeared to serve in the Marine ranks, was actually a spy working for the Donquixote Family. From his youth, Vergo was one of Donquixote Doflamingo’s closest confidants and belonged to the Donquixote Pirates’ top-tier leadership. Doflamingo saw this as an opportunity and infiltrated the Marines with Vergo, encouraging him to advance through their ranks and serve as a mole. As time went on, Vergo rose through the Marine hierarchy, eventually reaching the rank of vice admiral and heading G-5, one of the Marine bases with a notorious reputation. In his role, Vergo manipulated the system to conceal information that could potentially harm Doflamingo’s operations.

If it weren’t for the happenings at Punk Hazard, Vergo could have carried on with his dual existence indefinitely. However, when Trafalgar Law and the Straw Hat Pirates joined forces, their actions started chipping away at the Donquixote Family’s control over the experiments. In an attempt to retain power, he resorted to brutally assaulting his own men, defeating Smoker, and even trying to kill Law. Ultimately, it was Law who ended Vergo’s life.

Monkey D. Dragon

The Revolutionary

First Appearance: Episode 52

Dragon, son of Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp and father of Luffy’s crew captain, currently leads the Revolutionary Army. This group stands in opposition to the World Government, which he views as flawed after gaining firsthand knowledge of its inner workings through his time with the Marines. Having witnessed corruption within their ranks, Dragon has chosen to fight against it.

Similar to numerous other major characters in the series, Dragon’s early years are shrouded in mystery. The Marines, despite their constant rhetoric about justice, predominantly serve the Celestial Dragons, a powerful elite that prosper from oppression. Unlike figures like Aokiji who left the Marines and joined the Blackbeard crew as a lone wanderer, Dragon did not simply depart; he assembled an army with the intention of dismantling the system. What sets him apart is his choice to become a revolutionary rather than a pirate, unlike many others who choose piracy, but Dragon sought change instead.

Gasparde

A Pirate At Heart

Appearance: One Piece The Movie: Dead End Adventure

Unlike other soldiers who departed from the Marines after losing trust in the system, Gasparde chose to leave for reasons different than ideological conflicts. Instead, he had little regard for justice from the start, which is why he ultimately turned to piracy without hesitation. It was never his intention to serve as a Marine and he didn’t pretend otherwise.

Therefore, he gathered a band of relentless outlaws, integrating them into his group. Additionally, he consumed the Ame Ame no Mi, a logia-type devil fruit that transformed his physique into syrup. Equipped with these novel powers and an utter disregard for righteousness, Gasparde became a formidable pirate on the ocean. However, his overconfidence led to his demise. He encountered Luffy on the sea, underestimated him, and was defeated.

2025-01-31 07:34