One Piece Pirates Who Used To Work For the World Government

Key Takeaways

Some powerful characters were once government-affiliated pirates before turning to piracy.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea, a government-sanctioned group, abused power and caused chaos.
The Warlord system has been abolished, leading former members to potential new allegiances.

As I delve into the captivating world of One Piece, it’s evident that these characters have lived lives far more adventurous than mine ever could be! From the enigmatic members of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, to the formidable Blackbeard Pirates, each one has a story as unique as their Devil Fruit abilities.

In the fictional universe of One Piece, the World Government and its different departments are designed to govern the world and supposedly eradicate piracy. However, despite this objective, piracy continues to be a widespread phenomenon across the globe. It’s not just external forces that pose a threat; sometimes, the problem originates within their own ranks.

These pirates were connected to the government and, for a period, worked on its behalf, orchestrating their pirate activities simultaneously. Below is a list of pirates previously hired by the World Government.

5 Vergo

The First Corazon

Debut: Chapter 671 (Manga), Episode 597 (Anime)
Devil Fruit: None

Initially, Vergo served under Donquixote Doflamingo and was captivated by his mastery of Conqueror’s Haki at just ten years old. His initial loyalty earned him a prominent role within the crew, alongside other faithful followers. Interestingly, even though Doflamingo held the title of a Warlord under the World Government, Vergo had already been working as an informant, infiltrating the marines before that time by joining their ranks.

With Vergo reaching the position of Vice Admiral, his spot on the crew became vacant by default. In his stead, a Marine spy named Rosinante, who is actually Doflamingo’s younger brother, assumed the rank of Corazon. However, it was due to Vergo’s actions that Rosinante’s betrayal was exposed and he ultimately met his end.

Later on, Vergo revealed his true identity, following his unsuccessful attempt to eliminate a band of marines and pirates confined within prison walls. It’s uncertain how many people learned about his wrongdoings, as Smoker opted to shield his subordinates from unnecessary suffering. Eventually, he perished at G5 in a room that Doflamingo detonated from afar. Despite his untimely demise, Vergo found peace, with Doflamingo expressing genuine gratitude for his long-standing loyalty and service.

4 Who’s-Who

One of the Tobiroppo

Chapter 977 (Manga), Episode 982 (Anime)
Devil Fruit: Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Saber Tiger

One of Kaido’s top lieutenants, Who’s-Who, ranks below only the three All-Stars. Before joining the Beasts Pirates, he led his own crew. However, his career began even earlier, as a member of Cipher Pol 9, a government organization. As such, Who’s-Who was trained as an assassin from childhood, specializing in the martial art of Rokushiki. Additionally, he is capable of transforming into an animal, like several other individuals within their group, including Rob Lucci, Kaku, and Jabra.

Despite his powerful reputation, a past failure led to him losing his job as guardian of the Gomu Gomu no Mi, which was stolen by the Red Hair Pirates. This theft resulted in his imprisonment at Impel Down before he took up piracy. After forming his own crew, they were later absorbed into Kaido’s, with Who’s-Who eventually earning a top position as one of six officers. He ultimately lost a fight against Jimbei. Since Kaido’s alleged demise and the capture of several All-Stars, the current status of Who’s-Who’s crew is uncertain, as its existence and his role within it are temporarily unclear.

3 Shiryu

One of the Ten Titanic Captains

Debut: Chapter 538 (Manga), Episode 440 (Anime)
Devil Fruit: Suke Suke no Mi

Previously, Shiryu served as the Chief Warden at Impel Down, a penal institution submerged in the ocean, run by federal authorities. However, his ruthless behavior exceeded their tolerance and led to his sentence on the clandestine sixth level, where prisoners with unspeakable crimes languish, awaiting their death. During the uprising at Impel Down, Shiryu was ordered to participate despite still being marked for execution. Yet, a glimmer of hope emerged when he encountered the Blackbeard Pirates. This small, government-linked crew, composed of merely five members, led by Captain Marshall D. Teach, decided to augment their ranks by enlisting some of Impel Down’s most notorious convicts.

In a harrowing incident, the team was poisoned following an assault by the formidable former warden, Magellan. Just in the nick of time, Shiryu administered the antidote, rescuing everyone from a certain demise and earning a spot among the five inmates who joined the crew during their escape. Despite forsaking their allegiance to the government, both Blackbeard and Shiryu expanded their crew upon Whitebeard’s burial site. Eventually, Teach ascended to the position of Emperor, assuming the self-appointed title of Admiral. This elevated his initial comrades to nine of his Ten Mighty Captains.

2 Kuzan

The Tenth Titanic Captain

Debut: Chapter 303 (Manga), Episode 225 (Anime)
Devil Fruit: Hie Hie no Mi

Kuzan was a marine who worked his way up to the rank of admiral. He was notably a protégé to Luffy’s grandfather, Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp. Despite their employment, the pair had varying disdain for the World Government. Kuzan notably became an adherent of Lazy Justice, believing it rarely worthy of being enacted, after the massacre in Ohara. Garp’s own disdain was more directed at the World Nobles, who were the reason he refused to become a full-fledged Admiral despite being offered the position repeatedly. After the events at Marineford and Sengoku’s retirement, Kuzan had a days-long duel with Sakazuki, better known as Akainu, to determine which of the pair would become Fleet Admiral, effectively being in charge of the marines.

The outcome led to Akainu ascending to the rank of Fleet Admiral, which forced Kuzan to step down from his position. It was eventually revealed that he is a member of the Blackbeard Pirates, initially as one of their captains. However, the extent of his allegiance to the crew remains questionable, even among his fellow pirates who harbor suspicions about his reasons for joining. Despite these doubts, they appear content with his involvement in the crew at this time, given their general nature as useful allies for convenience.

Because he left the Marines formally, and unlike his fellow crew members appears less immoral, there are rumors that Kuzan might belong to SWORD, a covert operations group. It’s known that at least one former Marine is acting as a pirate for intelligence-gathering in SWORD. However, since Kuzan openly expresses contempt for the World Government and his intentions remain unclear, this theory is just speculation for now.

1 The Seven Warlords of the Sea

Government-Sanctioned Pirates

Debut: Chapter 49 (Manga), Episode 23 (Anime)
Devil Fruit: Varies, the majority of pirates to hold this rank are Devil Fruit users, but a few of them do not appear to have one

This group of pirates has diverse members, reasons for being pirates, and unique characteristics within their crews. The old Warlord system encouraged pirates to align with the government in return for reduced penalties for certain activities. Critics saw them as government puppets, but they generally held more power than typical pirates.

In simpler terms, a key issue that linked several governments and their associated kingdoms was misuse of power, causing harm to these realms. Both Crocodile and Doflamingo were jailed due to their offenses against these kingdoms; however, Crocodile managed to escape during a prison break. Some pirates joined for less selfish motives, like Hancock, who aimed to protect Amazon Lily from government intervention. She went on to openly defy the government and even betrayed them for Luffy during the Summit War. Post-event, she kept her position but made no secret of her animosity towards the World Government.

Jimbei initially joined the team to foster better connections between Merfolk and Humans, yet stepped down when refused to engage in combat against Whitebeard. Blackbeard’s motive for joining was purely to strengthen his own crew, departing once that objective was achieved. Law employed a similar strategy, leveraging his position for access to Marine bases, but discarding it upon siding with Luffy.

Among all members, it was only Bartholomew Kuma who appeared genuinely loyal to the government at one time, going as far as relinquishing his own independence. However, after reclaiming his autonomy, he didn’t hesitate to confront the Five Elders. In the end, his persistent defiance prompted Issho to propose the abolition of the system, a decision backed by rulers from various affected kingdoms. This proposal was passed, resulting in no known pirates being employed by the government at present.

It remains uncertain which specific pirate crews might join them, but there’s a popular theory that they could affiliate with Cross Guild – a mercenary band established by Crocodile, Mihawk, and Buggy, the latter serving as their leader. Known for placing bounties on marines, this group may soon attract more former Warlords due to the government no longer endorsing their operations, potentially leading to conflicts with them.

Instead of them, Dr. Vegapunk’s lunarian-hybrid pacifistas (partially made with the DNA of warlords), which we now call Seraphim, have been deployed. These formidable beings have demonstrated the ability to confront Emperors and their crews, and they are already being utilized in specific missions, specifically against tough pirates.

2024-11-09 13:34