Pirates Who Would Make Better Marines

Summary

Marines prioritize punishing criminals over true justice, making some pirates more effective at upholding justice.
Luffy’s heroism contrasts with the failures of the World Government, showing the complexity of morality in the series.
Shanks and Whitebeard showcase heroic piracy, protecting those neglected by the law and emphasizing freedom over strict rules.

In One Piece, it’s often portrayed that pirates are selfish criminals solely focused on personal gain. However, the series also reveals a more complex truth. The actions of the World Government have been repeatedly criticized, and at several instances in the plot, their faults directly contribute to characters choosing a life of crime.

The claim that the Marines prioritize justice and protect civilians is often debated, as it’s unclear how many actually do so consistently. The ideology they supposedly adhere to, Absolute Justice, seems to focus more on punishing wrongdoers harshly rather than fostering a genuine sense of justice. It raises questions about whether some pirates might not be better suited for the Marines, given their demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining order and upholding justice.

1. Monkey D. Luffy

Justice As Freedom

Crew: Straw Hat Pirates

In this popular series, Monkey D. Luffy is our main character, often embodying heroic actions. Despite occasionally clashing with the World Government over important matters, he predominantly takes on other criminals who are significantly more unscrupulous than himself. To an extent, Luffy has had to intervene and extinguish the blazes ignited by the government’s pardon of pirates, which they then deputized. Furthermore, Luffy has ventured into territories where the World Government holds no authority or responsibility, helping these regions manage the criminal elements that ruled over them.

This individual naturally embodies heroic traits, having learned much from Monkey D. Garp, a naval hero who is also one of its current trainers. The Marines might gain more respect if he were part of their ranks, but he has consistently expressed discontent with that idea. His foster brother, Portgas D. Ace, remarks that Luffy, like himself, is the son of an notorious outlaw (specifically Monkey D. Dragon, a former marine who led the Revolutionary Army). Luffy sees piracy and, ultimately, the Pirate King, as careers that offer freedom instead of the navy’s strict rules. However, it may be his pursuit of “freedom” that fuels his heroic actions initially.

2. Shanks

From Noble To Criminal

Crew: Red Hair Pirates, Roger Pirates (Formerly)

Born into the esteemed Figarland clan, renowned as World Nobles, I found myself surrounded by those whose wealth and status were shielded by the very government they ruled over. My father and brother held significant influence even among their fellow nobles, serving as members of God’s Knights. However, my prestigious lineage was unintentionally tarnished when, as an infant, I was hidden within a treasure chest and inadvertently claimed by the Roger Pirates. As fate would have it, this misplaced treasure led me to join their crew, where I witnessed the future King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger, at work.

Following their separation, Shanks established his own pirate group, known as the Red Hair Pirates. Shanks had a close relationship with the rural village Foosha, where Luffy hails from. His crew often safeguarded this village. A significant event took place when Shanks sacrificed his arm to save Luffy’s life and handed over his straw hat, which was a present from his captain. This selfless act had a profound impact on Luffy. Moreover, Shanks’ heroic piracy extended beyond Foosha Village. He marked certain territories for protection against potential threats, demonstrating that he is willing to delegate tasks to others for the sake of security. It’s also worth noting that despite having access to high-ranking positions in society, his elder brother claims Shanks declined such offers.

In my perspective, Shanks opted to shield those who might’ve been overlooked by the law, rather than bask in its protective embrace. His deep respect for Roger and the lifestyle he embodied likely steered him away from adhering to the law just for its own sake.

3. Nami

Greedy But Kind

Crew: Straw Hat Pirates, Arlong Pirates (Formerly)

Initially, Nami was an orphan girl, who was taken care of by another orphan girl named Nojiko, and they were both looked after by a marine named Bell-Mère, who later decided to retire and raise them as a single mother. Despite the deep bond between the three, Nami felt discontent due to the limited resources in their household. This dissatisfaction may have fostered a streak of greediness that surfaced throughout her pirating journey. Forced to work under Arlong to safeguard her village, she eventually joined the Straw Hat Pirates after they vanquished his crew.

Although she may possess some unfavorable characteristics, she is portrayed as a woman who genuinely cares and shows compassion towards others, especially children. She demonstrated this when she prioritized the welfare of the child subjects in Punk Hazard and was ready to collaborate with the Marines for their protection. Beneath her facade of self-centeredness, her virtuous traits surface when they truly matter. Her nurturing and compassionate nature are qualities that become less prevalent as one ascends the Marine ranks. Although some high-ranking Marines do good deeds, they often cause more harm than good. Similar to Luffy, Nami desires to bring about goodness on her own terms.

4. Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate

A Victim Of Marine Negligence

Crew: Whitebeard Pirates, Rocks Pirates (Formerly)

Edward Newgate, born an orphan on the impoverished island of Sphinx, resided in a territory not safeguarded by marines due to its failure to pay the Heavenly Tribute, a tax collected from protected territories to fund the extravagant lifestyles of World Nobles. This neglect led to further poverty and lawlessness on the island. As Whitebeard, Newgate embarked on his pirate career, primarily using his earnings to alleviate the suffering of Sphinx’s citizens. He also expanded his territories, and displaying his flag over some of them served as a declaration of war against his powerful crew.

Because he’s let his home fall into disrepair for so long, it seems Newgate might not be interested in associating with the Marines. Yet, his unwavering dedication to safeguarding others, a quality that truly heroic marines would admire or at least aspire to, is worth noting. Interestingly, the only instances where Marines have been spotted near his territory were when they were trying to retrieve the treasure hidden there.

5. Marco

Whitebeard’s Right Hand

Crew: Whitebeard Pirates

Marco joined the Whitebeard Pirates at a very young age and over time became his captain’s closest advisor, eventually taking command of the first division. Following his captain’s demise, he remains dedicated to fulfilling his vision. In pursuit of this goal, he journeyed to the Wano Country to aid in its final liberation, which may have been a gesture of goodwill towards Kozuki Oden and his associates who once sailed with the Whitebeard Pirates.

After Whitebeard’s demise, Marco predominantly resided in Sphinx, transitioning into a physician role. This profession was chosen to secure the island’s safety following his captain’s passing. His past remains largely undisclosed, but it is plausible that he too was an orphan who found refuge in his captain’s crew, which served as the family he had never known. Marco’s Devil Fruit abilities highlight his benevolent nature. He can employ his Phoenix flames for self-healing and to mend others afflicted by injury or illness. Given his inclination towards rescue and healing, Marco would make an ideal marine.

6. Bartholomew Kuma

A Criminal Existence

Crew: None, Previously Affiliated With The Revolutionary Army

Bartholomew Kuma is a powerful individual hailing from the pirate species, a group characterized by towering stature and a mix of giant blood. Once a slave in God Valley due to the discrimination against his kin, he found freedom after allying with two other enslaved children, Ivankov and Ginny. Subsequently, Kuma acquired Devil Fruit abilities. In his native Sorbet Kingdom, Kuma served as a priest who alleviated the elderly’s persistent discomfort using his Devil Fruit powers.

Later on, he and Ginny joined the Revolutionary Army following the tyrant of Sorbet’s kingdom’s plan to oppress parts of its population. Sadly, she was taken captive, fell ill, and was forced into an unwanted marriage with a noble, giving birth to Jewelry Bonney. Kuma assumed guardianship of the child. Bonney contracted the same fatal disease as her mother, prompting Kuma to approach Dr. Vegapunk for help. Vegapunk discovered a cure, but the conditions under which he provided it resulted in him losing his autonomy and becoming the blueprint for a line of deadly cyborgs known as Pacifistas, created by the government. He rose through the ranks and became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, remaining fiercely loyal to them. Yet, even during this period, he secretly assisted both his old comrades and the Straw Hat Pirates. After experiencing enslavement and losing control over his own mind, Kuma battled against his programming and rescued his adopted daughter.

Though the authorities aimed to control every move I made, my unique background as a member of a persecuted race prevented me from fully embracing the marine life. The way I was handled by the government highlighted deep-rooted systemic issues within their ranks. Instead of showcasing my compassionate side and selfless capabilities, they chose to highlight my destructive traits, creating a misleading portrait of the genuine man I am.

2025-02-25 08:06