Top 8 Most Impactful Deaths in One Piece

Summary

The deaths of key figures in One Piece have a significant impact on the story’s world-building and character development.
The important deaths of Queen Otohime and Fisher Tiger worsened the relationship between Fish-Men and humans in the story.
Ace’s sacrifice inspired Luffy to become a stronger pirate, while Whitebeard’s dying speech revealed the existence of the One Piece treasure.

One standout aspect of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is its intricate and ongoing development of the story’s universe, as this extensive narrative has showcased numerous pivotal historical occurrences that have indelibly marked the world (and its inhabitants) for all time. Moreover, the demise of some crucial characters has undeniably played a significant role in shaping this persistent transformation.

Although the show “One Piece” is known for its excessive character mortality, it’s crucial to remember that numerous deceased characters have left a lasting impression on the series’ narrative. The deaths of some key characters have carried considerable weight, and I’d like to highlight a few particularly impactful instances.

8. Jaygarcia Saturn

Left A Huge Power Vacuum That Was Immediately Filled

Chapter 1125 (Manga)

The Five Elders were introduced early in the narrative to make clear who held power within the World Government hierarchy. However, it would be uncovered later that they all worked under a hidden figure called Imu. For years, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, the Divine Warrior of Science and Defense, remained idle in his office until he became significantly involved in the story during the Egghead Arc, marking his first active role.

Despite Saturn successfully eliminating Doctor Vegapunk, his team of Elders couldn’t prevent the dissemination of Vegapunk’s final, world-altering announcement to the general public, which enraged their superior, Imu. In response, Imu swiftly executed Saturn, a shocking event witnessed by all marine soldiers present. This act served as a stark reminder to both the marines and other Elders of their disposability and the immense power that Imu wields. Consequently, a significant power gap emerged within the World Government, which was quickly filled by Figarland Garling, who ascended to the position of the new Warrior God of Science and Defense.

7. Nefertari Cobra

Made Sabo Seem Like A Cold-Blooded Murderer

Chapter 1054 (Manga), Episode 1081 (Anime)

At some stage in the narrative, it’s disclosed that King Nefertari Cobra of Arabasta appeared to have been slain by Sabo at the Levely. This act led people to view Sabo as a ruthless assassin, earning him the title “Flame Emperor.” However, Sabo subsequently told Dragon and Ivankov that he was being falsely accused, and that Imu and the Five Elders were actually responsible for Cobra’s death.

Actually, Imu and the Five Elders attempted to assassinate the King of Arabasta after he inquired about the “Will of D” and his forebear, Nefertari Cobra. Sabo made an attempt to save him, yet Cobra advised him to flee and inform Luffy and Vivi about the situation. This unexpected murder, coupled with Sabo’s unjust accusation, was orchestrated by the World Government to demonstrate the consequences of knowing too much and asking too many questions. The repercussions of Cobra’s demise have not yet fully unfolded in the narrative, but it had a significant impact even on its own.

6. Queen Otohime And Fisher Tiger

Worsened The Relationship Between Humans And Fish-Men

Otohime: Chapter 626 (Manga), Episode 546 (Anime)
Fisher Tiger: Chapter 623 (Manga), Episode 543 (Anime)

For many years, the Fish-Men and Merfolk have faced unjust discrimination in the world of One Piece, and matters worsened significantly when two key historical figures met with untimely deaths. Queen Otohime, ruler of the Ryugu Kingdom, was a tireless advocate for her people’s rights, even sparing the life of a Celestial Dragon in her efforts to bridge the gap between humans and sea-dwellers. Tragically, she was assassinated while collecting signatures for her cause. Hody Jones, who was responsible for her murder, falsely accused a random human pirate to stir up hostility among his own people.

Conversely, Fisher Tiger held the position as captain of the Sun Pirates, once a slave under the World Nobles. He was widely recognized for liberating other slaves alongside his crew. Tragically, he was betrayed by a group of civilians during his journey to return Koala to her hometown, and sustained fatal wounds from multiple marine gunfire. In his final moments, Fisher Tiger expressed that he could never accept humans and bid farewell to his devoted crew. The passing of Otohime and Fisher Tiger left their people hesitant to seek harmony with humans, but some allies found motivation in their memory to continue the battle for justice in their honor.

5. Kouzuki Oden

Kick-Started A Complex Plan That Took Over 20 Years To Complete

Chapter 972 (Manga), Episode 974 (Anime)

It’s undeniable that Kouzuki Oden, a remarkable samurai, played a crucial role not only for the Whitebeard Pirates but also for the Roger Pirates. Yet, embarking on an adventure and abandoning Wano might have been his most regrettable decision. This choice paved the way for Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido to seize control over Oden’s homeland, leading to the enslavement of its people and the devastation of its environment.

Absolutely, Oden and his devoted companions, the Nine Red Scabbards, made a valiant effort to resist, but ultimately they were overpowered, arrested, and sentenced to death by execution. However, Oden was resolute in preserving both himself and his legacy, so he selflessly gave up his life for his comrades, hoisting a wooden plank above him as he stood in boiling water. Although this act ultimately claimed his own life due to injuries, it served as a powerful catalyst for the Nine Red Scabbards to seek vengeance for him. This determination extended even to some of them having to traverse twenty years into the future to accomplish their goal. Moreover, Oden’s selfless sacrifice ignited a flame in many inhabitants of Wano, such as Yamato and Shimotsuki Yasuie, inspiring them to continue fighting for their homeland without wavering.

4. Doctor Vegapunk (Stella)

Changed The Entire World With His Dying Message

Chapter 1108 (Manga)

Scientist Vegapunk, renowned for his genius, had significantly altered the world during his lifetime due to numerous inventions. However, when he delved into the study of the Void Century, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn and Admiral Kizaru made a swift visit to Egghead with the intention of eliminating him discreetly. After facing numerous challenges, they ultimately succeeded when Borsalino, his former companion, fatally wounded him using his light abilities.

However, an unexpected predicament unfolded: as Vegapunk’s heart ceased its rhythm, a concealed Den Den Mushi broadcast a stored message worldwide. In this message, the brilliant scientist disclosed secrets about the Void Century, One Piece, the Will of D, and the division of their planet. Anticipating his own demise, Vegapunk along with two of his satellites (Shaka and Pythagoras) had recorded this message a few days prior to the Egghead Incident, then wiped their memories. This enabled them to disseminate forbidden knowledge across the globe, even beyond the confines of death.

3. Portgas D. Ace

Inspired Monkey D. Luffy To Become A Better And Stronger Pirate

Chapter 573 (Manga), Episode 482 (Anime)

The selfless demise of Portgas D. Ace is widely regarded as the most renowned death within the world of One Piece. This is because significant storylines were dedicated to his execution, and it even ignited a massive conflict between pirates and marines. Eventually, Monkey D. Luffy managed to free his elder brother, but Admiral Akainu attempted to eliminate the Straw Hat Pirate. In an act of bravery, Ace stepped in, taking the blow meant for his younger sibling, thus saving Luffy’s life.

The sudden demise of Ace profoundly affected nearly everyone who knew and cared for him, including Whitebeard, Marco, and other crew members, while also providing an advantage to the World Government during the Paramount War. However, it was Luffy who felt the impact most acutely, as he witnessed his brother’s death and fell into a state of shock. Initially, Luffy grieved deeply and considered abandoning his pirate voyage due to this loss. Yet, upon realizing that his crew remained by his side, he chose to continue on his journey. In the end, Ace’s death served as motivation for Luffy to strive to become a stronger pirate, capable of safeguarding his friends and preventing anyone else he cares about from meeting the same fate.

2. Edward Newgate (Whitebeard)

Revealed To The World That The One Piece Is Real

Chapter 576 (Manga), Episode 485 (Anime)

In addition to the death of Portgas D. Ace, their captain and mentor figure, the legendary Whitebeard, also met his end during the Paramount War, though he was unjustly slain by Blackbeard rather than the Marines. One might think this double loss would secure a victory for the World Government, but the magnitude of Whitebeard’s death was beyond what they anticipated, causing a seismic shift in the world that they hadn’t foreseen.

Whitebeard, an unyielding warrior, remained upright despite numerous injuries, ultimately succumbing to his wounds. Remarkably, his last words echoed the authenticity of the One Piece, predicting a monumental conflict once it was found. The world was left stunned by Whitebeard’s deathbed declaration, as it ignited a passion in many to embark on a pirate’s life and continue the quest for the fabled treasure.

1. Gol D. Roger

The Death Of The Pirate King Kick-Started The Entire Plot Of The Series

Chapter 1 (Manga), Episode 1 (Anime)

Indeed, Whitebeard’s demise served to convince people even more that the One Piece truly existed. After all, a notable figure like Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, had publicly shared its existence decades earlier, proclaiming that his legendary treasure, the One Piece, was hidden somewhere in the world, just before his execution by the World Government.

The significance of Roger’s demise should never be minimized, as it sparked the advent of the new Pirate Golden Age and influenced numerous renowned pirates, including Shanks, Buggy the Clown, Donquixote Doflamingo, Sir Crocodile, and Monkey D. Luffy, among others, to embark on their pirating careers. In the realm of fiction like “One Piece”, a story’s relevance often hinges upon key characters’ deaths, making it accurate to assert that this captivating narrative wouldn’t have unfolded without Gol D. Roger’s heroic demise.

2025-04-12 21:06