One Piece,” a manga and anime series spanning over 27 years, is known for its compelling characters, including a vast array of villains. Some of these antagonists evolve into allies of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew, while others remain firmly entrenched as adversaries. However, a handful of characters exist in a gray area—villains whose redemption arcs could significantly enhance the story. Here are eight such characters who deserve a shot at redemption.
8. Alvida: The First Villain Luffy Ever Defeated
First Appearance: Chapter 2 (Manga), Episode 1 (Anime)
Alvida holds the distinction of being Luffy’s first-ever foe. Over the years, many early antagonists have found new paths, like Buggy and Hachi, but Alvida remains unchanged. As a member of the comedic Buggy Pirates, her character doesn’t seem entirely irredeemable.
A potential redemption arc could see her fighting alongside Luffy, especially if she were to reunite with Koby, whose strength and ideals have evolved dramatically since their first meeting.
7. Foxy: A Comedic Pirate with Potential
First Appearance: Chapter 305 (Manga), Episode 207 (Anime)
Introduced during the lighthearted Long Ring Long Land Arc, Foxy the Silver Fox never posed a significant threat to the Straw Hats. His mischievous, greedy nature makes him a humorous antagonist, similar to Buggy, who has managed to thrive as a lovable rogue.
Given his cameo during the Egghead Arc, Foxy could reappear as an ally. If Wapol, a far more despicable character, can find redemption, there’s hope for Foxy as well.
6. Kaku: The Kind-Hearted Cipher Pol Agent
First Appearance: Chapter 323 (Manga), Episode 230 (Anime)
Among the members of CP9, Kaku stands out for his relatively kind demeanor. Unlike his ruthless partner Rob Lucci, Kaku often displayed a sense of honor, even enjoying his time masquerading as a shipwright at Galley-La Company.
In recent arcs, Kaku has shown signs of shifting loyalties, collaborating temporarily with Luffy and Zoro and maintaining a good relationship with Stussy. With CP0’s questionable ethics, it seems only a matter of time before Kaku switches sides permanently.
5. Gecko Moria: A Tragic Warlord Seeking Revenge
First Appearance: Chapter 449 (Manga), Episode 343 (Anime)
Gecko Moria’s tragic backstory makes him a complex antagonist. After losing his crew to Kaido, he turned to creating zombie minions to avoid the pain of losing comrades again. Despite his dark methods, Moria’s loyalty to his remaining crew members, such as Perona, hints at a more compassionate side.
Following his imprisonment by Blackbeard’s crew and the death of his subordinate Absalom, Moria’s motivations have shifted. He could potentially team up with the Straw Hats in their inevitable clash with Blackbeard, seeking justice for his fallen allies.
4. Magellan: An Honorable Warden in a Corrupt World
First Appearance: Chapter 528 (Manga), Episode 425 (Anime)
As the former chief warden of Impel Down, Magellan was a fearsome figure with immense power, thanks to his Doku Doku no Mi. Despite his intimidating role, he upheld a strict sense of justice, often clashing with corrupt colleagues like Shiryu.
After stepping down following Luffy’s escape, Magellan’s cameo in recent chapters suggests he is deeply concerned about the world’s growing chaos. His honorable nature could lead him to side with the forces fighting against the World Government’s corruption.
3. Senor Pink: A Hard-Boiled Pirate with a Heartbreaking Past
First Appearance: Chapter 702 (Manga), Episode 632 (Anime)
Senor Pink is one of the most tragic characters in “One Piece.” His stoic demeanor hides a devastating past involving the loss of his wife and child. His emotional fight with Franky showcased his desire for atonement, earning him admiration from fans.
Given the World Government’s use of his Lineage Factor to duplicate his Devil Fruit, Senor Pink could play a pivotal role if imprisoned villains are freed. His unique bond with Franky could also pave the way for his redemption.
2. Page One and Ulti: Kaido’s Adopted Siblings
First Appearance (Page One): Chapter 929 (Manga), Episode 923 (Anime)
First Appearance (Ulti): Chapter 977 (Manga), Episode 982 (Anime)
The brother-sister duo of Page One and Ulti are among the more lighthearted members of the Beasts Pirates. Raised by Kaido, they’ve known no life outside piracy, making them prime candidates for redemption.
Their humorous interactions and less sinister nature, compared to other Beasts Pirates, suggest they could transition to allies. Ulti’s aggressive tendencies and Page One’s quieter demeanor offer contrasting arcs that could deepen their characters.
1. Admiral Kizaru (Borsalino): A Marine Torn Between Duty and Morality
First Appearance: Chapter 504 (Manga), Episode 398 (Anime)
Admiral Kizaru has long been portrayed as a loyal Marine who follows orders without question. However, recent developments in the Egghead Arc hint at a change. Forced to attack his friend Dr. Vegapunk and destroy the island he once called home, Kizaru showed signs of dissent, snapping back at Fleet Admiral Sakazuki.
Eiichiro Oda also revealed that Kizaru secretly aided Luffy during a critical moment, further hinting at an internal struggle. His growing disillusionment with the World Government could set the stage for one of the series’ most dramatic redemption arcs.
“One Piece” thrives on dynamic character arcs, and these eight villains have the potential to enrich its already intricate narrative. As the story heads into its final stages, the prospect of redemption for these characters could bring exciting twists to the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates.
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