The world of One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, is renowned for its intricate storytelling, vibrant characters, and an expansive universe filled with various factions, pirates, and marines. Among the most influential groups in the series are the Admirals of the Marines, who hold some of the highest ranks in the military hierarchy. Admirals are the ultimate enforcers of justice, tasked with maintaining balance and countering the ever-growing threat of pirates and revolutionary forces. Understanding the role of Admirals in One Piece requires a deep dive into their ranks, powers, and the individuals who have held these prestigious positions. This article explores how many Admirals exist in One Piece, their roles, the evolution of their ranks, and their unique abilities that make them stand out in the series.
Admiral in One Piece
Admirals in One Piece are the highest-ranking officers within the Marine organization, second only to the Fleet Admiral. They are considered the Navy’s strongest military assets, embodying absolute strength, skill, and the will to enforce “justice.” Admirals are also tasked with leading massive military operations, often against formidable pirate crews or revolutionary forces.
The position of Admiral is prestigious and exclusive, with only three slots available at a given time. Admirals are handpicked for their power, combat ability, and leadership qualities, making them some of the most feared individuals in the One Piece universe.
The Original Three Admirals
At the start of the series, the Admirals were represented by three iconic figures, each named after a color-animal combination that reflected their personalities and powers:
Aokiji (Kuzan): Known as the “Blue Pheasant,” Aokiji wields the power of the Hie Hie no Mi (Ice-Ice Fruit), which allows him to create and manipulate ice. His laid-back demeanor contrasts with his immense strength and strategic brilliance.
Kizaru (Borsalino): The “Yellow Monkey” has the power of the Pika Pika no Mi (Glint-Glint Fruit), granting him control over light. Kizaru’s abilities make him incredibly fast and capable of delivering devastating light-based attacks.
Akainu (Sakazuki): The “Red Dog” uses the Magu Magu no Mi (Magma-Magma Fruit), which gives him control over magma. Akainu is infamous for his ruthless adherence to “Absolute Justice,” often displaying a cold and uncompromising attitude.
These three Admirals represented a balance of power within the Marines and were instrumental in major arcs, including the Marineford War.
Akainu’s Promotion
The Marineford War brought significant changes to the Marine hierarchy. After the war, Fleet Admiral Sengoku resigned, and a new Fleet Admiral was needed. Both Akainu and Aokiji vied for the position, resulting in a fierce ten-day battle on Punk Hazard. Akainu emerged victorious, becoming the new Fleet Admiral, while Aokiji resigned from the Marines altogether.
This left a vacancy in the Admiral ranks, prompting the World Government to seek replacements.
The New Generation of Admirals
To fill the void left by Aokiji’s departure and Akainu’s promotion, the World Government introduced two new Admirals:
Fujitora (Issho): Known for his blindfold and swordsmanship, Fujitora wields the power of the Zushi Zushi no Mi (Gravity-Gravity Fruit). This ability allows him to manipulate gravity, summoning meteors and altering the gravitational forces around him. Fujitora embodies “Moral Justice,” often questioning the actions and ethics of the Marines.
Ryokugyu (Aramaki): Little was known about Ryokugyu for a long time, but he made his first significant appearance in the Wano Country arc. He wields a nature-based ability, possibly tied to a Paramecia or Logia fruit, allowing him to grow plants and manipulate nature. Ryokugyu displays fierce loyalty to Akainu and believes in his own version of justice.
Additional Admirals in Marine History
The One Piece world also mentions other individuals who held the Admiral rank in the past or were associated with it:
Z: A non-canon character introduced in the movie One Piece Film: Z, was once a Marine Admiral before turning into a rogue seeking revenge against the world’s injustices. While not part of the main canon, his story highlights the weight and responsibility carried by Admirals.
Former Candidates: Admirals are chosen from a pool of elite Vice Admirals and other exceptional Marines. Characters like Momonga and Gion have been speculated as potential Admiral candidates due to their strength and leadership qualities.
The Role of Admirals in Maintaining Balance
Admirals are not merely powerful combatants; they serve as the World Government’s enforcers of order. Their actions have far-reaching consequences, whether in major battles, hunting down pirates, or participating in global events like the Reverie.
The Admirals also symbolize the conflicting ideologies within the Marines. While some, like Akainu, follow “Absolute Justice,” others, like Aokiji and Fujitora, lean toward more balanced or morally conscious approaches. These ideological differences often lead to tension within the Marine ranks.
The Significance of Admirals in One Piece Arcs
Admirals have played pivotal roles in various story arcs:
Marineford War: Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru showcased their overwhelming power during the war, tipping the scales against the Whitebeard Pirates.
Dressrosa: Fujitora’s presence highlighted the moral dilemmas within the Marines, as he sought to dismantle the Shichibukai system while aiding the citizens of Dressrosa.
Wano Country: Ryokugyu’s arrival in Wano emphasized the Marines’ growing influence and their readiness to act against emerging threats like the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies.
How Many Admirals Are Currently in One Piece?
At present, there are three active Admirals in the Marine ranks: Kizaru, Fujitora, and Ryokugyu. This adheres to the traditional rule of three Admirals at a time. Akainu serves as the Fleet Admiral, overseeing their operations and representing the highest authority within the Marines.
Conclusion
The Admirals of One Piece are among the most formidable and influential characters in the series. With their unmatched abilities, distinct personalities, and complex ideologies, they play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and maintaining the balance of power in the One Piece world. Whether it’s their fierce battles against pirates or their internal struggles with justice, the Admirals remain a cornerstone of Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece.
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