Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece continues to captivate global audiences, maintaining its status as a shōnen manga and anime juggernaut thanks to its compelling narrative and consistent world-building. As the series ventures into its final saga, fans are eagerly anticipating Luffy’s confrontation with formidable adversaries like Lord Imu and the cunning Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach. While the battle against Imu promises to be epic, the clash with Blackbeard’s crew is equally daunting, especially considering their latest, and perhaps most surprising, addition: former Marine Admiral Aokiji, also known as Kuzan. But what led a figure of justice like Aokiji to align himself with the notorious Blackbeard Pirates?
Aokiji’s Departure from the Marines: Principles Over Position
The Marineford War stands as a pivotal moment in One Piece, a brutal conflict that brought about seismic shifts in the world order. Beyond the tragic losses and the dawn of a new era, the aftermath of Marineford set the stage for significant power struggles within the World Government itself. With Fleet Admiral Sengoku stepping down, a power vacuum emerged, leading to an intense showdown between Admirals Aokiji and Akainu for the coveted position.
This battle, far from being a mere squabble for rank, was a clash of ideologies. Aokiji and Akainu represented starkly contrasting philosophies of justice. Akainu, with his ruthless “Absolute Justice,” was willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the name of eliminating evil. Aokiji, while committed to justice, favored a more “Lazy Justice,” often showing compassion and questioning the rigid dogma of the Marines. Their ten-day duel on Punk Hazard reshaped the island’s climate and ultimately resulted in Akainu’s victory. Unable to stomach the idea of Akainu leading the Marines with his extreme and tyrannical approach, Aokiji chose to resign from his Admiral post, refusing to serve under a leader he fundamentally disagreed with. This departure marked Aokiji’s first step away from the established order and into a world of uncertainty.
The Unexpected Alliance: A Chance Encounter with Blackbeard
Following his resignation, Aokiji vanished from the public eye, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and drifting across the One Piece world. It was during this period of wandering that fate, or perhaps calculated design, led him to cross paths with Marshall D. Teach and his burgeoning Blackbeard Pirates. The circumstances of their initial meeting remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, but accounts suggest a casual encounter in a bar. Aokiji, known for his laid-back demeanor even as an Admiral, likely found himself sharing drinks and stories with the pirates.
During this interaction, Aokiji recounted his clash with Akainu and the circumstances that led to his departure from the Marines. Instead of hostility or apprehension, Blackbeard and his crew, known for their pragmatic and opportunistic nature, saw an opportunity. While some Blackbeard Pirates initially considered stealing Aokiji’s powerful Ice-Ice Fruit, Blackbeard himself extended an invitation of camaraderie to the former Admiral. He offered Aokiji a position as the 10th Titanic Captain of the Blackbeard Pirates, an offer that seemingly defied all logic and expectations.
Reasons Behind the Alliance: Freedom, Ideology, or a Deeper Game?
Aokiji’s decision to join the Blackbeard Pirates is undoubtedly one of the most perplexing and debated plot points in One Piece. On the surface, several factors could have influenced his choice. Blackbeard presented his crew as a band of free individuals bound by friendship rather than rigid hierarchy, an ideology that may have resonated with Aokiji’s desire for freedom after years of Marine structure. Blackbeard’s words about Aokiji being free to do what he wants likely struck a chord with the disillusioned former Admiral.
However, the simplicity of these reasons leaves room for deeper speculation. A popular fan theory posits that Aokiji’s alliance with Blackbeard is not genuine but rather a calculated move. He might be acting as a spy, infiltrating the Blackbeard Pirates to monitor their movements and potentially undermine their ambitions from within. Given Aokiji’s intelligence and sense of justice, this theory holds considerable weight. He could be working independently, or perhaps even under the secret directives of figures like Monkey D. Dragon or a hidden faction within the World Government.
Ultimately, Aokiji’s true motives remain shrouded in mystery. Whether he genuinely seeks freedom and finds common ground with Blackbeard’s ideology, or if he is playing a more intricate game of espionage, only time and Oda’s unfolding narrative will reveal the complete picture behind this shocking alliance. The implications of a former Marine Admiral joining forces with one of the most dangerous pirate crews in One Piece are vast, promising dramatic twists and turns as the story progresses towards its climax.
