World of One Piece

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The story of One Piece takes place in an extensive, timeless and vivid[1] fictional world, which "points back to a romanticized vision of the great sailing age".[1] The first part of the story takes place in a sea called East Blue. But for the most part, the story's setting is the Grand Line.

Geography

The world of One Piece is covered by two vast oceans, divided by the Red Line. The Red Line is a stretch of land that circles the globe from south-west to north-east.[2] The Grand Line, a sea that follows an imaginary line that runs north-west to south-east around the world and perpendicular to the Red Line,[2] further divides them into four seas: North Blue, East Blue, West Blue and South Blue.

Grand Line

File:Calm belt one piece 55.JPG
A map showing the Grand Line enclosed by the two Calm Belts.

The Grand Line ("偉大なる海路", Gurando Rain, "Grand Sea Route"), also known as the Graveyard of Pirates,[2] is the setting for most of the story.

There are two Calm Belts, running north and south of the Grand Line. These areas experience almost no wind and ocean currents.[3][4] The Calm Belts are also breeding ground for huge Sea Kings.[5][4] They are very effective barriers for those trying to enter the Grand Line.

The second half of the Grand Line, between North Blue and West Blue is also known as the New World.[6]

Climate

The currents and weather on the Grand Line are extremely unpredictable, as they can change in an instant; this includes winds, storms, blizzards, and the like. This is especially true for the first stretch, from the Red Line to the first islands.[7] The islands and their surrounding waters on the other hand have a stable climate.[8] Most of them can be "classified into four types: Summer Island, Spring Island, Autum Island and Winter Island. And each of these types of islands has four seasons of its own",[8] resulting in "a range of 16 different seasons."[8]

Navigation

Navigation is considered to be very difficult.[9] Normal compasses do not work on the Grand Line because of the nature of its magnetic fields.[9] The islands located in the Grand Line are highly rich in minerals which disturbs the magnetic fields in the area.[9] In order to navigate the Grand Line, a special compass called a Log Pose must be used.[9]

The Log Pose works by locking on to one island's magnetic field and then locking on to another island's magnetic field.[9] The Log Pose can do this for a total of seven different routes,[9] that diverge from Reverse Mountain and travel south-east before merging again to the last island, Raftel, the existence of which has only been confirmed by Gold Roger.[9] The time for a pose to set depends on the island.[10] One island may take a few hours to set to the next island, while another can take several days[10] or in the case of Little Garden a whole year.[11] This process can be bypassed by obtaining an Eternal Pose. This version of the Log Pose is permanently set to a specific island and does never change.[12] This makes it easier to get to a specific island rather than going through a trail of islands.

Reverse Mountain

Cactus Island

(Log change period: Less than a day)[12]

Little Garden

(Log change period: 1 year)[11]

Drum Island

Alabasta

Jaya

(Log change period: 4 days)[13]

Skypiea

Long Ring Long Land

Water 7

(Log change period: 7 days)[14]

Enies Lobby

One of the largest and most heavily fortified Navy strongholds on the Grand Line. The island is a no-night type that is relatively close to Water 7; the two islands are connected by the sea train. Normally off-limits to non-military personnel, the island is ringed by an iron fence that will turn away most ships.

The island itself hangs over a massive hole in the ocean, ringed by waterfalls; the only land connection to the rest of the sea is secured by a series of massive gates. Beyond these gates lie the island complex proper; a small city of barracks and bunkers housing the fortress’ substantial detachment of Navy personnel.

The opposite side of the island is home to the court house, where criminals of the World Government are tried and (always) convicted. Once a criminal is convicted, they are taken across the court house bridge, through the imposing Tower of Justice and down onto the Bridge of Hesitation.

The bridge has such a name for good reason. The bridge stands as the only path through the Gates of Justice, a monolithically huge pair of gates that signal the entrance to Navy Headquarters waters. Once a prisoner passes beyond these doors, there is virtually no way to reach them.

Mariejois

The capital of the World Government. It sits atop the Red Line at the opposite end as Reverse Mountain. It is one of only two ways to cross into the New World. The Gorosei dwell here as well as the Fleet Admiral of the Navy. It is the location of the counsel of the kings. It has also been shown to be the meeting place of the Shichibukai. From its appearances and the flashbacks it is clear Mariejois is a magnificent place. Considering the fact the World Government has been around for 800 years, Mariejois has likely been around for a similar amount of time.

Marine Headquarters

====Fishman Island====row row fight the powah

Florian Triangle Area

Shabondy Archipelago

Powerful Organizations

World Government

World Government flag

The World Government (世界政府 Sekai Seifu) is affiliated with roughly 180 countries from around the world. Those member countries retain autonomy, that is to say, the countries run their own internal affairs, but cooperate with the World Government for massive international relations.

At first glance, the World Government seems to maintain a worldly order that benefits all, making the world safe for the sake of everyone. Using the Navy, they pursue criminals endangering the lives of those who are innocent, protecting the people of each country in the world. The World Government is the largest World Power maintaining full rights to halt or encourage any political action without question or opposition from any side.

The reality though is that, unknown to most citizens (and many world leaders), the World Government's actions are secretly and often based on corruption or questionable motives. Often when the storyline involves them, it shows them hiding the truth or ignoring the rights of the people. Individuals who become the enemies of the World Government are ruthlessly hunted down and dealt with and all those who walk along the same path as them are doomed to share the World Government's fury.

The World Government's power to release any information on anyone or anything they choose often causes the truth being hidden, altered or ignored all together. Any countries attempting to protect or harbour criminals are at risk from the World Government, although what would happen exactly has not been addressed yet. For the most part, the important role in maintaining world stability on a political ground far outweighs the corruption they often display.

Gorōsei

The heads of the Government are the Gorōsei (五老星 Five Elder Stars). They are five elderly men who rule above the Navy, the Cipher Pol and made a pact with the Shichibukai. They must have at least a basic knowledge of the occurrences of the Void century, as they are shocked by Professor Clover's statements. "They found out too much."

World Nobles

The World Nobles (or Celestial Dragons) are the descendants of the twenty kings who founded the World Government eight hundred years ago. They are corrupt and arrogant, taking part in the slave trade and they carry their own oxygen supplies so that they do not need to breathe the same air as commoners. According to Hatchan, they have the authority to summon one of the three Admirals.

The Blank Century

During Professor Clover's phone conversation with the Gorōsei, we learn more about the World Government. A long time ago, an enormous kingdom existed, which took great pride in its power and strength. During this time, the Ancient Weapons were constructed. People of that kingdom left the Poneglyphs as the only record of their existence, shortly before they were destroyed by some unknown enemy. Those enemies survived and, at the end of the Lost Century of History 800 years ago, the World Government was born. The Blank Century, according to Professor Clover, may be inconvenient history for the World Government. The kingdom held a great power, but all information about that was erased, along with that nation's ideals. Just as Professor Clover was going to speak the name of the ancient kingdom, one of the Gorōsei ordered him shot. Throughout known history, anyone wishing to study the Blank Century has been accused of trying to resurrect the Ancient Weapons and prosecuted as a criminal by the Government; knowledge of the Poneglyphs is considered a crime in the highest degree.

Navy

The Navy (海軍 Kaigun, which translates to "Navy" in the English language, while it translates to "Marine" in several other European languages) is a military force under the command of the World Government.

The Doctrine of "Absolute Justice"

The Navy of One Piece follows a strict motto of "Absolute Justice" (絶対正義 Zettai Seigi), when it comes to prosecuting those who violate the government's laws. It is a central tenet of Naval doctrine, to the point where the word "Justice" (正義 Seigi) is emblazoned on the uniform coats of all commissioned officers. Pirates have been especially singled out by the Navy as a major threat to order. They are considered criminals regardless of whether they have committed any crimes other than raising the Jolly Roger. Civilians, too, are targeted by the prohibition against piracy: persons known to have associated with pirates are barred from entering the Navy, and providing aid or comfort to pirates is a serious crime, especially if they are well-known bounty heads.

"Absolute Justice" vs. "Moral Justice"

One of the ongoing themes of One Piece is the misapplication of the principle of "justice" by the Navy. While it wishes to maintain law and order by apprehending criminals, the techniques that it (or at least some of its members) uses can often be no better than the pirates they seek to wipe out, trampling the rights or needs of civilians in order to pursue its own ends. They are also shown to willingly sacrifice the lives of other Navy sailors in attempts to pursue their justice, often sacrificing large numbers for the sake of one or two criminals.

Still, despite firm stature on justice, the Navy is not immune to corruption. More than once, officers of the Navy and operatives of the World Government have been shown to be no better, and at times even worse, than the pirates they are supposed to fight against. Usually, these officials are more interested in their own position and power rather than the Navy's doctrine, although some will go as far as to have their own definitions of "justice". An example of this is Commodore Smoker's sense of justice or Aokiji's "Lazy Justice".

Rank System

The system of military rank in place for the One Piece Navy is fairly straightforward, where each rank is clearly delineated.[15] This too is a source of confusion among English-speaking fans, because Japanese terms for military rank equate to different English words, depending on what kind of military force they refer to. This has led to fan-translations that mix naval terms with those from other armed forces, as well as fierce debate as to which terms are the "right" ones to use.

Generally speaking, the ranks of commissioned officers seem to best fit the naval model, as these officers are typically in command positions in bases and on ships. On the other hand, non-commissioned officers appear to be a hybrid of traditional sailors and infantry soldiers, being essentially part-marines. But since they are members of the Navy, ranks given here will also conform to the Navy model, as per the Viz adaptation of the manga.

Officers and recruits present at the Navy Headquarters are considered "Super-elites". The Headquarters and standard Base ranks are about three ranks apart. All ranks present from "Lieutenant" above are usually trained here, exceptions being those in command of other Naval bases which includes Axe-Hand Morgan and Nezumi. [16]

Navy Command Structure

Commissioned Naval Officers
  • Fleet Admiral (元帥, Gensui)
    • Head of the Marines
  • Admiral (大将, Taishō)
    • Governors-General of the Navy; only three such positions
  • Vice-Admiral (中将, Chūjō)
  • Rear Admiral (少将, Shōshō)
  • Commodore (准将, Junshō)
  • Captain (大佐, Taisa)
  • Commander (中佐, Chūsa)
  • Lieutenant-Commander (少佐, Shōsa)
  • Lieutenant (大尉, Taii)
    • Lowest rank seen in command of a vessel
  • Lieutenant Junior Grade (中尉, Chūi)
  • Ensign (少尉, Shōi)
Infantry and Sailor Division
  • Warrant Officer (准尉, Jun'i)
  • Master Chief Petty Officer (曹長, Sōchō)
  • Chief Petty Officer (軍曹, Gunsō)
  • Petty Officer (伍長, Gochō)
  • Seaman (一等兵, Ittōhei)
  • Seaman Apprentice
  • Seaman Recruit (三等兵, Santōhei)
  • Chore Boy (雑用, Zatsuyō)

Rank Insignia and Uniforms

The One Piece Navy does not have a system of rank insignia per se. There is significant variation in the kind of uniform worn by officers, with many opting to wear a variety of dress showcasing their own eccentric style. However, as a general rule set down by the author, uniform guidelines are as follows:[17]

  • All officers at the rank of Seaman (一等兵 Ittōhei) and below wear the standard uniform, consisting of a white short-sleeved shirt emblazoned with the Naval emblem, a simplified seagull with "MARINE" underneath it, on the back; a blue neckerchief; dark blue trousers; and a baseball cap with "MARINE" across the front. The quasi-rank of "Chore Boy" adds the kanji 雑 Zatsu ("various" or "odds and ends") to the sleeves, and to the Naval emblem on the back.
  • Once an officer has reached the rank of Petty Officer (伍長 Gochō), he or she can choose from a number of different uniforms, including his or her personal clothes.
  • Sailors at the rank of Warrant Officer (准尉 Jun'i) and above are allowed to wear the coat with "Justice" (正義 Seigi) on the back. This coat tends to be worn like a cape, draped over the shoulders with the arms not in the sleeves.
  • For the rank of Lieutenant-Commander and above, a suit worn underneath the "Justice" coat is the preferred attire.

Cipher Pol

The Cipher Pols are a secret service like organization under the World Government. They are divided into nine groups, numbered 1-9. 'Cipher' means number and 'Pol' is short for Police (as in Interpol), giving Cipher Pol the meaning "Number Police" denoting the numbered squads (1-9).

CP9 (シーピーナイン, Shī pī nain), which is short for Cipher Pol Number Nine (サイファーポールナンバーナイン, Saifāru pōru nanbā nain), is the hidden ninth unit of the Cipher Pol organization, formed of people able to use Rokushiki, six powerful skills known to its members. CP9 also has special privileges not available to normal Cipher Pol squadrons, like the permission to kill any person perceived as a threat to world stability. Under orders by the World Government, they seek the plans to the powerful, ancient warship, called Pluton (the same ship mentioned in Arabasta's Poneglyph that was Sir Crocodile's main objective) in order to bring an end to the Great Pirate Era. The CP9 are based in Enies Lobby. It has been said that Enies Lobby's reputation of being impossible to conquer is because of the strength of CP9. They are defeated by the Straw Hat Pirates when the latter come to rescue their comrade Nico Robin.

The Three Great Powers

Yonkou

File:Yonkou.JPG
Vice-Admiral Monkey D. Garp introducing the Yonkou in chapter 432.

The Yonkou (四皇, Yonkō), literally Four Emperors are the four most powerful pirates in the second half of Grand Line. According to Monkey D. Garp, these "Four Emperors" rule above all others and form a precarious balance with the Shichibukai and Marine Headquarters. The Yonkou are not an actual organization, as each pirate works to further his own ends. The World Government considers the four pirates so powerful that a potential alliance between Whitebeard and Shanks is enough to send them into a panic.

Shichibukai

The Shichibukai (七武海, Shichibukai, lit. Seven Armed Seas, Seven Warlords of the Sea in the Funimation and 4Kids dubs) are extremely powerful pirates who have allied themselves with the World Government, hunting down other pirates and criminals. There are not more than seven of them, at any given time. They hand over a fraction of their loot to the Government. In return for these actions, the World Government pardons these pirates for their crimes and freezes their bounties. Other pirates consider the Shichibukai to be "government dogs", however. The Shichibukai are granted large deals of autonomy, are not following the World Government's orders and are rarely ever showing up for meetings. The World Government tolerates these actions, however, to maintain order over the One Piece world. The Shichibukai are loosely based on the privateers of Europe, government endorsed pirates considered heroes in their homeland and pillagers in others.[15]

Navy Headquarters

The Navy Headquarters is named as the third of the Three Great Powers,[18] though it is not made clear whether only the Fleet Admiral Sengoku, with his three direct subordinates, the admirals Aokiji, Akainu and Kizaru, the whole of Navy Headquarters, with all its ships, troops and installations, or even the complete Navy with all its members constitute that power.

Animals

Den Den Mushi

Called a Transponder Snail Phone in the English dub. These are the odd "phone snails" that are used throughout the series. They come in a variety of colors and shapes and have multiple functions. The snails act as a number of devices including: rotary phones, fax machines, and cellular wrist watch devices. It's unknown how the Den Den Mushi are able to communicate with one another over such great distances. When they are used, the snails speak in sync with the caller's voice, as well as sometimes imitating the facial expressions of the caller. Other Den Den Mushi resemble the caller, by adding hair, or something else.

According to Eiichiro Oda, Den Den Mushi have the ability to communicate with one another using radio (thought) waves, an ability harnessed by people attaching buttons and receivers to them so they can transmit voice messages between specific snails. Thus, a Den Den Mushi is not harmed if its receiver is damaged or destroyed. Due to Humans breeding them for usage, the Den Den Mushi species as a whole receives a large benefit in return. When not in use, the Den Den Mushi are usually inert, either sleeping or in a dazed state. Other types of Den Den Mushi include:[19] the "Kuro Den Den Mushi", which is used by as a wiretap to intercept calls between other Den Den Mushis; the "Baby Den Den Mushi", which is fairly small and portable, but incapable of international calls; the "Golden Den Den Mushi", which only the Fleet Admiral and the three admirals posses the authority to use; and the old and bearded "Silver Den Den Mushi", which sounds an alarm, as it receives a call from the "Golden Den Den Mushi".

Sea King

Sea Kings (or Neptunians in the English Anime and Manga) are sea creatures which are generally much larger than normal sea creatures. They are found in great numbers along the Calm Belt around the Grand Line, although in rare occasions they can be found in other places throughout the world.

Sea Kings make trade and travel difficult for anyone trying to cross the water where they are found. Cases have arisen where some islands in the Grand Line close to the edge of the Calm Belt have ended up getting almost completely cut off from the rest of the world. In Water 7 and its surrounding islands, this led to the eventual creation of the Sea Train as a means to travel safely to and from each of its surrounding islands.

Sea Kings are serpent-like in appearance. However, they vary from one Sea King to another in exact appearance along with their size. Only the strongest of ships or captains can take on a Sea King. Most other creatures in the ocean fear the Sea King and confrontation with one by all but a few humans is inadvisable. Many characters such as Franky see the act of killing one a sign of strength and achievement.

It is revealed that Sea-stone can be used to mask the presence of a ship, allowing it to travel through a Calm Belt.

Devil Fruit

Devil Fruits are a type of fruit which, when eaten, permanently give a special power.[20] There are three categories of Devil Fruit.[21] Zoan fruits allow the user to fully and partially transform into a specific animal.[22] Logia fruits give control over and allow the user "to change their living body structure into the powers of nature".[21] "Everything aside from those is lumped into the Paramecia category."[23] Devil Fruit users can not swim.[24] When even only partially submerged in saline water, they can't actively use their powers and they temporarily lose all of their strength.[25]

References

  1. ^ a b ""One Piece (manga)"". www.animenewsnetwork.com. February 10th 2003. Retrieved 2008-09-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c "Morgan versus Luffy! Who's the Mysterious Pretty Girl?". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "Foreboding of a New Adventure! The Puzzling Girl, Apis". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b "Reverse Mountain". One Piece manga. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "The Holy Beast! Apis' Secret and the Legendary Island". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "The Name of that Sea is". One Piece manga. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Prehistoric Island! The Shadow Lurking in Little Garden!". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b c "Ambush! The Bliking and Wapol the Blik". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c d e f g "A Man's Promise, Luffy and the Whale Vow to Meet Again". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b "A Pirate-Loving Town? Arrival at Whiskey Peak". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b "Humongous Battle! The Giants Dorry and Brogy!". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b "Deliver Princess Vivi! Luffy Pirates Depart". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ "Stop Dreaming! The City of Ridicule, Mock Town!". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ "The "Water Metropolis", Water Seven". One Piece manga. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b SBS questions: One Piece Manga - Vol.8 - Chapter 66, The Navy ranking system explained Cite error: The named reference "SBS2" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  16. ^ SBS questions: One Piece Manga - Vol.29 - Chapter 265, The difference between those present at the Marine HQ
  17. ^ SBS questions: One Piece Manga - Vol.24 - Chapter 217, The Marine uniform explained
  18. ^ "The Strongest Family Line? Luffy's Father Revealed!". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ SBS questions: One Piece Manga - Vol.19 - Chapter 173, Den Den Mushi's explained
  20. ^ Oda, Eiichiro (1998). "Chapter 19". One Piece. Vol. 3. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-872569-7.
  21. ^ a b SBS questions: One Piece manga - Vol.30 Chapter 280
  22. ^ "Zoan Type Devil's Fruit! Chopper's Seven-Level Transformation". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ SBS questions: One Piece manga - Vol.35 Chapter 334
  24. ^ Oda, Eiichiro (1997). "Chapter 1". One Piece. Vol. 1. Shueisha. ISBN 4-08-872509-3.
  25. ^ "The Key to Turning the Tide and a Great Escape! Doru Doru Ball!". One Piece anime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help)
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