Shichibukai
The Shichibukai (七武海 Shichibukai, literally Seven Military Seas), called the Seven Warlords of the Sea in the English anime and manga, are a set of fictional characters in the anime and manga series One Piece.
About the Shichibukai
Template:Spoiler The Shichibukai are seven of the most powerful pirates in the series, and one of the "Three Great Powers", along with the "Four Emperors" and the Navy. They made a deal with the World Government for the Navy to drop the bounties on their heads, provided that they work in association with the government. They are only allowed to attack other pirates and must also pay the Government a tenth of their loot. The first of them to be introduced is Dracule "Hawk-Eyes" Mihawk, who defeated and severely wounded Roronoa Zoro at the Oceangoing Restaurant, Baratie.
The other known members of the Shichibukai are Donquixote Doflamingo, Bartholomew Kuma and Jimbei, so far there are two members that are yet to be introduced, plus Jimbei, who hasn't made a physical appearance. Sir Crocodile was initially a member of the Shichibukai, but he was defeated by Monkey D. Luffy at the end of the Alabasta arc, arrested for his crimes, and stripped of his rank. His replacement has not yet been decided, but the captain of the Blackbeard Pirates, Marshall D. Teach, appears to be interested in the position. Sir Crocodile's replacement and the other two as-yet unnamed members have not yet been shown in the manga.
All current and former known members of the Shichibukai have animal-themed names.
Current Shichibukai
Dracule "Hawkeye" Mihawk
Donquixote Doflamingo
(Flamingo)
Doflamingo (ドンキホーテ・ドフラミンゴ, Donkihōte Dofuramingo) first appeared in chapter 234 in the manga, and in episode 151 in the anime. He has a former bounty of 340 million Belli, the highest known bounty displayed in all of One Piece. Currently it is unknown why his bounty was so high. He seemingly has the power to control people's bodies like puppets (this seems to be dependent on "puppeteer" movement by his arms), but it is not yet stated whether or not he possesses Devil Fruit powers or what those powers are.
Bellamy the Hyena used to serve under Doflamingo. Both tend to laugh at people's dreams, in preparation for the "New Era." While he appears to regard those weaker than him who work under him as mere underlings rather than crewmates (which gives him a similar view to Captain Kuro on crewmates), he does still have some pride and a small sense of honor for his old flag and despises the idea of those failing while using it. Such as, when Doflamingo learned of Bellamy's defeat at the hands of the Straw Hat Captain Monkey D. Luffy, Doflamingo came to Jaya and promptly kicked him out of his crew, forcing Sarquiss' hands to possibly even kill Bellamy in the process. It is as of yet unknown whether or not Bellamy was the only captain under Doflamingo's command.
Doflamingo is named after Don Quixote, as well as the flamingo (whose brightly-colored plumage is reflected in Doflamingo's style of dress). Doflamingo seems to have a penchant for the dramatic, as well as a habit of exaggerated posing when giving declarations. He also seems to be the most laid-back of all the Shichibukai, and displays rude bravery, demonstrated when he sits on the table during the gathering of the Shichibukai. Also, the way he walks is rather humorous (a bow-legged waddle). Most of these things resemble habits of Don Quixote. Ironically, his ideals of the pirates of the new era, the pirates who don't dream, are exactly the opposite of the original Don Quixote ideas.
Bartholomew Kuma
(Bear)
(バーソロミュー・くま, Bāsoromyū Kuma) Little is known about Kuma except that his former bounty was 296 million beli, however recently Luffy's bounty has become higher than his at 300 million beli. Like Mihawk and Donquixote Doflamingo, he was present at the government summit of Mariejoa following Sir Crocodile's defeat in Alabasta. Due to his apparently reserved disposition and the fact that he is invariably seen with a large bible, Kuma is likely modeled after Bartholomew "Black Bart" Roberts, a gentleman pirate known for his religious obstinacy. He has only spoken briefly, and only in the manga. "Kuma" means "bear" in Japanese.
Jimbei
(Speculated to be a Whale shark)
The Arlong Pirates used to be part of Jimbei's crew, but when he left to become one of the Shichibukai they split up for as of yet unknown reasons. Although Arlong was referred to as Jimbei's equal, the odds of one of the Shichibukai being equal to a pirate with a bounty of 20,000,000 belli is very unlikely. It is therefore speculated that Arlong was Jimbei's equal before he left or that it refers to rank as based on his growing up with Jimbei on Fishman Island and not on actual strength. He is speculated to be a Whale Shark fishman, as 甚平鮫 jinbei-zame means "whale shark" in Japanese.
In addition, there are two unknown Shichibukai, yet to be revealed.
Former Shichibukai
- Sir Crocodile (Crocodile) - Stripped of his title and arrested for his attempted coup d'état of the Kingdom of Alabasta and involvement with Baroque Works. Currently on his way to serve a life sentence in Impel Down.
Aspirants for post
Sir Crocodile:
Manga/anime influences
The Shichibukai are loosely based on the privateers of old Europe. The privateers were approved pirates, considered heroes in their homeland and pillagers in others. Their main goal was to plunder the villages and towns of the then mighty country of Spain. [1]
The concept is also based on the movie Seven Samurai which is one of Eiichiro Oda's favorite movies.
See also
References
- ^ SBS questions: One Piece Manga - Vol.28 - Chapter 260, Fan question: Are the Shichibukai based on the privateers of old England and France?
