After dissecting the Cross Guild, it’s time to take a few steps back and take a look at Baroque Works.
As Crocodile’s first pet project, Baroque works was a bit of a Winchester House, meaning that it was a disorganized improvisational structure. Founded on the prophetic belief that a utopia is possible, Baroque Works; a shadowy and enigmatic syndicate of One Piece, weaves a web of deception, ambition, and espionage throughout the Arabasta Saga. Fans know this much of course, but what made it tick? Why was the movement significant? Let’s find out.
What is Baroque Works ?
Baroque Works emerges as a complex and secretive organization, driven by its enigmatic leader, Sir Crocodile. The group serves as the primary antagonist during the Arabasta Saga, which spans a great distance and revolves around the Arabasta Kingdom, a desert kingdom ruled by Princess Nefertari Vivi. The saga delves into themes of power, betrayal, and friendship, with Baroque Works embodying these elements. While the majority of the syndicate’s roster comprised ordinary bounty hunters and mercenaries, its upper echelon consisted of remarkably adept combatants and adept spies.
The organization’s modus operandi centers around manipulation and subterfuge. Its agents operate under codenames, reflecting a hierarchical structure based on their assigned numbers. Each agent has a partner, and together they form pairs known as “Mr.” and “Miss,” concealing their true identities. This secrecy allows Baroque Works to maintain an air of mystery. Overall, making it difficult for outsiders to discern the true extent of its operations.
Who Leads Baroque Works?
At the heart of Baroque Works lies the ambition of Sir Crocodile. Described in the Cross Guild segment, he aims to overthrow the Arabasta Kingdom and seize control of its vast resources. Crocodile’s cunning and scheming nature is evident as he uses the organization to manipulate events behind the scenes. In essense, attempting to plunge Alabasta into chaos and turmoil. His ultimate goal is to acquire an ancient weapon hidden within the kingdom that could grant him immense power and further his dominion over the world. The weapon is called Pluton and is yet another example of Eiichiro Oda’s use of the Greek pantheon.
Baroque Works vs The Straw Hats
The saga introduces the Straw Hat Pirates, led by Monkey D. Luffy, who inadvertently becomes entangled in Baroque Works’ machinations. This tends to happen a lot with various conflicts. The hero’s journey continues. Anyway, as Luffy and his crew journey to Arabasta, they cross paths with several key Baroque Works agents. Each of them holds a set of unique abilities and motivations. These encounters serve to illustrate the organization’s diversity and the depth of its influence.
Personally, among the most memorable agents is Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, also known as Bentham, a shape-shifting cross-dresser with a flair for theatrics. His loyalty and bond with Mr. 0 (Crocodile) exemplify the complex relationships that define Baroque Works. Mr. 3, on the other hand, is a cunning craftsman who utilizes his wax-based abilities for both combat and trickery. These characters showcase the organization’s commitment to employing diverse talents to achieve its goals.
The Battle Begins
The narrative tension escalates as the Straw Hat Pirates and Princess Vivi uncover Baroque Works’ sinister plans. Vivi, originally introduced as Miss Wednesday, had infiltrated the organization to save her kingdom. She eventually goes about revealing her true identity to her newfound allies. The jig is definitely up. The connection between the Straw Hat Pirates and Vivi highlights the themes of camaraderie and unity, contrasting with the deception rampant within Baroque Works.
The climax of the saga occurs during the Battle of Arabasta, a tumultuous conflict that tests the resolve of both the protagonists and antagonists. As the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies confront the Baroque Works agents in a series of intense clashes, the organization’s facade crumbles, revealing the true extent of its manipulations. Crocodile’s grand scheme to plunge Arabasta into chaos is unveiled, and a desperate struggle ensues to prevent the ancient weapon’s activation.
This Rise and Fall of Baroque Works
In the midst of this chaotic battle, the Straw Hat Pirates’ determination, resourcefulness, and bonds of friendship shine through. Luffy’s tenacity and resilience inspire his crew and allies to stand united against the threat posed by Baroque Works. As the dust settles, Crocodile’s reign of terror is brought to an end. Luffy manages to strike Crocodile down in a rather humiliating fashion, which leads to a domino effect destroying the antagonist’s rank and status. Alabasta is saved from his grasp. The saga concludes with the Straw Hat Pirates bidding farewell to Vivi, acknowledging the strength forged through their shared experiences.
What Fans Learn From Baroque Works
Baroque Works serves as a captivating and intricate narrative element within the world of One Piece. Its elaborate web of deception, diverse cast of characters, and the overarching ambition of its leader contribute to the saga’s thematic depth. Through the organization’s exploits, the series explores themes of loyalty, the consequences of unchecked power, and the importance of standing against oppression.
Conclusion
Baroque Works is a multifaceted entity that leaves a lasting impact on One Piece, eventually planting the seed for the current Cross Guild. Its role as a shadowy syndicate driven by ambition, deception, and espionage sets the stage for a clash of ideals and wills. As the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies navigate this treacherous landscape, they uncover the true face of Baroque Works, illustrating the enduring power of unity and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. Eiichiro Oda explained that Baroque Works was indeed inspired by the “Baroque” artistic movement that thrived during the 18th century in Europe. This artistic style, known for its emphasis on opulent and intricate details, resonated as a fitting comparison to the agents’ flamboyant fashion tastes within the organization.
Like the stylistic movement, it faded away when challenged by something stronger. In a way, this criminal syndicate, in this arc, is a microcosm of what fans get out of the entire One Piece anime and manga. Seasons change and empires fall. Some of us have grown up with the series and its evolution. Societies like Baroque Works remind us that nothing is set in stone in the One Piece universe. That’s probably why we love it so much.