Bounty Hunters are among the classes that make One Piece more vibrant. Bounty hunters, just like in the real world, are individuals who capture or eliminate criminals. In One Piece they pursue those with bounties on their heads issued by the World Government or various factions. These bounties are monetary rewards offered for the apprehension or defeat of notorious pirates, revolutionaries, or other individuals deemed threats to the established order.
While the concept of bounty hunting might appear straightforward, its portrayal in One Piece adds layers of depth and nuance. They don’t always play conventionally and can be seen walking the tightrope between pure justice and debauchery. That said, there are some powerful bounty hunters that deserve to be ranked. We’re talking about the players that stand with the best of them. Let’s get into it.
8. Kairiken
We love to start with the big guys. Within the Sabaody Archipelago, the denizens, including Kairiken, maintain a façade of camaraderie with pirates, concealing their true roles as undercover bounty hunters who apprehend and deliver them for their rewards.
Kairiken, a robust figure with a distinct brow, sports a striped purple sweater and a petite afro atop his head. Operating as a bounty hunter implies a potential for ruthless tactics from Kairiken. However, Luffy manages to take him out quickly.
7. Johnny and Yosaku
Sometimes two makes one. Johnny and Yosaku are in many ways a comedic relief device, but their swordsmanship is nothing to scoff at. Their relation to Zoro also shows that they are able to compete with some of the best. Some fans would argue that they lack the skillset to be on this list. That may be true, however, their spirit and determination in the face of adversity show that they are capable of much more.
6. Nefertari Vivi (Miss Wednesday)
Although technically undercover for the sake of her kingdom in Arabasta, Miss Nefertari Vivi still manages to play the role. Not only that, but she pulls the wool over the eyes of her peers. If you are a royal – and you somehow manage to deceive those whose job is to capture a con artist – it’s fair to say that you are among the best in the game. Functioning as a Baroque Works frontier agent, she and her companion outshone three additional pairs in terms of expertise.
Proficient in roles spanning agents and bounty hunters, they received the formidable assignment of eliminating Laboon. Miss Wednesday’s unwavering belief in her combat proficiency drove her to audaciously confront Roronoa Zoro, only to become acutely aware of the glaring power disparity between them. She’s not perfect, but the potential is there.
5. Miss Monday
Miss Monday’s extraordinary power is unmistakably apparent in her substantial muscle mass and imposing stature. Her Kairiki Meriken or “Superman Brass Knuckles” brings formidable force into battle. It’s well known that Miss Monday’s physical prowess transcends the capabilities of an average human, as evident from the astonishment expressed by Miss Wednesday when they encountered an individual who surpassed her strength. She is among those weathered bounty hunters that deserve a shoutout.
4. Abdullah and Jeet
This is another “two heads are better than one” example in the One Piece Universe. When Abdullah and Jeet work together they prove to be very cohesive. Plus, their personalities work well together for the most part. They rank higher on the list specifically because of the synchronicity they bring to the table. There are a lot of duos in One Piece, but their teamwork makes them a worthy adversary to most opponents.
3. Jean Ango
Jean Ango is a gladiator cactus… person. Engaging in the role of a bounty hunter, Ango’s enthusiasm lies in tracking down criminals, while his ultimate goal is to enhance his renown. Evidently, he has successfully captured a considerable number of escapees from Impel Down. At least that’s what fans know so far. As well as those who fled alongside Luffy. Additionally, he has a deeper arc than most bounty hunters in the series.
Jean Ango identifies himself as a sniper in some cases, although his approach deviates from conventional norms. Instead of employing firearms or typical projectile weapons, he employs a distinctive technique. He appropriates the weaponry confiscated from his vanquished adversaries and hurls it at his newfound opponents. Also, Ango ingeniously ends up turning the arms of the defeated against those who oppose him. There is an iconic image of Ango holding up a massive allotment of weaponry like atlas does the earth.
2. Daz Bonez
Daz Bonez earned the epithet “The Killer” for a reason. His power, the “Supa Supa no Mi,” grants him the extraordinary capability to transform any part of his body metallic, effectively turning himself into a living weapon.
This unique Paramecia-type Devil Fruit allows Mr. 1 to manipulate the molecular structure of his body, converting it into a nearly indestructible substance. The transformation is not limited to just his skin; he can convert any part of his body, including his internal organs, bones, and muscles, into this hardened state. This ability grants him an exceptional resistance to damage, making him virtually impervious to most conventional attacks. Daz Bonez, known as Mr. 1, stands as a multidimensional antagonist within the world of One Piece. His potential makes him a solid match-up with Zoro, considering that Bonez is essentially a sentient bundle of blades.
1. Roronoa Zoro
We saved the best for last. Zoro’s most prominent strength lies in his unmatched skill as a swordsman. He’s known for utilizing one sword in each hand and a third in his mouth. Zoro proficiency in this style allows him to engage multiple opponents simultaneously and execute complex techniques with remarkable precision. Over the series, Zoro continually refines his swordsmanship, mastering new techniques and enhancing his swordplay through intense training and battles. Plus, Zoro has demonstrated proficiency in all three forms of Haki.
Zoro’s resilience and unyielding determination in the face of challenges define his character. He sets his sights on becoming the world’s greatest swordsman, a title he will achieve at any cost. His commitment to this goal fuels his tenacity in battles and his ability to push through seemingly insurmountable odds. Zoro’s intense willpower also allows him to withstand intense pain and injuries, highlighting his mental and emotional strength.
Bounty Hunters: A Great Addition to One Piece
Bounty hunters in One Piece are not monolithic in their methods or beliefs. Some adhere to a strict code of ethics, adhering to a sense of right and wrong even in the morally ambiguous world they inhabit. Others, however, are more pragmatic, willing to compromise their principles for the sake of profit. This diversity of approaches adds depth to the narrative and illustrates the multifaceted nature of bounty hunting as a profession.
The character of Roronoa Zoro serves as an emblematic example of the complexity within the world of bounty hunters. Before joining the Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro was a skilled swordsman and a bounty hunter. Despite his reputation as a ruthless warrior, Zoro’s character evolves to reveal his strong sense of honor and loyalty. His journey challenges the notion of bounty hunters as purely self-interested individuals, exhibiting their narrative potential.
It’s exciting to see these figures run about in the One Piece universe. We eagerly await what these do-gooders and renegades have in store for us. That is… for the right price.
