There are many pirate crews that enter the world of One Piece, and The Heart Pirates are among the most memorable.
Rookie pirate crews are sometimes overshadowed by their legendary predecessors. Pirate crews led by figures like Whitebeard or Gol D. Roger sometimes leaves you wanting for a potentially more exciting past. That said, there are novice crews that bring you right back into focus, excited for what the future will bring. As we uncover exactly who are The Heart Pirates, you’ll quickly see that these are among those making us excited for every upcoming chapter. We’ll do this by summarizing the crew, understanding their origin, and addressing their fate.
The Heart Pirates: A Crew With A Cause
Led by Trafalgar D. Water Law, the Heart Pirates have a distinctive Jolly Roger, which features a stylized heart with a bandaged cross over it. This symbolizes Law’s medical prowess and his goal to mend the world’s ailments. The Heart Pirates are recognized for their close-knit bonds and their commitment to Law’s ideals. Law’s backstory is revealed through the “Sabaody Archipelago” arc. In it, he forms a temporary alliance with the Straw Hat Pirates and the Kid Pirates. In fact, throughout the manga and anime, they often reunite with the Straw Hat Pirates. This further highlights their significance in the narrative. Let’s dive into where the origin of the rookie pirate crew.
What is The North Blue?
The North Blue is a sprawling ocean region that plays a significant role in the story’s unfolding. It’s known for its diverse cultures, powerful pirate crews, and storied history. Geographically, the North Blue is bordered by the Red Line to the south and the treacherous Calm Belt to the north. Plus, it’s home to the fearsome Sea Kings. Its waters are rich in marine life, and its islands vary widely in terms of climate, terrain, and cultures. The North Blue’s diverse landscapes range from snow-covered islands to lush tropical paradises, providing a vivid backdrop for the adventures that unfold within its boundaries.
The North Blue has been the birthplace of several influential characters and pirate crews that have shaped the course of the series. Notably, it’s the home of Trafalgar D. Water Law, the captain of the Heart Pirates and a significant player in the ongoing narrative. Law’s personal history and his ties to the North Blue have a profound impact on his motivations and decisions throughout the story. Additionally, the North Blue has given rise to notorious pirate crews that have left their mark on the world. Among them is the infamous “Blackbeard” Teach, who initially hailed from the North Blue before rising to become one of the most prominent pirates in the series.
The North Blue is also home to technological and intellectual advancements. The country of Lvneel, known for its advanced knowledge in engineering and architecture, was once located there. Lastly, the North Blue’s varied cultures and intellectual traditions have contributed to the diverse array of societies that populate the One Piece world. This can be seen with the influence the territory has on its crew.
Trafalgar Law
We won’t be spending too much time assessing Trafalgar because we have other material available on this figure. However, it’s important to recognise the lead of every pirate crew. Trafalgar Law, also known as the “Surgeon of Death,” is the captain and mastermind behind the Heart Pirates. Also, he possesses a unique and powerful Devil Fruit ability called the “Ope Ope no Mi,” which grants him the power of the “Room” – an invisible sphere where he can manipulate objects and people within a specified area. This power allows Law to perform complex surgeries, disassemble and rearrange objects, and even switch personalities or hearts between individuals.
Bepo
Bepo stands out due to his unique identity as a Mink, a humanoid creature with animal-like traits, in his case, a polar bear. plus, he serves as the crew’s navigator and possesses a distinctive sense of loyalty, camaraderie, and warmth. Bepo’s backstory is intertwined with that of Trafalgar D. Water Law, the captain of the Heart Pirates. Law rescues him after escaping from the oppressive SAD production factory run by Donquixote Doflamingo. This created a strong bond between them, and Bepo became an inseparable part of Law’s crew.
Despite his imposing appearance, Bepo is has a gentle and friendly demeanor. Also, he often acts as the heart of the crew, promoting a sense of unity and empathy among his fellow pirates. He wears a jumpsuit with a zipper on the front, often with the top half down, resembling a bear’s fur coat.
Penguin
Penguin is recognized for his distinctive appearance, donning a penguin-like costume and mask. As part of Law’s crew, Penguin contributes his skills as a combatant and navigator. While he might appear comical due to his outfit, Penguin is a capable fighter and loyal crew member, often taking on challenging tasks to support Law’s ambitions. He plays a crucial role in the crew’s operations during various arcs, showcasing his commitment and dedication to Law’s cause. This really adds to the sadness of his recent encounter with the Blackbeard Pirates.
What Happens To The Heart Pirates In The Egghead Arc?
In pursuit of Road Poneglyphs, the Blackbeard Pirates launched a surprise assault on the Heart Pirates during their journey to the next island. Suffering both damage to their submarine from the ambush and the affliction of the Feminization Disease among the crew, the Heart Pirates were compelled to emerge near a nearby island. Bracing for a confrontation, they readied themselves to confront the Blackbeard Pirates. Despite their efforts, the Heart Pirates ultimately fell before the might of the Blackbeard Pirates, leading to the destruction of their submarine. Yet, amidst this defeat, Trafalgar Law and Bepo managed to elude capture and escape into the open ocean. At the moment nobody knows about the rest of the crew.
We can only hope that The Heart Pirates find their way back together and live another day. That said, it’s really starting to heat up, and the world of One Piece is more merciless with time.
