For a series about sailing the seven seas in search of treasure, the pirates of the Straw Hats manage to hit a lot of different land locations in their travels. From Skypia to Enies Lobby, the Straw Hats have traveled to plenty of landlocked locations. One of these locations is the Germa Kingdom or the Kingdom of Science. A seafaring kingdom with a connection to the World Government and the Straw Hats, it plays a big part in the story of One Piece. So let’s dive in and explore!
Who Rules The Germa Kingdom?
A kingdom is only as great as its ruler, and the rulers of the Germa Kingdom are the Vinsmoke family. Vinsmoke Judge, Vinsmoke Reiju, Vinsmoke Ichiji, Vinsmoke Niji, and Vinsmoke Yonji, as well as Sanji make up the family.
All the sons of the family were born on the same day. The Judge modified each of the sons (except for Sanji) to become prime military commanders. They would use their powers and abilities to lead the nation’s military.
The Formation Of The Germa Kingdom
The Germa Kingdom has a history of conquest. It used to be part of a massive empire before the empire fractured. Now the kingdom is a shadow of its former self. However it did regain some territory by conquering the North Blue Kings.
Still, the kingdom is attempting to regain its lost glory. This has forced the royal family to make some questionable decisions as we will see.
How Is Sanji Connected To The Vinsmoke Family?
Sanji is the son of Vinsmoke Judge and Sora. He got disowned by the family after not being a warrior like his brothers and wanting to become a chef. He is also the only Vinsmoke to have inherited his natural hair color from his parents. The rest had their hair color changed due to the genetic modification experiments.
The Judge locked Sanji away and faked his death, but Sanji escaped. Then he met the Cook Pirate Zeff, became a cook, and later joined the Straw Hats.
What About The Other Children?
All four of the other Vinsmoke sons were genetically modified. Then the Judge pushed them to become the best soldiers in the world. Their power is formidable, and they have fought some very impressive battles.
Reiju is the only daughter of the family and the kingdom. She has a strong will, excellent memory, and the same genetic modifications as her brothers. She also has the ability to manipulate toxins. They don’t call her Poison Pink for anything after all!
What Makes The Germa Kingdom Different From The Others?
When you hear the words Seafaring kingdom, you might think of a massive trading empire. But that wouldn’t be the best way to describe the Germa Kingdom. This kingdom is a ‘kingdom without any territory’. Because the entire kingdom is a series of floating platforms that are borne by snails.
These snails can attach and detach to the larger platforms at will. They can travel independently to expand the reach and influence of the Germa Kingdom. While the kingdom does look medieval with flowing ramparts and imposing castles, it also boasts quite a lot of hidden technology.
What Is Germa 66?
The military forces of the Germa Kingdom are Germa Double 6. Each soldier benefits from the cloning research that the Vinsmoke patriarch has done. They also have access to the advanced weapons that the nation has. Germa 66 is a powerful mercenary-for-hire force. They can take on massive armies and cripple countries in a matter of hours.
Additionally, with the mobility of the Germa Kingdom, the army can be anywhere and threaten anyone. They caused quite a lot of trouble for the Straw Hats, The Big Mom Pirates, and even the World Government.
The Role The Kingdom Plays In The Story
Earlier arcs of One Piece talked about Sanji and his father. But the Whole Cake Island arc was the arc where the Germa Kingdom had the most influence. The kingdom prepared for a marriage alliance between the Germa Kingdom and the Big Mom pirates. Pudding, the 35th daughter of the family, would marry Sanji.
Both factions had their agendas for the wedding. But Big Mom planned to assassinate the Vinsmoke family and take their technology. The intervention of the Straw Hats stopped the plot as they tried to rescue Sanji from the marriage.
At War With Big Mom
After the wedding turned into a massive brawl, the Vinsmoke family escaped the chaos. They teamed up with the Straw Hats against Big Mom. Only to find themselves overpowered by her size and abilities. After an explosion damaged the Whole Cake Chateau, the pirates managed to escape.
The war then turned into a feeding frenzy. Big Mom sought a new wedding cake to replace the one that got destroyed during the wedding. While Sanji, Pudding, and their allies attempted to make a new cake, skirmishes between the Vinsmokes, the Straw Hats, and Big Mom’s pirates rocked the chain of islands.
The Last Fight And The Aftermath
During the final battle, the Germa 66 fleet arrived and battled Big Mom’s pirate fleet. This allowed for the Straw Hats to finally escape, but the kingdom remained behind. However, the World Government did expel them due to the attempted alliance with Big Mom.
The members of Germa 66 were seen in the Cover Story “Germa 66’s Ahh… An Emotionless Excursion” which shows the foundation of NEO MADS. Plus the capture of Pudding by the Blackbeard Pirates.
Legacy Of The Germa Kingdom
The kingdom itself didn’t last after the Whole Cake Island arc. Still, the royal family and the events that unfolded during the wedding did leave a legacy behind. The bounties of the Straw Hats grew because of their actions during the wedding. The following arc will show the effects of that!
Additionally, Sanji finally came to terms with his past. He disowned his biological father and his family. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to his adoptive father, and to the Straw Hats. Which certainly adds even more to the background of the Straw Hats’ cook!
