The Whitebeard Pirates are among the greatest crews in One Piece, or at least they were.
There are a handful of pirate crews in the One Piece universe that can make a room go silent with reverence. Among them is the borderline fabled Whitebeard Pirates. So, who are the Whitebeard Pirates? Are they really that great? Today, we find out who and what makes many seafaring heroes keep the name on their lips.
Fame and Fortune
The Whitebeard Pirates in One Piece are renowned for their immense strength, influence, and their association with their formidable captain, Edward Newgate, commonly known as Whitebeard. Their fame largely stems from their pivotal role in shaping the world of pirates and the tumultuous seas. Here are a few honorable mentions.
Edward Newgate (Whitebeard)
Whitebeard himself was one of the “Yonko,” the four most powerful pirates in the world, commanding immense respect and fear. His physical prowess was staggering, as evidenced by his title “World’s Strongest Man.” Also, his power to create earthquakes through his Devil Fruit ability. The Whitebeard Pirates’ fame also rested on their steadfast loyalty to their captain and their commitment to a sense of familial camaraderie. This bond was exemplified by Whitebeard’s declaration that his crewmates were his true family, emphasizing the depth of their unity. We’ll address two of them just for kicks, but we’re not including Ace because he’s described everywhere.
Marco the Phoenix (Retired)
Marco or “Marco the Phoenix” was the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Plus, he’s one of the most respected and powerful members of the crew. As a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, Marco possesses the mythical Zoan fruit called the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Phoenix. This grants him the ability to transform into a majestic phoenix. In addition, they end up granting him extraordinary regenerative powers and the ability to heal from nearly any injury. He can also generate blue flames, symbolizing the rebirth and immortality typically associated with phoenixes.
In battle, Marco’s strength was exceptional, making him a formidable adversary. His healing abilities allow him to endure injuries that would be fatal to others, and his control over blue flames grants him offensive prowess. He is also highly skilled in haki, a form of spiritual energy that enhances his combat abilities. Beyond his combat skills, Marco was known for his unwavering loyalty to Whitebeard and the crew. He embodies the spirit of family and camaraderie that defines the Whitebeard Pirates.
Now he is a humble doctor on Sphinx, tending to the wounds of all who need care.
Kozuki Oden: Son of a Shogun
Oden hailed from the Wano Country, a reclusive and isolated nation. Despite his noble heritage as the son of the daimyo, Oden took to the sea and the allure of adventure from a young age. His yearning for freedom led him to join the Whitebeard Pirates. Oden’s immense strength and determination are clear by his mastery of Haki, a powerful spiritual energy, and his remarkable swordsmanship. He wielded two powerful swords and could even damage a massive creature like a Sea King with his bare hands. His physical prowess only matches his unyielding will and charisma. It ended up earning him the respect and loyalty of his crewmates and allies.
After returning to Wano, Oden’s legacy took a different turn. Also, he aspired to open up the isolated nation, modernize its ways, and free it from the oppressive control of the shogunate. Oden’s desire for progress was a constant struggle against the deep-seated traditions of Wano. Tragically, Oden’s life was cut short during a confrontation with the ruthless pirate Kaido and the shogunate’s forces. Lastly, his death marked a turning point in Wano’s history, sparking the flames of rebellion among his loyal retainers and setting the stage for the current events in the series.
What happened in The Marineford War?
This was the conflict that arguably led to the immortalization of the Whitebeard Pirates. Whitebeard, one of the Yonko (the four most powerful pirates in the world), had a personal stake in the war due to his relationship with Portgas D. Ace, the adopted brother of the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. Unfortunately, Ace was captured by the Marines and sentenced to execution, which prompted Whitebeard to assemble his formidable crew to rescue him.
The Whitebeard Pirates’ arrival at Marineford is a series of epic clashes with the Marines, the Shichibukai (a group of powerful pirate captains allied with the World Government), and even the Blackbeard Pirates. Despite being outnumbered and facing fierce opposition, the Whitebeard Pirates showcased their incredible strength, battling admirals and warlords alike.
Whitebeard himself became the focal point of the war, facing off against the Marines’ strongest admirals. His mastery of his Devil Fruit ability, which allowed him to create earthquakes. It shook the very foundations of Marineford and demonstrated his dominance over the battlefield. Finally, the iconic moment where Whitebeard delivered the line “One Piece… does exist!” further solidified his status as a legendary figure in the series.
The crew’s resolve and loyalty to Whitebeard were evident throughout the battle. Marco the Phoenix, the First Division Commander, led his division with tenacity and healing abilities, while other commanders and crewmates showcased their unique strengths. Plus, the emotional depth of their relationships was on full display, emphasizing the theme of family and camaraderie that defined the Whitebeard Pirates. Tragically, the war took a toll on the crew, and Whitebeard himself was mortally wounded. However, his final stand inspired his crew and allies to continue the fight, resulting in a dramatic and chaotic climax that shaped the course of the story.
Are The Whitebeard Pirates Still Relevant?
Unfortunately, one would be grasping at straws to suggest that the Whitebeard pirates are the force they once were. At most, they are a fractured relic of an eventful past. What little is left of the old regime is being plucked away by vultures. On the bright side, they will forever live in infamy as one of the most powerful pirate crews to grace the sea. And that title tends to stick.
