As the Egghead Arc reaches greater heights with each chapter, people want to know who’s leading the Marines.
Admiral Akainu shows so much strength in the realm of personality. It can be argued that he has brought the meaning of being a Marine to a whole new level. So far, fans have been shocked, enraged, and terrified. The current saga has produced character traits that we haven’t truly seen before. Some of this can be attributed to the current head of the proverbial spear. Who is Admiral Akainu? Is he genuine, and does the compass point North with this guy? Here’s what we know.
Admiral Akainu’s Identity
Admiral Akainu, whose real name is Sakazuki, is a prominent fictional character in the popular manga and anime series. As a formidable figure in the One Piece world, he is known for his ruthless nature. Also, Akainu is defined by his commitment to justice as defined by the World Government and Marines, and his unwavering pursuit of his ideals. As an admiral, he holds an immensely authoritative position. His task is overseeing the Marine forces and implementing their principles on justice and order across the world. After assuming the position of Fleet Admiral, Sakazuki’s initial move was to shift Marine Headquarters to the New World, a strategic decision made in anticipation of the impending New Pirate Era.
Sakazuki’s Devil Fruit Abilities
Sakazuki, also known by his epithet “Akainu” (which means “Red Dog” in Japanese), possesses the Logia-type Devil Fruit called the Magu Magu no Mi. The Fruit grants him the power to control, create, and transform into magma at will. This ability makes him incredibly powerful in battles. He can reshape the battlefield, launch devastating magma-based attacks, and regenerate from most injuries by reforming his body. His Logia power, combined with his immense combat skills and tactical acumen, makes him a fearsome opponent.
The Marineford War and The Death of Ace
The character of Akainu gains significant prominence during the Marineford War, one of the most pivotal arcs in the One Piece series. The war serves as a turning point, with major characters, alliances, and ideologies clashing in a monumental battle. Akainu’s actions during the war define his character and set the tone for his role in subsequent events.
During the Marineford War, Akainu demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the Marine’s sense of justice. His brutal and unrelenting pursuit of capturing Portgas D. Ace, the adopted brother of the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy, showcases his willingness to sacrifice anything, even lives, to uphold their interpretation of justice. This leads to a direct confrontation with Whitebeard, one of the most powerful pirates in the world. The clash between Akainu and Whitebeard becomes a central moment of the war. Their battle highlights not only Akainu’s combat prowess but also his unyielding beliefs. Despite Whitebeard’s overwhelming strength, Akainu’s determination to eliminate Ace pushes him to engage in a fierce battle. In a shocking turn of events, Akainu delivers a fatal blow to Ace, leading to his eventual demise.
The death of Ace ignites a deep-seated vendetta between Akainu and Luffy. This vendetta becomes a driving force for Luffy’s actions throughout the series. He seeks to confront Akainu and avenge his brother’s death. The conflict between the two characters is emblematic of the larger theme of personal vendettas versus systemic justice that runs throughout One Piece.
What Happened After the Marineford War?
Akainu’s actions and ideology put him at odds with other characters who question the World Government’s definition of justice. His inflexible stance clashes with the more morally nuanced views held by characters like Luffy and his allies. This ideological clash creates a dynamic tension in the series, exploring different perspectives on justice, power, and the role of authority.
In the aftermath of the Marineford War, Akainu’s role solidified as one of the most influential figures within the Marines. This elevation empowers him to further enforce his strict interpretation of justice and propagate his ideas across the organization.
The Birth of Fleet Admiral Akainu
Following Sengoku’s retirement, Akainu was put forth as a nominee for the Fleet Admiral role. This was because he held a view of Absolute Justice unmatched by those around him, and his comrades acknowledged his numerous contributions in past battles. However, Aokiji opposed his appointment to this esteemed position, sparking a fierce conflict between the two admirals on Punk Hazard.
The intense battle raged on for some time, the sheer magnitude of their powers leading to a lasting alteration of the island’s geography. As a result of their clash, Punk Hazard became uniquely divided, with one half perpetually frozen and the other engulfed in unending flames. These events only highlighted Sakazuki’s dedication to the cause. Soon after, he was behind the wheel.
A Final Look At The Man In Charge
As one of the Three Admirals and later the Fleet Admiral, Akainu becomes a symbol of authority and represents the uncompromising face of the Marine organization. His ideology clashes with those who question the World Government’s definition of justice, driving tensions and conflicts that explore complex moral dilemmas.
Akainu’s strategic decision to relocate Marine Headquarters to the New World showcases his proactive approach to addressing the changing pirate landscape and highlights his role in preparing for the New Pirate Era. His power, derived from the Magu Magu no Mi Devil Fruit, amplifies his impact on battles and confrontations with other significant characters, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, Akainu’s contributions to One Piece encompass his pivotal role in the Marineford War, his embodiment of Marine’s sense of justice, his clashes with characters of differing ideologies, and his strategic influence as Fleet Admiral. These elements collectively enrich the narrative, shaping character dynamics, driving conflicts, and contributing to the overarching themes of power, morality, and personal growth in the One Piece universe.
