Throughout the vast world of One Piece, certain legendary figures have left an indelible mark on history even after their deaths. These fallen titans shaped the very foundation of the current era, their influences echoing through time to impact events and characters in the present day. From the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, whose final words launched the Great Pirate Era, to the mighty Whitebeard, who died standing as a testament to his indomitable will, each of these deceased characters represents a crucial piece of One Piece’s rich historical tapestry. Their stories, though ended, continue to drive the narrative forward and provide context for the ongoing struggles in the world of One Piece.
GOL D. ROGER
- “The King of the Pirates”
- Position: Captain of Roger Pirates (Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 1, Episode 1
- Voice Actors: Chikao Ōtsuka, Masane Tsukayama (JP), Sean Hennigan (EN)
Quick Power Overview: The strongest pirate of his era and the only one to reach Laugh Tale, Roger’s power was legendary. Without a Devil Fruit, he stood at the absolute pinnacle of strength through Haki mastery and combat skill, capable of fighting equally with Whitebeard and defeating the Rocks Pirates alongside Garp.
Background/Origin:
- Born in Loguetown
- Started as a small-time pirate
- Recruited powerful crew members
- Conquered Grand Line
- Achieved everything possible as a pirate
- Turned himself in for execution
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: None
- Haki:
- Supreme Conqueror’s Haki
- Advanced Armament Haki
- Advanced Observation Haki
- Voice of All Things
- Physical Abilities:
- Master swordsman
- Incredible physical strength
- Unmatched battle experience
Notable Achievements:
- Became Pirate King
- Reached Laugh Tale
- Conquered Grand Line
- Defeated Rocks Pirates with Garp
- Found all Road Poneglyphs
- Started Great Pirate Era
Character Relationships:
- Captain of Roger Pirates
- Rival/Friend to Whitebeard
- Partner to Garp against Rocks
- Father of Ace
- Mentor to Shanks and Buggy
Character Development: Roger’s character, though mostly shown in flashbacks, demonstrated the perfect balance of ambition, strength, and joy. His development from ambitious young pirate to dignified Pirate King showed both his growth in power and wisdom. His decision to create the Great Pirate Era through his death showed remarkable foresight.
EDWARD NEWGATE (WHITEBEARD)
- “The Strongest Man in the World”
- Position: Captain of Whitebeard Pirates (Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 234, Episode 151
- Voice Actors: Kinryū Arimoto (JP), R. Bruce Elliott (EN)
Quick Power Overview: Considered the strongest man in the world and the only one to rival Roger. His Gura Gura no Mi, combined with supreme Haki mastery and incredible physical strength, made him capable of destroying the world. Even in his weakened state at Marineford, he demonstrated power that shook the world.
Background/Origin:
- Orphan from unknown island
- Former Rocks Pirates member
- Built own crew as family
- Ruled seas as Emperor
- Died standing at Marineford
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: Gura Gura no Mi
- Earthquake generation
- Air shockwave creation
- Ocean wave manipulation
- World-destroying potential
- Haki:
- Advanced Conqueror’s Haki
- Advanced Armament Haki
- Advanced Observation Haki
- Physical Abilities:
- Immense physical strength
- Incredible endurance
- Master weapon wielder (bisento)
Notable Achievements:
- Rivaled Roger
- Built world’s largest pirate fleet
- Protected territories for decades
- Survived 267 wounds at Marineford
- Died standing undefeated
Character Relationships:
- Father figure to his crew
- Rival/Friend to Roger
- Father figure to Ace
- Enemy of World Government
- Former Rocks Pirates member
Character Development: Whitebeard’s character exemplified the evolution from ambitious pirate to a protective father figure. His development showed through his shifting priorities from seeking a family to protecting one, culminating in his final stand at Marineford where he died protecting his children.
ROCKS D. XEBEC
- “Captain of the Rocks Pirates”
- Position: Captain of Rocks Pirates (Deceased/Presumed)
- First Appearance: Chapter 957 (Mentioned)
- Voice Actors: Not yet animated
Quick Power Overview: Considered by many to be Roger’s greatest rival and the most formidable pirate of his era. His threat level was so high that it required an alliance between Garp and Roger to defeat him. Led a crew that included future Yonko like Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido.
Background/Origin:
- Origins unknown
- Rose to power before Roger’s era
- Based on God Valley
- Aimed to conquer the world
- Defeated at God Valley Incident
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: Unknown
- Haki:
- Presumed all advanced forms
- Specific abilities unknown
- Physical Abilities:
- Commanded respect from future Yonko
- Tremendous combat prowess
- Led world’s most powerful crew
Notable Achievements:
- Nearly conquered the world
- Led future Yonko as subordinates
- Caused God Valley Incident
- Required Roger-Garp alliance to defeat
- Created strongest pirate crew of his era
Character Relationships:
- Captain to young Whitebeard
- Captain to young Big Mom
- Captain to young Kaido
- Major threat to World Government
- Roger’s greatest opponent
Character Development: Though only shown in history, Rocks represented the dark side of piracy’s ambition. His influence continued long after his defeat through the actions of his former crew members who became world powers themselves.
KOZUKI ODEN
- “The Legendary Samurai”
- Position: Daimyo of Kuri, Former Roger & Whitebeard Pirates Member (Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 920 (Mentioned), 960 (Full)
- Voice Actors: Hiroki Tōchi (JP), Keith Silverstein (EN)
Quick Power Overview: A legendary samurai of extraordinary strength who was the only person to wound Kaido prior to the new era. His physical strength and swordsmanship were so remarkable that both Whitebeard and Roger recruited him, and he was able to clash with their top fighters immediately.
Background/Origin:
- Born in Wano Country
- Son of Shogun Kozuki Sukiyaki
- Left Wano to explore
- Joined Whitebeard Pirates
- Later joined Roger Pirates
- Returned to Wano
- Executed protecting his retainers
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: None
- Haki:
- Advanced Conqueror’s Haki
- Advanced Armament Haki
- Advanced Observation Haki
- Physical Abilities:
- Supreme grade swordsmanship
- Incredible physical strength
- Legendary endurance
- Dual-sword master
Notable Achievements:
- Scarred Kaido
- Reached Laugh Tale
- Survived boiling hour
- United Wano’s criminals
- Mastered Roger’s fighting style
Character Relationships:
- Husband to Toki
- Father to Momonosuke and Hiyori
- Retainer to Wano
- Crew member to both Roger and Whitebeard
- Mentor to Nine Red Scabbards
Character Development: Oden’s character showed remarkable growth from a wild youth to a responsible leader. His journey from rebellious son to world traveler to devoted leader demonstrated both personal maturity and increasing strength, culminating in his legendary sacrifice for Wano’s future.
PORTGAS D. ACE
- “Fire Fist”
- Position: 2nd Division Commander of Whitebeard Pirates (Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 154, Episode 91
- Voice Actors: Toshio Furukawa (JP), Travis Willingham (EN)
Quick Power Overview: As the 2nd Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and son of the Pirate King, Ace possessed tremendous combat abilities. His mastery of the Mera Mera no Mi made him one of the most powerful fire users in the series, and his potential was cut short before reaching his peak.
Background/Origin:
- Son of Gol D. Roger
- Born in Baterilla
- Raised in Mt. Colubo
- Former captain of Spade Pirates
- Joined Whitebeard Pirates
- Died protecting Luffy at Marineford
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: Mera Mera no Mi
- Logia-type fire manipulation
- Fire-based attacks
- Natural defensive abilities
- Potential awakening never reached
- Haki:
- Conqueror’s Haki
- Armament Haki
- Observation Haki
- Physical Abilities:
- Exceptional physical strength
- High endurance
- Expert hand-to-hand combatant
Notable Achievements:
- Became Whitebeard Commander
- Fought equally with Jinbe
- Reached 550,000,000 Berry bounty
- Survived fight with Blackbeard
- United Spade Pirates with Whitebeard Pirates
Character Relationships:
- Sworn brother to Luffy and Sabo
- Son of Roger
- Adopted son of Whitebeard
- Commander to Whitebeard Pirates
- Nemesis to Blackbeard
Character Development: Ace’s character arc was about finding acceptance and identity. From rejecting his father’s legacy to finding family in Whitebeard and his crew, his development showed the journey from anger to acceptance. His final act of protecting Luffy demonstrated his growth from self-loathing to selfless love.
RYUMA
- “Sword God of Wano”
- Position: Legendary Samurai of Wano (Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 450 (As Zombie), Chapter 937 (Original mentioned)
- Voice Actors: Yū Mizushima (JP), Ian Sinclair (EN)
Quick Power Overview: A legendary figure whose might was so great that he earned the title of “Sword God.” The only samurai to ever kill a dragon, and creator of Wano’s reputation as the “Country of Gold.” His strength was so renowned that even his zombie corpse, animated with Brook’s shadow, demonstrated incredible swordsmanship.
Background/Origin:
- Born in Wano Country
- Lived during Void Century
- Protected Wano from numerous threats
- Became national hero
- Body stolen post-death by Moria
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: None
- Haki:
- Presumed Advanced Conqueror’s
- Advanced Armament
- Advanced Observation
- Physical Abilities:
- Supreme grade swordsmanship
- Creator of many Wano techniques
- Legendary speed and precision
- Dragon-slaying capability
Notable Achievements:
- Killed a dragon single-handedly
- Protected Wano from invaders
- Created Black Blade Shusui
- Earned title “Sword God”
- Influenced all Wano swordsmen
Character Relationships:
- Respected by all of Wano
- Spiritual predecessor to Zoro
- Original owner of Shusui
- National hero of Wano
- Inspiration for future samurai
Character Development: Though mostly shown through legend and historical accounts, Ryuma’s character represented the ideal of samurai strength and honor. His legacy shaped Wano’s martial culture and set the benchmark for swordsmanship.
FISHER TIGER
- “The Adventurer”
- Position: Captain of Sun Pirates (Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 521 (Mentioned), Chapter 620 (Full)
- Voice Actors: Kōji Ishii (JP), Jason Douglas (EN)
Quick Power Overview: A legendary figure among Fish-Men whose raw strength allowed him to climb the Red Line with his bare hands and single-handedly raid Mariejois. His physical abilities were considered extraordinary even by Fish-Man standards, and his combat prowess earned him worldwide recognition.
Background/Origin:
- Born in Fish-Man Island
- Experienced world discrimination
- Formed Sun Pirates
- Freed slaves from Mariejois
- Died refusing human blood transfusion
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: None
- Physical Abilities:
- Superhuman Fish-Man strength
- Incredible swimming speed
- Master martial artist
- Enhanced durability
- Superior underwater combat
Notable Achievements:
- Raided Mariejois alone
- Freed thousands of slaves
- Created Sun Pirates
- Unified Fish-Man pirates
- Changed slave marks to sun mark
Character Relationships:
- Captain to Jinbe
- Captain to Arlong
- Savior to Koala
- Hero to Fish-Men
- Enemy of World Government
Character Development: Tiger’s character arc explored the complexity of racial relations in One Piece. Despite his hatred for humans due to witnessed atrocities, he saved slaves of all races and struggled with his own prejudices until his death, showing deep character growth.
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SHIKI THE GOLDEN LION
- “The Flying Pirate”
- Position: Captain of Golden Lion Pirates (Presumed Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 530 (Mentioned), Strong World (Non-canon appearance)
- Voice Actors: Naoto Takenaka (JP), Scott McNeil (EN)
Quick Power Overview: A legendary pirate from Roger’s era whose strength rivaled that of Whitebeard and Roger himself. His mastery of the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, combined with his tactical genius and swordsmanship, made him one of the most formidable pirates in history.
Background/Origin:
- First escape artist from Impel Down
- Former member of Rocks Pirates
- Rival to Roger Pirates
- Created massive pirate fleet
- Disappeared after Marineford escape
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: Fuwa Fuwa no Mi
- Levitation powers
- Mass object control
- Flying ability
- Combat Skills:
- Master strategist
- Expert swordsman
- Legendary durability
- Wheels instead of legs (post-escape)
Notable Achievements:
- Escaped Impel Down
- Fought Roger multiple times
- Commanded massive fleet
- Survived battle with Roger & Garp
- Created complex battle strategies
Character Relationships:
- Rival to Roger
- Enemy of World Government
- Former Rocks Pirates member
- Respected by other pirates
- Opposed Marine dominance
Character Development: Though limited in canonical appearance, Shiki represented the old era of piracy. His character showed the evolution of pirate warfare from individual strength to strategic fleet battles.
JOHN GIANT
- “The Giant Vice Admiral”
- Position: Marine Vice Admiral (Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 234, Episode 151
- Voice Actors: Yasunori Masutani (JP), Unknown (EN)
Quick Power Overview: As a giant Marine Vice Admiral, John Giant possessed tremendous physical strength even by giant standards. His position as a Vice Admiral also suggests mastery of both Rokushiki and Haki, making him a formidable combatant who helped maintain Marine power.
Background/Origin:
- Born in Elbaf (presumed)
- Joined Marines
- Rose to Vice Admiral rank
- First giant to become Marine Officer
- Served in numerous conflicts
Powers & Abilities:
- Devil Fruit: None confirmed
- Physical Abilities:
- Giant strength
- Enhanced durability
- Military combat training
- Combat Skills:
- Rokushiki techniques
- Presumed Haki user
- Military strategy expert
Notable Achievements:
- Attained Vice Admiral rank
- First giant Marine officer
- Participated in major battles
- Served Marines faithfully
- Broke giant-Marine barrier
Character Relationships:
- Loyal to Marines
- Respected by subordinates
- Pioneer for giants in Marines
- Trusted by World Government
- Inspiration to other giants
Character Development: Though not extensively shown, John Giant represented the possibility of cooperation between giants and the World Government, breaking traditional barriers.
CALGARA
- “The Great Warrior”
- Position: Shandian Warrior Chief (Deceased)
- First Appearance: Chapter 286, Episode 187
- Voice Actors: Hidekatsu Shibata (JP), Unknown (EN)
Quick Power Overview: A legendary warrior from Shandora whose strength was so great that he could defeat giant snakes and fight equally with Noland. His combat abilities were extraordinary for his time, making him one of the strongest figures in Skypiea’s history.
Background/Origin:
- Born in Shandora
- Became tribal chief
- Defended Golden Bell
- Friend to Montblanc Noland
- Died protecting his culture
Powers & Abilities:
- Combat Skills:
- Expert warrior
- Superior physical strength
- Master of tribal combat
- Incredible endurance
- Leadership:
- Tribal chief
- Inspirational leader
- Strategic commander
Notable Achievements:
- Protected Shandora
- Defeated giant creatures
- Led Shandian warriors
- Preserved tribal history
- Fought alongside Noland
Character Relationships:
- Friend to Noland
- Leader of Shandians
- Ancestor to Wyper
- Protector of Golden Bell
- Guardian of history
Character Development: Calgara’s character arc showed growth from xenophobic warrior to understanding leader, demonstrating how friendship can overcome cultural barriers.
Summary of Historic Power Rankings
Most Powerful Overall:
- Gol D. Roger (Perfect Haki mastery + unmatched leadership)
- Edward Newgate/Whitebeard (Gura Gura no Mi + supreme strength)
- Rocks D. Xebec (Led future Yonko + legendary threat)
- Kozuki Oden (Wounded Kaido + dual-sword mastery)
- Ryuma (Sword God + dragon slayer)
Greatest Physical Strength:
- Whitebeard
- Rocks D. Xebec
- Fisher Tiger
- John Giant
- Calgara
Most Influential Deaths:
- Roger (Started Pirate Era)
- Whitebeard (Changed power balance)
- Ace (Triggered major events)
- Oden (Wano’s future)
- Fisher Tiger (Fish-Man relations)
Notable Abilities Lost to History:
- Roger’s Voice of All Things mastery
- Rocks’ unknown fighting style
- Ryuma’s sword techniques
- Whitebeard’s quake mastery
- Oden’s two-sword style
Legacy Impact Ranking:
- Roger (Great Pirate Era)
- Whitebeard (Protected territories system)
- Rocks (Influenced future Yonko)
- Fisher Tiger (Fish-Man liberation)
- Ryuma (Wano’s sword heritage)
The legacy of these fallen legends extends far beyond their time in the world of One Piece. Each death marked not just an ending, but a catalyst for change that continues to shape the current narrative. Roger’s execution ignited a new era, Whitebeard’s last stand redefined the balance of world powers, and Oden’s sacrifice set the stage for Wano’s future liberation. Through their achievements, relationships, and the circumstances of their deaths, these characters demonstrate how the past remains vitally connected to the present in One Piece’s storytelling. Their influence lives on through those they inspired, the territories they protected, and the dreams they passed down to the next generation. As the story continues to unfold, these legendary figures serve as benchmarks against which new powers and achievements are measured, their shadows looming large over the seas they once ruled.
