Netflix's Exclusive One Piece Credits Unveil an Elusive Villain, Shaking the Very Core of the Anime

Summary

The live-action adaptation of One Piece has received praise for its faithfulness to the source material, stunning visual effects, and strong performances.

In the season 1 finale of the anime "One Piece" on Netflix, viewers were given a glimpse of a significant antagonist who has yet to be introduced in the series. The character revealed in the teaser is Commander-in-Chief Kong, a prominent figure within the World Government with immense authority. It is highly likely that Kong will pose as a formidable adversary for Luffy and his companions in future episodes.

The One Piece live-action series ended with an exciting hint that suggests audiences may have a chance to see a franchise villain that has been rarely shown in the anime. Netflix delighted manga and anime fans by bringing the beloved One Piece epic to life on screen with an 8-episode adaptation that has received praise from both fans and critics. The live-action One Piece has been praised for staying true to Eiichiro Oda's original work, its impressive visual effects, and the incredible performances by the show's writers and actors. Additionally, the live-action world of One Piece is filled with Easter eggs that offer a glimpse into future characters and storylines.

Following the canon, the new One Piece series follows Monkey D. Luffy, the main character, and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates as they embark on a thrilling adventure in search of the "One Piece" treasure, which Luffy aims to find to become the "King of the Pirates". By the end of the first season of Netflix's One Piece, they managed to cover almost 11 volumes of the manga and approximately 45 episodes of the anime, providing viewers with a captivating depiction of the canon's East Blue Saga. The live-action adaptation stayed faithful enough to Oda's original material that it was quite surprising when the series hinted at a major villain that has yet to be fully explored in the anime.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

One Piece's Credits Introduce Marine Commander-In-Chief Kong

The primary antagonist's hint was cleverly hidden within the numerous captivating references to One Piece, making it easily missed by some. Throughout the live-action series, glimpses of the ever-evolving East Blue map can be observed, gradually unveiling additional details with each episode. In the closing credits of the final installment titled "Worst in the East," a clear display of the East Blue map provides a tantalizing clue, potentially foreshadowing the next thrilling chapter in Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates' extraordinary journey.

Within an intricate emblem,

What One Piece's Manga Has Revealed About Kong?

is identified as "Crafted exclusively for The Marines of the East Blue, By decree of Commander-in-Chief Kong," a charming introduction to a character yet to be portrayed in the live-action series. Reflecting the emblem's significance, Kong holds the esteemed position of Commander-in-Chief within the World Government and, as per canon, formerly held the rank of Fleet Admiral in the Marines. If the live-action Kong teaser manifests, Luffy and his crew would have a momentous encounter with a prominent figure in the One Piece universe. However, it should be noted that Kong does not accompany the Straw Hats on their forthcoming exploits, as they are about to embark on their journey through the Grand Line and confront the Baroque Works.

Commander-in-Chief Kong, despite his influential role in One Piece's regime, remains shrouded in mystery as the canon has revealed very little about him. Before Sengoku assumed his position, Kong held the esteemed title of Fleet Admiral of the Marines and played a crucial role during the historic Battle of Edd War, which pitted the Golden Lion Pirates against the Roger Pirates. Now serving as the World Government Commander-in-Chief, Kong wields authority not only over the Marines, but also over the Seven Warlords of the Sea, as well as the intelligence agencies Cipher Pol and Enias Lobby.

Aside from his position below only the Five Elders and Imu in the World Government hierarchy,

Will Kong Appear In Netflix's One Piece TV Show?

, the One Piece manga has also provided insights into Kong's exceptional powers and abilities. Despite his imposing presence, with a towering figure, strong shoulders, and a weathered appearance, Kong not only displays impressive physical strength but also possesses formidable combat skills. While the specific extent of his powers remains undisclosed, Kong's unparalleled political and physical prowess strongly suggests that he is an overwhelmingly formidable adversary.

Will Kong Appear In Netflix's One Piece TV Show?

It is unlikely that Kong will make an appearance in the second season of One Piece. However, there is a possibility that Kong may appear in the overall live-action adaptation. The focus of the second season is expected to be on wrapping up loose ends from the first season. These include a significant bounty on Luffy's head, a conspiracy between Alvida and Buggy to bring him down, and strong indications that Captain Smoker will become the Straw Hat Pirates' next major adversary. It is important to note that while the live-action adaptation may incorporate a few hints or references to Kong, if it follows the storyline of the manga and anime, Kong will likely not have a prominent role.

The Commander-in-Chief has made few appearances in the One Piece canon. Therefore, it is probable that the live-action adaptation will continue to include subtle references to Kong before introducing the character on screen. Furthermore, Kong's significant appearances in canon occurred during the Battle of Edd War, which took place approximately 20-25 years prior to Luffy beginning his pirate journey. This does not imply that Commander-in-Chief Kong is not a major threat to Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates, but rather that it may be a considerable amount of time, if ever, before the One Piece live-action includes him.