The Rise of Buggy: Unveiling the Secrets Behind His Yonko Status in One Piece Episode 1080

In One Piece episode 1080, titled A Celebration Banquet! The New Emperors of the Sea!, the identities of the pirates who replaced Big Mom and Kaido as two of the four greatest captains were revealed. After their defeat by a powerful alliance, Kaido and Big Mom lost their Yonko status.

While everyone was enjoying the festivities in the Flower Capital, Kid showed Luffy a newspaper article that disclosed the names of the new Four Emperors of the One Piece world. Alongside "Red Hair" Shanks and Marshall D. Teach, also known as "Blackbeard," the unexpected additions were Luffy and Buggy "The Clown."

The status of being a Yonko does not solely depend on one's combat skills, however, it does demand that the person possessing this title be an exceptional fighter. Unfortunately, Buggy falls short in this regard. Read on to discover how Buggy defied all odds and exceeded his own expectations, transforming from a simple East Blue pirate to someone who shares the same prestigious title as Shanks and Blackbeard within a span of just two years.

Note: This article contains significant spoilers from the One Piece manga for those who only watch the anime.

Buggy leaves everyone in shock by becoming a new Emperor of the Sea in One Piece episode 1080

Buggy's rise is unbelievable, but there's a reason for it

Buggy's post-timeskip appearance (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Despite being significantly weaker than other One Piece villains, Buggy consistently accomplishes feats that defy all logic. Regardless of how dire the circumstances may appear, he miraculously navigates through them, often emerging with unexpected advantages.

Achieving the status of one of the Four Emperors is undoubtedly the height of Buggy's fortunate circumstances. However, this seemingly impressive accomplishment is actually the outcome of a rather grotesque story.

Following the majority vote during the Levely to dissolve the Seven Warlords, the members of this organization reverted back to being criminals. In response to this development, Crocodile wasted no time in reaching out to the formidable former Warlord, Dracule Mihawk, with a proposition for an alliance.

Dracule Mihawk (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

The concept was to establish a firm dedicated to pursuing Marine personnel in exchange for rewards. Consequently, the duo co-founded the Cross Guild, a novel incarnation of "Operation Utopia," utilizing Crocodile's shrewd intellect and Mihawk's unparalleled martial skills as the World's Strongest Swordsman.

In order to secure funding for the Cross Guild, Crocodile approached Buggy, who owed him a significant amount of money. Unfortunately, Buggy was unable to repay the debt as he was financially struggling. In an attempt to appease the enraged Mihawk and Crocodile, Buggy offered his former organization and resources to support their new venture.

However, Buggy's followers misinterpreted the situation, believing that Mihawk and Crocodile were his subordinates whom he had summoned to confront the Marine forces besieging their location. Excited by the perceived prestige of their leader, Buggy's men spread the rumor that he was the head of the Cross Guild.

The image shown above features Crocodile and his loyal companion, Daz Bonez, as depicted by Toei Animation in the popular anime series, One Piece.

Upon initially encountering the unexpected incident, both Mihawk and Crocodile swiftly devised a cunning plan to capitalize on the absurdity of the situation. It was revealed by Mihawk himself that he had no desire to attain the esteemed rank of Yonko, preferring to forgo the unwanted attention that typically accompanied such a lofty status.

Therefore, Mihawk proposed the idea of appointing Buggy as the group's leader, not for his actual authority but to deceive the World Government. Acting upon this suggestion, Buggy played along and declared himself as the head of Cross Guild, with Mihawk and Crocodile as his top subordinates.

In a comical series of misunderstandings, Buggy's followers misconstrued the situation yet again, mistaking their leader's fear for excitement at recruiting such influential figures. And as if that wasn't amusing enough, the most entertaining part was still to come.

Mihawk and Crocodile formed an agreement with Buggy in One Piece, as depicted in the image. As anticipated by Mihawk, the World Government couldn't ignore the creation of the Cross Guild. They took notice, particularly because the organization began placing bounties on Navy officers, which was a departure from the usual practice of outlaws being the ones receiving rewards for their capture.

Due to his formidable combat skills and significant political sway, the Cross Guild rapidly ascended to become recognized as a Yonko crew. Capitalizing on Mihawk and Crocodile's orchestrated charade, the World Government officially pronounced Buggy, who was believed to be the group's leader, as one of the Four Emperors.

At this rate, Buggy might end becoming the Pirate King

Throughout the One Piece narrative, Buggy's utterances and deeds frequently get misinterpreted as signs of power. Nevertheless, his unfortunate fortune, coupled with a certain level of cleverness and ability to adapt on the spot, enabled him to construct a formidable and influential pirate persona.

Despite lacking physical strength, Buggy possesses an immense ego and craves adulation and intimidation from others, irrespective of its validity. He eagerly seizes any chance to enhance his image, rendering him a comical and capricious character.

Buggy's journey to prominence commenced with the massive jailbreak from Impel Down, where numerous notorious inmates from the Sixth Level were captivated by Buggy's supposed "charisma" and sought to serve under him, particularly upon learning of his past association (albeit as an apprentice) with the Roger Pirates.

Buggy, as depicted in the One Piece anime at Impel Down (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

During the Paramount War, a humorous chain of misunderstandings created the illusion that Buggy was a daring individual who fearlessly confronted the entire Navy, earning him recognition as an equal by Edward Newgate "Whitebeard." However, upon Shanks' arrival in Marineford, Buggy's anger towards him became apparent.

Unaware of their previous friendship as crewmates on the Roger Pirates many years ago, Buggy's new subordinates misunderstood the incident as their leader boldly disrespecting "Red Hair" Shanks.

Interestingly, the World Government also misunderstood the situation and began regarding Buggy as a formidable pirate, even offering him a position among the Seven Warlords. Naturally, he gladly accepted the offer and utilized his Warlord status to engage in his business ventures without fear of consequence.

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After establishing his pirate dispatch organization known as "Buggy's Delivery", his reputation soared. However, when the World Government disbanded the Seven Warlords system, Buggy found himself in a tight spot. In a desperate attempt to evade capture, he cunningly sacrificed his subordinates to divert the attention of the Navy.

Mihawk and Crocodile's arrival completely altered the situation by effortlessly decimating the fleet, unintentionally paving the way for Buggy's eventual ascension to the position of Yonko. It is important to acknowledge that, from the perspective of the World Government, Buggy's inclusion as one of the Four Emperors is indeed logical.

In their eyes, Buggy is an exceptionally formidable and perilous pirate who:

Successfully orchestrated the mass breakout from Impel Down and assembled a formidable group of renowned criminals who were previously imprisoned within its walls.

Previously held a crucial position as a loyal subordinate of the legendary Pirate King, having actively participated as a valued crew member of the esteemed Roger Pirates. This exceptional crew was responsible for discovering the fabled One Piece treasure.

Was treated as an equal by two Emperors, "Red Hair" Shanks and the World's Strongest Man Edward Newgate "Whitebeard"

Was worthy of being one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea

Buggy with Shanks in Marineford (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Crocodile, a former Warlord with logia-class powers, and Dracule Mihawk, an individual renowned as the World's Strongest Swordsman and surpassing even Shanks, deemed him mighty enough to become their leader.

The general public, including the World Government, firmly believes in these supposed accomplishments, despite knowing that they are a mix of exaggerations and outright lies. However, to fans of One Piece, it is well-known that Buggy's ability to be in the right place at the right time and escape trouble through unconventional and opportunistic behavior is a characteristic fitting of a pirate. Despite not being the strongest fighter, Buggy somehow deserves his place among the rulers of the seas.

However, this time Buggy must exercise caution and avoid taking on more than he can handle. Mihawk and Crocodile, although supportive of his position as the leader of the Cross Guild, will not hesitate to hold him accountable for any mistakes he makes. Their reputation is on the line, and they won't allow him to escape the consequences.

Stay updated on the ongoing developments of One Piece's manga, anime, and live-action adaptations throughout 2023.