WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Netflix's One Piece season 1 and the anime.
Summary
Netflix's season 1 of One Piece establishes the universe of Eiichiro Oda's manga, introducing the Seven Warlords of the Sea and various other significant characters and organizations.
Comprising formidable pirates such as Dracule Mihawk and Crocodile, the Seven Warlords form an alliance with the World Government and the Marines in order to uphold harmony throughout the world.
One Piece season 2 will focus on Baroque Works and Crocodile's plan to take over the kingdom of Arabasta, making the Seven Warlords even more significant in the storyline.
Netflix's One Piece season 1 introduces the story of the Seven Warlords through Mihawk, who is renowned as the world's greatest swordsman. While the first season only covers the East Blue saga, the live-action series has already established much of the world depicted in Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga. The show acknowledges important characters and organizations, including the Seven Warlords of the Sea, also known as the Shichibukai, many of whom do not appear in season 1.
One Piece season 1 included approximately 50 episodes of the anime, which currently has a total of 1071 episodes. Therefore, it is evident that it will take a considerable amount of time for the live-action show to catch up to the latest One Piece storylines. Nonetheless, in One Piece season 2, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, particularly through Crocodile, will play a significant role. Although Dracule Mihawk was the only member of the Seven Warlords to make an appearance in One Piece season 1, there were references to a few other members. The Shichibukai, feared and respected, were once integral in maintaining balance in the world of One Piece.
Who The Seven Warlords Are In One Piece
The lineup of the Seven Warlords of the Sea has undergone changes in One Piece, with some members being removed and others choosing to resign from the organization. In the manga, the connection between the Shichibukai and the World Government has recently experienced alterations, although it will take several seasons for the live-action show to cover this aspect of the story. As depicted in Netflix's One Piece season 1, which corresponds to the manga's East Blue saga, the Seven Warlords of the Sea currently consist of:
- Dracule Mihawk
Crocodile
Gecko Moria
Boa Hancock
Jinbe
Donquixote Doflamingo
Bartholomew Kuma
Most of these characters will likely not make an appearance in One Piece season 2. Season 2 is expected to cover various plot points from the source material, including the introduction of the Baroque Works organization, Princess Vivi's storyline, and the arrival of Chopper. Assuming that One Piece season 2 covers approximately 50 additional episodes, characters like Donquixote Doflamingo and Bartholomew Kuma would still be quite distant in terms of their introduction. However, it is certain that Crocodile will play a significant role in the next step of the Straw Hats' journey, as hinted by the ending of One Piece season 1. Therefore, if One Piece returns for a second season, Crocodile is expected to be introduced.
Why The Marines Don't Hunt The Seven Warlords
The Seven Warlords of the Sea, although highly dangerous pirates, are not pursued by the Marines. This is due to their agreement with the World Government, which grants them the freedom to operate in the seas as long as they cooperate with the Marines when necessary. This is exemplified in One Piece episode 5 when Mihawk responded to Vice-Admiral Garp's call and undertook the task of capturing Monkey D. Luffy. The system of the Seven Warlords aids the World Government in curbing piracy as the Marines alone would struggle to handle it.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea had their bounties frozen as a reward for their actions. This allowed the Marines to utilize their power against unruly pirates, such as the Four Emperors. The presence of the Marines, Seven Warlords, and Four Emperors maintained balance in the world of One Piece. Unlike the unpredictable Four Emperors, the Shichibukai were under the control of the World Government.
Although the Seven Warlords didn't view themselves as servants of the World Government, many other pirates saw them that way. Arlong, for instance, expressed his disdain for Jinbe, a Fish-Man Shichibukai, in One Piece episode 7. From Arlong's perspective, Jinbe was a traitor. This relationship between the Marines and powerful pirates like Mihawk left Koby disappointed, as he struggled to comprehend why the Marines would collaborate with pirates. Garb's explanation shed light on the complexities and ambiguities of the One Piece universe, revealing why the Seven Warlords were permitted to operate freely.
How Powerful One Piece's Seven Warlords Actually Are
The Seven Warlords of the Sea in One Piece are renowned as some of the most formidable and skilled pirates in the world. Their cooperation was of great significance to the World Government, as they helped maintain a balance of power in the world, countering the influence of the Four Emperors. Among the original members, Jinbe and Mihawk are the only ones who do not possess Devil Fruit abilities. Crocodile possesses the Suna Suna no Mi, granting him near invincibility as a Sand Man. Gecko Moria's Kage Kage no Mi enables him to wield shadows as a weapon. Boa Hancock wields the Love-Love Fruit, which transforms individuals into stone when they develop romantic feelings for her. Donquixote Doflamingo's Ito Ito no Mi allows him to manipulate strings produced from his fingertips. Lastly, Kuma's Nikyu Nikyu no Mi grants him the power to repel anything or anyone that makes contact with his hands. Despite lacking a Devil Fruit power, Mihawk is known as the strongest Warlord, and Jinbe possesses immense strength and expertise in Fish-Man Karate without consuming a Devil Fruit.
The Seven Warlords Will Be Way More Important In One Piece Season 2
Mihawk's presence in One Piece season 1 was limited, as he only appeared briefly in the fight against Zoro and later met with Shanks. However, another significant character from the Seven Warlords, Crocodile, will play a crucial role in One Piece season 2. In episode 1, Zoro's introduction introduced the audience to the Baroque Works organization through Mr. 7. It was an Easter egg in the Netflix show, as Oda had previously drawn a doodle of the original Mr. 7. Zoro declined the offer to join the Baroque Works, but they will make a comeback.
Following the East Blue saga, the Straw Hats will face off against the Baroque Works in the first major arc of One Piece. This criminal organization, whose leader remains a mystery to most, is comprised of bounty hunters. Although the Baroque Works claims to have noble intentions of creating a better world, their true objective revolves around their leader, Crocodile, who aims to conquer the kingdom of Arabasta. Exploring the significance of Arabasta, Crocodile's motivations, and how the Straw Hat pirates become entangled in this conflict will be the main focus of One Piece season 2.