One Piece Theories: Could the Marines Revolt Against the World Government?

The World Government stands as a tyrannical entity wielding control over a significant portion of the One Piece universe. In this system, five individuals known as the Gorosei direct the operations of the World Government, following the commands of the shadowy leader, Imu-sama, from the Empty Throne. To execute its commands and maintain order, the World Government primarily depends on the Marines, a formidable naval military force distributed across the seas.

Previously, the Marines were recognized as one of the “Three Great Powers” in the One Piece world, alongside the Four Emperors and the Seven Warlords. Tasked with upholding justice and combating piracy, Navy officers sail the oceans to maintain peace and neutralize threats. The World Government, however, presents itself as an organization dedicated to establishing peace and justice.

This portrayal serves to obscure the malevolence of the aristocratic Celestial Dragons, as well as Imu and the Gorosei’s efforts to suppress the genuine history of the world.

Notably, the Marines grapple with moral ambiguity, occasionally executing deplorable actions to fulfill the mandates of the World Government, including the unjust killing of innocent civilians. While they have historically remained loyal to the World Government, this allegiance may waver as the narrative progresses toward its climax.

Disclaimer: This article contains significant spoilers from the One Piece manga up to chapter 1131 and represents the author’s viewpoints.

Foreshadowing a Schism: The Marines and the World Government

Doubts Amongst the Most Loyal Marines

Doberman as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

The Eggshead Incident unveiled crucial clues regarding the dissent brewing within the Marines. Following the aftermath of the conflict, Vice Admiral Doberman questioned Gorosei member Saint Jaygarcia Saturn about the validity of Dr. Vegapunk’s message.

In a recorded speech intended for worldwide broadcast upon his demise, Vegapunk disclosed that the world was formerly composed of multiple massive continents. However, during the Void Century, mankind engineered a catastrophic event that raised sea levels by 200 meters.

He claimed that the Ancient Weapons responsible for submerging parts of the world during the Void Century still exist and that eventually, the entire globe is fated to be engulfed by water. Furthermore, Vegapunk recounted the origins of the World Government, which was formed by the coalition that opposed Joy Boy, the first pirate in history, and a mysterious nation referred to as the Ancient Kingdom.

Doberman questioning Saturn in One Piece chapter 1125 (Image via Shueisha)

Saturn’s subsequent fury at Doberman’s inquiry culminated in an energy blast that severely injured him. This moment was particularly striking as Doberman is not only one of the Navy’s most seasoned Vice Admirals but also a staunch advocate of Absolute Justice.

Absolute Justice represents the World Government’s official stance on the concept of justice.

If someone as dedicated as Doberman starts to question the actions and motives of the World Government, it’s likely that many of his comrades are experiencing similar doubts. Especially since those Marines who witnessed this encounter now recognize how even the most devoted officers are mistreated by the upper echelons of the World Government.

Fujitora’s Rebellion Against the World Government

Fujitora as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Admiral Issho, commonly known as Fujitora, represents one of the kindest souls within the Navy. A man who has intentionally blinded himself to shield against the world’s malice, Fujitora strives to safeguard those who are vulnerable and innocent. He possesses a low tolerance for injustice, especially actions perpetrated by his own organization.

Fujitora was disheartened when the Marines, acting under the World Government’s directives, ignored the transgressions of Donquixote Doflamingo in Dressrosa. To express his remorse, he bowed before King Riku, the rightful ruler of Dressrosa. He even allowed Luffy’s escape as an act of gratitude for liberating the nation from Doflamingo’s tyranny, which he felt powerless to halt due to Doflamingo’s status as a Warlord.

This Admiral has openly questioned not just the Warlord system but also the pervasive corruption within the World Government and its ramifications on the Navy. During the Levely, Fujitora defied the World Government by facilitating the escape of numerous slaves from Mary Geoise, resulting in conflict with his comrade, Ryokugyu. His stance clearly indicates a rejection of the current regime.

Kizaru’s Transformation Post-Egghead

Kizaru as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Before the events of the Egghead Arc, Admiral Borsalino, known as Kizaru, was depicted as a relaxed, detached individual, often responding to adversaries with sarcasm and a laid-back demeanor. However, the recent arc transformed the public perception of his character.

Under orders to confront his former colleagues, such as Dr. Vegapunk and his protector Sentomaru, as well as Bartholomew Kuma and Jewelry Bonney, Kizaru found himself at a crossroads between personal feelings and Marine duty. He asserted he was “a cog in the machine” as he executed his mission by taking Vegapunk’s life as directed.

The World Government forced Kizaru to kill his own feelings (Image via Shueisha)

This act inflicted significant emotional trauma on Kizaru. Overwhelmed with grief, he withdrew from fighting Luffy, proclaiming himself too hurt to continue, despite appearing physically unscathed. This was a poignant metaphor for his inner turmoil.

When Fleet Admiral Akainu criticized him for not performing his duties adequately, Kizaru broke down in tears and lashed out at Akainu, leaving his superior stunned. In a surprising twist, Akainu apologized to him, marking a unique moment in the storyline. Given his emotional turmoil during the Egghead events, Kizaru’s outlook may undergo a significant shift.

Historically, Kizaru adhered to the doctrine of Unclear Justice, executing orders without hesitation; however, like former Admiral Kuzan “Aokiji,” whose philosophy shifted from Blazing Justice to Lazy Justice due to the Ohara Incident, Kizaru might also shift away from Unclear Justice in response to the World Government’s malice.

The Staunch Akainu

Akainu as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Current Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, known as Akainu, has committed numerous brutal acts in the pursuit of Absolute Justice throughout his tenure. While he serves as an antagonist, Akainu’s motives are not entirely evil like those of the lower ranks of the World Government. Rather, he is an extreme character who values the reputation of the Navy and its enforcement responsibilities above all.

Since ascending to Fleet Admiral, he has centralized the Navy’s power. To uphold the Navy’s esteemed reputation, he engaged in fierce disputes with the Five Elders, openly condemning them as mere puppets of the Celestial Dragons.

Thus far, Akainu’s loyalty to the World Government has been unwavering. Nonetheless, he harbors deep-seated disdain for the Celestial Dragons and their ability to exert control over the world. He is unlikely to tolerate the Navy being utilized as a mere instrument for the World Government’s agenda indefinitely.

Kuzan, Sentomaru, Smoker, and the SWORD Units

Kuzan as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Contrasting with Akainu, Kuzan “Aokiji” is characterized by his compassion. Previously driven by Burning Justice, he reevaluated his stance after witnessing the senseless slaughter of innocents in Ohara.

The brutality exhibited by the World Government led Kuzan to adopt Lazy Justice as his principle. After an intense confrontation with Akainu, he resigned from the Navy and left his position as Admiral. He later formed an alliance with the Blackbeard Pirates.

Sentomaru as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Sentomaru, the captain of the Science Unit and personal bodyguard to Dr. Vegapunk, showed respect for Luffy and bore no grudge against pirates. Yet he dutifully served the Marines until the World Government ordered Vegapunk’s assassination. Faced with a conflict against Kizaru, Sentomaru rebelled against the Marines, his animosity directed solely at the World Government.

Smoker as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Aside from Admiral Aramaki “Ryokugyu,” most Navy personnel exhibit disdain toward the World Government. This group includes the members of SWORD— Koby, Helmeppo, Prince Grus, X Drake, and others—alongside Smoker and his subordinate Tashigi.

Smoker is an honorable individual, motivated by a personal sense of right and wrong, who acts independently. Corruption infuriates him, and he has explicitly shown that the immoral acts of the World Government provoke his ire. Thus, it seems improbable that Smoker will remain under the World Government’s command much longer.

Koby as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Koby, young and resolute, harbors deep faith in the Navy’s honor, integrity, and transparency—qualities seemingly eroded by the glaring reality revealing the organization as nothing more than a pawn for the World Government’s ambitions.

As a committed officer aspiring to protect the innocent from evil, Koby is sure to come to the realization that the real malevolence originates from the World Government. He and his SWORD colleagues may emerge to reform the Navy, liberating it from its previous master.

The Legendary Garp and Sengoku (and Dragon)

Garp as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Monkey D. Garp, often regarded as the most formidable Marine in One Piece, showcased his combat prowess against Gol D. Roger, earning a reputation as a “Marine Hero.”However, Garp is inherently rebellious and independent.

He has declined promotions to Admiral multiple times, opting to remain free from becoming a tool of the Celestial Dragons, whom he has consistently held in disdain. Although he has never overtly opposed the World Government, he remains acutely aware of its flaws, and the current situation may prompt a change.

Garp believes the Marine’s primary role is to safeguard the innocent’s future, a principle that becomes increasingly difficult when the World Government aims to engulf the world with water. Former Fleet Admiral Sengoku, though not as defiant as Garp, is a man of compassion, whose stern decisions are shaped by a desire to prevent civilians from facing an even greater threat.

Sengoku as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Currently, Garp is imprisoned by the Blackbeard Pirates after he sacrificed himself to let Koby escape from Hachinosu. Should Sengoku and the other Marines orchestrate his rescue, Garp might oppose the existing World Government, setting the stage for a unified front against this oppressive regime formed by the Monkey D. family.

Monkey D. Dragon, Garp’s son and Luffy’s father, previously served in the Navy but resigned after realizing the organization could never uphold justice due to the World Government’s malignant influence. He established the Revolutionary Army to contest and dismantle the World Government, identifying it as the true adversary.

It would indeed be thrilling to witness Garp, Dragon, and Luffy united against the World Government. With Garp’s notoriety, many Marines would likely be inclined to follow his lead.

In Conclusion: Will the Navy Turn Against the World Government in One Piece?

The truth left the Marines shocked (Image via Shueisha)

The World Government has indoctrinated many into submission to the Celestial Dragons, convincing them that the current regime is the sole guarantor of global harmony. In this paradigm, the Marines have stood by the World Government, believing it to be the lesser evil, equating its absence with impending chaos.

However, following Vegapunk’s revelations, it is clear to every Marine that the World Government regards them as mere disposable tools. The Celestial Dragons reside atop the Red Line, thereby insulated from the effects of rising water levels. Consequently, it is the Marines and their families who will face dire consequences.

As Dr. Vegapunk suggested, the Navy is home to many rational individuals. This awakening could catalyze a rebellion against the World Government among some Marines who recognize the grave stakes involved.

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