Being a leader inherently makes a character relevant to the One Piece world. Whether serving as a dutiful Marine admiral or a free-spirited pirate, the desire for organization is strong, especially given the responsibility that it entails.
Unfortunately, many of One Piece’s most well-known leaders fall short in their duties due to incompetence, recklessness, and in some instances, greed. By identifying the characters most capable of mobilizing their followers and achieving their goals, it becomes easier to identify the qualities that have made them genuinely great.
10 Buggy Is The Only Person Holding His Crew Together
Despite being one of One Piece’s weakest villains, Buggy is an incredible leader. During his absence after the Orange Town fight, his crew immediately fell into civil war. The second he returned, they resolved their differences and carried on as if nothing happened.
Additionally, Buggy is extremely charismatic and able to win the approval of strangers. He was seen as the ringleader during the riot at Impel Down, which made the World Government respect him so much that they gave him the position of warlord.
9 Law Would Do Anything For His Crew
Trafalgar Law was the captain of the Heart Pirates. His ability to keep calm and choose his battles reduced the risks his crew faced during their journeys throughout the New World.
When the Heart Pirates were captured by Hawkins, Law bargained to trade his freedom to free his crew. They revered the captain so much that they were willing to put all of Wano at risk in order to free him. Though Law is excellent at commanding respect and loyalty, his lack of an overarching vision reduces his effectiveness.
8 Arlong Caused A Substantial Amount Of Damage With Limited Resources
After the Sun pirates split up, Arlong took his followers to the East Blue in order to wage his war against humanity. Despite being few in number and their lack of Devil Fruits, they did exceedingly well.
Not only did Arlong successfully blackmail an entire village into paying him tributes, but he also began charting maps of the entire world by enslaving Nami. The villain even had the foresight to make friends with a Marine officer, which ensured that the World Government never interfered in his business.
7 Crocodile Used His Followers Brilliantly
Crocodile was the mad leader of Baroque Works. While failing to inspire loyalty from his followers, as seen through Robin and Bon Clay, he still used them well. By manipulating their diverse powers to his agenda, the warlord nearly took Alabasta and its super weapon for himself.
Although Galdino failed to defeat the Straw Hats, he was an excellent gauge of their power and if Crocodile should take them seriously. Similarly, Mr. Two’s ability to frame the king allowed Crocodile to capitalize on growing unrest and engineer a devastating civil war. While the nation devoured itself, he intended to plumb its most valuable secrets.
6 Eneru Was A God To His Followers & A Tyrant To Skypiea
Eneru managed to convince his many followers and a decent portion of Skypiea that he was a legitimate god. Regardless of their beliefs, all lived in fear of his will and did as he asked.
Not only did Eneru command a vast and diverse army of holy warriors, but he also enslaved Gan Fall’s men and forced them to create his arc. After finally uncovering the legendary golden bell, he would have accomplished his dark purpose if not for Luffy’s unexpected arrival and immunity to his Devil Fruit.
5 Iceburg Was The Respected President Of The Galley-La Company
Iceburg was simultaneously the president of the Galley-La company and the leader of Water Seven. Despite his many responsibilities, the nation’s people adored him so much that they laid down their lives on his behalf.
Although Iceburg has vision and charisma, his lack of powers is a serious problem. He will always depend on his followers in order to save him from serious threats, like the clandestine CP9 infiltrators. Were it not for Luffy’s aid, there would have been no one to prevent his assassination.
4 Blackbeard Takes Great Lengths To Empower His Allies
Blackbeard embodies what it means to be a pirate leader. He is ruthless, conniving, and willing to do whatever it takes in order to become strong — including murdering his friends or defiling the dead.
Despite a reputation for treachery, Blackbeard has won the loyalty of his followers. Whether saving prisoners from Impel Down or giving his comrades new Devil Fruits, Blackbeard is well-liked for his generosity toward his crew. The villain’s private island also suggests that he can keep order in a territory just as well as any other emperor.
3 Whitebeard’s Crew Adores Him Like A Father
Whitebeard’s crew adores him for his benevolence and follows his edicts without complaint. Over the years, they have grown to consider one another like family regardless of their many diverse backgrounds.
Despite being strong enough to protect his “children,” Whitebeard is not always practical. Risking his entire family to save Ace was an unspeakably irresponsible move that put thousands of people in danger. However, since Whitebeard and Ace were the only casualties, it cannot be seen as a serious point against his judgment.
2 Boa Hancock Is Respected By Everyone On Amazon Lily
Boa Hancock is an almost infallible leader. She is strong, charismatic, and can keep the entire country of Amazon Lily in working order every day. There is no civil unrest under her leadership, and the Marines stay clear of her island due to her position as a warlord of the sea.
Hancock’s only shortcoming is her willingness to break her island’s own rules. Enamored by Luffy’s oblivious mannerisms, she excused his presence on the island despite his gender. This was much to Gloriosa’s consternation, though her complaints were dismissed.
1 Im Has Controlled The Entire World For An Unknown Amount Of Time
Im is unlike any other leader in the One Piece universe. Shadowy and mysterious, he is not revered by the populace solely for the fact that few know of his existence.
Im has masterminded the World Government for an unknown amount of time, using the Gorosei to act as puppets while he leads from the shadows. Considering that Im is ultimately responsible for keeping the entire world under his thumb, his capacities as a ruler overshadow any other character in One Piece.