Summary
The morality ofOne Piececharacters is a somewhat varied subject. As a series focused on pirates, it makes clear that morality is not equated with the legality of their actions. Sometimes, more morally bankrupt characters align themselves with the clean-cut heroes due to temporarily sharing the same goals.
Nonetheless, certain characters sometimes make the transition from a more antagonistic role into a heroic one for various reasons. The ultimate result is a change of heart, and to some extent, a change of conduct. Here are some characters who were once aligned with the villains, but later sided with the heroes instead.
6Hatchan
Ex-Officer of the Arlong Pirates
Hatchan, informally known as Hachi, is a somewhat naive octopus fish-man, who was one ofArlong’s longtime affiliates. He is a swordsman well-versed in the six-sword-style. Despite his captain’s anti-human ideology, Hatchan never really bought into the philosophy. He was also a friend of Silvers Rayleigh, the first mate of the legendary Roger Pirates. Hatchan joined Arlong’s crew once they split off fromthe Sun Pirates, and eventually took up residency in Arlong Park on the East Blue. Despite lacking his captain’s prejudice, he nonetheless followed his orders. He was responsible for capturing Nami, leading in part to the ensuing tragedy.
After his defeat at Zoro’s hands, Hatchan retires from piracy and opens a Takoyaki Shop. He befriends Camie, a kissing gourami mermaid, and Pappag, her starfish companion, both of whom help him man the Takoyaki 8. When Camie requests the Straw Hats' assistance in rescuing Hatchan after he is captured, the fish-man feels awkward about being rescued by his former enemies and attempts to hide his identity. This fails when Zoro recognizes his voice.
However, Hachi has since proven a consistent ally to the Straw Hats. He has introduced them to Rayleigh and his wife Shakuyaku, guarding the Thousand Sunny in their absence, and eventually aiding them on Fish-Man Island once they finally make the trip down. It was for his sake that Luffy punched the World Noble, Charlos, despite the consequences.
5Nico Robin
Former Vice President of Baroque Works
Nico Robin was the sole survivor of themassacre at Ohara, and was branded a dangerous criminal for her ability to read poneglyphs. The public was falsely told that she and the other scholars sought the knowledge to destroy the world with the Ancient Weapons. Due to the bounty on her head, Robin was forced to trust no one. Having joined a string of pirate crews and criminal organizations, it was at the age of 24 that she met Crocodile, who needed her to aid in his acquisition of the Ancient Weapon, Pluton. She proved useful to the Warlord, acting as his liaison to agentsin Baroque Works, as well as an assassin of some renown.
Robin showed hints of not being onboard with his plan, culminating in the pair attempting to kill one another. Luffy saved her life, which she claimed not to want. This led to her forcibly inviting herself into the Straw Hat Pirates, believing Luffy should take responsibility for her life. Although they remained apprehensive, she was able to use their vices against them to soften her perception within the crew.
During her time with the crew, she gained so much affection for them, that she willingly turned herself in for their sake. In return, the Straw Hats braved even the World Government to rescue her. She finally announced she wanted to live and join them at sea, and has remained a steadfast member of the crew since then.
4Duval
Leader of the Rosy Life Riders
This hulking man resembled a crude sketch of"Black Leg" Sanji, which made his life take a turn for the worse, once wanted posters using this exact illustration came out. This led him to being hunted by marines and bounty hunters, due to the resemblance. He hid his face in an iron mask, developed a hatred for Sanji, and carved out a name for himself in the slave-trading business, leading the Flying Fish Riders.
After the group collaborated with the Macro Pirates to capture Hatchan, they confronted the Straw Hats. Sanji fought Duval, using his Parage Shot to restructure his face, giving him a dissimilar handsome appearance. This caused him to become vain, using “handsome” interchangeably with his name. However, this was the beginning of his ultimate turn.
Duval’s gratitude inspired him to quit the slave trade and later ally himself with the Straw Hats. Rebranded as the Rosy Life Riders, Duval’s crew aided the Straw Hats in Sabaody, acting against other slave traders who wished to apprehend Camie. Alongside Hatchan and Bartholomew Kuma, Duval led his group to protect the Thousand Sunny in the Straw Hats' absence. He was later seen injured, recovering at Shakuyaku’s bar. However, he was no less willing to aid Sanji, despite being hurt on his behalf once more.
3Bellamy
Former Member of the Donquixote Pirates
Bellamy was introduced as an arrogant pirate who captained his own crew out of boredom. He received permission to use the Donquixote family’s symbol, provided he did not lose to anyone. He ultimately made his way to Jaya, confronting other pirates and even seizing a hotel as a makeshift base for his own crew. His disbelief in dreams caused Luffy to view him as beneath his attention, but Bellamy and his crew did not get the message. Despite continually goading the young pirate into attacking him, his own attacks did nothing against Luffy, who took him out with a single hit.
After being abused by Doflamingo, Bellamy and his crew went to the Sky Islands, although many did not survive the trip. Bellamy retrieved a gold pillar, regaining his good standing with Donquixote Doflamingo. After this point, he became obsessed with becoming an officer inthe Donquixote Pirates. However, it was revealed that Doflamingo had no confidence in his skills, and wished him dead. He insisted he had no bad blood with Luffy when he met the pirate at Dressrosa. Despite this, Bellamy continued to fight Luffy, but fared no better against him.
Once he recovered, Bellamy refused to be Luffy’s subordinate, being one of a few allies from Dressrosa who did not join the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. Instead, Bellamy retired from piracy and became a dyer. He still accepted Luffy’s vivre card, so the pair could keep tabs on one another. It is likely Bellamy wishes to further redeem himself if Luffy is once again in danger.
2Speed
Former Officer of the Beasts Pirates
Speed was a gifter inthe Beasts Pirates. This meant she was not only strong enough to consume a SMILE (an artificial Zoan Devil Fruit), but that she was lucky enough to derive animal powers from it. The SMILE gave Speed the ears, body, and vision of a horse. Her strength was great enough that she received given a headliner position, the lowest of three administrative ranks.
Her strength was co-opted by Tama, whose Kibi Kibi no Mi allowed her to sprout kibi dango that could be used to control animals. Since SMILE users are part animal, they are also susceptible to this control. Speed developed great rapport with Tama, and was instrumental in distributing the dangos that caused a number of Beasts Pirates to defect. She was even willing to confront Kaido himself, despite him being her former captain.
Sometime after Kaido’s defeat, Tama explained that the dangos would wear off in about a month, leaving those affected to choose for themselves what they wished to do. Speed claimed she would be happier with Tama, which led the kunoichi-in-training to ask if she would stay forever and act as her mother. Although the exact outcome of this exchange is unclear for the moment, one can surmise that Speed will likely stay with Tama, due to their closeness.
