Once hailed as one of the three great powers of the world, alongside the Yonko and the Marines, the Shichibukai system stood as the epitome of the world’s power balance. However, this all came to an end in chapter 956, when the system was officially abolished.
Throughout its existence, the Shichibukai system underwent numerous iterations, marked by the rise and fall of notorious pirates who aligned themselves with the World Government. The system witnessed various changes in its membership, shaping the dynamic landscape of the world.
Among the former Shichibukai, there were those who posed a formidable threat to Luffy and the Straw Hat crew, only to be ultimately defeated by the tenacious captain. Conversely, there were individuals who became valuable allies, including former members of the Straw Hats. And, of course, there were those whose future endeavors loomed as insurmountable obstacles in the path of the Straw Hat crew.
Now, the question remains: Out of the total of eleven pirates who have participated in the Shichibukai system, who among them can be considered the strongest?
Determining the true strength of these individuals is a complex matter, as power levels, capabilities, and circumstances vary greatly. Each member brings their own unique skill set and reputation to the table, making a definitive ranking a subject of intense debate among fans.
While some may argue in favor of the fearsome Donquixote Doflamingo, who showcased immense strength and influence, others might rally behind the enigmatic Dracule Mihawk, renowned as the world’s greatest swordsman. Boa Hancock, with her unparalleled beauty and formidable Haki abilities, also stands as a strong contender. The likes of Bartholomew Kuma, Crocodile, and Jinbe have demonstrated their prowess in battle as well, leaving their mark on the story.
Ultimately, determining the strongest among the ex-Shichibukai requires a comprehensive evaluation of their individual feats, abilities, and impact on the story. It is a subjective matter that fans continue to speculate and discuss passionately.
Top 11/ Buggy (Yonko)
Buggy, the captain of the Buggy Pirates, wields authority over his crew, which grew in numbers after liberating high-bounty prisoners from Impel Down. Having once been a member of the legendary Roger Pirates, Buggy garners respect from these prisoners. His association with the Roger Pirates caught the attention of the Emperor Edward Newgate, who recognized the potential disruption Buggy’s forces could pose during the Summit War of Marineford. This led to an unlikely alliance between Buggy and Newgate’s crew. Additionally, the World Government extended an offer for Buggy to become a Warlord. His authority, stemming from his connection to the Roger Pirates, allowed him to establish a lucrative business known as Buggy’s Delivery, where he controlled a cadre of powerful mercenaries. However, with the dissolution of the Seven Warlords System, Buggy reverted to his status as an enemy of the World Government.
Buggy, through his supposed leadership, formed an alliance with Dracule Mihawk and Crocodile, earning recognition as one of the Four Emperors and a substantial bounty. Although physically weaker than many pirates in the treacherous New World, Buggy’s survival hinges on his cunning nature. He relies heavily on his schemes and weaponry to catch his opponents off guard. While he was involved in the massive prison break at Impel Down and the Summit War of Marineford, he rarely engages in direct combat himself.
Notably, Buggy displays skill as an inventor, creating potent ammunition. Despite surviving the perils of the Grand Line, his true threat lies in his ability to overpower ordinary citizens and novice pirates. Buggy triumphed over the Kumate Tribe with the assistance of Alvida, Mohji, and Cabaji, yet only a few individuals have seen through his web of lies and manipulations. It is evident that Buggy has not attained the exceptional strength and combat prowess possessed by his crewmates, particularly his former apprentice and fellow Emperor, Shanks.
Although Buggy commands a high bounty, his physical weakness in comparison to other New World pirates renders him relatively feeble. However, his resourcefulness and inventive nature make him a formidable adversary for inexperienced pirates and unsuspecting civilians.
Top 10/ Gecko Moria
Moria, a former Warlord of the Sea, boasts a wealth of experience as a pirate, navigating the treacherous Grand Line. At the height of his power, he was considered a formidable rival to Kaidou, one of the Four Emperors, although he tragically lost his entire crew to him. During the Summit War of Marineford, Moria engaged in a fierce battle against Curiel, the 10th division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, emerging unharmed except for a strike delivered by Jinbe, a fellow former Warlord. Notably, he effortlessly defeated Little Oars Jr. with a single swift maneuver, even though the giant was already weakened from previous injuries.
However, Moria’s overreliance on his subordinates or his own shadow in combat may have contributed to his decline in one-on-one battles. Often deeming certain fights as “pointless,” Moria would either flee from or disregard his opponents, such as when he ignored Luffy’s challenge on Thriller Bark after extracting the Straw Hat’s shadow. Jinbe commented on how Moria’s heavy reliance on absorbing the shadows of others had significantly weakened him.
Following the Summit War of Marineford, Donquixote Doflamingo proclaimed that the government deemed Moria too weak to remain a Warlord of the Sea and advocated for his elimination. However, Mihawk recollected that Moria was perfectly healthy at the war’s conclusion, yet it still took Doflamingo and a group of Pacifistas to corner him. Fortunately, Moria managed to escape with the assistance of Absalom.
To highlight his potential, Blackbeard, who refuses to recruit individuals of inferior strength into his crew, extended an invitation to Moria to become his subordinate.
Moria possesses an unwavering determination, enabling him to contain 1000 shadows within himself using Shadow’s Asgard, although it exacts a significant toll on his well-being. Moreover, he exhibited complete immunity to the impact of Luffy’s burst of Haoshoku Haki during the Summit War of Marineford.
Top 9/ Crocodile
Crocodile, a former Warlord of the Sea, gained considerable recognition from the World Government due to his formidable power. During his tenure as a Warlord, his bounty stood at a modest Beli 81,000,000, second only to Hancock’s, although this bounty is now outdated due to his long reign. Presently, he holds the fifth-highest bounty among former Warlords, ranking below Blackbeard, Mihawk, Buggy, and Law, with an astonishing Beli 1,965,000,000. When Crocodile lost his Warlord status, he was imprisoned in the notorious Level 6 of Impel Down, reserved for the world’s most atrocious criminals.
Crocodile emerged victorious against Luffy not once, but twice, before ultimately facing defeat. In all three encounters, Luffy would have met his demise if it weren’t for Crocodile’s stroke of luck and the assistance of various individuals. He impaled Luffy (only to be rescued by Nico Robin), dehydrated him (later revived by his own Water Water Pistol), and poisoned him (but received the antidote from Robin). Furthermore, if Luffy’s blood hadn’t nullified Crocodile’s Logia-Type defense and Robin hadn’t provided Luffy with the antidote for his poisoned hook, Crocodile would have emerged triumphant in their third battle.
Top 8/ Jinbei
Jinbe possesses immense strength and extraordinary agility, making him a formidable fighter. He engaged in a grueling five-day battle against Portgas D. Ace, even though Ace wielded Logia powers. This intense confrontation brought both combatants to the brink of death. Notably, Jinbe shared a cell with Ace on Level 6 of Impel Down, showcasing his resilience and power.
Unlike many members of the Straw Hat Pirates, Jinbe relies solely on his own physical prowess and instincts in combat, eschewing the use of weapons or Devil Fruit powers. His exceptional fighting skills are a result of his upbringing in the Fish-Man District, where he learned to depend on his inherent strength.
Jinbe’s power and influence are unquestionable. His departure from the Big Mom Pirates would significantly weaken their forces. Even CP0 agents have acknowledged his remarkable strength, deeming him capable of eliminating Who’s-Who, a former CP9 agent and a member of the Tobiroppo, the six strongest Shinuchi of the Beasts Pirates.
As the first fish-man to become a Warlord of the Sea, Jinbe held a substantial former bounty of Beli 250,000,000. Following his involvement in the Summit War of Marineford and the first mass breakout in Impel Down, his bounty escalated to Beli 438,000,000. Subsequently, after the Raid on Onigashima, his bounty rose once again to Beli 1,100,000,000, currently standing as the third highest among the Straw Hat Pirates.
Top 7/ Trafalgar D. Water Law
Following his triumph over the former Emperor, Big Mom, Law’s bounty skyrocketed to Beli 3,000,000,000, solidifying his status as one of the most perilous pirates worldwide. His bounty now stands on par with his current rival and fellow Emperor, Monkey D. Luffy. However, despite his enhanced power and formidable skills, Law remains outmatched in a one-on-one confrontation with an Emperor, as evidenced by his defeat at the hands of Blackbeard after departing from Wano.
Law has consistently displayed immense strength, unwavering resilience, and exceptional combat prowess, earning him the admiration and respect of both allies and foes. His remarkable exploits have propelled him to become one of the most renowned and powerful pirates across the globe, and he continues to relentlessly pursue even greater accomplishments.
Top 6/ Bartholomew Kuma
Before undergoing the Pacifista modifications, Kuma held a prestigious position as an esteemed officer within the Revolutionary Army, granting him authority over the organization’s lower ranks. However, his complete submission to the World Government resulted in the loss of his commanding influence. In his prime, he ruled over the Sorbet Kingdom as its monarch.
Kuma’s remarkable talent for deception was astonishing, evident from his successful manipulation of the World Government regarding his true allegiance to the Revolutionary Army over several years. As a result, he was bestowed the title of one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Kuma’s achievements are truly exceptional, as he stands as one of the few individuals capable of single-handedly overpowering the Straw Hat Pirates on two separate occasions. His agility is nothing short of extraordinary, enabling him to move at inconceivable speeds, often disappearing before the very eyes of the Straw Hats and those present on Thriller Bark. However, it remains unclear whether this attribute stems from Dr. Vegapunk’s modifications, his Devil Fruit powers, or simply his innate swiftness.
His formidable reputation strikes fear even in the hearts of influential and renowned pirates, as evidenced by the captain of the Kid Pirates, Eustass Kid’s, unease upon encountering a Pacifista (assuming it to be the real Kuma) at the Sabaody Archipelago, despite Kuma’s former bounty being lower than his own.
Top 5/ Boa Hancock
Hancock possesses an extraordinary level of strength that is renowned among allies and adversaries alike. She holds dominion alongside her sisters, commanding both the Amazon Lily and the entire Kuja tribe. As the empress and captain of the tribe, Hancock stands as the most powerful warrior among the Kuja. The tribe upholds the belief that “strength is beauty,” and since they unanimously regard Hancock as the most beautiful being in the world, it is presumed that she is also the mightiest among them. It is intriguing to consider that only the most formidable Kuja warriors are granted a place in the tribe’s pirate crew, indicating that Hancock and her sisters must have possessed remarkable skills from a young age, potentially even as apprentices like Shanks and Buggy.
Hancock’s strength is of such magnitude that it has garnered recognition from Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral of the Marines at the time. Gloriosa, who is well-acquainted with Hancock, firmly believed that her immense power made it highly unlikely for her to fall in the Marineford War. Even Kuzan, a former Admiral who has encountered numerous formidable individuals, acknowledged Hancock’s prowess and warned against underestimating her. Her status as one of the three Warlords who emerged unscathed from the war further attests to her remarkable strength. Furthermore, Hancock’s initial bounty of Beli 80,000,000 following her early exploits as a pirate serves as a testament to her exceptional abilities. Over a decade later, her bounty skyrocketed to Beli 1,659,000,000 after the dissolution of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Top 4/ Edward Weevil
Weevil’s extraordinary power has garnered the admiration of none other than Borsalino, who compared the young man’s abilities to those of Whitebeard during his prime. This self-proclaimed son of Whitebeard has achieved the remarkable feat of defeating a staggering 16 pirate crews that were once affiliated with his alleged father, including the notorious A O Pirates. Even when the Marines attempted to apprehend Weevil following the abolition of the Seven Warlords, they were swiftly crushed by his overwhelming might. When he revealed himself on Sphinx, the Marines stationed there fled in terror, intimidated by the sheer force of the former Warlord. Although he ultimately proved no match for Admiral Ryokugyu, Weevil miraculously survived the brutal encounter.
Top 3/ Donquixote Doflamingo
Donquixote Doflamingo joined the ranks of the Shichibukai a decade ago, boasting a bounty of 340,000,000 beli. During the events in Dressrosa, we witnessed the full extent of Doflamingo’s power, particularly his mastery of a formidable Devil Fruit, enabling him to achieve the state of Awakening. It was through this arc that we gained deeper insights into the concept of “Awakened Devil Fruit.” Additionally, similar to Boa Hancock, Doflamingo possesses the rare and prestigious Conqueror’s Haki.
As for Doflamingo’s Armament Haki and Observation Haki, it appears that his proficiency in these areas remains at a basic level. Nonetheless, with his cunning intellect, strategic acumen, and notable physical strength, Donquixote Doflamingo unquestionably deserves a spot among the top three strongest former members of the Shichibukai.
Top 2/ Dracule Mihawk
Mihawk is universally acknowledged as one of the most formidable pirates in the world, earning him the esteemed title of the “Strongest Swordsman in the World.” Even prior to the Great Age of Pirates, he garnered fame by consistently defeating increasingly powerful adversaries until no worthy challengers remained. Following the disbandment of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, his bounty was elevated to an astonishing Beli3,590,000,000, placing him among the most wanted pirates globally, surpassing even the bounties of two of the current Four Emperors, Monkey D. Luffy and Buggy.
Mihawk’s immense strength is so widely recognized that even his fellow former warlord, Crocodile, believes that an organization led by both of them would undoubtedly attract the attention of the Marines. This belief was validated when Buggy, falsely assumed to be their subordinate, was granted the status of one of the Four Emperors by the Marine Headquarters. Mihawk’s past epithet, the “Marine Hunter,” further exemplifies his power and infamy.
Beyond his prowess as a fierce and skilled swordsman, Mihawk possesses a surprising talent for culinary arts. He is an exceptional cook, having prepared meals for himself and Perona during their two-year companionship. The anime showcases his ability to apply his swordsmanship skills to cooking, effortlessly slicing vegetables with kitchen knives at remarkable speed and precision.
Top 1/ Marshall D. Teach (Yonko)
Blackbeard, one of the Four Emperors, is widely regarded as one of the most formidable pirates in the world. Even prior to attaining the status of Emperor, he had already established a reputation as a powerful pirate, having served as a member of the Whitebeard Pirates and a Seven Warlord of the Sea. His encounter with Shanks resulted in a lasting scar on the latter’s left eye, a testament to Blackbeard’s strength and Shanks’ acknowledgment of his formidable abilities. Ace himself acknowledged Blackbeard’s potential, stating that he could have become a commander within the Whitebeard Pirates if recommended.
Throughout the timeskip, Blackbeard’s infamy grew significantly, resulting in a staggering bounty of Beli2,247,600,000. This bounty was later increased to Beli3,996,000,000, making it the second-highest among the current Emperors and the highest among former Warlords of the Sea and members of the Worst Generation. He effortlessly defeated his fellow ex-Warlord Boa Hancock, and even Silvers Rayleigh, the former “Right Hand of the Pirate King,” conceded that his advanced age would render him powerless against Blackbeard. Furthermore, Blackbeard emerged victorious in a battle against Trafalgar D. Water Law, whose bounty amounts to Beli3,000,000,000 and who played a crucial role in the defeat of former Emperor Big Mom.
