| “ | This thing called "justice" changes its shape… Depending on where you stand... | „ |
| ~ Aokiji/Kuzan's belief. |
| “ | You're as direct as ever, Garp-san... I've always loved that about you... and that's why I'm not gonna do any of those things. I've decided to live life on my own terms! | „ |
| ~ Kuzan to Garp before clashing. |
Kuzan, known by his former alias Aokiji (Blue Pheasant), is a major character in the One Piece franchise. He is a former admiral of the Marines and a former apprentice of Monkey D. Garp. He is a follower of "Lazy Justice", in which he hardly enforces his views with strict intent. He was a follower of Moral Justice.
After the Paramount War, he was nominated for the position of Fleet Admiral, but lost it in combat against Akainu, in which Aokiji resigned from his position as an Admiral, refusing to work under Akainu's commands due to his hatred towards the latter for his cruelty. Following his resignation, he became part of the Blackbeard Pirates as the captain of the Tenth Ship, stating that he for once wants to be able to live his life under his own terms.
In the Japanese dubbed version, he is voiced by Takehito Koyasu, who is famous for his role as Dio Brando in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood. In the English dubbed version, he is voiced by Jason Douglas (who also voiced Azuma Genkaku in Deadman Wonderland, Jacques Schnee in RWBY, Raoh in Fist of the North Star, Bando in Elfen Lied, Claude Faustus in Black Butler, and Beerus in Dragon Ball Super).
Appearance[]
Aokiji is a tall man with a black curly hair.
When he was a Marine Admiral, he wore a white suit and blue shirt. He has a blindfold on the his forehead. He wore a Marine Jacket with a blue sleeve.
After quitting the Marines. Kuzan wore a white shirt. black pants and green jacket. He wore a blue bandana and sunglasses. He grow a goatee. He has a glove covered his scarred hand.
After his clash with Akainu. Aokiji has burn scars all over his right side of his body. He lost his left leg (possibly melted by Akainu's magma) and replaced with icy prosthetic leg.
Personality[]
Even though Aokiji was an admiral in the navy, which was presented as one of the main antagonistic organizations of the series, he would use his powers and influence to help people rather than be the World Government's force of dominion disguised as justice, and was a strong believer in "Lazy Justice", and even though he was going to kill one of the main antagonists, the reasons behind it were that he had the means to revive the legendary weapons of ages past which could destroy the world, and he thought that they were too dangerous even for the people who gave him his orders to possess.
After leaving the Marines when realizing the World Government became corrupted and losing against Akainu for the position of Fleet Admiral as he dislikes serving under his leadership, Kuzan became a wanderer. He still cares for his old friend, Smoker and admired his former mentor, Garp for being directed as usual. He only joined Blackbeard just so he could live in his own life when he refused to return back as a Marine by Garp's demands due to his hatred towards Sakazuki.
Biography[]
Past[]
Kuzan was born in the Vespa Kingdom 49 years ago, by the time he was 19 he had joined the marine's. During this time he became a pupil of Monkey D. Garp and trained under him to become strong , eventually forming a bond with him. In One Piece Film: Z (Non-canon) it was revealed that he, along with other high-ranking Marines, were trained by Admiral "Black-Fist" Zephyr in their early years as marines. It was also revealed that he looked up to Zephyr very much in his youth, and did things to emulate him like singing Zephyr's favorite song (which he actually hated) and drinking his favorite alcoholic beverage.
In his days as a Vice-admiral he had eaten a powerful Logia Devil Fruit that gave him mastery of Ice, he also befriended a giant vice-admiral named Jaguar D. Saul. But Saul was having doubts on the World Government's actions in the name of justice. When the Buster Call came to Ohara Island, Jaguar did everything he could to protect Nico Robin, who was the child of a friend of his (who happened to be a wanted criminal for studying the Void Century); but Kuzan froze him solid, seemingly killing him, though it turns out that Saul managed to survive, meaning that Kuzan likely spared him due to their past relationship and out of shame for Akainu's actions. Kuzan expressed remorse for his actions and froze a path out to sea for Robin and giving her a rowboat to escape with. Sometime along the line he was promoted to the position of Admiral.
Water 7 Arc[]
One day, the Straw Hat pirates stopped on an island where Kuzan happened to be sleeping. But rather than fighting them immediately, he helped some people who were stranded on an island by freezing the ocean to create a path to another island. Kuzan revealed he knows Luffy's grandfather, which shocked the latter as he compares them before he warned the crew about Robin, who in order to survive due to her excessive bounty and falsified crime listing, betrayed every organization she belonged to. He then battled the Straw Hats and froze Robin, and was about to smash her when their Captain, Monkey D. Luffy, grabbed her and gave her to his crew, who then proceeded to revive her using hot water. Luffy fought as hard as he could with Kuzan but, ultimately, the battle was ended when Kuzan froze Luffy solid with a single touch. Rather than kill him, he allowed the crew to revive Luffy, because (after struggling to remember) they helped apprehend Crocodile (who was doing things beyond his influence as a Warlord) and had a good word put in from captain Smoker.
He was later surprised by the wreckage of Enies Lobby from the Buster Call. He remarked that the Straw Hat Pirates were something else if they were able to survive the strongest tactic.
Later, after rescuing Robin from being sent to Impel Down, Kuzan had a conversation with Robin from behind a wall at the victory party, expressing confusion at why she didn't betray them like she had so many times before, she stated that she had found people that would care about her like Saul had said. Kuzan then left the island without fighting, or even confronting the Straw Hats.
He was later on Monkey D. Garp's ship, criticizing the latter for reporting that he couldn't arrest his grandson. Garp had him be silent, as he confronted Luffy but the Straw Hats were able to escape. Kuzan cracked a smile at their ship blasting off in the air.
Marineford Arc[]
Kuzan was present during Ace's execution at Marineford. When Whitebeard used his Quake-Quake powers, he, along with Admirals Kizaru and Akainu, blocked his attack. When the tsunamis from Whitebeard's attack were about to crash on Marineford, Kuzan intercepted them, using his Devil Fruit powers to freeze the waves in place.
When Luffy made it to the execution stand, Kuzan and the other Admirals confronted him, voicing how he came a long way. However, they told the Straw Hat Captain that he could not beat them by himself.
Kuzan was later shocked at Luffy's ability to use Supreme King Haki, being sweating as he realized he underestimated the latter's potential. After Ace's escape, he attempted to intervened and his Ice powers clashed with Ace's Fire powers unsurprisingly, resulting in a standstill. Kuzan would later aid Akainu by freezing the sea again and sarcastically apologized to Jinbe (who was carrying a comatose Luffy). Kuzan briefly got distracted by Koby yelling for the battle to stop before he witnessed the latter nearly got killed by Akainu though Shanks interfered. Much later, he and Borsalino tried to destroy the submarine of the Heart Pirates after they saved Luffy and Jinbe though their attempts would fail. Kuzan then stood down after Sengoku ordered the war to stop.
Post War Arc[]
Later, in the aftermath of the Whitebeard War, Kuzan was surprised that not only had Luffy survived but he returned to Marineford. He soon oversaw Smoker's decision to transfer to G-5 in the New World.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku announced his retirement and nominated Kuzan as his replacement.
Time Skip[]
During the two years, it was revealed that he had a duel with Admiral Akainu, who was also nominated for position by higher-ups in the World Government, to decide who would lead the Navy. The battle was so great that it completely changed the climate of the island it took place, creating a frozen tundra side and a burning volcanic side. After Kuzan lost, Sakazuki spared his life, out of respect for their history. However, Kuzan resigned as Admiral and went his own way, as he declared that will never work for Sakazuki. He went on to replace his severed leg with one made of ice from his powers (in the non-canon movie ontop of his leg injury it was shown that his body was also heavily scarred).
He proceeded to travel and adopted a giant penguin named Camel and travelling together as companions.
One year after resigning as an Admiral due to his hatred towards Sakazuki, Kuzan met Blackbeard at a bar and after easily overcoming his crew, did they talk and get on better terms. The newly christened Emperor offered the ex-Admiral join his crew, though he initially refused but was persuaded by a speech. Kuzan agreed to his offer and became a member of the Ten Titanic Captain of the 10th Ship.
Punk Hazard Arc[]
After Doflamingo defeated the now-Vice Admiral Smoker and was about to kill him, Kuzan stepped in and stopped him from dealing the final blow. After exchanging words, Doflamingo left. It was implied by Kuzan that he now has connections with the Underworld, which explains how he knew about the gas bomb on Punk Hazard to come and save the marines. However, Kuzan assured Smoker that he was still himself but told Smoker to have Sakazuki mobilize the Admirals.
Dressrosa Arc[]
He was mentioned by Jesus Burgess that he can't trust Aokiji while Blackbeard remarked on Shiliew being the same. This means that Aokiji has been in contact with the Blackbeard Pirates.
This was confirmed by the Gorosei that Aokiji has become affiliated with the Blackbeard Pirates, but to what extent is unknown.
After Doflamingo's defeat, he was seen making a barbecue with his pet penguin.
Germa 66's Ah... An Emotionless Excursion[]
Kuzan and Van Augur were sent to Totto-Land to capture Big Mom's 35th daughter, Charlotte Pudding. He fought and defeated Charlotte Cracker by freezing him and Cacao Land as well capturing Pudding and brought her to Blackbeard.
When Blackbeard brought Koby to Hachinosu after a failed attempted to kill Boa Hancock, Kuzan realized that Koby is a member of SWORD (a Marine Black Ops unit that doesn't follow the Marines' code and intend to fight one of the Four Emperors without permission). Kuzan tries to tell Blackbeard to call off his deal with the World Government since Koby is a member of SWORD. But Blackbeard refused and decided to continue his intention as long Koby remained as a Marine Hero.
Final Saga[]
Egghead Arc[]
After Blackbeard is off to seek out the Road Poneglyphs, Kuzan, Vasco Shot, Avalo Pizarro and Sanjuan Wolf are in charge in Hachinosu. When the Marines invaded at Hachinosu to rescue Koby, Kuzan froze Hibari and confronted his former mentor, Garp. Seeing him, Garp demanded Kuzan to come back to the Marines, only for him reject it due to his hatred toward Sakazuki. They clashed but Kuzan was overpowered by Garp. Kuzan returns to fight Garp after the latter takes a stab wound from Shiryu clashing again sending them both flying. After defeating Garp, Aokiji was patched of his injuries and witnessed Vegapunk's broadcast. When Blackbeard came back after Trafalgar D. Water Law got away, Kuzan revealed he captured Garp to use his former mentor as a bargaining chip to negotiate with the World Government though he Aokiji did admitted to Blackbeard he dealt a deadly blow on Garp, but his former mentor survived..
Powers and Abilities[]
As a former Admiral, Kuzan is very powerful fighter. This was the best seen when he took down the Monster Trio of the Straw Hat Pirates, while suffering no damage. At the time, the three were unable to use Haki to properly challenge him. During the Battle of Marineford, he fought several members of the Whitebeard Pirates, including the commanders as well as the Emperor himself though he suffered from a minor injury from Jozu, he was mostly unharmed. He also defeated most of the Blackbeard Pirates, despite some of them being dangerous criminals from Impel Down. He effortlessly froze Charlotte Cracker, a Sweet Commander of the Big Mom Pirates. He clashed with his former mentor Monkey D. Garp, effectively equaling him without the usage of his devil fruit and after a long clash captured him.
He is capable of bringing out great fear from foes, as Nico Robin who is usually calm was greatly startled to see his appearance. Jaguar D. Saul, a former vice admiral was even scared at the prospect of fighting him.
His past history in the Marines affords his crew with knowledge of the way they think. Kuzan has the knowledge of SWORD who revealed to be Marines but not in the pictures due to their resignation but remained operatives who attempted to go into forbidden missions such as clashing one of the Four Emperors without approval or assistance of an Admiral.
Devil Fruit[]
Aokiji ate the Logia Ice-Ice Fruit which allows him to control, create and transform into ice at will. He uses this fruit to freeze several pirates solid in ice. He even froze his good friend, Jaguar D. Saul and later Charlotte Cracker. Despite the standard Devil Fruit weakness, Aokiji can easily bypass this by freezing the waters around him, turning it into solid ground.
- Ice Touch: When someone gets into physical contact with Aokiji, their skin will get freeze burn, it will be a very painful death.
- Ice Age: Aokiji can freeze long distances of the sea. The ice can withstand for a few weeks before melting.
- Ice Spear: Aokiji crosses his hands and creates four ice spears to attack the enemy.
- Ice Pheasant Beak: Aokiji summons the Ice Pheasant Beak to attack the enemy.
- Ice Ball: Aokiji freeze his enemies into an ice ball. However, his powers isn't strong enough to hold Garp.
Gallery[]
.jpg "Weekly Shonen Jump No.3 (2013).jpg (224 KB)")
Quotes[]
| “ | You're annoying me. I'm broken-hearted and angry. So imagine whose fault it actually is. | „ |
| ~ Kuzan to Blackbeard after quiting the Marines due to his hatred towards Sakazuki |
Trivia[]
- Aokiji is the first Admiral to debut in One Piece.
- Aokiji is the only Admiral, so far, to voluntarily resigned the Marines, it was due to his hatred towards Akainu.
- Aokiji is voiced by famous voice actor Jason Douglas in the English dubbed version of the anime.
- Aokiji can be considered as a foil to Akainu, as not only are their powers different, Aokiji is shown to be unwilling to commit pointless cruelty like Akainu.
- In a SBS, Oda confirmed that Aokiji's ice can be used to make grinded ice to eat, even though Oda describe its taste is very terrible.
External links[]
- Kuzan on the Hero Wiki
- Kuzan on the One Piece Wiki
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 Villains
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World Government Celestial Dragons Holy Knights Cipher Pol Marines Pacifista Impel Down Staff Four Emperors & Crews Big Mom Pirates Beast Pirates Cross Guild Seven Warlords of the Sea & Crews Thriller Bark Pirates Donquixote Pirates Others Other Pirate Crews Kid Pirates Alvida Pirates Black Cat Pirates Krieg Pirates Arlong Pirates Bellamy Pirates Foxy Pirates Macro Pirates Caribou Pirates New Fishman Pirates Flying Pirates Golden Lion Pirates Bluejam Pirates Fake Straw Hat Pirates Other Groups God's Army Franky Family Sea Kings Germa 66/Vinsmoke Family Kurozumi Family Others Non-Canoncial Neo-Marines Others | ||