[Discussion] Potential Future Shichibukai

[JDtheAlchemist]

After the events of Dressrosa, the world of One Piece has been left with only 5 members in the Shichibukai. Both Trafalgar Law and Donquixote Doflamingo have now lost their titles of Warlord. With Doflamingo in custody of the Marines and the events and underground dealings of Dressrosa being discovered, it is unlikely he will be returning to the Shichibukai any time soon or at all. Since Law and the Strawhats are still in an alliance at least until they take down Kaidou, Law probably can't retain his title either. That being said, there lies a hole in the world's balance of power. As we all should know, the Shichibukai are 1 of the 3 great powers of the world along with the Admirals and the Yonko.

The most recent time that the Shichibukai had the full 7 members seems to be right before the Dressrosa arc.
(Note; "the man I explained about earlier" is referring to Edward Weeble.

Spoiler

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The current 5 members of the Shichibukai are:

-Boa Hancock

-Dracule Mihawk

-Bartholomew Kume

-Buggy the Clown

-Edward Weeble


Given that is seems important for the World Government to keep the Shichibukai at a full 7 members (especially with Kaidou wanting to start another war), who do you guys think will be the next members of the 7 Warlords of the Sea?

I've honestly got no idea who might fill these 2 remaining spots! I'm hoping that maybe they elect some top-tier pirate from the New World that he haven't heard about yet. While there is the small possibility that Law and/or Doflamingo might keep their title, I think we will be seeing 2 new Shichibukai fairly soon. Some candidates that might be considered are:

-Eustass Kidd
I imagine that Hawkins & Appoo would willingly be considered his subordinates if it could grant amnesty to their alliance.

-Arlong
If he's out of prison, I imagine Arlong sort of turning over a new leaf and wanting to protect Fishman Island like Jinbei did.

-Golden Lion Shiki
Shiki's reputation makes him a smart potential option for WG since he is known well to be a strong pirate from Roger's era.

-Bellamy the Hyena
While I hope this doesn't happen, I think Bellamy will wreak some havoc and maybe get offered a spot on the Shichibukai.

-White Horse Cavendish
I could absolutely see Cavendish ditching the Strawhat Grand Fleet to acquire a title that'd make him famous.

-Crocodile
While I doubt it, the WG could offer Crocodile another chance if they desperately need a spot filled. Dunno if he'd accept.

-Marco the Phoenix
As the first mate of a former Yonko, Marco doesn't f**k around. They might offer, but again, don't think he'd accept it.



I know it's a fairly short list but I can't seem to think of any other characters we know that would really deserve the position of Shichibukai. Let me know who you guys think might be appointed to the Warlords in the comments section!




(((Related sub-thread prediction)))

Spoiler

We might be seeing more than 2 new Shichibukai

Spoiler

Some of the current Shichibukai may die; leaving even more spots open.

Spoiler

1.) Bartholomew Kuma
I firmly believe we will actually see this one. The death of Kuma will play a crucial part to the story. We still know almost nothing of his background, but he is an extremely important yet mysterious character. He was part of the Revolutionaries before the Shichibukai and made it his last mission to protect the Thousand Sunny so I'm sure we will get much more character development from him in the form of secrets from his past. However, when and if he dies, I believe that his Devil Fruit will reincarnate and will be eaten by none other than Cyborg Franky! Look at this question to Oda from chapter 583.

Spoiler

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Oda's answer was "WHAAAA!! } Man, I'm surprised!! In what way am I surprised!? NO COMMENT!!! NEXT!!"
While Luffy asked Franky to have the Mera-Mera no Mi in Dressrosa and Franky declined for personal reasons, I think that he will make an exception for Kuma's Nikyu Nikyu no Mi. After all, Kuma protected his dream ship for 2 years and I'm sure that Franky feels that he might owe him a great debt. Considering Franky and Kuma are both cyborgs, I'm sure that Franky would be able to make great use of Kuma's fruit!


2.) Dracule Mihawk
This one, I don't believe as much. There are a few great theories going around that are all based around the same general concept with a few variables. I fully support the some parts of this theory. People believe that either Shiliew or Rose Vista will kill Diamond Jozu and eat his fruit. I strongly lean towards it being Shiliew. After that, theories go on to say that the newly-brandished "Diamond Swordsman" will challenge Dracule Mihawk for the title of World's Best Swordsman, killing him in battle. Wracked by his death and the impossibility of getting his rematch, Zoro will challenge Shiliew (or Vista) and his hardest task ever of cutting through diamond will commence, making it a truly admirable challenge. I think a lot of this can happen, but I'd think Oda will skip the Mihawk dying thing. I think Zoro will get his rematch for the title after beating a diamond coated Shiliew/Vista. However, it is entirely possible that we may see Mihawk get killed as well.

 

[Caliburn]

None. The Shichibukai system will likely be removed/destroyed during the course of the story, so there's really no point in adding new ones at this point and even if the system would persevere, I doubt they would add yet again new members till the story is over. When Crocodile was beaten, it took them a while to find a replacement. BB then almost immediately defected after he eventually took Crocodile's spot. Moria also disappeared shortly afterwards while Jinbei left at the same time. In their place Buggy, Weeble and Law were recruited. Now story wise two years passed, but for us the readers these two years were non-existent. Almost immediately after it was stated that Law became a Shichibukai, he made an alliance with Luffy and in doing so revoked his position. Now recently DD got taken down. On top of that if it ever comes to a direct confrontation with the WG/Marines, Hancock is most certainly going to side with Luffy and Buggy is too opportunistic and too cowardly. The moment it gets dangerous or an opportunity rises, he will bolt. Whatever Kuma's role is, I doubt it will end with him remaining one of the Warlords.

So the Shichibukai-system is doomed. In the least Oda is really not going to spent time in introducing again new ones for the simple reason it would mean those characters have to play a (semi) important role. It really becomes hard to maintain the impression that the Shichibukai are monsters when he is rotating so many times with them.

Also pretty much all the characters you listed are seriously never going to become a Shichibukai: Kidd doesn't have the personality for it, Arlong is too mediocre, Shiki is too old and was a movie-villain, Marco would never do it as the Marines killed his "father", they're really not going to allow Crocodile nor do I think he would even accept that, Cavendish is allied with the Strawhats and Bellamy also does not have the personality for it and is also too mediocre.

 

[JDtheAlchemist]

None. The Shichibukai system will likely be removed/destroyed during the course of the story, so there's really no point in adding new ones at this point and even if the system would persevere, I doubt they would add yet again new members till the story is over. When Crocodile was beaten, it took them a while to find a replacement. BB then almost immediately defected after he eventually took Crocodile's spot. Moria also disappeared shortly afterwards while Jinbei left at the same time. In their place Buggy, Weeble and Law were recruited. Now story wise two years passed, but for us the readers these two years were non-existent. Almost immediately after it was stated that Law became a Shichibukai, he made an alliance with Luffy and in doing so revoked his position. Now recently DD got taken down. On top of that if it ever comes to a direct confrontation with the WG/Marines, Hancock is most certainly going to side with Luffy and Buggy is too opportunistic and too cowardly. The moment it gets dangerous or an opportunity rises, he will bolt. Whatever Kuma's role is, I doubt it will end with him remaining one of the Warlords.

So the Shichibukai-system is doomed. In the least Oda is really not going to spent time in introducing again new ones for the simple reason it would mean those characters have to play a (semi) important role. It really becomes hard to maintain the impression that the Shichibukai are monsters when he is rotating so many times with them.

Also pretty much all the characters you listed are seriously never going to become a Shichibukai: Kidd doesn't have the personality for it, Arlong is too mediocre, Shiki is too old and was a movie-villain, Marco would never do it as the Marines killed his "father", they're really not going to allow Crocodile nor do I think he would even accept that, Cavendish is allied with the Strawhats and Bellamy also does not have the personality for it and is also too mediocre.

While that is definitely an interesting take on the subject, I really doubt it will go down like that.

With the Shichibukai technically being under contract to work for the World Government, they are basically the WG's strongest soldiers other than the Admirals. I very highly doubt that Sakazuki as Fleet Admiral would allow a power shift that tilts in the favor of the Yonko and potentially puts the Marines at risk. Don't forget he has the Revolutionary Army to worry about as well if they are trying to start an actual revolution and overthrow the government. At this point in the story, he really can't afford to keep any Shichibukai spots vacant, let alone abolish the system completely.

@Bold - What, do you think Oda doesn't have time to introduce new characters or something? One Piece has another like ten years to go. There are sooooo many characters we've yet to actually be introduced like Raizou, CP0, Green Bull, the Vinsmokes & more. What would make you think Oda can't or doesn't want to add even more characters? That's kinda how One Piece is.

@Underlined - And, pray tell, what is the exact personality of a Shichibukai? You talk like they are all very alike which in fact is not true at all. Their personalities don't really have anything to do with qualities that make them fearsome pirates.

Also, to the whole 'some of them aren't powerful enough' thing; Buggy is a Shichibukai, your argument is invalid. Sometimes it's all about the buzz they can make in the world.

 

[Love Cook]

Yeah I agree with Caliburn, the story is wrapping up and the shichibukai are done for. The navy and WG got humiliated so many times by them. Certainly no one from the worst generation is being put in that position again or anyone that is associated to Luffy.

Fujitora already said he would end them, so it's likely we're heading that way. Probably during the Reverie arc.

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[JDtheAlchemist]

Yeah I agree with Caliburn, the story is wrapping up and the shichibukai are done for. The navy and WG got humiliated so many times by them. Certainly no one from the worst generation is being put in that position again or anyone that is associated to Luffy.

Fujitora already said he would end them, so it's likely we're heading that way. Probably during the Reverie arc.

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Hmm I had forgotten that bit with Issho.. However, that means it would be his will triumphing over Sakazuki's and I'm not sure how that'll go over. The story isn't wrapping up though, we're only like 65% of the way through! 10 more years of chapters.

 

[Love Cook]

Hmm I had forgotten that bit with Issho.. However, that means it would be his will triumphing over Sakazuki's and I'm not sure how that'll go over. The story isn't wrapping up though, we're only like 65% of the way through! 10 more years of chapters.

Why are you bringing this like the shichi project is like Akainu's thing ? He hates pirates and I think he even expressed pre-skip that he doesn't like pirates on the marine side. Besides he has no say in the matter since it's a WG thing.

And don't forget that the whole Doflamingo thing made him look bad in the eye of the world. This is from the wikia:

Sakazuki is shown to be very loyal to the World Government as many in the upper echelons nominated him to be Sengoku's replacement as Fleet Admiral. Nonetheless, he expressed disdain when he was informed the report given to Marine Headquarters about Doflamingo's resignation from the Shichibukai was fraudulent. He even personally argued with the Gorosei concerning the matter. He got very angry during his talk with the Gorosei and criticized how much work they issued because of Doflamingo. Sakazuki even insulted, provoked and mocked them because the CP0 acted over their heads, testing his limits and showing that, while he is loyal to the World Government, he does not agree with everything the Gorosei do, especially how little they care about the reputation of the marines.

So Akainu is not really that happy with the Gorosei these days.

 

[WhistleBlower]

Hmm I had forgotten that bit with Issho.. However, that means it would be his will triumphing over Sakazuki's and I'm not sure how that'll go over. The story isn't wrapping up though, we're only like 65% of the way through! 10 more years of chapters.

10 more years of chapters? I don't like the idea of that. Im getting old lol.

 

[Dibattista27]

None futijora is going to destroy it

 

[Anduril]

Man the fact that you suggested Marco's name for shichibukai is hilarious xD

 

[Rikudou Tobi]

If the world government really needed a shichibukai, they would desperately call for Crocodile and Jinbei because they are of that level. But from the pattern I'm seeing now there won't be anymore. Luffy's whole journey has been taking out any warlord that comes across his way. He already allied/defeated Moria, Law, Hancock, Jinbei, Crocodile, and Doflamingo. That was already five sea gods that have been overwhelmed by the strawhats positively or negatively.

He's only got Kuma, Weeble, and Mihawk left. The only warlord that is way out of luffy's league is Mihawk and Kuma (maybe), there will be no point in getting another pirate that will succumb to the strawhats.

 

[Caliburn]

While that is definitely an interesting take on the subject, I really doubt it will go down like that.

With the Shichibukai technically being under contract to work for the World Government, they are basically the WG's strongest soldiers other than the Admirals. I very highly doubt that Sakazuki as Fleet Admiral would allow a power shift that tilts in the favor of the Yonko and potentially puts the Marines at risk. Don't forget he has the Revolutionary Army to worry about as well if they are trying to start an actual revolution and overthrow the government. At this point in the story, he really can't afford to keep any Shichibukai spots vacant, let alone abolish the system completely.

@Bold - What, do you think Oda doesn't have time to introduce new characters or something? One Piece has another like ten years to go. There are sooooo many characters we've yet to actually be introduced like Raizou, CP0, Green Bull, the Vinsmokes & more. What would make you think Oda can't or doesn't want to add even more characters? That's kinda how One Piece is.

@Underlined - And, pray tell, what is the exact personality of a Shichibukai? You talk like they are all very alike which in fact is not true at all. Their personalities don't really have anything to do with qualities that make them fearsome pirates.

Also, to the whole 'some of them aren't powerful enough' thing; Buggy is a Shichibukai, your argument is invalid. Sometimes it's all about the buzz they can make in the world.

I'm highly confident it will be like that because any other option is both bad for the plot as the WG in the OPverse. You need to realize again what the Shichibukai actually are. You give the impression that they simply want seven pirates that can be recruited whenever they need them, but that's not what they are. They absolutely need to have dreadful pirates who are far above the rest. Their purpose is to keep the pirate population at bay. Do you really think that that's still possible when they have to change the members every 5 minutes? No, because that means that they are not doing what they are supposed to be doing as apparently they're not that special after all, which makes them useless.

Now within the story this is already a problem as many marines (Smoker, Akainu, Fujitora among others) have shown to be hostile towards this system. As long as the Warlords did their jobs, they couldn't do anything, but right now that system is under severe pressure due to the fact that the Warlords are dropping like flies while many of them were using the Marines (Crocodile, BB and DD among others) for their own gains instead of the other way around. This was plainly humiliating for the Marines. From the story perspective this is even worse. You make it seem like 10 years is a long time, but it isn't for a series that has already been going on for nearly two decades. No story can keep expanding forever and OP is no exception. Oda has given an incredible depth to his story with the countless of storylines he added, but he has to start wrapping them up at some point and if he is going to do that too hasty, it will ruin it. That's what Kishi did with Naruto, he decided at the end to start wrapping everything up one after another rapidly which pretty much screwed the series up. To obtain closure for the entire OP story decently, Oda will have to take his time. The story has already been gaining momentum and it's not like you can suddenly halt that. To do that 10 years isn't that particularly much.

And if you don't believe me, look at the Dressrosa arc. How long did it take? Around a 100 freaking chapters. He used a 100 chapters to deal with DD, a villain who had been lurking in the background for a large majority of the story. Both Crocodile and Moria were the main villain in a lengthy arc in which they were introduced. Jinbei and Hancock became Luffy's allies for the duration of several arcs. Mihawk has had a connection with Zoro since East Blue and Buggy and even older connection with the Strawhats. What point is there then in adding a new Shichibukai? Let alone three? To get their assess served immediately? To play a shallow, minor role in the background? The Shichibukai were the main powerhouses pre-time skip, but at this rate they become a mockery.

This is the New World. Here the Yonkou are the top dogs, they are hot while the Shichibukai are old news. Luffy is already picking a fight with two Yonkou. Having three new Shichibukai is simply redundant unless he wants to create three hollow, superficial and disposable characters. You are saying Akainu can't afford to have three positions open among others because of the RA, but it's the exact opposite. The Shichibukai are dragging down the Marines, they are becoming a liability.

The fact that you are talking about Buggy being weak also shows you don't really have much insight in how the story works. We know that Buggy is weak, but to the world in the OPverse he's the guy who busted hundreds of convicts out of ID. He's the guy who worked on the ship of the Pirate King. He's the guy who is like a brother to one of the Yonkou. He is the guy who is controlling several hundreds of bounty heads. Even if the Marines were aware that Buggy himself is not that strong, the fact that he controls all those convicts would be enough for them to make him a Warlord. This is something I already said before the time skip, but do you think that there is another pirate that is that lucky? So no your arguments are invalid. People like Arlong or Bellamy don't provide anything the WG can use or benefit from.