One Piece: Aokiji Reports to the Marine’s True Secret Weapon Who Knows Imu’s Truth

The Marines are a prominent organization in One Piece, often serving as the main antagonistic force in several arcs. However, we know there are a few who aren’t corrupt and want to do good. SWORD is a secret unit that operates outside of Marine rules. While many fans believe Aokiji, who defected and joined Blackbeard, could be the founder, the mastermind is Bogard.

Bogard is the right-hand man of Monkey D. Garp, the Hero of the Marines and Vice Admiral, who opposes the Celestial Dragons. He’s another popular candidate One Piece fans believe would be the founder of SWORD. However, it takes more intellect and less tough love to run a secret unit. Eiichiro Oda has also left hints that Bogard serves a bigger purpose than he’s letting on.

Bogard May Be the Founder of SWORD in One Piece

Garp and Bogard are complete opposites of each other, but that doesn’t make him any less loyal to the Vice Admiral. He’s been at his side since God Valley and witnessed the horrors that happened there, including Imu’s existence. He was entrusted to train Koby and Helmeppo in swordsmanship. Although he doesn’t appear much, his role is subtle yet impactful.

The hint of Bogard’s true purpose in One Piece lies in his appearance and who Eiichiro Oda was inspired by while making him. He’s likely a nod to Humphrey Bogart, specifically his character in the 1942 movie, Casablanca. From the signature fedora to his personality, it all matches up with the Marine.

In Casablanca, Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick Blaine, claims neutrality during World War II. However, he covertly supplies weapons to oppressed populations so that they can defend themselves. Does this not remind us of SWORD’s purpose in One Piece? It goes directly against the law while upholding justice.

Furthermore, the most prominent Marines in One Piece are modeled after legendary actors. For example, Kizaru looks exactly like Kunie Tanaka. This same pattern applies to the other Admirals. Bogard is the only other Marine modeled after an actor. This suggests his purpose is equal to that of an Admiral.

Thus, what else could he be but the founder of SWORD? Other than the actor he’s based on, Bogard has also witnessed the atrocities of God Valley and possesses a logical mindset. Garp and Aokiji might have the power and moral compass, but it takes more to lead an operation this covert, which their fame wouldn’t allow.

What Is Aokiji’s True Goal in One Piece After Joining Blackbeard?

Aokiji’s defecting from the Marines after losing the fight for the position of Fleet Admiral wasn’t a surprise to us. However, joining Blackbeard was certainly a choice we didn’t see coming. This action is incredibly out of character for him, and thus, the theories were rampant.

While we still have no idea why Aokiji joined the Blackbeard Pirates, many fans are betting that he’s working under SWORD and infiltrating the crew. Considering how dangerous Blackbeard is, it’s a plausible theory. He could do it by dismantling the crew from the inside or by gaining intel and reporting back to SWORD. In the worst-case scenario, he is truly one of them.

It wouldn’t be the first time a SWORD member has posed as a pirate, either. X Drake was a Marine all along, and he’s currently the captain of the unit. Here are the confirmed members so far:

Overall, if Aokiji is revealed to be a SWORD member and betrays Blackbeard, fans will cheer him on. He’s one of the only Marines, albeit former, who has a strong moral compass, just like Koby and Garp.

What are your theories on who the founder of SWORD is, and Aokiji’s real goal? Let us know in the comments below!