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Before Akainu, even before the generation of admirals Luffy faces today, the Marines had a face: Sengoku, nicknamed “the Buddha.” A former Fleet Admiral, he shaped Marine doctrine for decades through radical decisions and unwavering loyalty to the World Government. Let’s look back at a character who was as respected as he was feared. Approximately 8 minutes read.
Who Is Sengoku the Buddha?
The Fleet Admiral Who Came Before the Current Generation
Sengoku held the position of Fleet Admiral of the Marines long before the events at the beginning of the series, a role he carried out with a rigor that became legendary within the institution. His retirement marked an important turning point, paving the way for the generation of admirals featured in our article on Kizaru, Fujitora and Ryokugyu.
A Nickname That Says a Lot About His Character
The nickname “the Buddha” reflects both his appearance, which allows him to transform into a gigantic golden statue, and a form of cold wisdom that guided his decisions for a long time. This rare blend of apparent spirituality and military pragmatism made him one of the most respected characters in the entire Marines.
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The Buddha Fruit, a Power of Its Own
A Unique Mythical Zoan in the Entire Universe
Sengoku possesses a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit that allows him to transform into a gigantic golden Buddha, a form that is as visually impressive as it is effective in combat thanks to devastating shock waves. At his peak, this ability places him among the most powerful figures ever to stand on the side of the World Government.
A Force Rarely Deployed at Full Power
Unlike other Marine figures more inclined toward direct action, Sengoku generally prioritizes strategy and hierarchical authority over frontal confrontation, which explains why his true combat power remains relatively underrepresented on screen despite his reputation.
Did You Know?
Sengoku is also known for his particular fondness for cats, a comedic detail that deliberately contrasts with his stern image as an uncompromising Fleet Admiral.
A Career Defined by the Harshest Decisions
A Man Who Enforces the Law Without Deviation
Throughout his career, Sengoku carried out some of the Marines' most controversial decisions, strictly following the orders of the World Government even when they had terrible consequences for civilians. This absolute rigor made him a complex character, neither entirely heroic nor entirely cynical.
A Central Role in the Marineford War
As Fleet Admiral, Sengoku orchestrates the Marines' strategy during the Marineford War, one of the most defining conflicts in the entire series. His handling of the battle, combining cold strategic calculations with respect for certain opposing figures such as Whitebeard, perfectly illustrates the character's complexity. For collectors who also follow the card game, the rare holo Gol D. Roger card is a reminder of how heavily this generation's shadow continues to loom over the game.
👑 Fan Favorite
One Piece Pop Figure — Gol D. Roger (Pirate Captain Version)
44,99 €
The Pirate King whose public execution, ordered under the authority of Sengoku of the Marines, changed the world forever.
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Sengoku and Garp, an unlikely friendship
Two generations bound by the same era
Sengoku and Monkey D. Garp share a long history within the Marines, marked by mutual respect that goes far beyond simple military hierarchy. Their relationship, characterized by gruff camaraderie and tactical disagreements, humanizes two characters who might otherwise remain mere authority figures.
A duo that witnessed several generations of pirates
Together, they lived through Roger's era, the rise of the future Emperors, and the arrival of Luffy's generation, making them privileged witnesses to the evolution of the pirate world over several decades. Few duos in the series offer such a broad perspective on the overall history of the universe.
One Piece Poster — Classic Jolly Roger Logo (Black)
★★★★★ — A symbol of piracy that Sengoku fought all his life
24,99 €
The timeless symbol of piracy, for all fans passionate about the historic clash between the Marines and pirates.
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The legacy left to the current admirals
Sengoku's departure from the position of Fleet Admiral, following the upheavals caused by the Marineford War, marks the end of an era for the Marines. His successor will have to contend with a much more unstable world, where the current admirals sometimes struggle to regain the unquestioned authority that Sengoku had managed to establish over several decades.
A character still too little explored by fans
Despite his pivotal role, Sengoku remains surprisingly underrepresented in merchandise and community analyses, overshadowed by more flamboyant figures such as the current admirals. Our One Piece quiz lets you test your knowledge of this often-forgotten generation of the Marines, while our One Piece glossary helps clarify the ranks and titles specific to the series' military organization. Our page on One Piece arcs in chronological order also helps place Sengoku's career within the series' broader timeline, and our page dedicated to the Straw Hat Crew lets you compare his journey with that of the series' younger characters. Our gift ideas selection also offers several items featuring this generation of historic characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Sengoku.
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