Article summary:
It was one of the three great powers ruling the seas. The Shichibukai (7 Warlords of the Sea) were legal pirates serving the Government. But following the Reverie and the incidents in Alabasta and Dressrosa, the system was officially abolished. In 2026, these former allies have once again become hunted enemies. Let’s take stock of their current situation.
The decision, driven by Kings Riku and Cobra as well as Admiral Fujitora, upended the global balance of power. The Marines did not merely dismiss these pirates; they sent entire fleets to capture them immediately. Did they survive?
Allies yesterday, priority targets today.
Those fighting back: Cross Guild
The two most dangerous members, Dracule Mihawk and Sir Crocodile, made the boldest choice: forming an alliance. They created Cross Guild, an organization that places bounties on Marines.
Using Buggy’s popularity as a front, they have become a force capable of rivaling an Emperor’s crew. They no longer run away—they hunt.
Those in danger: Hancock and Weevil
Boa Hancock endured a brutal siege on Amazon Lily. The Marines sent the new human weapons (the Seraphim) to kill her. Worse still, Blackbeard took advantage of the chaos to try to steal her Devil Fruit. Saved at the last moment by Rayleigh, she had to leave her island for the first time.
As for Edward Weevil (Whitebeard’s self-proclaimed son), he was captured by Admiral Ryokugyu while protecting his “father’s” hometown. He is currently in prison, proving that brute strength is no longer enough against the Admirals.
Find the Pirate Empress in our One Piece Figures collection.
The Replacement: The Seraphim
Why did the Marines dare to get rid of such powerful allies? Because Dr. Vegapunk created something better: the Seraphim.
They are clones of the Warlords (as children), possessing:
- Lunarian blood (King’s defense).
- Artificial Devil Fruits (Green Blood).
- Total obedience to the Government.
S-Hawk (Mihawk’s clone), S-Snake (Hancock), S-Bear (Kuma), and S-Shark (Jinbe) are now the new “Lords of the Sea.” To learn more about their creator, read: The revelations about Vegapunk.
Conclusion: A bygone era
The era of the Warlords is over, giving way to open warfare with no gray area. The former members must choose: join an Emperor or die.
To follow the fate of Jinbe, the former Warlord who became a Straw Hat, read our article: Why did Jinbe join Luffy?
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