The Warlords of the Sea are seven infamous pirate captains granted legitimacy by the World Government. In exchange for amnesty and wealth, they serve as “privateers,” enforcing government will while still pursuing their own agendas.
To the world, they are “heroes.”
To pirates, they are traitors.
To the Government, they are tools — powerful, dangerous, and never fully trusted.
The Warlords exist under three guiding principles:
Power for Hire – Their strength is lent to the Government, but never owned.
Freedom Through Service – Their past crimes are pardoned so long as they remain useful.
Balance of the Seas – Alongside the Marines and Yonko, they form one of the three great powers keeping the world in check.
Structure:
The Seven Seats – Each occupied by a notorious pirate.
Titles & Tribute – Warlords may keep their wealth, but must answer summons from the World Government.
Vacancies – Seats are often unstable, filled when old Warlords are defeated or stripped of title.
Dracule “Hawk Eyes” Mihawk – The world’s greatest swordsman, feared duelist.
Sir Crocodile – Desert tyrant and secret mastermind of Baroque Works.
Boa Hancock – Pirate Empress, ruler of Amazon Lily (foreshadowed, not yet seen).
Donquixote Doflamingo – Underworld broker “Joker,” puppet master of Dressrosa.
Jinbe – Knight of the Sea, former Sun Pirate captain, advocate for fish-man rights.
Bartholomew Kuma – Tyrant turned Warlord, harboring secrets of his own.
Gecko Moria – Master of shadows, commander of Thriller Bark.
(Exact membership shifts across the timeline, but these names are the era’s pillars.)
The Warlords rule scattered domains, each building personal kingdoms of power:
Mihawk – A solitary fortress, known only as Kuraigana Island.
Crocodile – Secretly manipulating Alabasta through Baroque Works.
Hancock – Amazon Lily, kingdom of warriors.
Doflamingo – Dressrosa, puppet kingdom in the New World.
Jinbe – Ties to Fish-Man Island and the Sun Pirates.
Kuma – Terrifying wanderer, “weapon of justice.”
Moria – Thriller Bark, island-ship of corpses.
Each uses their title as a shield, twisting “legitimacy” into personal advantage.
The Warlords have few shared customs, but all obey the same laws:
Summons of War – When called by the World Government, they must fight in its name.
Tribute of Wealth – A portion of their plunder is delivered as tax.
Obedience in Name Only – Many Warlords manipulate their position, loyal only to themselves.
Symbol: The World Government crest, marked by seven thrones.
Colors: Navy blue and black, signifying their tie to Marine power.
Customs: Lavish courts, personal armies, and open flaunting of pirate strength under “legal” banners.
Sayings: “Pirates by name, heroes by law.” / “Seven crowns, one leash.”
Allies: The World Government (uneasy), kingdoms under their sway, and mercenary crews.
Enemies: Yonko, Revolutionary Army, and rival pirates.
Neutral: Some Marines despise them, seeing them as dishonorable pirates in uniform.
“A leash is not a chain — we bite when we wish.”
“Seven kings, one throne.”
“Justice is paid for in coin and blood.”
The Warlords of the Sea are not united by loyalty, creed, or family. They are seven storms, each given a throne in exchange for restraint. But the seas know the truth: the Warlords are pirates still, and their ambition can never be truly bound.