The Yonko — “Four Emperors” — are the most powerful pirate captains alive, each ruling vast territories of the New World. Unlike the Marines or the World Government, they are not united; instead, they balance each other in a tense stalemate, their empires clashing at the edges but rarely breaking outright into war.
They are not simply pirates — they are kings without crowns, rulers of seas and nations beyond the World Government’s reach.
At the time of Twin Cape, the Yonko are whispered as unreachable titans, their names spoken in awe and fear.
Each Yonko rules differently, but their powers share common truths:
Strength Creates Dominion – Each commands fleets and nations because no one can oppose them.
Crew as Kingdom – Their pirate crews are dynasties, families, or armies unto themselves.
Balance of the Seas – Though not allies, their very existence maintains the balance of power against the Marines.
Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate – The Strongest Man in the World, father of the Whitebeard Pirates, protector of countless islands.
Charlotte “Big Mom” Linlin – Matriarch of the Big Mom Pirates, ruling Totto Land with a dynasty of children and sweets.
Kaido of the Beasts – The “Strongest Creature,” captain of the Beasts Pirates, seeking a world of eternal war.
Red-Haired Shanks – Captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, a charismatic leader who balances laughter with terrifying might.
The Yonko divide the New World between them, each ruling their seas as empires:
Whitebeard – Protector of islands across the New World, feared and respected.
Big Mom – Totto Land, a sugary empire of twisted peace.
Kaido – Onigashima, fortress of beasts, and growing control of Wano.
Shanks – Neutral islands and strongholds bound by respect, not fear.
Their influence stretches far: even the World Government dares not move openly against them without risking global war.
Though not united, each Yonko’s reign has its own customs:
Whitebeard’s Cup – To drink with him is to become family.
Big Mom’s Tea Parties – Political pacts forged in grotesque celebration.
Kaido’s SMILE Trials – Followers gamble their humanity for beastly strength.
Shanks’ Mug – Feasts of laughter and camaraderie under his flag.
Symbol: Each Yonko has their own Jolly Roger, but collectively they represent the apex of piracy.
Colors: Black sails with personal hues of their empires (White, Pink, Red, Black).
Customs: Each crew carries traditions tied to their captain’s rule.
Sayings: “The sea has four kings.” / “The New World belongs to the Emperors.”
Allies: Powerful pirate crews, kingdoms under their banners, and underworld syndicates.
Enemies: The Marines, Revolutionary Army, and each other.
Neutral: Few — neutrality in the New World is fragile, easily broken by a Yonko’s will.
“Four kings rule the sea — all others bow or drown.”
“The New World has no laws, only Emperors.”
“To challenge one is to challenge the age itself.”
The Yonko are not a faction of unity, but a balance of chaos — four thrones upon the sea, each an empire, each a storm, and together the barrier between the World Government and total domination of the seas.