The Whitebeard Pirates Division Commanders, Explained

The Whitebeard Pirates were one of the most formidable crews in the world of One Piece, led by the legendary Emperor Edward Newgate, better known as Whitebeard. At their peak, they commanded vast territories, including Fish-Man Island, and wielded immense influence across the seas.

Similar to the Strawhat’s Grand Fleet, the Whitebeard Pirates were structured into divisions, each led by a commander possessing extraordinary strength and leadership skills. While some commanders like Marco, Ace, and Jozu received significant focus in the One Piece series, all sixteen division leaders played a crucial role in maintaining the crew’s power.

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The Whitebeard Pirates Division Commanders: Key Players

1st Division Commander: Marco the Phoenix

Marco (or as Luffy likes to call him, “Pineapple”) served as Whitebeard’s right-hand man and eventually became the de facto leader of the crew after Whitebeard’s death. Possessing the Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Phoenix, Marco could heal from virtually any injury, making him a formidable opponent.

His leadership skills and combat prowess were recognized by other Emperors, including Shanks and Big Mom. Post-Payback War, Marco took refuge in Sphinx, Whitebeard’s homeland, continuing his legacy as a protector.

2nd Division Commander: Kouzuki Oden / Portgas D. Ace

Before Ace, the 2nd division was led by Kouzuki Oden, a legendary samurai of Wano and former member of both the Whitebeard and Roger Pirates. Oden’s strength and charisma left an indelible mark on the crew. After his death, Whitebeard kept the position vacant until Portgas D. Ace was deemed worthy.

Ace was a fiercely loyal member of the crew, treating his fellow pirates as family. Despite his rebellious streak, he deeply respected Whitebeard, viewing him as a true father figure. His close friendships with Marco and Thatch showcased his camaraderie, and he was known for standing up for his crewmates. His capture by the Marines led to the Marineford War, a battle that ultimately resulted in Whitebeard’s death and the end of the crew’s dominance.

3rd Division Commander: Diamond Jozu

Jozu commanded the combat division and possessed the Kira Kira no Mi, which gave him a diamond body, making him one of the most durable fighters in the series. As Whitebeard’s “diamond shield,” Jozu’s defensive capabilities were nearly unparalleled. He blocked Mihawk’s strongest slash without injury and held his own against Admiral Aokiji.

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His immense physical strength allowed him to hurl massive icebergs and clash with the most powerful figures in the world. Jozu remained unfazed even by Shanks’ Supreme King Haki, highlighting the fact that he’s not an NPC in the series and will likely play some role in the final saga.

4th Division Commander: Thatch

Thatch was not only the commander of the 4th division but also the head chef of the crew. Known for his friendly and warm personality, he was well-loved by his crewmates. He played an important role in maintaining morale on the ship, often welcoming new members and making them feel at home. Thatch was particularly close with Ace, and the two shared a strong bond.

His discovery of the Yami Yami no Mi proved to be his downfall, as Blackbeard, who had been hiding his true ambitions for years, murdered him to steal the fruit. Thatch’s death was a turning point for the Whitebeard Pirates, setting Ace on a doomed mission to avenge him, which ultimately led to the events of Marineford.

But beyond morale, Thatch played a critical role in Whitebeard’s health. As the ship’s head chef, he ensured that Whitebeard’s meals were nutritionally balanced, carefully preparing food that accommodated the aging captain’s medical needs. After Thatch’s death, the crew struggled to match the same level of care in their cooking, leading to a rapid decline in Whitebeard’s already fragile health. This deterioration made him even more vulnerable during the Marineford War, where his declining condition was evident as he suffered from repeated injuries that would have been less severe had he been in better shape.

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5th Division Commander: Flower Sword Vista

Vista led the swordsman division and was one of the greatest sword fighters in the world. His skill was so remarkable that even Dracule Mihawk acknowledged his strength. Vista’s dual-wielding techniques and mastery of Haki made him a formidable force in battle.

6th–16th Division Commanders

Each of the remaining commanders had a unique role within the Whitebeard Pirates. Some were fierce warriors, while others were specialists in particular types of combat.

• All sixteen division commanders and their notable traits:

  Division	Commander	Notable Traits & Abilities
  1st	Marco the Phoenix	Mythical Zoan user, regeneration, right-hand man of Whitebeard
  2nd	Kouzuki Oden / Portgas D. Ace	Legendary samurai / Fire-empowered Logia user
  3rd	Diamond Jozu	Diamond body, immense strength, Whitebeard’s shield
  4th	Thatch	Skilled chef, murdered by Blackbeard
  5th	Flower Sword Vista	Master swordsman, recognized by Mihawk
  6th	Blamenco	Poke Poke no Mi user, stores weapons inside his body
  7th	Rakuyo	Wields a spiked flail with a moving chain
  8th	Namur	Fish-man, immense underwater combat ability
  9th	Blenheim	Physically strong, carries a massive sword
  10th	Curiel	Firearms specialist, wields bazookas
  11th	Kingdew	Noted for strength and resilience
  12th	Haruta	Agile swordsman, cuts through steel
  13th	Water Buffalo Atmos	Dual-sword-wielding powerhouse
  14th	Speed Jiru	Uses a jousting lance and shield
  15th	Fossa	Wields a flaming katana
  16th	Izou	Dual pistol wielder, former Wano samurai

The Whitebeard Pirates may have disbanded after the Payback War against Blackbeard, but their influence on the world remains undeniable. Many former commanders, such as Marco and Izou, continued to shape events long after Whitebeard’s fall. Their presence in Marineford, Wano, and beyond solidified their status as legends, each having played a role in upholding Whitebeard’s ideals.