One Piece Online: Character Origins – Crocodile
Sir Crocodile, also known as the “Desert King,” is a notorious figure in the world of One Piece. He was the former president of Baroque Works, a secretive crime syndicate, where he operated under the codename “Mr. 0.” Alongside his vice-president and partner Nico Robin, known as “Miss All Sunday,” Crocodile served as the primary antagonist in the Arabasta Arc and the overall Arabasta Saga. He also played a supporting role in the Impel Down Arc and the Marineford Arc.
Origin
Crocodile’s journey began with a dream of becoming the Pirate King. As a young man, he fought Douglas Bullet to a draw and witnessed the execution of Gol D. Roger. In his pursuit of power, Crocodile crossed paths with Emporio Ivankov, who held knowledge that Crocodile desperately wanted to keep hidden.
After a humiliating defeat at the hands of Emperor Whitebeard, Crocodile’s dream of becoming the Pirate King crumbled. He then relocated to the Arabasta Kingdom, where he gained a reputation as a pirate-hunting hero. It was during this time that he formed the notorious crime syndicate, Baroque Works, with the intention of conquering Arabasta and acquiring the ancient weapon known as Pluton.
Personality
Crocodile is a seasoned and cunning pirate, known for his self-assured and confident demeanor. He takes pleasure in toying with weaker opponents and often displays a smug grin during battles. However, his overconfidence led to his eventual defeat at the hands of Monkey D. Luffy.
To the people of Arabasta, Crocodile was seen as a savior figure, protecting the kingdom from pirate attacks. However, he held no genuine concern for the well-being of the population, viewing them as fools. In his plot to take over Arabasta, Crocodile orchestrated the destruction of communities, aiming to incite a bloody civil war.
Crocodile’s willingness to kill without hesitation reveals his ruthless nature. Insults or ridicule can quickly provoke his anger. Despite his own impulsive behavior, he belittles and looks down upon others, considering them inferior. Crocodile lacks a code of honor, making pragmatic and treacherous decisions when necessary. He shows little attachment to his subordinates, readily sacrificing them to further his ambitions.
Abilities and Powers
As a former Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile possessed considerable power and was recognized by the World Government. Though he initially held a low bounty, he had the second-longest tenure among the Warlords. His defeat at the hands of Luffy resulted from the latter’s luck and assistance from various individuals.
Crocodile’s abilities were further showcased during the Summit War of Marineford, where he confronted powerful opponents such as Donquixote Doflamingo and Dracule Mihawk without sustaining any injuries. Even Admiral Akainu posed no threat to him. Following the time-skip, Crocodile became even more powerful and obtained a substantial bounty, making him a dangerous threat to the World Government.
Intelligence
Crocodile is highly intelligent and cunning. He successfully led Baroque Works, operating in secrecy without the World Government’s knowledge, while presenting himself as a hero to the people. His strategic planning and ability to deduce information from limited clues are remarkable. He manipulated the citizens of Arabasta, sabotaging the king’s reputation and diverting attention from his own schemes.
Conclusion
Sir Crocodile, the enigmatic “Desert King,” left an indelible mark on the One Piece series as one of its most notable antagonists. His journey from a disillusioned youth to a cunning crime lord showcases his intelligence, power, and ruthlessness. Despite his defeat, Crocodile’s impact on the story remains significant, solidifying his place as a memorable character in the world of One Piece.
