One Piece Online: Character Origins – Kuzan

Aokiji, formerly known as Kuzan, is a prominent character in the One Piece series. He started as a Marine admiral and was the first one to be revealed. Aokiji was once a protege of Monkey D. Garp, a highly respected Marine figure. Initially nominated for the position of fleet admiral, he ultimately resigned from the Marines after losing a battle against Sakazuki, who later became the fleet admiral. Aokiji is currently a member of the Blackbeard Pirates, serving as one of the Ten Titanic Captains and captain of the Tenth Ship.

Mysterious Origins

Despite joining the Marines, Aokiji never held the World Government in high regard from the beginning of his career.

A Storm in the Edd War

During the Edd War, which took place three years before the death of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, Aokiji was present in Marineford. He had a conversation with Monkey D. Garp, Jaguar D. Saul, Sakazuki, and Tsuru. Aokiji expressed his admiration for Garp’s decision to turn down another promotion.

Ohara Incident

Aokiji played a significant role in the Ohara Incident, which led to the Marines putting a bounty on Nico Robin’s head. In an unexpected turn, Aokiji used his Devil Fruit powers to freeze Jaguar D. Saul, helping Robin escape. Before her departure, he warned her that he was not her ally and would come after her if he perceived her as a threat. Aokiji also sabotaged Spandine’s ship by freezing its rudder, but Robin was still marked for capture.

Water 7 Saga

Aokiji, who had gone missing, encountered the Straw Hat Pirates in Long Ring Long Land. He created an ice bridge for Tonjit and engaged in a battle with the crew, freezing Robin and challenging Luffy. However, he spared Luffy’s life, acknowledging his defeat of Crocodile. After the Enies Lobby Arc, Aokiji declined to pursue the Straw Hats, considering the battle a defeat for the Marines. Later, disillusioned with the Marines’ new direction, he resigned from his position as admiral.

Joining the Blackbeard Pirates

After leaving the Marines, Aokiji disappeared for some time before resurfacing as a member of the Blackbeard Pirates. He joined their ranks and became one of the Ten Titanic Captains, taking command of the Tenth Ship.

His reasons for joining the Blackbeard Pirates remain unknown, but it’s speculated that Aokiji may be working from within to achieve his own goals or to keep a close eye on their activities.

Powers and Abilities

As a member of the Blackbeard Pirates, Aokiji is a formidable force to be reckoned with. He possesses the Devil Fruit, which grants him the power to control and manipulate ice. With this ability, he can create ice constructs, freeze his surroundings, and even encase opponents in ice.

Although Aokiji has joined the ranks of the pirates, his true intentions and long-term goals remain a mystery. Whether he is working towards his agenda or has ulterior motives within the Blackbeard Pirates is yet to be revealed.

Ice Manipulation

Aokiji possesses the Hie Hie no Mi Devil Fruit, a Logia-type Devil Fruit that grants him control over ice. With this power, he can generate and create ice constructs of various sizes and shapes. Aokiji’s ice manipulation allows him to freeze objects, people, and even entire landscapes, showcasing the extent of his control over this element.

Ice Age

One of Aokiji’s most devastating techniques is the Ice Age. With this ability, he generates a colossal wave of ice that engulfs everything in its path. The Ice Age technique causes widespread destruction, transforming the environment into a frozen wasteland. This powerful attack freezes both land and sea, leaving a trail of frozen destruction in its wake.

Ice Time

Aokiji has a unique ability to control the flow of time within his frozen surroundings. By freezing his surroundings, he gains the power to manipulate time within the affected area. This gives him a significant advantage in battles and strategic maneuvers, allowing him to dictate the pace of the fight and catch opponents off guard.

Ice Shields and Walls

In addition to his offensive capabilities, Aokiji can create defensive barriers and shields made of ice. These ice structures serve as protective measures, shielding himself and his allies from incoming attacks. The resilience and strength of his ice shields and walls make it difficult for adversaries to penetrate his defenses.

Sea Freezing

Aokiji’s mastery over ice extends to the sea itself. He can freeze the ocean, creating pathways over water and altering the terrain of the battlefield. This power allows him to traverse across bodies of water with ease and manipulate the battlefield to his advantage. Freezing the sea grants him tactical opportunities and surprises his opponents with unconventional approaches.

Hand-to-Hand Combat

Aside from his ice-based powers, Aokiji is also a skilled martial artist. He combines his agility, speed, and ice-based attacks to deliver devastating blows in close-quarters combat. Aokiji’s hand-to-hand combat skills, coupled with his ice manipulation, make him a formidable opponent in both ranged and melee engagements.

Aokiji’s ice manipulation abilities, combined with his devastating Ice Age technique, control over time, defensive ice shields, sea-freezing capabilities, and proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, make him an incredibly versatile and powerful fighter. His mastery over ice grants him the ability to shape the battlefield and overpower adversaries with ease.

In conclusion, Aokiji, the former Marine admiral turned pirate, has undergone significant transformations throughout the One Piece series. From his early days as a vice admiral to his clashes with the Straw Hat Pirates to his resignation from the Marines and eventual alliance with the Blackbeard Pirates, Aokiji’s journey has been filled with intrigue and mystery.