Who is CP0 and what do they do?
CP0 is known as the “Agency of the Gods” in the world of One Piece. Officially known as Cipher Pol Aigis Zero, this secret organization serves the Celestial Dragons directly on behalf of the World Government. Unlike other Cipher Pol units, they are not only involved in espionage but also in high-level assassinations, censorship, and historical manipulation. Their members hide their faces with masks to keep their identities a secret.
Most of the government's dirty work that is never disclosed to the public is carried out through CP0. For this reason, while most of the public has never even heard of CP0, their actions are powerful enough to determine the fate of kings. Unlike CP9, they do not require a court order; they eliminate their targets as soon as they receive an “elimination order.”
The Only Unit Directly Linked to the Celestial Dragons
What sets CP0 apart from all other intelligence units is that it takes orders directly from the Celestial Dragons. This makes them not only the special guard force of the World Government but also of the elite class of Mariejois. They cannot disobey orders, as they directly carry out the “will of God.” This loyalty compels them to carry out even unethical orders without question.
There Are Known Faces Behind the Masks
Although CP0 members wear masks to hide their identities, the identities of some characters have been revealed over time. One of the most notable examples is the promotion of former CP9 member Rob Lucci to CP0. This demonstrates a hierarchical structure within the Cipher Pol units and is one of the rare examples of talented agents being promoted.
Rob Lucci's New Role in Politics
Lucci's presence in CP0 is not limited to his physical strength. After Wano, we saw him actively involved in political pressure during the mission to Egghead Island. Lucci is no longer just a fighter, but a strategic tool sent by the World Government to keep scientific advances under control. This shows that his position is now not only military but also diplomatic.
CP0 Members' Power Level May Be Close to Navy Admirals
Although there is no direct comparison in the series, the fighting power of CP0 members was significantly emphasized during the Wano Arc and Egghead Arc. Their ability to withstand several attacks from Luffy in his Gear 5 form implies that at least some CP0 agents have combat abilities close to those of Navy Admirals. This makes them not just intelligence agents, but also deadly warriors.
They Have Special Communication Lines with Gorosei
CP0 is one of the few units capable of communicating directly with the Gorosei, the highest authority within the World Government. This makes them not just operational units but also strategic information hubs. The scene where the Gorosei relayed their orders to CP0 before the destruction of the Lulusia Kingdom clearly highlights this special connection.
The Secret Target of the Egghead Island Operation
CP0's operation against Vegapunk is actually more than just an execution. The order is to eliminate not only Vegapunk, but also his knowledge and potential technological threats. This shows that CP0 is now at war not only against physical threats, but also against information. The target is not just one person, but the complete eradication of an idea.
The Guardians of the Most Closely Guarded Government Secret
It is CP0's direct responsibility to eliminate anyone found to be in possession of information related to the Void Century. This is why Nico Robin has been under constant threat since she was a child. This structure does not merely play a passive role in rewriting history; it actively erases the traces of the past. The existence of CP0 is the direct answer to why the Void Century is still unknown.
CP0 Members Are Unsupervised
The Navy is subject to a control mechanism even in tasks that require high-level responsibility. However, CP0 members are not subject to any oversight or accountability when carrying out their duties. This places them in an “untouchable” position within the One Piece universe. Even if a CP0 agent fails, they are not questioned. This further deepens the organization's dark side.
The Existence of CP0 Is Not Disclosed to the Public
The World Government does not officially disclose the existence of CP0 to the public. Their names do not appear in newspapers, nor are their duties explained in government publications. Even if they are seen at the scene of an incident, they are often referred to as “mysterious men.” Thanks to media manipulation, their operations are often portrayed as “accidental fires” or “natural disasters.”
Operation Red Dawn: The Shadowy Role in Dressrosa
Throughout the Dressrosa Arc, CP0's presence in the city becomes visible at a brief but critical moment. However, behind the scenes, due to Doflamingo's connection to the World Government, CP0 members are busy brainwashing the public. Especially their denial of Doflamingo's resignation through false news exposes CP0's censorship power. This shows that they are not only physical but also ideological warriors.
CP0, Followers of the Seraphim Project
In the Egghead Arc, CP0 members are tasked not only with eliminating Vegapunk, but also with monitoring the Seraphim, a new generation of clone weapons. Knowing that the Seraphim have the power to change the world order, the government uses CP0 as a kind of “safety valve” to prevent these beings from getting out of control. This shows that they are responsible not only for eliminating threats, but also for monitoring potential allies.
Stussy's Betrayal: A Blow from Within CP0
During a mission on Egghead Island, CP0 member Stussy is revealed to be a secret clone and betrays the other CP0 members. This is an important moment, as it is the first time we see a CP0 agent act on their own volition rather than following orders. It also provides a strong hint at the existence of individual differences and unknown agendas within CP0. It seems that even the government cannot fully control this group.
The Strongest Force CP0 Has Faced So Far: Gear 5
In the scene where we first witness Luffy's Gear 5 form, CP0 agent Guernica's decision shakes the series. Guernica intervenes in the fight between Kaido and Luffy, triggering Luffy's death. However, this action not only sets the stage for Luffy's Rebirth but also for the awakening of Joy Boy. CP0 thus becomes not only a physical threat, but also a catalyst for prophecies.
Is CP0 Above the Hierarchy?
The hierarchy in the One Piece universe is shaped by the Navy Admirals, Gorosei, and Celestial Dragons. However, CP0 is a group whose exact position within this structure is unknown. Interestingly, the Navy Admirals do not oppose CP0; on the contrary, they are forced to obey their orders when necessary. This is an important sign that CP0 has more political power than meets the eye.
The Darkened Corridors of Mariejois
Even the areas where CP0 members move within Mariejois are shrouded in mystery. Certain regions of the Holy Land are accessible only to the Celestial Dragons and CP0. Information leaking from these corridors is almost nonexistent. The fact that there are places where only CP0 can step foot on the paths leading to Imu demonstrates how internal and pivotal the organization's position is.
CP0's Selection Program: From Childhood to Agent
Just like CP9, most of the individuals selected for CP0 begin their training at a young age. However, CP0 training is much more brutal. The selected individuals are completely reformatted, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. There are even strong theories that some agents have had their memories erased and reprogrammed. This turns them into loyal, unquestioning weapons.
They Never Retreat on the Battlefield
A common trait of CP0 agents is that they never retreat, no matter how deadly the mission. They will intervene even if given direct orders to do so against Kaido or Luffy. Even if the mission fails, retreating is considered a disgrace. This makes them usable as living bombs. Survival is not a priority; completing the mission is.
The Connection Between CP0 and Imu
In the One Piece universe, everyone recognizes Gorosei as the highest authority of the World Government. However, when Imu first appeared on the throne, it became clear that very few people knew of his existence. CP0 is the only operational unit that is clearly shown to be directly connected to this secret figure. This makes them not just an agent unit, but “ambassadors walking in the name of God.”
The Suppressive Power of Void Century Knowledge
The fact that Robin was the only survivor from Ohara in the past has caused CP0 to follow her ever since. However, what is truly striking is that even if Robin does not get involved in the events on Egghead Island, CP0 continues to monitor her as a potential threat. This obsessive surveillance reveals that information about the Void Century is so dangerous that “even knowing” can be a death sentence.
Theories about CP0's connection to the Ancient Weapons
According to some fan theories, CP0 may not only be tasked with suppressing information but also with protecting the location of the Ancient Weapons. Specifically, it is claimed that CP0 reported on the region prior to the destruction of the Lulusia Kingdom, and that Imu made the decision to attack based on this information. This theory suggests that CP0 serves not only as a physical enforcer but also as a guardian of historical secrets.
The Reuse of Lucci and Kaku: A Lack of Trust?
In the Egghead Arc, Lucci and Kaku were forced to temporarily fight alongside Luffy and Zoro during their CP0 mission, which raised questions about the World Government's trust in its agents. The duo was forced to fight alongside their former enemies. This shows that the government treats its agents as expendable pawns, even putting loyalty on the back burner when necessary.
CP0's Coded Communication System
Although brief, encrypted conversations between some CP0 members have been seen several times in the series, the full structure of this system has not yet been revealed. However, among viewers, the theory that CP0 communicates using specially developed short codes and that these codes have a structure that completely prevents eavesdropping has gained traction. Especially the fact that they never mention the name of the target during missions strengthens this idea.
They See Vegapunk's Alternative Power Equation as a Threat
CP0's attitude toward Vegapunk has developed not only because he poses a threat to the government, but also because he is an independent power producer who could change the balance of the world. The energy sources developed by Vegapunk, such as Seraphim and artificial devil fruits, have the potential to weaken the rule of the Celestial Dragons. It is revealed that CP0 is also tasked with suppressing scientific progress for this reason.
How Will CP0's Demise Affect the Series?
As the series progresses, CP0's fate intersects significantly with that of the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy's freedom-seeking ideology directly conflicts with CP0's absolute control structure, hinting that this organization will eventually be destroyed. However, this destruction is not merely the defeat of a few agents but rather the rewriting of the government structure.
CP0's Ultimate Threat: Uncertainty
CP0's greatest strength is not their physical abilities or technology, but the uncertainty surrounding who they are, what their goals are, and what their limits are. Their names are not even known to the public. It is nearly impossible to obtain any information about them. This transforms them from enemies into shadows that symbolize the control mechanism of the universe. The real source of fear is never seeing their faces.
Observer Roles in Wano
Although CP0 does not directly participate in the Wano Arc, they are constantly present behind the scenes as observers. They analyze the power games between Kaido and Orochi and assess whether external intervention is necessary. This observer role shows that they are not only executors but also strategists. Even when they do not take action, they analyze the results and report them to higher authorities.
Representation of the “Invisible State” in the One Piece World
CP0 embodies the concept of the “invisible state” in the One Piece universe. They are actors who are not elected by the people, whose names are unknown, and who are not subject to the justice system, yet they still hold sway over their own destinies. This representation can be interpreted as one of Eiichiro Oda's most explicit political references to power, censorship, and manipulation.