Bringing Life to the Environment the Moment It Appeared
When Green Bull first appeared after Reverie, despite only having a few scenes, its unique aura immediately captivated the audience.The fact that it brought flowers and greenery to the barren ground of the naval base hinted not only at its combat power but also its connection to nature. This detail was the earliest clue distinguishing it from other admirals.
He Claimed to Have Not Eaten for Three Years
The scene where Green Bull shows no sensitivity to hunger adds a touch of classic One Piece humor while also introducing a mystical element. His claim that he hasn't eaten in three years, doing so “just for show,” highlights not only his strength but also his mental resolve. This detail may hint at his transformed form and the limits of his plant-based abilities.
The First Admiral Appointed by Akainu Himself
Ryokugyu is one of the two new Admirals appointed to fill the void left by the resignation of former Admiral Aokiji. However, what makes him special is that he was selected during a period of leadership under Akainu himself. This suggests that Green Bull likely shares Akainu's strict sense of justice.
The Only Sailor to Bow to Shanks' Haki
After the Wano War, Green Bull came to retrieve Luffy but was forced to retreat without facing any enemies, merely sensing Shanks' Haki from afar. Shanks' King Haki had seriously frightened him and made him back down. This incident was recorded as one of the rare moments when Haki proved to be more powerful than physical strength.
Can Transform His Power into a “Plant” Form
Thanks to the Mori Mori no Mi, a Logia-type fruit, Green Bull can transform into a plant form and manipulate his surroundings. However, this is not ordinary nature control; his body can directly evolve into roots, vines, and giant plants. This makes him a versatile threat both in defense and attack.
Massive Root-Covered Body Form, Like a Forest
In the Wano scenes, Green Bull's full form was seen for the first time: Thick roots sprouting from his entire body extend like tree trunks, wrapping and drying out enemies. In this form, he drains energy from his opponents, making him deadly not only physically but also tactically.
He Can Dry Out His Enemies and Drain Their Energy
Green Bull's plant-based abilities aren't limited to wrapping his enemies. He can directly absorb the living energy of his opponents. This ability makes him dangerous enough to neutralize even powerful individuals like Kaido's officers. This is a rare “life energy consumption” skill in the anime universe.
He Entered Wano Alone and Defeated Kaido's Army
Green Bull entered the Wano country alone, without any reinforcements, and defeated Kaido's remaining officers one by one after his defeat. This action demonstrated his ability to work alone, take initiative without orders, and also served as a signal of how aggressive the World Government has become.
A Power Opposed to Vegapunk Technology
In the One Piece universe, Vegapunk technology is based on suppressing and controlling nature, while Green Bull's natural form works in the opposite direction. This contrast could foreshadow a major conflict between science and nature in future episodes.
Smoking a Cigar Made from Tree Branches
Green Bull may be the only character who smokes a cigarette with a body made entirely of wood. While this detail may seem humorous, it was a small yet impactful scene showcasing how far his form merged with nature could go. A figure that is both organic and sarcastic.
Blindly Loyal to the World Government
Green Bull is one of the rare admirals who does not settle for being a sailor but shows direct loyalty to the World Government. His attitude of “I won't change anything without orders from above” sets him apart from Fujitora, who defends justice based on conscience. In this sense, Ryokugyu is not just a soldier following orders; he is an ideological soldier who does not question authority.
Used Controversial Statements on Racism
In the scenes in Wano, his dismissive remarks about “racial equality” revealed how politically radical and biased Green Bull is. In particular, his statements that “countries cannot develop unless they open themselves up to the World Government” show that he has an imperialist worldview.
A Passive-Aggressive Warrior at Heart
Although Green Bull does not seem to enjoy fighting, he defines himself through combat. Despite his constant composure, his condescending and occasionally mocking attitude towards his enemies makes him both threatening and unstable. This shows that Oda wrote him as a gray character rather than a classic “pure villain.”
His Name Comes From a Mythological Theme in Japan
The name “Ryokugyu,” or Green Bull, is part of the naming convention for Navy Admirals based on the five elements in Japan. The color green represents nature, while the ox represents patience and perseverance. However, in the One Piece universe, this name reflects the conflicting but compelling idea that a character identified with nature can also be ruthless.
Assigned as a Balancing Element with Fujitora
During the same period, Fujitora, who is also an admiral, represents a blind sense of justice, while Green Bull is the opposite, blindly loyal to the system. This contrast shows that Oda has established a balanced distribution of power and ideology even among the Marines. Green Bull's presence is positioned as an element that balances Fujitora's “questioning justice” stance.
The First Admiral to Fight Using Nature Instead of Weapons
While other admirals possess weapon, energy, or element-based powers, Green Bull directly transforms the environment into a weapon on the battlefield. This makes him a tactical genius on the battlefield, as any environment can be turned to his advantage. This ability poses a strategic threat for future major battles.
Designed as the Opposite of the Former Admiral Aokiji
While Aokiji values freedom and individual rights, Green Bull prioritizes collective order above all else. The void left by Aokiji's departure from the Navy seems to have been filled by a character who is his complete opposite. This shows that Green Bull is not only a “counterpart” in terms of power, but also in terms of ideology.
Controversy Over His Failure to Attack Luffy in the Wano Incident
In Wano, Green Bull's decision to retreat instead of attacking Luffy directly, immediately after Luffy was recognized as a “Yonko” by the entire world, raised questions among some fans. Some attributed this to Green Bull's fear of Shanks, while others argued that Green Bull had not yet received orders and therefore did not act.
His Late Introduction Was Deliberately Planned
Green Bull was only shown as a silhouette for a long time, and his name remained unknown for four years, sparking theories among fans. Oda introduced this character at a time when major political changes were beginning, suggesting that Green Bull represents a systemic breaking point in the One Piece world.
There is a difference in tone between the anime and the manga
The anime version of Green Bull is a bit lighter and more humorous compared to the dark and harsh character design in the manga. This difference reflects the character's versatility and leaves the door open for Oda to reshape him according to the story's progression.