What's Behind the Buddha Form?
Thanks to Sengoku's “Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Daibutsu” fruit, he can transform into a giant golden Buddha, one of the most interesting Zoan abilities seen in the One Piece world so far. However, the transformation is not the only intriguing aspect. This fruit does more than just enhance physical strength; it also creates massive vibration waves, symbolizing the character's authority both visually and physically. The fact that the fruit's model is “Daibutsu” (Great Buddha) also represents Sengoku's understanding of justice, which is not just about punishment but also about maintaining order.
The Only Person to Hold the Title of “Fleet Admiral”
While the title of “Admiral” is granted to many in One Piece, only a select few have held the title of “Fleet Admiral.” Sengoku is the only individual to have maintained this position during both Roger's era and Whitebeard's era. This makes him not only one of the most physically powerful but also one of the most strategically reliable leaders in Marine history. The structural changes in Marineford during his reign were shaped by his management vision.
He Never Lost Respect for Garp Despite Their Differences
Garp and Sengoku's paths crossed many times, especially due to Garp's anti-system stance and personal ties to pirates. However, Sengoku never showed direct hostility toward Garp. On the contrary, he consistently gave Garp room to operate within the system. This reflects the mutual respect between the “old guard” within the Marine while also highlighting Sengoku's constructive, rather than individualistic, leadership style.
A Commander Who Even Hides His Own Men
The person who kept Ace's identity as Roger's son a secret from everyone within the Marine was none other than Sengoku. Knowing that revealing this information would endanger both Ace's and Garp's lives, Sengoku made not only a strategic but also an ethical decision at the time. In this way, the Marine demonstrated not only a chain of command but also a human side. It is quite rare for a high-ranking government official to keep information secret “against the state.”
Years of Silent Partnership with Tsuru
Tsuru and Sengoku rose through the ranks of the Marines at the same time, but despite their very different personalities, they worked harmoniously for nearly forty years. Tsuru's mental warfare strategies and Sengoku's command abilities served as a balancing force in various Marine operations. The coordinated efforts of this duo played a pivotal role in maintaining the Marine's presence in the New World for an extended period.
One of the Few High-Ranking Officers to Take Action Against Whitebeard
During the Marineford War, only a few high-ranking admirals fought on the battlefield. Sengoku, at the height of the battle, transformed into a giant Buddha form, suppressing the pirates and directly influencing the course of the war. Despite being a bureaucratic leader, his intervention by taking to the field is still respected by the older generation of officers who believe that “the leader must be on the front lines.”
The Only Leader Who Turned a Blind Eye to Doflamingo's Secret Activities
Donquixote Doflamingo was virtually untouchable within the Marine due to his connection to the Tenryuubito. However, Sengoku dared to shake this balance many times during his tenure. It was leaked that Sengoku had approved some operations against Doflamingo's arms trafficking activities, even if he did not put his name on them directly. This was a silent resistance against dangerous balances even within the Marine.
Even After His Official Retirement, He Remained at the Center of Events
Even after retiring, Sengoku appeared to have no official role, but he remained actively involved in the background of significant events. During the Dressrosa incident, his continued investigation into Law's past demonstrated that he had not severed all ties with the Marine. His research into information related to Rosinante also showed that, despite being a former admiral, he felt a personal moral responsibility.
He Instilled a Different Approach to Education Among Young Officers
Unlike the traditional Marine discipline, Sengoku sought to instill in young officers not only the ability to follow orders but also the skill to take initiative. As a result, the proportion of officers trained during his tenure who could question the system's blind spots and make their own decisions on the field had significantly increased. This laid the groundwork for the reforms the Marine would later undergo.
What Was Behind His Silence Regarding Oden's Death?
Sengoku did not directly intervene in the death of Kozuki Oden, which was seen by many as a sign of weakness. However, the reality was much more strategic. Due to Wano's closed structure, Marine intervention could have led to an international crisis. By not intervening directly, Sengoku ensured that Oden's death would be recorded as the responsibility of the World Government, not the Navy.
The Symbolism of the Sheep Is No Coincidence
The small white sheep that is always by Sengoku's side may seem like a mascot at first glance, but it is actually quite symbolic. This sheep represents his peaceful side, while also creating a deliberate contrast with the divine figure of “Daibutsu.” In Japanese culture, sheep are seen as symbols of harmony and submission, and Sengoku was a character who prioritized order and harmony even when using force.
He Considered Rosinante's Death a Personal Failure
Corazon's death was known to only a few within the Marine, and Sengoku was one of them. Sengoku, who saw Corazon not just as an agent but as a son, took personal responsibility for his death. His quiet investigations on his behalf and his direct contact with Law were a reflection of his efforts to ease this emotional burden. This bond represents a unique father-son relationship in the One Piece universe.
One of the Rare Names Who Could Face Gorosei
Sengoku is one of the few leaders who directly confronted the Gorosei after the Marineford War to question the decisions made. He openly criticized the execution of Ace and the destructive effects of the war. Such courage is uncommon even within the Marines, showcasing Sengoku as a leader who not only follows orders but also questions the system when necessary.
The Key Figure in the Successful Operation Against Shiki
Although Shiki's escape from Impel Down is considered one of the biggest leaks in One Piece history, there were rare moments before that operation when Sengoku directly entered the field. One of the two people who fought Shiki one-on-one was Garp; the other was Sengoku himself. This clash directly demonstrated the power of two figures from the “old days” and reinforced the deterrent power of the Marines at that time.
Conflict with the Government's “Definition of Justice”
Unlike many high-ranking figures in the Marines, Sengoku believed that justice was not just about punishing criminals. He gradually distanced himself from the “absolute justice” approach and urged young officers to adhere to this line of thinking. As a result, he left behind a legacy that deliberately contradicted the strict stance of Akainu, who succeeded him after his retirement.
Continuing to Work with Garp During Retirement
After retiring from active duty, Sengoku and Garp continued to guide the Marine from the shadows, working in the internal intelligence and training divisions. Despite their differing worldviews, these two old friends worked together to shape the future of the Marine. Garp's free-spirited nature balanced Sengoku's systematic and meticulous approach.
The Marine Commander Who Issued the Fewest “Kill Orders”
While many high-ranking characters in the One Piece world issue death sentences without hesitation during battle, Sengoku developed strategies aimed at minimizing bloodshed. In doing so, he sought to establish the idea that the Marine is a “restraining force” rather than a “killing force.” His leniency toward pirate children or criminals with unknown pasts is a reflection of this philosophy.
Sengoku's Strategic Patience in Battle
Sengoku was a commander who valued strategic patience over speed in battle. His decision to wait for Whitebeard to fully reveal his strength at Marineford demonstrated his calculated approach, which was not just about “winning,” but about crushing the enemy at their weakest moment. This mindset was completely at odds with Akainu's sudden and aggressive decisions.
Connection to the “Yami no Kessoku” Documents
Although rarely mentioned in official sources, according to some neutral One Piece sources, Sengoku was one of the few individuals who had access to some of the documents known as the “Dark Protocols,” which contained the World Government's highest-level secrets. These documents detailed the Tenryuubito and special war projects. The fact that Sengoku possessed this information but never used it is seen as further proof of his ethical stance.
The Silent Symbol of the End of an Era
From Roger's surrender to Ace's execution, from Shiki's defeat to the events of Dressrosa, Sengoku was always at the center of it all, but he was never the name that dominated the stage. He was like a sentence written in the background but determining the direction, a symbol of “silent power” in the One Piece world. When he retired, it was not just a position that closed, but the justice of the old age also quietly faded away with him.