Jinbe


 * The subject of this article is sometimes called Jimbei.

Jinbei (ジンベエ) is a whale shark Fishman who was the second captain of the Sunny Pirates after Fisher Tiger, and who became a Shichibukai eight years ago. Jinbei's name comes from jinbei-zame (甚平鮫), which means "whale shark" in Japanese. His epithet, Kaikyou would normally translate into "Strait" or "Channel". However since the kanji for it is written as (海侠) and not (海峡), the kyou part (侠) of it comes from (任侠), a honorific used when addressing a high ranking yakuza member, thus making his epithet a Japanese pun.

Appearance
Jinbei is a large whale shark Fishman with a face that is commonly associated with various Japanese demons such as Oni. Both heavyset and muscular, Jinbei's gills could be seen on the surface of his broad shoulders. His eyebrows and sideburns are distinctly shaped like those found on such demons. He also possesses two tusk-like lower fangs associated with such demons as well. He has long hair and a topknot. Under his coat, he appears to be wearing a traditional Japanese clothing called a Jinbei.

Personality
Jinbei is a Fishman with great pride and honor. He is known to the World Government as a pirate hating pirate. He however has a soft spot for Whitebeard and his crew as he sees them as completely different story. Because of what Whitebeard had done for his homeland, Fishman Island, he understands the damage a war between the World Government and Whitebeard would cause. He knows that places like his home which are protected by simply belonging to Whitebeard's territory, would suffer the most from the war should Whitebeard lose.

Relationships
Jinbei has a history with Portgas D. Ace. The two were once enemies and both had nearly killed the other. Despite this however, the two respect each other deeply.

He also seems to have some sort of history with his former peer Crocodile, and is noticibly upset upon realizing Crocodile in the cell adjacent his.

Abilities and Powers
Jinbei is presumed to be a Fishman pirate of immense power, possibly one that goes well beyond other Fishmen.

He and Arlong were once said to be equals, though whether it regards to their strength or status is yet unknown.

He is one of the few people to be able to take a "baptizing" in boiling water in Impel Down without flinching, which is considered an impressive feat. On top of this, he shares the same cell as Fire Fist Ace who is considered one of the most important prisoners in the world at the moment.

Past
After the original captain of the Sunny Pirates Fisher Tiger died, Jinbei took over his legacy and became the new captain of the crew. Eight years ago however, when Jinbei joined the Shichibukai, he disbanded the crew.

Current Events
At this time, Jinbei is currently imprisoned in Impel Down headed by Sengoku, the only member of the Shichibukai who has chosen not to follow with the World Government on their summons on facing the Whitebeard Pirate. He has decided to fight the Marines and is prepared to lose his status as a Shichibukai.

He is currently in the same cell as Portgas D. Ace were he was being tortured. There he complains about the fact that he could not scratch himself where he wanted to, and that he would gladly give his life to end the fighting.

He is later seen talking with Ace about how Whitebeard saved Fish-man island and the reasons he's prepared to die to stop the fighting. This however brings out a reaction from Crocodile, who explains to Jimbei and Ace that there are many pirates who have a grudge against Whitebeard.

Translation and Dub Issues
Jinbei's name is sometimes spelled as Jimbei because when pronouncing it, the n of the name often sounds like a m to some. While these two forms of can be used interchangeable for the moment, there is currently no way to tell which way is correct as Oda has yet to write the name in plain Romaji.

Due to Jinbei's epithet being a pun that is a combination of the Japanese word for "Strait" or "Channel", and the honorific used for addressing high ranking yakuza members, it doesn't have a literal English translation. The closest translations used of the epithet that can interpret into english are made up based on the pun's meaning. These include "Yakuza of the Sea" and "Knight of the Sea" among others. These however are not literal translations but tittles made to convey the idea behind the original Japanese term used.

Trivia

 * Although Jinbei is the second Shichibukai to be mentioned, he is the last one to be fully unveiled.
 * He is the only non-human Shichibukai.
 * After his initial silhouette in chapter 523, at the JUMP Festa 2009 Oda decided to a show a preview of Jinbei and drew a rough sketch of what he looked like.