Marines

The Marines are the World Government's military sea force, tasked with law enforcement, international security, and military operations. The Marines are one of the Three Great Powers in the world, alongside the Shichibukai and the Yonko.

They are present in all the seas around the world, as evidenced by their branch offices. The focus of their assets is on the far more dangerous Grand Line.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Marineford, the base of operations for Marine Headquarters has since been relocated to the New World.

Due to their actions and role overall, they are one of the main antagonist groups of the series. Acting as such mainly during the Romance Dawn, Loguetown, Enies Lobby, Sabaody Archipelago, Marineford, and Return to Sabaody Arcs.

Duties
The duty of the Marines is to maintain a law and order throughout the world and impose the will and might of the World Government. They are therefore considered the key strategic development force in the World Government and are expected to obey its orders at will. Sometimes these orders are questionable; however, they are expected to carry them out regardless of opinion. Amongst their duties is awarding bounty hunters the bounties for the head of a criminal. They tolerate bounty hunters as a method of making their jobs easier, but are known to go out bounty hunting themselves. Apprehended criminals who are brought in alive are handed over to be made an example of. The Marines are left to ensure the transportation of these criminals to prison and/or to their execution.

Marines often work in pairs, with one superior officer and a second-in-command, or a subordinate who is of a lower rank. These partnerships may remain even during promotions, with both pairs advancing in rank together. In the pair, the higher ranked officer will give the orders to those under their command, while the other acts as an advisor or information gatherer while ensuring their partner's command is undertaken by the subordinates.

Higher-ranked Marines (admirals and the fleet admiral) are expected to be on call to lead the Marine forces into war. This may take the form of apprehending many criminals at once, protecting the World Nobles, or calling a Buster Call to tackle a situation. Vice admirals are the ones who serve on the ships that the admirals call out, and are tasked with carrying out the admirals' orders exactly.

The main purpose of the Marines remain footed in the idea of bringing justice to any criminal. They use justice as their constituted policy to manage a world that is made entirely of one ocean much easier. However, the main problem within the Marines is their approach to Justice. They are generally divided between those who support Moral Justice and those who support Absolute Justice, with the latter being the code of conduct for the Marines as a central doctrine. Nevertheless, there is little worry from the higher-ranked Marines as to how the Justice is carried out, so long as it is, leading those who truly support absolute justice to take questionable actions in carrying out their duties.

The Marines are also aided by the Shichibukai in terms of maintaining the "Three Great Powers", and as such, are expected to cooperate when necessary. Despite this, several Marines, such as Aokiji, Akainu, Smoker, Sengoku, Kizaru, and Fujitora think of the Shichibukai as no more than pirates. In turn, the Shichibukai have no obligations to obey the Marines unless under the direct orders of the World Government itself.

One of the most questionable parts of their "Justice" is when it comes to slavery. Despite the practice supposedly being abolished years before, it is often shown that they just look the other way. Especially when it comes to the World Nobles' slaves, where it is even seen as a crime to free said slaves even if the person is merely a child. Often they are tasked in finding and retrieving the person to be a slave once again. They even purchase promising children from slave traders to be recruited into soldiers.

The New Age
Because of Blackbeard's actions and the death of Whitebeard, a new age has begun upon the world and the "Age of Pirates" that Roger established has ended. Thus began a new time for the Marines as well. With the greatest Marines, Sengoku and Garp resigning, a power vacuum for the position of fleet admiral occurred. Despite Sengoku's recommendation for Aokiji to take his position, the other higher echelons wanted Akainu to become fleet admiral. The two admirals commenced a ten day duel on the Punk Hazard island, while the details of the battle were agreed to be kept secret. Akainu managed to win and therefore became the new leader of the Marines. However, after the battle, Akainu spared his rival's life. Aokiji, disliking Akainu and his methods and not wanting to serve under him, resigned from the Marines and disappeared. To compensate the loss of so much military power, the World Government granted the Marines unprecedented power, and with Sakazuki as the new fleet admiral, the organization has become a much more powerful organization of justice ever since.

Rank System
The system of military rank in place for the Marines is fairly straightforward, where each rank is clearly delineated.

Officers and recruits present at Marine Headquarters are considered "Super-elites". All ranks present from "Lieutenant" above are usually trained here, exceptions being those in command of other Marine bases, which includes Axe-Hand Morgan and Nezumi.

Rank Insignia
The Marines do not have a system of rank insignia per se. There is significant variation in the kinds of uniforms worn by officers, with many opting to wear a variety of dress showcasing their own eccentric style. Marines are also allowed to wield whatever weapon they are most comfortable with, no matter how unusual they may be. They are even free to fight bare-handed. However, as a general rule set down by the author, uniform guidelines are as follows:
 * Upon first entering the Marines, new recruits are given the standard uniform, consisting of a white short-sleeved shirt emblazoned with the Marine emblem and a simplified seagull with "MARINE" underneath it on the back; a blue neckerchief; dark blue trousers; and a baseball cap with "MARINE" across the front. All officers at the rank of Seaman (一等兵) and below wear this. The quasi-rank of "Zatsuyō" (雑用) adds the kanji 雑 Zatsu ("various" or "odds and ends") to the sleeves, and to the Marine emblem on the back.
 * Once an officer has reached the rank of Petty Officer (伍長), he or she can choose from a number of different uniforms, including his or her own personal clothes. Only those who really want to appear "sailor-like" will stay with a more traditional uniform. This uniform is generally the standard sailor outfit with red and blue epaulettes.
 * Sailors at the rank of Ensign (少尉) and above are allowed to wear the coat with "Justice" (正義) on the back. This coat tends to be worn like a cape, draped over the shoulders with the arms not in the sleeves. It should be noted that the sleeves of these coats are often much longer than the wearers' arms.
 * For the rank of Lieutenant-Commander (少佐) and above, a suit worn underneath the "Justice" coat is the preferred attire.

There are, of course, exceptions: Jango and Fullbody wear their own clothes with the "MARINE" hat, despite holding the rank of "Seaman Recruit" (三等兵). This may have something to do with the exceptional circumstances by which both of these men were brought into their present situation, the lenience on the part of their Captain, Hina, or just the fact that the rule is not strictly enforced. Also, G-5 low-rank subordinates do not wear the full uniform due to their disregard of the rules, to the point of wearing slacks and a bucket for a hat. Smoker also retains his suit while wearing a jacket without wearing the marine cape that vice admirals normally wear. Admiral Fujitora also foregoes the conventional suit and tie, and retains his personal clothes underneath his Marine coat.

Some Marines have special dress attained on them. While Sengoku was an admiral, his Marine coat sported red epaulettes, instead of the usual yellow that is commonly worn by an admiral. Garp and Tsuru also wear their special epaulettes, as Garp wears red and black, while Tsuru wears purple with white dot epaulettes.

Commissioned Marine Officers



 * Fleet Admiral (元帥)
 * Admiral (大将)
 * Vice Admiral (中将)
 * Rear Admiral (少将)
 * Commodore (准将)
 * Captain (大佐)
 * Commander (中佐)
 * Lieutenant Commander (少佐)
 * Lieutenant (大尉)
 * Lieutenant Junior Grade (中尉)
 * Ensign (少尉)

Infantry and Sailor Division



 * Warrant Officer (准尉)
 * Master Chief Petty Officer (曹長)
 * Chief Petty Officer (軍曹)
 * Petty Officer (伍長)
 * Seaman First Class (一等兵)
 * Seaman Apprentice (二等兵)
 * Seaman Recruit (三等兵) or Recruit (新兵)
 * Chore Boy (雑用)

Special Ranks

 * General Inspector (大目付)
 * Instructor (教官)

Others

 * Science Unit Captain (科学部隊隊長)
 * Special Operations Advisor (特別作戦参謀)
 * Special Inspector (特別監査官)
 * Fleet Commodore (提督)

Military Powers
Although the exact total number of Marines is unknown, it is without a doubt to stand as the mightiest military power in the world of One Piece. The last time there was an assembly of a massive force was during Ace's Execution. The number reported to have assembled was around 100,000 foot soldiers, accompanied by 50 Naval Warships. In the aftermath of the Battle of Marineford, it was shown that Marine bases all around the world still had a very large number of troops stationed there during the battle. They are protected by their Headquarters Marineford, which is one of the strongest Marine Fortresses in the Grand Line, with numerous defense mechanisms, and artillery in almost every direction. The Marines enlist not only humans, but also Giants, who would later be joined by the Mechanized Pacifistas as well. They are also aided by most of the dreaded Shichibukai. Then there are the powerhouses in the form of the Admirals, as well as numerous Marine officers who are not only strong and effective, but also have made their names known and remembered. Last but not least, they also boast possibly the strongest Marines to have lived, Former Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Former Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp.

It is a force formed all for the sake of defending, ensuring, and enforcing the might of Justice. With the battle against Whitebeard's forces that came to a close, they emerged victorious, although many have perished as a result. However, that did not stop the uninterrupted march of the Marines, as they have spent most of their time rebuilding their damaged forces. With Whitebeard's final proclamation and new military staff reassignment with Admiral Akainu becoming Fleet Admiral, the Marines have doubled their efforts in cracking down on the new surge of pirates, especially in the New World.

With the way things are progressing, it is most likely that another war will start and the Marines might have to conjure an even greater force to combat what is to come.

Past
Exactly how long the Marines have been around for is unknown, as well as how they were created; however, it has been commented that Marineford has been their "stronghold/watchpost of justice" for centuries, implying that they have existed for quite a while.

Over 100 years ago, the Marines issued bounties to the captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, Dorry and Brogy. 100 years ago, the Marines captured the other members of the crew after they dispersed, and prepared to execute them. However, the execution was staged in coordination with the underworld dealer Carmel, who appeared during the execution to spare the giants' lives. This move allowed Carmel to establish an orphanage in the powerful giant country of Elbaf, where she secretly sold children of all races to be enlisted by the Marines and Cipher Pol. Within 37 years, John Giant became the first giant ever to enlist in the Marines thanks to Carmel, and he would be joined by several more over the years. The Marines' partnership with Carmel was ended when she died 62 years ago. Ten years later, Oimo and Kashi of the Giant Warrior Pirates were captured by the Marines and tricked into working on Enies Lobby under the impression that Dorry and Brogy were imprisoned.

Fifty-six years ago, Monkey D. Garp, Sengoku, and Tsuru joined the Marines. They gained high rankings and renown during their careers, with Garp becoming known as the "Hero of the Marines" during the Era of Rocks 40 years ago. Garp would also become a great rival to the Pirate King Gol D. Roger in the next two decades, and he and Sengoku attempted to stop a clash between Roger and Shiki 27 years ago. Three years later, Roger turned himself in to the World Government and was set to be executed. Shiki attacked Marineford in retaliation, but was defeated by Garp and Sengoku and imprisoned in Impel Down. However, Shiki managed to escape from Impel Down two years later. After Roger's death, the Marines continued pursuing people who were connected to him, and later arrested and executed Tom, who had built his ship, the Oro Jackson.

Twenty-two years ago, around the time when Shiki escaped from Impel Down, the World Government discovered that scholars on Ohara were studying the Poneglyphs and commissioned a Marine Buster Call. Five vice admirals, including Sakazuki and Kuzan, led the attack and utterly destroyed Ohara and its scholars, with Sakazuki killing the other citizens in order to ensure no scholar survived. Vice Admiral Jaguar D. Saul defected against the Marines and allowed the young Nico Robin to escape, causing the Marines to pursue her for her ability to read the Poneglyphs.

Romance Dawn Arc


The Marines stationed under Captain Morgan at Shells Town imprisoned Roronoa Zoro after he attacked Morgan's son Helmeppo; they planned to execute him later. Days afterward, they worked to erect a statue of Morgan, but the statue was broken when Monkey D. Luffy came flying in. Luffy captured Helmeppo and went to free Zoro as the Marines chased after him. Luffy blocked their bullets as Zoro was freed, and the two battled the Marines, defeating Morgan in the process.

Later, Luffy staged a fight in order to distance himself from Koby so that the latter could join the Marines. The Marines took Koby in and ordered the Straw Hats to leave, but thanked them for defeating their abusive captain.

Diary of Koby-Meppo
Koby and Helmeppo joined the Marines as cabin boys. One day, they served on a ship captained by Vice Admiral Garp that was taking the captive Morgan to face trial. However, Morgan escaped and brought his son with him as a hostage. Koby managed to prevent the Marines from killing Helmeppo with Morgan, and Helmeppo freed himself and returned as Morgan sailed away at large.

Baratie Arc
The Marine Fullbody came to Baratie to eat, but got in a fight with the chefs and was left badly beaten.

Arlong Park Arc
Commodore Pudding Pudding attempted to free the people of Cocoyasi Village from their captivity to the fish-man Arlong, but was killed by Arlong and his crew.

Captain Nezumi took bribes from Arlong to prevent Marine investigation. After Arlong was defeated, Nezumi attempted to take the credit and Arlong's money, but was beaten up by the Straw Hat Pirates. Enraged, he ensured that Luffy was given a bounty of 30,000,000.

Loguetown Arc


Captain Smoker was stationed on Loguetown, where he successfully captured all pirates stepping foot in there. His petty officer Tashigi encountered Zoro while shopping for swords. Later, as the Buggy and Alvida Alliance failed to publicly execute Luffy, Smoker and his men raced to capture the pirates. Smoker trapped the Buggy Pirates and succeeded in chasing and pinning down Luffy. Meanwhile, Tashigi angrily confronted Zoro, but was quickly defeated by him. Smoker was forced to free Luffy when a man named Dragon suddenly arrived, and the Straw Hats were able to escape Loguetown.

Jango's Dance Paradise
Fullbody participated in a dance contest at Mirrorball Island, but lost to the disguised pirate Jango. Not knowing who he was, Fullbody struck up a quick friendship with Jango. Yurikah and the Tulip Pirates then attacked, managing to overpower Fullbody. Jango worked with Fullbody to defeat them, although he revealed his identity in the process. Jango was tried and set to be executed, but Fullbody bailed him out at the cost of a demotion. Jango then joined Fullbody as a cabin boy on Hina's ship.

Drum Island Arc
Smoker captured the Baroque Works agent Mr. 11 in order to find out more information about the organization. When Mr. 11 blew his cover, he was shot by one of his fellow agents.

Alabasta Arc


Smoker confronted Luffy again on the coast of Alabasta, but was stopped by Luffy's brother Ace, and the two fought to a stalemate.

Smoker later confronted the Straw Hats again at Rainbase, but they were led into Crocodile's seastone cage. They were eventually freed by Sanji, and Smoker decided to not arrest Luffy.

Smoker and his men apprehended Crocodile upon his defeat. He later heard that he was the one to receive credit for Crocodile's defeat, to his anger.

When the Straw Hats set off from Alabasta, they were confronted by Hina and her troops. However, Mr. 2 Bon Kurei arrived and held off the Marines long enough for the pirates to escape.

Long Ring Long Land Arc
The Straw Hat Pirates encountered Marine Admiral Aokiji, who taunted them about Nico Robin and her checkered past. An angered Luffy attacked him, but Aokiji froze him and Robin solid before heading out, deciding not to harm anyone further.

Enies Lobby Arc
Hundreds of Marines stationed on the island fought when the Straw Hat Pirates and the Franky Family invaded Enies Lobby, but they were routed.

When Spandam accidentally ordered a Buster Call, many large Marine ships came to destroy the island. Despite Spandam's pleas, they were unable to prevent the Straw Hats from escaping.

Post-Enies Lobby Arc
Monkey D. Garp and his men came to Water 7 in order for Garp to speak to his grandson Luffy. Koby and Helmeppo also came and reunited with Luffy and Zoro.

During a celebration on Water 7, Aokiji secretly confronted Robin about his involvement in the destruction of Ohara.

As the Straw Hats prepared to leave Water 7, Garp returned under orders to capture them, but the pirates managed to escape.

Sabaody Archipelago Arc


When Luffy punched a World Noble, Marine Admiral Kizaru was called to eliminate him. Initial Marine reinforcements were defeated by Kid, Law, and Luffy, all of them captains and Super Rookies. Kizaru and his troops then arrived and routed the pirates on the archipelago, with the Straw Hats disappearing after confronting the Shichibukai Bartholomew Kuma. Rayleigh also appeared and fought Kizaru in a duel to distract him from the Straw Hats before escaping as well.

Amazon Lily Arc
Vice Admiral Momonga came to Amazon Lily in order to give the Shichibukai Boa Hancock her mandatory summons to participate in the upcoming Battle of Marineford. She refused, turning his men to stone. However, she later relented and freed his men in order to bring Luffy to Impel Down.

Marineford Arc


After Marshall D. Teach had captured the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Portgas D. Ace to become a Shichibukai, with Ace's execution being announced, the Marines were preparing to have an all-out war against the Whitebeard Pirates, which took place at Marineford. Alongside the Whitebeard Pirates came Monkey D. Luffy and a motley crew of Impel Down breakout convicts, and the battle had escalated to its final phase after an hour and a half.

Upon Ace and Whitebeard's deaths, Shanks arrived to stop the war, and Sengoku agreed with him. With that, the world who despises pirates celebrated the Marines for their victory. However, Sengoku then finds out that several Level 6 prisoners from Impel Down escaped thanks to Blackbeard, and is even more furious when the World Government declares the second mass escape must be suppressed from the general public.

Post-War Arc
Shortly after the end of the war, Sengoku resigned from his position as fleet admiral, three weeks after Garp did.

During the Timeskip
The position of fleet admiral was replaced after a great ten day battle between Aokiji and Akainu at some point between the two years, following the war. The victor was Sakazuki, who became the new fleet admiral, and though Kuzan was alive, he refused to work under Akainu and thus left the Marines. Aokiji's resignation was a great loss to the Marines although they have become much stronger under the command of their new fleet admiral.

The Marines held a World Military Draft (世界徴兵), through which Fujitora and Ryokugyu received special appointments to the rank of admiral.

Return to Sabaody Arc
Marines came to Sabaody Archipelago in order to arrest Brook of the Straw Hat Pirates, but ended up becoming involved with the Fake Straw Hat Crew. While the impostors were easily defeated, the real Straw Hat Pirates arrived, routing the Marines and heading to the New World.

Caribou's Kehihihihi in the New World
The pirate Caribou was taken to the G-5 Marine base by Jinbe. The Marines tied Caribou to a stake to burn him, but Caribou's crewmates suddenly arrived to rescue him. They succeeded in freeing Caribou, but Caribou immediately abandoned them at the base. However, the crew eventually managed to escape the base.

Punk Hazard Arc


Now stationed at G-5, Smoker found out that the Straw Hat Pirates had entered the New World, following them to the forbidden island Punk Hazard. Smoker then encountered the Shichibukai Trafalgar Law, who defeated him, took his heart, and switched him with Tashigi. The Marines then attempted to invade Caesar Clown's lab, having found out about him experimenting on abducted children. However, they encountered and battled the Straw Hats, and Caesar arrived and easily defeated them, putting Smoker and Tashigi in a cage with the Straw Hats and Law.



Caesar put the cage outside for them to be poisoned by his gas, but they escaped and reentered the facility to stage a counterattack. Smoker confronted Vice Admiral Vergo, who was actually a spy for the Donquixote Pirates, but was defeated. Meanwhile, the G-5 Marines worked to liberate the captive children while running from the gas, and with help from Zoro Tashigi managed to defeat Caesar's underling Monet. During the frenzy, many G-5 Marines became encased by the gas Shinokuni as they sacrificed themselves to help Tashigi and others.



With Caesar being defeated by Luffy and Vergo being defeated by Law, the Marines and the Straw Hats managed to escape from the facility with the children before the gas reached them. They then celebrated, though halfheartedly attempted to separate themselves from the pirates. However, they were saddened when the Straw Hats and Law left.

Later, Donquixote Doflamingo came to the island in search of Caesar, routing the Marines and brutally beating Smoker. However, he was stopped by Kuzan, and decided to leave.

Dressrosa Arc


Having received the news of Luffy's and Law's alliance, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki sent Admiral Fujitora to deal with them on Dressrosa. Marines were stationed on Dressrosa at the Corrida Colosseum, waiting to arrest the multitudes of criminals inside. Vice Admiral Maynard attempted to enter as a contestant in order to take out criminals, but was beaten by the pirate Bartolomeo. When Doflamingo went back on a deal he made in order to ambush Law, Fujitora accompanied him, and together the two managed to defeat Law. Law managed to escape and rendezvous quickly with some of the Straw Hats on the Thousand Sunny. Fujitora attempted to attack them by flying a Marine battleship towards them, but the ship was damaged by Law and Fujitora decided to turn back. When Doflamingo defeated Law again, Fujitora returned to assist him, easily dealing with Zoro as he and Doflamingo took Law away.

Fujitora accompanied Doflamingo to his palace, where he revealed his intentions to destroy the Shichibukai system, creating some friction between him and Doflamingo. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Bastille led a convoy of Marines to assist the Donquixote Pirate Senor Pink against the Straw Hat Pirate Franky. Together, they managed to defeat Franky.

When the toys on Dressrosa became humans again, chaos erupted in Dressrosa, and Doflamingo took back control by trapping everyone with a giant cage. Doflamingo used the Birdcage to take control of some Marines and cause them to attack others indiscriminately. As this happened, Fujitora went to confront Luffy, Law, and Zoro, but their battle was interrupted when the Donquixote Pirate Pica attacked.



The Revolutionary Sabo then arrived, defeating Bastille before battling Fujitora. Fujitora eventually left their battle to tell the former king Riku Doldo III that he would be betting everything on the Straw Hats to win against Doflamingo. He and the Marines, in the meantime, worked to control the chaos inside the Birdcage. When Doflamingo began constricting the Birdcage, Fujitora and his soldiers eventually assisted the Straw Hats and their allies in trying to stop it until Doflamingo was defeated.



When Doflamingo was defeated, the Marines arrested him and most of his crew. Maynard then broadcasted the destruction to neighboring islands, and Fujitora lay prostrate before Riku in apology for the Marines allowing this to happen. On Mary Geoise, Sakazuki angrily confronted the Five Elders over Doflamingo's earlier deception, but found out about Doflamingo's defeat in the midst of this. He became angry at Fujitora and ordered him to capture Luffy and Law, or else he could never enter another Marine base. Fujitora agreed to do so, but only if his die said it was right. For two days, it did not.



On the third day, Sengoku and Tsuru arrived on Dressrosa to assist in transporting Doflamingo. The dwarf Mansherry came to the Marine camp and asked for blood donations so that she could heal injured people, and the Marines easily agreed. Tsuru rolled Fujitora's die, and this time it did not land on a one. Fujitora led his platoons to capture the Straw Hats and their allies, who attempted to escape the island. Due to donating blood, many of the Marines were too weak to fight, and their weapons were also stolen by dwarves. Fujitora confronted the pirates himself and prepared to crush them with a giant mass of rubble. Luffy attacked Fujitora, and was overpowered by the admiral, but the pirates took the opportunity to rush to the port. Fujitora prepared to crush them, but the citizens of Dressrosa rushed in, saying they would take out the pirates themselves, although they were really trying to protect the Straw Hats. Not willing to harm citizens, Fujitora dropped the rubble on some enemy ships that were attacking the Straw Hats and their allies.

The Marines then departed Dressrosa with Doflamingo in tow. However, they were attacked by Jack of the Beasts Pirates who sought to rescue Doflamingo. They defeated Jack and continued on.

Zou Arc
Marines contacted each member kingdom of the World Government, preparing themself to become escorts for royals attending the Levely. Hina escorted the royals of Alabasta, the Nefertari Family, to Mary Geoise. The king of Prodence Kingdom declined an escort from the Marines.

Levely Arc
With the time of Levely approaching, the Marines were occupied with escorting royals and their companions to Mary Geoise. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki was furious when a Marine escort group failed to protect Komane's ship from pirates, but Koby and Helmeppo managed to intercept the abducters just as the pirates were about to attempt abducting Viola as well. Koby's ship became an escort for the Dressrosa and Prodence Kingdom ships.

Sakazuki was furious when he learned from Captain T Bone abour Fujitora's presence on Levely. At Mary Geoise, Fujitora and Ryokugyu had a friendly conversation despite Ryokugyu receiving orders to make Fujitora leave. At the Red Port, Garp escorted the Neptune Family to the bondola and encountered Sterry, whom he had an unpleasant conversation with. Garp then took his leave after the Neptune Family reached the bondola.

The Marines later intercepted a communication between Big Mom and Kaido.

Early One Piece
According to One Piece Green: Secret Pieces, the Marines' original theme was supposed to be sort of Mafia-like. In the first version, Marines were supposed to wear black suits instead of Marine coats and every member was planned to have a hard, scary look on their faces. Also, some minor Marine characters, like John Giant and Brannew, were already planned out from the beginning of the series.

Translation and Dub Issues
The "proper" English translation of this organization's name remains a point of dispute among both fans and professional translators. Although the term "MARINE" (in Roman characters) is directly displayed on countless uniforms, ships, and installations throughout the manga and anime, in-series dialogue almost invariably uses the term (Kaigun), which translates most closely to "Navy" - a discrepancy particularly noticeable to American audiences, as the United States Marine Corps is well-known for its fierce rivalry with the United States Navy.

While English-speaking fans almost universally use "Marines" for both individual personnel and the organization as a whole, each of the series' professional English translations differs:


 * The Viz manga favors "Navy" for the organization as a whole, but occasionally uses terms such as sailor, soldier, or even Naval Marine when referring to smaller divisions or individuals. In-story text - both 海軍 and "MARINE" - is usually left unchanged, but sometimes edited to read "NAVY" (a notable instance being Chapter 96's introduction of Marineford).
 * The 4Kids-dubbed anime uses "Navy" in all instances, and edits every piece of in-story text - no matter how minor - accordingly.
 * The FUNimation anime largely follows the Viz manga, referring to the whole organization as the "Navy" while using more disparate terms - including "Marines" - for smaller groups and individuals.

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