Summary
- Donquixote Pirates, led by Doflamingo, were one of the most formidable and organized pirate crews in One Piece.
- Crew had a strict hierarchy, with elite officers leading specialized divisions in combat, intelligence, and tactical operations.
- Loyalty, rank, and care from Doflamingo made the crew feared and powerful, setting the stage for future chaos in One Piece.
The Straw Hat Pirates have encountered countless foes, but few have been as organized, ruthless, and formidable as the Donquixote Pirates. Among all the non-Yonko pirate crews, the Donquixote Family stood out as one of the most dangerous and tightly-knit groups of criminals. Under the command of their cunning and merciless captain, Donquixote Doflamingo, they ruled the kingdom of Dressrosa with an iron fist, masquerading as its legitimate governing body.
The Straw Hats, alongside their allies, ultimately managed to topple Doflamingo and his crew, but it was a hard-fought victory that required the combined strength of every fighter in Dressrosa's Colosseum. And despite Doffy's capture, it's clear that both he and his crew still have a role to play in the Final Saga, hinting at future chaos in the world of One Piece.
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Origins of the Donquixote Pirates
From Nobility to Notoriety
The Donquixote Pirates were founded by Donquixote Doflamingo, who, along with his younger brother Rosinante, was originally born to the World Nobles/Celestial Dragons. After their privileged life ended abruptly, forcing the siblings to survive in wastelands, four young men — Vergo, Trebol, Diamante, and Pica — recognized Doflamingo’s potential and swore loyalty to him.
They provided him with the powerful Ito Ito no Mi Devil Fruit and an ornate flintlock, acknowledging him as their leader. With his return to Mary Geoise impossible, Doflamingo embraced the life of a pirate, vowing to become the Pirate King. The four of these men would later become the strongest and most loyal members of Doffy's crew, with each person leading their own army and carrying out a specific set of duties.
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Members of the Donquixote Pirates
The Structure of the Crew
The Donquixote Pirates were one of the most organized and hierarchical pirate crews in One Piece. At the top of the hierarchy was Donquixote Doflamingo, the captain, who had complete control over everyone in the crew. The crew was divided into four main subdivisions, each led by one of Doflamingo's most trusted and powerful officers. These elite officers sit on seats that are represented by the four suits of a deck of cards: Heart, Club, Diamond, and Spade.
The Elite Officers
- Heart Seat [Vergo]: Originally, the Heart seat was held by the "Corazon," a title given to the most trusted member of the crew. The first Corazon, Vergo, abdicated his seat to serve as Doffy's mole in the Marines. After the second Corazon, Rosinante, was murdered after Doffy found out he was a spy for the Marines, the seat was reserved for Trafalgar Law. However, Law's defection and consumption of the Ope Ope no Mi (that Doflamingo desperately sought) left the seat vacant.
- Club Seat [Trebol]: The Club seat belonged to Trebol, who lead a subdivision of the crew known as the Trebol Army.
- Diamond Seat [Diamante]: The Diamond seat was held by Diamante, the leader of the Diamante Army.
- Spade Seat [Pica]: The Spade seat was occupied by Pica, who commanded the Pica Army.
These elite officers were the closest to Doflamingo and were well aware of his past as a former Celestial Dragon. They understood his personality and motivations better than anyone else in the crew.
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Specializations of the Donquixote Pirates' Subdivisions
Each of the remaining three elite officers — Trebol, Diamante, and Pica — commanded a specialized division within the Donquixote Pirates. These divisions were responsible for different types of missions, contributing to the crew’s effectiveness and versatility.
All four officers were also reigning champions of the Corrida Colosseum and had a perfect record in battles.
Trebol Army: Specialized in Special Powers and Stealth Operations
The Trebol Army specialized in missions that required the use of special powers and stealth. This subdivision focused on operations involving Devil Fruit abilities, intelligence gathering, and covert activities. The officers in this army were often tasked with carrying out delicate and strategic missions that demanded a high level of skill and subtlety.
Notable members of the Trebol Army were:
- Violet: Violet was the second princess of the original kingdom of Dressrosa. She had the Giro Giro no Mi, which allowed her to read minds and see through any deception. Her power made her an invaluable asset in espionage and gathering intelligence for the crew. However, Violet’s loyalty was born out of fear rather than genuine allegiance, as Doflamingo held her family hostage to ensure her cooperation. Eventually, she defected from the crew, and played a crucial role in aiding the Straw Hat Pirates during the Dressrosa arc.
- Giolla: She had the Ato Ato no Mi, a Devil Fruit that allowed her to transform anything she touched into art, often distorting reality into grotesque, exaggerated forms. Giolla’s powers were used for various purposes, from creating distractions to immobilizing enemies, making her a versatile and dangerous member of the crew.
- Sugar: Sugar was one of the most vital members of the Donquixote Pirates, holding the position of a special officer in the Trebol Army. She had the Hobi Hobi no Mi, a Devil Fruit that granted her the ability to turn people into toys with a single touch, making her a crucial member for maintaining Doflamingo's control over Dressrosa. Sugar was ranked slightly higher than the other officers and was always protected by Trebol himself.
Diamante Army: Specialized in Combat and Battlefield Domination
The Diamante Army was known for its focus on combat and battlefield domination. This subdivision excelled in direct combat and was often deployed in situations where brute strength and fighting skills were needed. The officers in this army were seasoned fighters, many of whom were champions of the Corrida Colosseum. Their specialization in combat made them the go-to force for Doflamingo when a show of strength was necessary.
This division had four main officers:
- Lao G: A seasoned martial artist and veteran of countless battles, Lao G was renowned for his mastery of the Jio-Ken martial arts. Despite his advanced age, he remained a formidable opponent (and also a comedic relief).
- Senor Pink: Senor Pink's Devil Fruit, the Sui Sui no Mi, allowed him to swim through solid surfaces as if they were water, giving him a unique advantage in battle and making him a difficult opponent to pin down. He fought Franky during the Dressrosa arc.
- Machvise: With the ability to dramatically increase his weight using the Ton Ton no Mi Devil Fruit, Machvise was a powerhouse on the battlefield. His signature move, "1000-Ton Vise," involved using his immense weight to crush opponents from above, making him a terrifying force in close combat.
- Dellinger: Dellinger was a hybrid of human and fish-man, which granted him enhanced physical abilities. He was taken in by Giolla as an infant and served with the crew his entire life.
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Pica Army: Specialized in Commando and Tactical Operations
The Pica Army specialized in commando missions and tactical operations. This subdivision was responsible for carrying out specialized and often high-risk missions. The officers in this army were skilled in various forms of combat and were often involved in operations that required careful coordination and execution. Their expertise made them essential for missions where tactical planning and execution were key.
The officers in this division:
- Gladius: Gladius was a key officer in the Pica Army, and wielded the Pamu Pamu no Mi, a Devil Fruit that allowed him to make anything he touched swell and explode, including his own body. Gladius often used this power to create devastating attacks that caught his enemies off guard.
- Buffalo: Even though he was mostly shown on-screen as comedic relief, Buffalo was a capable fighter in the Pica Army, recognized for his unique powers granted by the Guru Guru no Mi Devil Fruit, which allowed him to transform his body into a propeller. This ability enabled him to fly and move at high speeds, making him invaluable for reconnaissance and quick strikes.
- Baby 5: She possessed the Buki Buki no Mi, a Devil Fruit that allowed her to transform parts of her body into various weapons, from swords to guns, making her a versatile and dangerous combatant. Despite her fierce loyalty to Doflamingo and her determination to prove her worth, Baby 5’s emotional vulnerability often made her susceptible to manipulation. Her abilities and dedication, however, made her a valuable asset to the Pica Army and the Donquixote Pirates as a whole.
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Other Notable Members
Apart from the elite officers and their subdivisions, there were two other important officers:
- Monet: A loyal member whose division before her death is unknown. She was stationed at Punk Hazard to protect Ceaser Clown while he worked on SMILE.
- Vergo: The first Corazon and an elite officer similar to Trebol, Diamante, and Pica. He later joined the Marines as a spy for Doflamingo but was eventually defeated.
What Makes Doffy's Crew So Powerful
Loyalty and Rank
The true strength of the Donquixote Pirates lay in the undying loyalty of its members. Many were individuals Doflamingo had personally saved, and their dedication to him was unwavering. Despite his ruthless demeanor, Doflamingo genuinely cared for his crew, creating a bond that made the Donquixote Pirates one of the most feared crews in the world of One Piece.
In the Donquixote Pirates, rank and privilege were everything. The elite officers enjoyed the closest relationship with Doflamingo, understanding his true nature and ambitions. Other officers held significant authority and respect, but lower-ranking members were often treated as expendable fodder.
