Kuzan, also known as Aokiji, was introduced in One Piece as a Navy Admiral. After the war at Marineford, Kuzan was recommended by Sengoku to replace his role as the Fleet Admiral. However, the position went to Sakazuki instead. It was later revealed that Kuzan has joined Blackbeard’s Pirate Crew in Dressrosa, which came as a surprise to the fans because he was known as a person with high moral standards. So, what could be the reason behind his decision to join the crew of the Yonko, the most dangerous pirate crew of all time?
1. His Refusal to Follow Sakazuki’s Orders
After the war at Marineford, Sengoku retired from his position as Fleet Admiral and recommended Kuzan to replace him. The Gorosei, however, had a different choice, which was Sakazuki. As a result, the two had to fight each other in Punk Hazard to claim the title of Fleet Admiral. During the fight, both of their Devil Fruits awakened, turning Punk Hazard into a half-cold, half-hot island. Unfortunately, Kuzan lost the battle and decided to resign from the Navy instead of obeying Sakazuki’s orders.
2. Kuzan is not a Villain
While Kuzan was portrayed as an antagonist in some instances, he is not a criminal, unlike Sakazuki who is obsessed with Absolute Justice. During the Ohara Incident, he saved Robin by giving her an escape route. Kuzan believed that Ohara would still exist as long as Robin is alive. Kuzan also chose to leave the Navy because he realized that if he were ordered by Sakazuki, he would have to follow Absolute Justice, which he knows is corrupted.
3. Kuzan is a Double Agent
The most plausible theory about Kuzan joining Blackbeard’s crew is that he is a double agent. This could mean that everything was planned from the beginning. Kuzan lost to Sakazuki, then announced his resignation from the Navy so that he could earn the trust of Blackbeard. Afterwards, Kuzan gathered all the information about Blackbeard’s crew to destroy them from within. This theory is supported by the existence of SWORD, a Marine undercover organization. X Drake is also a Marine who joined a pirate crew, which means that Kuzan could be a member of SWORD as well.
4. Kuzan Joined the Revolutionary Army
This theory has been around even before Kuzan was revealed to have joined Blackbeard’s crew. It started when Kuzan had a conversation with Smoker in Punk Hazard where he said that the World Government is not perfect and that he can now see the other side of the Government after leaving the Navy. The theory is reinforced by Blackbeard’s failed attempt to attack the Revolutionary Army’s stronghold in Baltigo. Many fans believe that the Revolutionary Army was saved because of Kuzan’s information.
5. Kuzan Wants to Go to Laugh Tale
The theory that Kuzan wants to go to Laugh Tale may raise some questions such as why he did not become a pirate from the beginning instead of joining the Navy. The answer lies in Kuzan’s belief that he can uphold justice by being a Marine. However, his perspective changed after the Ohara Incident where the World Government annihilated an entire island just because they have knowledge about the Void Century. This made Kuzan question the World Government’s actions and made him join Blackbeard’s crew, which has the highest chance of going to Laugh Tale.
Kuzan’s decision to join Blackbeard’s crew was unexpected, especially considering his moral compass. However, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, surely has a strong reason for making Kuzan join the most dangerous pirate crew. What do you think is the most plausible reason behind Kuzan’s decision to join Blackbeard’s crew?
