One Piece: 8 most iconic characters who left behind a powerful legacy

Time of India

9 hours ago

One Piece explores many themes, but one of its most compelling is legacy—what a person leaves behind after they're gone. To leave behind a powerful legacy, a person must live a life filled with purpose, impact, and influence—one that resonates far beyond their death.
In the world of One Piece, this idea is embodied through a variety of characters, each of whom has shaped the story through their values, sacrifices, and visionary ideals.
While many influential characters are still alive, several others have fallen in battle or passed away, yet their actions and beliefs continue to shape the world, inspire others, and drive the narrative forward. Below are 8 legendary characters who have left behind the greatest legacies in One Piece, each contributing uniquely to the grand tapestry that Eiichiro Oda has so masterfully created.
One Piece anime characters
who left the biggest legacy
Portgas D. Ace | First appearance: Episode 91
As the son of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, Ace's birth alone made him a target of the World Government. Rejected and feared as a "cursed child," he rose above adversity to become a beloved member of the Whitebeard Pirates. His possession of the Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit) and role in the Marineford War left a deep impact on allies and enemies alike.
But perhaps Ace's greatest legacy is the emotional anchor he provided for Monkey D.
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Luffy, whose journey as a pirate was deeply influenced by his older brother's strength, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Queen Otohime | First appearance: Episode 621
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In a world where Fish-Men were raised to hate humans, Queen Otohime stood as a rare and unwavering voice for peace. She sought integration with humans, preaching coexistence and urging her people to move toward the surface.
Though her peaceful ideology cost her her life, her vision lived on through her daughter Shirahoshi, who boldly stepped into the human world during the Reverie—a move directly inspired by Otohime's teachings.
Her legacy persists in every Fish-Man who dares to believe in a peaceful future.
Kozuki Oden | First appearance: Episode 960
Oden's life was intertwined with history's most powerful pirates: Whitebeard and Gol D. Roger. However, it was his dream to open Wano's borders and liberate his homeland from Kaido's rule that truly defined him.
His death may have been brutal, but it sparked a revolution. The Red Scabbards, Minks, and other rebels carried forward his ideals, ultimately leading to the liberation of Wano.
Oden's story is a testament to how one man's dream can ignite a nation.
Fisher Tiger | First appearance: Episode 415
Fisher Tiger, a Fish-Man freedom fighter, etched his name in history by raiding Mary Geoise and liberating countless slaves—including Boa Hancock. His complex legacy inspired two contrasting responses: the hate-driven Arlong and the peace-seeking Jinbei.
Though Fisher died a tragic death, his impact reverberated through every character connected to the Fish-Man struggle, making him a symbol of both resistance and reconciliation.
Dr. Vegapunk | First appearance: Episode 1091
Hailed as the greatest mind in the One Piece world, Vegapunk's inventions shaped the very fabric of modern civilization. From Pacifistas to Seraphim, his work defined the technological landscape.
But his most significant contribution came in the Egghead Arc, where he defied the World Government by uncovering the secrets of the Void Century. His revelations about the world's fate and the true history of the past may very well alter the course of the story forever—even after his assassination.
Rocks D. Xebec | First appearance: Episode 958
Rocks D. Xebec may be long gone, but his legacy is colossal. As the captain of a crew featuring Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom, Rocks played a crucial role in shaping the era of the Yonko. His ideology of domination and ambition to rule the world created ripples that still define the world's balance of power.
Though defeated at God Valley by the combined forces of Garp and Roger, the influence of Rocks lives on through the monstrous pirates he once led.
Gol D. Roger | First appearance: Episode 1
Gol D. Roger's execution sparked the Great Pirate Era, inspiring thousands—including Luffy—to set sail in search of the legendary One Piece. As the only man to reach Laugh Tale, Roger didn't just find treasure—he found truth.
By publicising the existence of the One Piece before his death, Roger challenged the status quo and ensured that pirates would rise to confront the World Government, creating a global power shift still unfolding today.
Joy Boy | First appearance: Chapter 1122
Once a distant myth, Joy Boy has emerged as a central figure in the world's hidden history. Believed to have lived during the Void Century, Joy Boy wielded the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, symbolizing liberation and joy.
He left behind the One Piece itself and has become an embodiment of freedom for the oppressed. The World Government's efforts to erase him only prove how vital he is to the world's hidden truths. As Luffy carries Joy Boy's will forward, his legacy grows ever more relevant.
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