The Will of D in One Piece is probably one of the most interesting and mysterious aspects of One Piece—a key mystery woven throughout the story by Eiichiro Oda. For two decades, fans have speculated about its meaning, the significance it would denote to those bearing the “D.” in their names, and how it implicates the grand plot.
This article will deeply elaborate on everything we know so far about the “Will of D”, ranging from its origin and history to the latest revelations in the manga.
What is the “Will of D”?
The “Will of D” is quite mysterious, deep-rooted in characters whose first name begins with “D”. Although the full meaning of this remains a mystery, it is constantly foreshadowed throughout the series that those people are connected with a great, world-shaping destiny.
Persons who carry the “D” have often been regarded as people of great change, especially during upheavals.
A number of historical figures throughout history and into the current timeline in One Piece carry this initial, and they all have a variety of similarities in their personas: a defiance of authority, a strong sense of justice or personal freedom, and a penchant for taking on the World Government.
It is also implied that the “D” carriers are descendants, or inheritors, of some powerful will from an ancient past—most likely related to the Void Century, which is the 100-year gap in history that was erased from the records by the World Government.
The Bearers of the “D” Name
A number of characters have appeared in the story possessing the initial “D”, and all of them play an important role in the series. Listed below are known bearers and their relationship to the greater storyline.
Monkey D. Family
- Monkey D. Luffy: The captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and the main character in One Piece. Luffy represents big ideals of freedom and adventure, and he often challenges unfair systems. He wants to be the Pirate King and find the legendary treasure known as “One Piece”.
- Monkey D. Garp: Marine hero and grandfather of Luffy. He is truly strong, proud, and often in full rebellion against the inner corruption within the World Government. For his stature, Garp distrusts the leadership of the Marines and even the Celestial Dragons.
- Monkey D. Dragon: Father of Luffy, the Revolutionary Army’s commander. Dragon is the most dangerous enemy targeting the overthrow of the current regime to show justice to the world.
Gol D. Family
- Gol D. Roger: The Pirate King, who found out the truth of the world, including the secrets of the Void Century and the Will of D. His actions led to the Great Pirate Era. He gave the challenge to locate his hidden treasure, known as One Piece, to everyone before his execution.
- Portgas D. Ace: The son of Gol D. Roger, older brother of Luffy. Even though Ace was born under the shadow of his father, he made a path as a pirate for himself and became the commander of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Trafalgar D. Water Law
Law is one of the more recent revelations in the series, since his middle initial was not revealed until well into the series after his own introduction. A member of the Worst Generation, Law’s role as an ally to Luffy and a deep understanding of the world hint at a larger connection to the mysteries of the Will of D.
His background, particularly with respect to the corrupt World Nobles and the tragedy that happened to him, speaks of the inhumane atrocities that the policies of the World Government have brought upon him.
Marshall D. Teach
Teach, also referred to as Blackbeard, is arguably the most infamous owner of the initial “D”.
He’s the opposite of Luffy, representing the dark elements of freedom and ambitions. Blackbeard will be a key figure within this new phase of Piracy and is expected to become one of the last antagonists in the series.
Historical Context: The Void Century and the Ancient Kingdom
Flowing into the greater mystery of the Will of D, more than 800 years ago, there was a century of time that the World Government deliberately erased from history.
This lost century is thought to have been marked by a powerful alliance that eventually became the World Government.
Many believe that people with the “D” in their names are descendants of this ancient civilization and are destined to carry out their ancestors’ will.
A key clue is that Gol D. Roger, when he reached Laugh Tale, the last island in the Grand Line, laughed after discovering the truth about the Void Century and Joy Boy, a figure linked to this lost history.
It’s widely believed that it is connected to the conflict between the Ancient Kingdom and the World Government, with the former opposing the rule of the Celestial Dragons.
Significance to the Present Time
The Marines and the “Will of D.”
As the military organization operating beneath the World Government, the Marines are highly suspicious of the carriers of the original “D”. Characters who understand the meaning of the “D”, like Sengoku, have reflected on how such individuals could pose a threat to them.
Yet, this is not common knowledge down through the ranks of the Marines, and the few that do find their lips usually sewn shut.
Pirates, Revolutionaries, and the Will
Upon the pirate’s side, the “D” usually is a force of change, seeking freedom or the downfall of tyrannical powers. It is ultimately and fully personified in the figure of the future Pirate King, Luffy, and Dragon, who embodies the leadership of the Revolutionary Army.
But Marshall D. Teach is more about serving himself in this will interpretation: to be the one who wants to get power by destruction and manipulation.
Theories About the Will of D
The Ancient Kingdom vs. The World Government
Many fans think it shows the ongoing fight between the descendants of the Ancient Kingdom and the World Government. The “D” represents a symbol of rebellion against the current unfair system. This idea is supported by characters like Luffy, Roger, and Dragon, who are associated with the concept of freedom.
Natural Enemies of God
One of the more cryptic references to the “D” comes from Donquixote Rosinante, who went so far as to say that people with the “D” are the “natural enemies of the “gods” of the current world, or the Celestial Dragons. Thus, this makes them bound to question the World Nobles and usher in a new era.
The “Inherited Will” and Joy Boy
One Piece is full of the concept of an inherited will. Tied in with the Will of D, a lot of fans truly believe that this is a will that has been passed down through the generations from Joy Boy, who lived in the Void Century, with characters like Luffy and Roger receiving that will too. But this mystery of a will remains unclear to date.
Recent Manga Developments
One of the more recent and explosive revelations concerning One Piece is that of Nefertari D. Lily, a previously unheard-of owner of the “D” initial that was introduced in Chapter #1084.
The very concept of her existence has sent shockwaves through the very foundation of the fanbase, increasing intrigue towards the already mystique-enveloped “Will of D” by a landslide.
Lily is the first known royalty bearer of the “D” initial, one finding that begs many deep questions about World Government history and its relationship with the ancient world.
Conclusion
The Will of D is one of the most pivotal mysteries in One Piece, which touches upon core themes in the series: freedom, justice, and clashes between oppressive powers and those seeking change. As the series heads toward the final saga, the true nature of it is bound to be revealed.
