Introduction
The vast world of One Piece, a creation of the masterful Eiichiro Oda, is populated with a vibrant tapestry of characters. While the series is primarily celebrated for its swashbuckling pirates and epic battles, it also shines a light on the complexities of morality, justice, and the abuse of power. In this intricate narrative, the Marines, ostensibly guardians of the law, often find themselves in stark contrast to the lawless pirates. This article delves into one such contrast, a Marine Captain who exemplifies the worst aspects of the system: Captain Nezumi of the East Blue.
Nezumi, a character etched into the early arcs of One Piece, is more than just an antagonist; he’s a personification of corruption within the supposedly righteous ranks of the Marines. His actions, though limited to the initial chapters, leave a lasting impact on the overall narrative, shaping the fates of several key characters and highlighting the pervasive struggle between good and evil that defines the series.
Nezumi’s Character and Background
Nezumi’s initial introduction presents a deceptively ordinary appearance. He is depicted as a relatively unremarkable Marine officer, lacking the imposing stature or physical prowess of many of his comrades. His true nature, however, lies hidden beneath a veneer of bureaucratic authority. This surface appearance masks a core of avarice, a deep-seated greed that dictates his every action. Nezumi is motivated not by a desire for justice or a commitment to upholding the law but by the pursuit of personal gain. He sees his position within the Marines not as a means to serve, but as a lucrative opportunity to line his own pockets.
Within the Marine hierarchy, Nezumi holds the rank of Captain, a position that grants him considerable authority within his assigned jurisdiction in the East Blue. While this role ostensibly requires him to protect the innocent and maintain order, Nezumi swiftly subverts his responsibilities, prioritizing his own enrichment above all else. His duties, which include taxation, law enforcement, and maintaining peace in the region, become instruments for his corrupt practices.
Exploitation of Nami and Cocoyasi Village
Nezumi’s actions in the early story arc surrounding Cocoyasi Village, a pivotal location in Nami’s backstory, reveal the depths of his corruption. Cocoyasi Village, a small, peaceful village, becomes the unfortunate victim of Nezumi’s greed and his insidious alliance with the fish-man pirate Arlong.
The Arlong Park Saga is where Nezumi’s true colors are revealed. He is instrumental in the exploitation of Cocoyasi Village, a village under the control of Arlong and his fish-man pirates. Nezumi’s primary role involves collecting taxes from the villagers, an obligation that he uses to enrich himself and his collaborators. He knows that Arlong’s control over the region is maintained through intimidation and violence, and he actively ignores and often facilitates Arlong’s heinous deeds.
Nezumi’s collaboration with Arlong is not merely a matter of negligence; it’s an active partnership fueled by shared greed. He collects the taxes, a large portion of which he allows Arlong to keep, thus bolstering the fish-man pirate’s reign of terror over the village. This alliance allows Nezumi to profit from the suffering of the villagers, demonstrating his complete disregard for their wellbeing. He benefits financially, allowing Arlong to take control while he is not present.
Nezumi’s Involvement in Nami’s Story
Nezumi’s interaction with Nami, the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates, plays a crucial role in exposing his corruption. As a child, Nami was forced to work for Arlong in order to save her village. She made a deal: she would pay Arlong a significant sum of money, and he would release the village from his control. Nami poured her energy into gathering wealth for many years.
When Nami, after working relentlessly to liberate her village, finally amassed the promised funds, Nezumi stepped in with a devastating blow. He, in a calculated act of betrayal and spite, seized her fortune, colluding with Arlong to keep the village under the fish-man’s iron grip. He knew this would break Nami’s spirit and destroy her hope.
Nezumi’s actions are not merely a matter of passive corruption; they are a deliberate act of cruelty. He understands the devastating impact his actions will have on Nami and the villagers. He is the perfect example of a true villain. His willingness to betray Nami’s effort illustrates his total lack of conscience.
This betrayal is not only a pivotal moment in Nami’s backstory but also a catalyst for the events that unfold at Arlong Park. It is the event that forces Nami to ultimately seek help from Luffy and the Straw Hat crew.
After Arlong Park
Following the dramatic showdown at Arlong Park, where the Straw Hat Pirates finally liberate Cocoyasi Village from Arlong’s tyranny, Nezumi manages to escape justice. The exact details of his escape are not fully detailed, but it reinforces the fact that corruption is deeply rooted within the Marines’ system. His survival, while frustrating, becomes an important symbol in the story.
Nezumi’s escape is not merely a matter of convenience; it signifies the extent to which corruption has permeated the Marines. The fact that he is able to evade punishment highlights the internal issues of the system. It exposes the deep-seated problems within the institution.
Nezumi’s Impact and Significance
Nezumi as a Symbol of Corruption
Nezumi’s impact on One Piece is profound. He serves as a powerful symbol of the widespread corruption that plagues the Marines, contrasting sharply with the ideals of justice that they are supposed to uphold. His actions, driven solely by self-interest, demonstrate the moral bankruptcy that can infect even those in positions of authority.
Nezumi’s corruption is a stark contrast to the idealized vision of the Marines, which often presents itself as the protectors of the weak and upholders of justice. His actions, and those of other corrupt Marines, expose the gap between the Marines’ stated ideals and their actual conduct.
Nezumi as a Catalyst for Change
The contrast between Nezumi and other, more honorable Marines, such as Vice-Admiral Garp and, later, Smoker, is particularly striking. Garp, despite his own unorthodox methods, consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to justice and protecting the innocent. Smoker, from his initial introduction, stands out as a Marine determined to capture pirates, but is also a stickler for the law, and doesn’t participate in shady dealings.
Nezumi’s actions serve as a critical example of abuse of power. He weaponizes his position to exploit those under his jurisdiction, highlighting the dangers of unchecked authority. This reinforces the themes that Oda explores throughout One Piece, warning against the abuse of authority.
Contrast with Good Marines
Nezumi’s actions also played a pivotal role in shaping Nami’s development as a character. His betrayal of Nami’s dream directly contributed to her decision to join the Straw Hat crew. The fight against Nezumi and Arlong becomes a fight for Nami’s freedom and helps set her on the path to becoming a valuable member of the Straw Hat pirates.
Nezumi’s Fate and Whereabouts
It should be noted that Nezumi has not reappeared in the main story, but he did have a brief cameo appearance in the cover story of chapter 307. He is still alive. This highlights the fact that justice in the One Piece world can be slow, particularly for villains of his caliber.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Captain Nezumi, though a minor character in the grand scheme of One Piece, holds a significant place in the narrative. He embodies the corrupt underbelly of the Marines, representing the abuse of power and the self-serving tendencies that threaten to undermine the very justice they are meant to uphold. His actions, especially against Nami and Cocoyasi Village, are catalysts for change, fueling the Straw Hat Pirates’ quest for freedom and justice. He serves as a potent reminder that in the world of One Piece, as in the real world, the fight against injustice is a constant struggle, one that requires vigilance and the courage to stand against those who abuse their power.
