Introduction
In the One Piece world, there are two distinct factions: Pirates and Marines. Characters typically occupy one side of the equation, though there is one character who blurs those lines. Drake broke onto the scene the most intriguing new Super Rookies introduced during the Sabaody Archipelago arc. A Marine, now turned Pirate, his background and priorities were in question as soon as his first appearance. His storyline largely understated compared to his contemporaries, he keeps out of the spotlight, while learning of his true identity, loyalties, and flaws, but still trying to grasp what he and his group, "SWORD," are striving for. Looking more closely at his conception and actions in canon, Drake potentially stands as one of One Piece's more fascinating, and possibly inspiring figures, with a tale of unassuming indecision-to-a soldier who fights to maintain what he's always believed in deep down, whilst shouldering the burden of his past mistakes.
Character Background
Before the main story, when Diez Drake was a child, he lived with his father Diez Barrels. His father was a corrupt Marine who later became a Pirate. Barrels was abusive towards his son, but Drake still had aspirations of becoming a Marine like his father was, as depicted in Eiichiro Oda's, Drake’s creator, sketch of his child self, and explained in the 78th edition of the SBS column, chapter 782.
Drake and his father were attacked by the Donquixote Pirates after a botched dealing between them and Barrels' pirate crew over the exchange of the Ope Ope no Mi. Drake chose to flee, abandoning his allies. He was, at the time, under a different name: ‘Dory’ or ‘Drie’ depending on the translation.
His father perished, and he was left orphaned. The full details of what Diez Drake did afterwards are unclear, but he would make right on his childhood dream eventually, and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral within the Marines before apparently deserting his post to become a Pirate.
Drake does not hold a grudge towards Doflamingo or his crew for what they did to his father, considering it a matter of the past.
The Story So Far
Drake was formally introduced in the story as one of the 11 Supernovas on Sabaody, Super Rookies with 100m or more bounty. His first interaction was stopping a confrontation between two other Supernovas, Killer and Urouge. This is followed up with Law, another Supernova, calling Drake's intentions into question. What sparks this is Drake's unique history compared to his peers. He was a former Naval soldier for the World Government, so it would naturally spark suspicion among his contemporaries.
Since then, Drake has ventured into the New World and integrated himself under the Beast Pirates situated in the Wano Country, a closed off Nation from the rest of the world. During his time as a Beast Pirate, Drake had apprehended the up-and-coming Pirate Caribou, achieved the position of Flying Six or Tobi Roppo, and discovered CP0's secretive dealings with the Beast Pirates and its affiliates, the Wano Shogunate.
(Drake Learns of CP0's connection with the Beast Pirates)
He has also committed barbaric acts, such as razing the land of Kuri's Amigasa Village, and defeating the Samurai who were tasked to protect it and its people. It's unknown how he is dealing with these moral conundrums. It raises further questions of what SWORD and Drake are trying to accomplish.
While he continued his stint as a Beast Pirate, Drake also frees the apprehended Trafalgar Law, who was currently part of an Alliance to topple Kaido, in secret. This action caused him to be discovered by Queen of the Beast Pirates and branded a traitor throughout the crew. Left with no choice, Drake takes the bet on joining the Alliance Law was a part of that includes Monkey D. Luffy as well.
From the outset, Drake's history and present-day actions paint him in not a favorable light, not unlike his father before him. A coward who runs out on those who counted on him, submitting to a higher power, and doing their bidding, and an opportunist who will run to new allies should it be convenient for him. A far cry from the Marine hero he hoped to become as a child. But there may be more underneath that surface, just as there was more to his supposed “desertion” from the Marines. His story continues.
Inspirations, Duality, And Subversion
It's important to consider potential inspirations that went into Drake's character, motif, and history, since they can reinforce and shed some light into his purpose, intentions and true persona. Some of the most important influences would be the famed real-world explorer-turned knight Francis Drake and the Navel Officers of the Royal Navy, sons of the 4th Baronet, soldiers who participated during the American Revolution War of Independence. They will be referred to as “Sir Drake”, and the brothers Drake by their given middle name, respectively.
“El Draque”
(Sir Francis Drake-1560, Privateer, Slave Trader, Elizabethan Explorer, "Hero")
Sir Drake (circa. 1540 – 1596) was born in England the eldest son of Edmund Drake. Sir Drake became a sailor at 18, joining the Hawkins family fleet. Over time, under the Hawkins fleet, he would later take command of his own vessel, where he’d be involved in illicit slave trade around the Spanish colonies of the Carribean. This would not sit well with Region authorities, who demanded more regulation for Drake’s activities. Sir Drake would come into direct conflict with the Spaniards during his second visit to the West Indies, where he, alongside partner John Hawkins, would be attacked by the Spanish. Many of Sir Drake's men would be killed while he fled back to England. He would harbor hatred and vengeance for the Spanish and what they did. He would become renown in England for his assault at Cadiz, a Spain harbour, attacking a Spanish Mule Train in 1573, and the first to intercept the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Sir Drake’s actions were criminal, at least in the eyes of the Spanish he had terrorized, despite later being known as a hero within England borders. He would known over the seas as “El Draque”, which means Dragon. Diez, similarly, would become a notorious pirate, among the 12 most notorious of his generation. He would even briefly work with Basil Hawkins during Wano, where they were part of a group charged with enforcing slave labor across the nation.
Diez Drake, like his namesake, had less than an ideal encounter with Spanish themed characters. His father and his crew having been murdered by the Donquixote family, who were the rulers of the Spain inspired Dressrosa for years. ‘Donquixote’ may also be inspired by the novel of a similar name, Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes. The novel is fully named The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha (1605), and comes in several parts. The titular character, Don Quixote, is written as a well-mannered knight errant at the beginning of his tale, embarking on an adventure where he meets new allies and grows into a proper knight and hero. In stark contrast, Donquixote Doflamingo, whilst also having a similar rag to riches tale, became the leader of a band of villains, as well pirates who murdered Diez Barrels. Doflamingo is characterized as a morally depraved manipulator, anarchist, and sadist. As the ruler of “Spain” of the One Piece world, he is, if almost unintentional, defamation of the Spanish, something Sir Drake may have envisioned to rationale his hatred and the brutal acts he has committed towards them.
However, Diez Drake did not hold the same desire for cold vengeance as his real-world inspiration. A subtle way of distinguishing the two Drakes. In fact, in an almost deliberate fashion, Eiichiiro Oda would throw, perhaps, a slight against Sir Drake’s hatred for the Spanish later towards the conclusion of the Dressrosa arc, as detailed earlier when Diez dismissed any attempts at revenge. A distinction of, despite the same foul reputations they've developed, and the actions they've committed, the two Drakes harbor very different natures.
Sir Francis Drake was a privateer for the British government. He traveled and circumvented the globe. Over his travels, he became a terror of the seas, specifically towards the Spanish he loathed, and a hero within Britain. Sir Drake eventually became a knight under Queen Elizabeth 1st. His duties under the guise of an explorer are reminiscent to Diez's role as an undercover Marine playing Pirate. However, Diez Drake's motives are more likely a little different from Sir Drake. Once more, blood isn't totally loss on Diez's hands, for he is responsible for heinous acts yet addressed by him. As his inspiration before him, Diez gained a notorious enough reputation to be recognized as one of the 11 Supernovas, and later one of the 12 Worst Generation. He joined the tyrannical Beast Pirates, pillaging and destroying in their name. The two are Pirates in spite of what they may believe. However, Dies still desires to be the man he envisioned since he was a little boy, but that comes with its own challenges. Loyalties.
The Soldiers
(One of the brothers, William Francis Drake, Royal Navy and Governor of Newfoundland)
Officer Francis William Drake (circa. 1724-1788), Francis Henry Drake (circa. 1729-1794), and Francis Samuel Drake (circa. 1729-1789) were born of British descent in Buckland Monachorum, Devon. Their father, Henry Drake the 1st, was the 4th baronet in line of Baronet started by House of Commons Politician Sir Francis Drake, a relative to Sir Drake the Explorer and Privateer of the same name. The Drakes are the descendants of that same Sir Drake, scourge of the seas. Their past being mired by Piracy much like Diez’s.
The brothers famously participated during the American Revolution. The conflict began due to United States declaration of Independence from the British Empire, forming a coalition which would rage war against Great Britain. The Drakes would fight on behalf of the Royal forces against the coalition. They served as symbols for their establishment. Their ranks over the years including “Rear Admiral of Red,” “Vice Admiral of Blue,” and “Vice Admiral of Red.” Diez Drake should by all rights follow in the same footsteps, as a period of reform is emerging against the World Government, yet chose to walk a less “righteous,” less idealized path.
Diez’s Marine background seemingly comes from these brothers, who fought in service of their nation. But Drake is in sort of a crossroads. The Navy swore allegiance to the World Government; however, Drake has taken up arms against them. And who began SWORD as an operation? Is there a schism brewing between the Marines and World Government? And what path shall Drake take?
The world is on a course of change, and Drake may potentially be caught in the middle of it. But his efforts may prove closer to expediting that change rather than preventing it. This was sealed once he joined forces with the Wano Alliance, the catalyst for reform. The only thing he now seems to go on is his faith in one pirate, and perhaps, his own beliefs now more than ever.
The Faces Of A Hero
Drake's design and fighting style borrow elements from the famed novel and film serial character Zorro from Mark of Zorro. The design of his rapier, mask and dark coloration, all reminiscent of the fictional character.
Drake's organization, SWORD, works outside of the confines of the World Government and covertly from the Marines at large, as suggested by the secretive nature of his partnership with Coby. It may be due to SWORD and whatever its mission being a top-secret operation from the top brass of the Marines. Despite so, what Drake and his partner are involved in go firmly outside the Government’s prying eyes
Drake also takes on a letter motif when striking at an enemy. Something commonly associated with Zorro and his trademark "Z" mark.
As if a nod, Drake would develop a short-lived partnership with the One Piece character named Zoro, drawing more relation to the original Zorro. But above all, Zorro was a vigilante who took justice onto his own hands. Drake is a Marine working outside of the jurisdictions of the World Government. He is as close to a vigilante of Zorro’s like as you can get in the One Piece world because as a Marine, he should harbor idealisms for peace and justice, but now carrying them out autonomously.
Zorro, or Don Diego Del La Vega, was motivated to take on the identity of the masked man in order to combat the regime of an oppressive dictator. Drake would be similar, working completely removed from the oppressive government of his setting, and now forced to confront them in the heat of battle.
Drake's one and only known move is X-caliber is named after the famed sword wielded by King Arthur, leader of the famed Roundtable of the Britain Empire in folktales that may have taken inspiration from the possible real-world figure known for driving away the Saxons during the 6th Century. Excalibur, the blade, is viewed as a scion of Great Britain, in fitting relation to Drake’s namesakes over the course of history originating from Britain. Relating this aspect of “return,” to be a “scion” to Drake, what is he trying to regain? After examining his younger years as an eager future soldier idolizing his father, and current corruption of the military from upper brass, working in secret, it is reasonable to suggest Drake’s end goals are not shared by the greater Marine forces aligned with the Government, and is potentially working towards a coup.
In early Welsh Literature, 12th Century tale Culhwch and Olwen popularized King Arthur, or Arthur Pendragon, as the leader of a ragtag group of heroes, which would later be developed as Arthur's Court of Camelot in most interpretations. Drake's station as a SWORD operative is similar in nature as his group seems relatively small and without too much manpower. The only known affiliate being Captain Coby, a young and righteous minded Marine.
Further comparisons to Arthur’s court, Coby occupies a similar role to the character Gawain, who was one of Arthur's first knights, and who is often depicted as a righteous yet modest member of among Arthur's followers.
The term ‘SWORD’ could be in relation to the Government’s own force of Cipher Pol Aegis Zero. Aegis was a shield used by Zeus and Athena according to Greek Mythology. CP0 are the shields to the gods, which is in contrast to the idea of the sword of man which Drake’s group uses as their symbol and moniker. They are the sword which strikes at the shield of the establishment.
Future Endeavors, Future Allies
Drake's purpose after Wano is unclear, but there are some leads. To start, Drake has been working intimately with the Pirates in recent events. He's had time to understand the situation and the motivations of those fighting on the Samurai side. Back on Punk Hazard, former Admiral Kuzan told Smoker that there are things you can only come to understand outside of the Marines. Drake's actions up until now have exemplified those words, as he has managed to uncover more of the World government's dealings through his investigation. One that shocked was the knowledge the WG have been partnering directly with pirates in the background, abusing the military might of the Marines in the process. Working undercover as a SWORD operative, Marines unaffiliated with the Government, already suggested Drake was weary of them, but his time as a Pirate and now ally of the Alliance have enforced whatever notions he had prior. Though one element that Drake acquired in his time alongside his newfound allies is a restored sense of resolve. Drake, as the young Drie, fled from whom were suppose to be his comrades.
He always dreamed of being a hero marine as he envisioned his father, but learning his dad wasn't what he thought and constantly being on the run, he lacked what resembled integrity for some time. When he dismissed any grudge towards Doffy upon seeing his wanted poster, it was possibly due to his feeling of shame for abandoning his father in the heat of it all superseding any hatred for his murderers. His indecisiveness was chastised by a few of the Straw Hats.
His development over the course of Onigashima will prove helpful for when the world plunges into further chaos following this battle on Wano, as he now faces CP0, the shields for the Government, head on.
Like King Arthur, it's possible Drake can accumulate future allies on what is, in essence, his crusade. These would best include other Marines disillusioned with the System. Vice Admiral Smoker has developed animosity with the Government and current military practices. His rebellious nature to take actions into his own hands, and honest disposition have had him come to blows with superiors unrestrained.
Smoker’s reliable partner, Tashigi, shares similar sentiments, though not expressed as harshly as her commander. The ends cannot justify the means, as far as she's concerned. How can she and her superior expect to preach their lauded ideals if it would undermine them through actions that are in direct opposition?
Tashigi occasionally displays a lack of confidence that if can carry out her sense of justice and goals due to a lack of strength, that the world may be too big for her.
For more - Cutting The Mist Towards The Brilliant Sky
Admiral Issho has expressed disagreements over the Government’s regime, coming to blows with current Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, an advocate of power and control as some means to “Justice.”
He was the catalyst that absolved the Warlords’ of their power, the system that allowed open cooperation with pirates.
Issho is a nigh incorruptible figure, taking strong influence from the Zatoichi, the titular and primary character of the Samurai drama series Zatoichi, first created by Shimozawa Kan (The Tale of Zatoichi, 1962). The character is masseur, well-mannered journeyman, who helps those he passes by, without a hint of malice. He was famously portrayed by Katsu Shintaro, whom Issho is designed after.
Of Drake’s known associates, Coby’s morals were made clear back from the beginning of story and through the events of Marineford. He hoped to be a soldier for the people, and an Admiral to boot. Marineford, he proved his sense of Justice by opposing then Admiral Sakazuki from continuing to chase the fleeing Whitebeard Pirates and their allies. What motivated him was preventing further bloodshed on the battlefield, might does not make right. Though he believes in a righteous cause, he isn’t in support of the almost Machiavellian nature the side he fights for abides by; the side currently headed by “Absolute Justice” Sakazuki, and the dubious higher ups, the Five Elders and their direct lackeys Cipher Pol.
Kuzan is a former Marine who abandoned his position of Admiral after suffering a defeat against Sakazuki during the period of transition following the War of the Best. His current objectives are unknown. His last major action was rescuing Smoker from Doflamingo and providing him with the advice to follow what's in his heart.
Kuzan follows what is “Lazy Justice,” and he acts based on how he feels, bending the rules in order to come to a conclusion that best sleeps with his conscious. This includes sparing a young Nico Robin from the Incident at Ohara and sparing the Straw Hats while they were at his mercy. It is entirely possible Kuzan is already involved with SWORD and Drake, but remains to be verified.
Closing
To conclude, Diez Drake is one of the more well realized Super Rookies conceived back on Sabaody. He began with humble desires to be like the man he believed his father was. His indecisiveness cost him the lives of those he trusted, and affecting the trust of those around him. In spite of that, he took the gamble of working outside the confines of the World Government, becoming a "Sword," a pirate, a vigilante against the impregnable shield and rule. Despite his questionable morals back in his days, Sir Drake ended his long voyage around the world, he was knighted for his exploits by his nation. Despite fighting against the right of Freedom, the Brother’s Drake fought for what they stood for. Labeled a criminal, Zorro did what he saw as right, and King Arthur became a knight of the people with comrades he could trust. Drake toes the line between two sides to bring change that could make his young self proud.
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In the One Piece world, there are two distinct factions: Pirates and Marines. Characters typically occupy one side of the equation, though there is one character who blurs those lines. Drake broke onto the scene the most intriguing new Super Rookies introduced during the Sabaody Archipelago arc. A Marine, now turned Pirate, his background and priorities were in question as soon as his first appearance. His storyline largely understated compared to his contemporaries, he keeps out of the spotlight, while learning of his true identity, loyalties, and flaws, but still trying to grasp what he and his group, "SWORD," are striving for. Looking more closely at his conception and actions in canon, Drake potentially stands as one of One Piece's more fascinating, and possibly inspiring figures, with a tale of unassuming indecision-to-a soldier who fights to maintain what he's always believed in deep down, whilst shouldering the burden of his past mistakes.
Character Background
Before the main story, when Diez Drake was a child, he lived with his father Diez Barrels. His father was a corrupt Marine who later became a Pirate. Barrels was abusive towards his son, but Drake still had aspirations of becoming a Marine like his father was, as depicted in Eiichiro Oda's, Drake’s creator, sketch of his child self, and explained in the 78th edition of the SBS column, chapter 782.
Drake and his father were attacked by the Donquixote Pirates after a botched dealing between them and Barrels' pirate crew over the exchange of the Ope Ope no Mi. Drake chose to flee, abandoning his allies. He was, at the time, under a different name: ‘Dory’ or ‘Drie’ depending on the translation.
His father perished, and he was left orphaned. The full details of what Diez Drake did afterwards are unclear, but he would make right on his childhood dream eventually, and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral within the Marines before apparently deserting his post to become a Pirate.
Drake does not hold a grudge towards Doflamingo or his crew for what they did to his father, considering it a matter of the past.
The Story So Far
Drake was formally introduced in the story as one of the 11 Supernovas on Sabaody, Super Rookies with 100m or more bounty. His first interaction was stopping a confrontation between two other Supernovas, Killer and Urouge. This is followed up with Law, another Supernova, calling Drake's intentions into question. What sparks this is Drake's unique history compared to his peers. He was a former Naval soldier for the World Government, so it would naturally spark suspicion among his contemporaries.
Since then, Drake has ventured into the New World and integrated himself under the Beast Pirates situated in the Wano Country, a closed off Nation from the rest of the world. During his time as a Beast Pirate, Drake had apprehended the up-and-coming Pirate Caribou, achieved the position of Flying Six or Tobi Roppo, and discovered CP0's secretive dealings with the Beast Pirates and its affiliates, the Wano Shogunate.
(Drake Learns of CP0's connection with the Beast Pirates)
He has also committed barbaric acts, such as razing the land of Kuri's Amigasa Village, and defeating the Samurai who were tasked to protect it and its people. It's unknown how he is dealing with these moral conundrums. It raises further questions of what SWORD and Drake are trying to accomplish.
While he continued his stint as a Beast Pirate, Drake also frees the apprehended Trafalgar Law, who was currently part of an Alliance to topple Kaido, in secret. This action caused him to be discovered by Queen of the Beast Pirates and branded a traitor throughout the crew. Left with no choice, Drake takes the bet on joining the Alliance Law was a part of that includes Monkey D. Luffy as well.
From the outset, Drake's history and present-day actions paint him in not a favorable light, not unlike his father before him. A coward who runs out on those who counted on him, submitting to a higher power, and doing their bidding, and an opportunist who will run to new allies should it be convenient for him. A far cry from the Marine hero he hoped to become as a child. But there may be more underneath that surface, just as there was more to his supposed “desertion” from the Marines. His story continues.
Inspirations, Duality, And Subversion
It's important to consider potential inspirations that went into Drake's character, motif, and history, since they can reinforce and shed some light into his purpose, intentions and true persona. Some of the most important influences would be the famed real-world explorer-turned knight Francis Drake and the Navel Officers of the Royal Navy, sons of the 4th Baronet, soldiers who participated during the American Revolution War of Independence. They will be referred to as “Sir Drake”, and the brothers Drake by their given middle name, respectively.
“El Draque”
(Sir Francis Drake-1560, Privateer, Slave Trader, Elizabethan Explorer, "Hero")
Sir Drake (circa. 1540 – 1596) was born in England the eldest son of Edmund Drake. Sir Drake became a sailor at 18, joining the Hawkins family fleet. Over time, under the Hawkins fleet, he would later take command of his own vessel, where he’d be involved in illicit slave trade around the Spanish colonies of the Carribean. This would not sit well with Region authorities, who demanded more regulation for Drake’s activities. Sir Drake would come into direct conflict with the Spaniards during his second visit to the West Indies, where he, alongside partner John Hawkins, would be attacked by the Spanish. Many of Sir Drake's men would be killed while he fled back to England. He would harbor hatred and vengeance for the Spanish and what they did. He would become renown in England for his assault at Cadiz, a Spain harbour, attacking a Spanish Mule Train in 1573, and the first to intercept the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Sir Drake’s actions were criminal, at least in the eyes of the Spanish he had terrorized, despite later being known as a hero within England borders. He would known over the seas as “El Draque”, which means Dragon. Diez, similarly, would become a notorious pirate, among the 12 most notorious of his generation. He would even briefly work with Basil Hawkins during Wano, where they were part of a group charged with enforcing slave labor across the nation.
Diez Drake, like his namesake, had less than an ideal encounter with Spanish themed characters. His father and his crew having been murdered by the Donquixote family, who were the rulers of the Spain inspired Dressrosa for years. ‘Donquixote’ may also be inspired by the novel of a similar name, Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes. The novel is fully named The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha (1605), and comes in several parts. The titular character, Don Quixote, is written as a well-mannered knight errant at the beginning of his tale, embarking on an adventure where he meets new allies and grows into a proper knight and hero. In stark contrast, Donquixote Doflamingo, whilst also having a similar rag to riches tale, became the leader of a band of villains, as well pirates who murdered Diez Barrels. Doflamingo is characterized as a morally depraved manipulator, anarchist, and sadist. As the ruler of “Spain” of the One Piece world, he is, if almost unintentional, defamation of the Spanish, something Sir Drake may have envisioned to rationale his hatred and the brutal acts he has committed towards them.
However, Diez Drake did not hold the same desire for cold vengeance as his real-world inspiration. A subtle way of distinguishing the two Drakes. In fact, in an almost deliberate fashion, Eiichiiro Oda would throw, perhaps, a slight against Sir Drake’s hatred for the Spanish later towards the conclusion of the Dressrosa arc, as detailed earlier when Diez dismissed any attempts at revenge. A distinction of, despite the same foul reputations they've developed, and the actions they've committed, the two Drakes harbor very different natures.
Sir Francis Drake was a privateer for the British government. He traveled and circumvented the globe. Over his travels, he became a terror of the seas, specifically towards the Spanish he loathed, and a hero within Britain. Sir Drake eventually became a knight under Queen Elizabeth 1st. His duties under the guise of an explorer are reminiscent to Diez's role as an undercover Marine playing Pirate. However, Diez Drake's motives are more likely a little different from Sir Drake. Once more, blood isn't totally loss on Diez's hands, for he is responsible for heinous acts yet addressed by him. As his inspiration before him, Diez gained a notorious enough reputation to be recognized as one of the 11 Supernovas, and later one of the 12 Worst Generation. He joined the tyrannical Beast Pirates, pillaging and destroying in their name. The two are Pirates in spite of what they may believe. However, Dies still desires to be the man he envisioned since he was a little boy, but that comes with its own challenges. Loyalties.
The Soldiers
(One of the brothers, William Francis Drake, Royal Navy and Governor of Newfoundland)
Officer Francis William Drake (circa. 1724-1788), Francis Henry Drake (circa. 1729-1794), and Francis Samuel Drake (circa. 1729-1789) were born of British descent in Buckland Monachorum, Devon. Their father, Henry Drake the 1st, was the 4th baronet in line of Baronet started by House of Commons Politician Sir Francis Drake, a relative to Sir Drake the Explorer and Privateer of the same name. The Drakes are the descendants of that same Sir Drake, scourge of the seas. Their past being mired by Piracy much like Diez’s.
The brothers famously participated during the American Revolution. The conflict began due to United States declaration of Independence from the British Empire, forming a coalition which would rage war against Great Britain. The Drakes would fight on behalf of the Royal forces against the coalition. They served as symbols for their establishment. Their ranks over the years including “Rear Admiral of Red,” “Vice Admiral of Blue,” and “Vice Admiral of Red.” Diez Drake should by all rights follow in the same footsteps, as a period of reform is emerging against the World Government, yet chose to walk a less “righteous,” less idealized path.
Diez’s Marine background seemingly comes from these brothers, who fought in service of their nation. But Drake is in sort of a crossroads. The Navy swore allegiance to the World Government; however, Drake has taken up arms against them. And who began SWORD as an operation? Is there a schism brewing between the Marines and World Government? And what path shall Drake take?
The world is on a course of change, and Drake may potentially be caught in the middle of it. But his efforts may prove closer to expediting that change rather than preventing it. This was sealed once he joined forces with the Wano Alliance, the catalyst for reform. The only thing he now seems to go on is his faith in one pirate, and perhaps, his own beliefs now more than ever.
The Faces Of A Hero
Drake's design and fighting style borrow elements from the famed novel and film serial character Zorro from Mark of Zorro. The design of his rapier, mask and dark coloration, all reminiscent of the fictional character.
Drake's organization, SWORD, works outside of the confines of the World Government and covertly from the Marines at large, as suggested by the secretive nature of his partnership with Coby. It may be due to SWORD and whatever its mission being a top-secret operation from the top brass of the Marines. Despite so, what Drake and his partner are involved in go firmly outside the Government’s prying eyes
Drake also takes on a letter motif when striking at an enemy. Something commonly associated with Zorro and his trademark "Z" mark.
As if a nod, Drake would develop a short-lived partnership with the One Piece character named Zoro, drawing more relation to the original Zorro. But above all, Zorro was a vigilante who took justice onto his own hands. Drake is a Marine working outside of the jurisdictions of the World Government. He is as close to a vigilante of Zorro’s like as you can get in the One Piece world because as a Marine, he should harbor idealisms for peace and justice, but now carrying them out autonomously.
Zorro, or Don Diego Del La Vega, was motivated to take on the identity of the masked man in order to combat the regime of an oppressive dictator. Drake would be similar, working completely removed from the oppressive government of his setting, and now forced to confront them in the heat of battle.
Drake's one and only known move is X-caliber is named after the famed sword wielded by King Arthur, leader of the famed Roundtable of the Britain Empire in folktales that may have taken inspiration from the possible real-world figure known for driving away the Saxons during the 6th Century. Excalibur, the blade, is viewed as a scion of Great Britain, in fitting relation to Drake’s namesakes over the course of history originating from Britain. Relating this aspect of “return,” to be a “scion” to Drake, what is he trying to regain? After examining his younger years as an eager future soldier idolizing his father, and current corruption of the military from upper brass, working in secret, it is reasonable to suggest Drake’s end goals are not shared by the greater Marine forces aligned with the Government, and is potentially working towards a coup.
In early Welsh Literature, 12th Century tale Culhwch and Olwen popularized King Arthur, or Arthur Pendragon, as the leader of a ragtag group of heroes, which would later be developed as Arthur's Court of Camelot in most interpretations. Drake's station as a SWORD operative is similar in nature as his group seems relatively small and without too much manpower. The only known affiliate being Captain Coby, a young and righteous minded Marine.
Further comparisons to Arthur’s court, Coby occupies a similar role to the character Gawain, who was one of Arthur's first knights, and who is often depicted as a righteous yet modest member of among Arthur's followers.
The term ‘SWORD’ could be in relation to the Government’s own force of Cipher Pol Aegis Zero. Aegis was a shield used by Zeus and Athena according to Greek Mythology. CP0 are the shields to the gods, which is in contrast to the idea of the sword of man which Drake’s group uses as their symbol and moniker. They are the sword which strikes at the shield of the establishment.
Future Endeavors, Future Allies
Drake's purpose after Wano is unclear, but there are some leads. To start, Drake has been working intimately with the Pirates in recent events. He's had time to understand the situation and the motivations of those fighting on the Samurai side. Back on Punk Hazard, former Admiral Kuzan told Smoker that there are things you can only come to understand outside of the Marines. Drake's actions up until now have exemplified those words, as he has managed to uncover more of the World government's dealings through his investigation. One that shocked was the knowledge the WG have been partnering directly with pirates in the background, abusing the military might of the Marines in the process. Working undercover as a SWORD operative, Marines unaffiliated with the Government, already suggested Drake was weary of them, but his time as a Pirate and now ally of the Alliance have enforced whatever notions he had prior. Though one element that Drake acquired in his time alongside his newfound allies is a restored sense of resolve. Drake, as the young Drie, fled from whom were suppose to be his comrades.
He always dreamed of being a hero marine as he envisioned his father, but learning his dad wasn't what he thought and constantly being on the run, he lacked what resembled integrity for some time. When he dismissed any grudge towards Doffy upon seeing his wanted poster, it was possibly due to his feeling of shame for abandoning his father in the heat of it all superseding any hatred for his murderers. His indecisiveness was chastised by a few of the Straw Hats.
His development over the course of Onigashima will prove helpful for when the world plunges into further chaos following this battle on Wano, as he now faces CP0, the shields for the Government, head on.
Like King Arthur, it's possible Drake can accumulate future allies on what is, in essence, his crusade. These would best include other Marines disillusioned with the System. Vice Admiral Smoker has developed animosity with the Government and current military practices. His rebellious nature to take actions into his own hands, and honest disposition have had him come to blows with superiors unrestrained.
Smoker’s reliable partner, Tashigi, shares similar sentiments, though not expressed as harshly as her commander. The ends cannot justify the means, as far as she's concerned. How can she and her superior expect to preach their lauded ideals if it would undermine them through actions that are in direct opposition?
Tashigi occasionally displays a lack of confidence that if can carry out her sense of justice and goals due to a lack of strength, that the world may be too big for her.
For more - Cutting The Mist Towards The Brilliant Sky
Admiral Issho has expressed disagreements over the Government’s regime, coming to blows with current Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, an advocate of power and control as some means to “Justice.”
He was the catalyst that absolved the Warlords’ of their power, the system that allowed open cooperation with pirates.
Issho is a nigh incorruptible figure, taking strong influence from the Zatoichi, the titular and primary character of the Samurai drama series Zatoichi, first created by Shimozawa Kan (The Tale of Zatoichi, 1962). The character is masseur, well-mannered journeyman, who helps those he passes by, without a hint of malice. He was famously portrayed by Katsu Shintaro, whom Issho is designed after.
Of Drake’s known associates, Coby’s morals were made clear back from the beginning of story and through the events of Marineford. He hoped to be a soldier for the people, and an Admiral to boot. Marineford, he proved his sense of Justice by opposing then Admiral Sakazuki from continuing to chase the fleeing Whitebeard Pirates and their allies. What motivated him was preventing further bloodshed on the battlefield, might does not make right. Though he believes in a righteous cause, he isn’t in support of the almost Machiavellian nature the side he fights for abides by; the side currently headed by “Absolute Justice” Sakazuki, and the dubious higher ups, the Five Elders and their direct lackeys Cipher Pol.
Kuzan is a former Marine who abandoned his position of Admiral after suffering a defeat against Sakazuki during the period of transition following the War of the Best. His current objectives are unknown. His last major action was rescuing Smoker from Doflamingo and providing him with the advice to follow what's in his heart.
Kuzan follows what is “Lazy Justice,” and he acts based on how he feels, bending the rules in order to come to a conclusion that best sleeps with his conscious. This includes sparing a young Nico Robin from the Incident at Ohara and sparing the Straw Hats while they were at his mercy. It is entirely possible Kuzan is already involved with SWORD and Drake, but remains to be verified.
Closing
To conclude, Diez Drake is one of the more well realized Super Rookies conceived back on Sabaody. He began with humble desires to be like the man he believed his father was. His indecisiveness cost him the lives of those he trusted, and affecting the trust of those around him. In spite of that, he took the gamble of working outside the confines of the World Government, becoming a "Sword," a pirate, a vigilante against the impregnable shield and rule. Despite his questionable morals back in his days, Sir Drake ended his long voyage around the world, he was knighted for his exploits by his nation. Despite fighting against the right of Freedom, the Brother’s Drake fought for what they stood for. Labeled a criminal, Zorro did what he saw as right, and King Arthur became a knight of the people with comrades he could trust. Drake toes the line between two sides to bring change that could make his young self proud.
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