What if clones were introduced to One Piece before the Seraphim — specifically, those of the infamous Rocks Pirates?
Few anime franchises have been able to enjoy the success that One Piece has. This is all due to the high quality of the series, with its incredible action, lovable characters great humor and impeccable world-building that comes from masterful storytelling. Even after more than 20 years, One Piece still capitalizes on seeds planted in its story from the very beginning, turning them into amazing reveals, such as how the “Skypeia” arc was where Luffy’s connection to the Sun God Nika was first teased.
This obviously wasn’t the only seed planted in the story, with there being many others throughout, like the recent reveal of the past existence of the Rocks Pirates during the “Wano” arc. Since then, fans have speculated constantly to see how these pirates will factor into the series later on, especially since they remain so mysterious. While there are many different theories floating around online, one in particular has gained a lot of attention, and with many recent reveals in the series, it actually seems like it might be possible.
Could the Rocks Pirates Have Been Cloned?
As mentioned above, there is a very popular theory that all the Rocks Pirates have been cloned in One Piece, with many of them having already been introduced. If this theory were to have been mentioned before Wano, it would have probably been laughed off as a silly idea, but in the most recent chapters of the manga, the theory has become increasingly likely.
As of right now, there are already multiple clones floating around in the world of One Piece. First, there are the Pacifistas, who are all cyborg clones of the ex-Warlord of the Sea and secret member of the Revolutionary Army, Bartholomew Kuma. Then come the Seraphim, who are clones of members of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, enhanced with Pacifista technology and Lunarian DNA. The last confirmed clone in One Piece comes in the form of CP0 agent Stussy, who was recently revealed to be created from the DNA of the ex-MADS scientist, Miss Buckingham Stussy. These are the only currently-confirmed clones in One Piece, though that doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible that many more are out there. In fact, the theory even gives specific possibilities for who might be clones, some of which might answer multiple lingering questions that need to be resolved.
Who Are the Possible Clones of the Rocks Pirates?
According to the theory, the Rocks Pirates are still alive in the form of clones. It states that the reason these clones aren’t 100% obvious is that they aren’t perfect but rather failed clones of the originals. This is why the potential clones lack some of the physical characteristics and personality traits that the originals have, while still retaining many of the others despite that. If this were to be the case, it’s quite possible that multiple characters could be clones, albeit imperfect ones, of the Rocks Pirates.
The most obvious and likely possibility is Edward Weevil, an ex-Warlord and current prisoner of the Navy. Since his first introduction, he has claimed to be the son of Whitebeard, Edward Newgate. While most people refuse to believe this, they cannot deny that his strength is comparable to that of Whitebeard when he was younger, making this possibility somewhat more plausible. However, it seems even more likely that he is a failed clone of Whitebeard instead. This would explain why his appearance is vastly different from his “father’s” as well as explain the connection to his supposed mother, Miss Buckingham Stussy, who was one of the scientists behind as well as the genetic basis of the Stussy from CP0, plus a former member of the Rocks Pirates.
The next most likely clone is Marshal D. Teach, also known as Blackbeard, who many people believe to be related in some way to Rocks D. Xebec. While this one isn’t necessarily as likely as the case with Weevil and Whitebeard, it’s still possible. Blackbeard is said to have a unique body, which could be a result of being a failed clone — perhaps some aspect that was specific to Rocks D. Xebec, or possibly a combination of the two. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot known about the titular captain of the Rocks Pirates, but it seems like more than a coincidence that Blackbeard’s ship, the Saber of Xebec, is named after him and that Blackbeard made his main base of operation the island Fullalead, where the Rocks Pirates were first formed.
Another potential failed clone according to the theory is none other than Yamato, who was first introduced in the “Wano” arc. This could explain a lot and isn’t as unlikely as it might seem at first glance. Yamato’s mother has never once been revealed or mentioned, and while this isn’t uncommon in One Piece, it is still suspicious. Also, with Queen being a former MADS scientist, it’s possible that he was responsible for creating Yamato, as he would know how to produce a clone. Yamato looks nothing like Kaido aside from both of them having horns, but this could be the result of being a failed clone. Despite their different appearances, it’s clear that Yamato has inherited Kaido’s overwhelming strength and power in some way, and being his clone, even a failed one, could explain how.
The last potential clone the theory states is Jewelry Bonney, who is hypothesized to have been created from the DNA of Big Mom. The theory states that this would explain some of their similarities, such as their hair color and even their shared love of food. It would also explain why she looks nothing like her father, Bartholomew Kuma. While it makes a decent argument, this one feels the least likely, as there are more differences than similarities between the two. Big Mom has always been much larger than Bonney, even as a young child, and significantly stronger. It’s not impossible, but if true, it would arguably make her the least successful cloning attempt.
One Piece has always been a series that likes to tease different possibilities to its audience members until finally hitting them with a massive reveal, so this theory isn’t completely out of the question. The franchise has been highlighting clones a lot recently as well, with Miss Buckingham Stussy even claiming that Vegapunk would be able to prove that Weevil is Whitebeard’s son. The most likely reason for this would be that Vegapunk was in some way responsible, probably due to him being a clone. Nothing has been proven yet, but this theory seems to get more and more plausible with every chapter.
Src: cbr.com
