Why did Fujitora help the slaves escape Mariejois in One Piece? Explained

Admiral Fujitora, one of the most morally complex characters in One Piece, shocked many during the Reverie when he helped slaves escape Mariejois, directly opposing the World Government he serves. This decision was not just a spur-of-the-moment act of rebellion but a reflection of his deep-rooted sense of justice.

Unlike many Marines who prioritize orders, Fujitora’s values align more with protecting the oppressed, even if it means defying authority. His actions at Mariejois, including clashing with Admiral Ryokugyu, highlight his growing disillusionment with the corrupt system and underscore his commitment to rectifying global injustices.

One Piece: Fujitora's Reverie actions, explained

Fujitora meets Ryokugyu (Image via Toei Animation)

After escorting Doflamingo to Impel Down, Fujitora embarked on a long journey, during which he encountered a new invention by Vegapunk. Believing it could render the Seven Warlords of the Sea system obsolete, he felt this breakthrough could reshape the Marines' strategy.

During the Reverie, Fujitora visited Mariejois, knowing it wasn’t a Marine base. When confronted by T Bone, Fujitora defended his presence. Ryokugyu later arrived with orders from Sakazuki to remove Fujitora, but he had no real intention of following through. While they ate, Fujitora discussed Vegapunk’s invention. Prior to this, Fujitora had sent a letter to King Nefertari Cobra and later met with him and Riku Doldo III.

Karasu as shown in the One Piece anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

On the fourth day of the Reverie, Fujitora engaged in a battle with Karasu while the Revolutionaries successfully rescued Bartholomew Kuma. Fujitora later resolved to help several slaves escape, which enraged Ryokugyu, leading to a fight between the two admirals.

Fujitora's act of helping the slaves escape demonstrates the depth of his moral conscience, which sets him apart from many of his peers. His concept of justice goes beyond mere loyalty to the World Government, extending to a sense of empathy for the oppressed and a desire to challenge the world's injustices.

Fujitora's prior characterization in One Piece

Fujitora as shown in the One Piece anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

Fujitora’s complexity comes from the fact that he tries to protect the innocent and fight against oppression while being part of the Marines. Unlike most Marines, who are completely obedient to authority, Fujitora is first a defender of the innocent and then a Marine who is displeased with those who seek to harm others. His first open defiance of the World Government occurs in Dressrosa, where he reveals that the leaders of the world are behind Doflamingo’s tyranny.

A very particular aspect of Fujitora’s persona is his self-imposed blindness, which symbolizes his refusal to directly witness the world’s injustices. He despises the Celestial Dragons and their cruel system. However, as a Marine, Fujitora is constrained by duty and cannot afford to openly oppose the World Government.

His moral conflict intensifies during the Reverie, especially with the arrival of the Revolutionary Army, whose goals of overthrowing the World Government align with Fujitora’s ideals, though their methods are more extreme. The chaos in Mariejois allows him to act on his beliefs, choosing to help the oppressed slaves despite the consequences.

This decision angers Admiral Ryokugyu, but Fujitora is willing to face the fallout, choosing to prioritize his conscience over his duty to the corrupt system he serves.

One Piece: Could Fujitora leave the Marines?

A snapshot of Fujitora from the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Issho Fujitora’s potential departure from the Marines is a compelling prospect, considering his unwavering moral compass and deep sense of justice. As a principled Marine, Fujitora demonstrates a readiness for change by seeking to address or reform the wrongdoings of the World Government.

This is evident in his efforts to abolish the Seven Warlords of the Sea, as well as his actions during the Reverie. His refusal to hide behind the World Government’s authority, instead choosing to personally correct wrongs rather than allowing them to be fixed by others, contrasts with the traditional image of the Marines. Fujitora exposes the flaws in the strict discipline of the Navy and its hierarchy, where a ruling minority governs the majority.

Akainu as shown in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The harmonious relationship between Fujitora and the World Government, contrasted with the fierce tension between him and the other admirals, such as Akainu and Ryokugyu, suggests that he may eventually reach a breaking point. His willingness to defy his superiors, coupled with the alignment of his actions with the goals of the Revolutionary Army, indicates that his loyalty to the Marines might waver if the organization continues to uphold injustice.

Fujitora's moral obligation to protect the innocent, regardless of his position, is likely to drive him to either leave the Marines or join groups actively resisting the World Government. Ultimately, it is Fujitora's moral principles that could compel him to distance himself from the Marines in his pursuit of true justice.

Final thoughts

The Holy Land of Mariejois (Image via Toei Animation)

Fujitora's decision to help the slaves escape Mariejois stems from his unwavering sense of justice and moral conviction. His empathy for the oppressed drives him to act against the corrupt systems he serves, prioritizing human dignity over his duty as a Marine, even at great personal cost.