why did Kuzan join: Why did Kuzan join Blackbeard in One Piece? Explained

The world of One Piece is always in chaos, with nearly everyone acting according to their desires. Doing as one pleases is a basic rule among pirates. But this does not imply that a person's profession decides their morality. There are good pirates and bad Marines, but this also doesn't mean that all Marines are wicked, or that each pirate is virtuous.

One of the major characters of the series, Kuzan, who used to be known as Admiral Aokiji, made a surprising move by partnering with the Blackbeard Pirates. But why did Kuzan join Blackbeard? This unexpected alliance stems from Kuzan's wish to live for himself instead of following the Marines' stringent principles.

Following his intense battle with Admiral Akainu and leaving the Navy, Kuzan looked for a fresh route that was not restrained by the strict anticipations of his past. Joining forces with Blackbeard shows a major change in Kuzan's journey, signifying his search for freedom and finding oneself in the unpredictable waters of One Piece.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series. Opinions expressed belong to the author. Individual opinions may vary.

Why Kuzan joined Blackbeard in One Piece, explained

Kuzan as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Kuzan joined the Blackbeard Pirates because he wanted to have a life of personal freedom instead of constantly serving others. He began feeling angry about his time as an enlisted officer and believed this role restricted his independence. When he left the World Government, he started searching for a way to live life according to his own rules.

Kuzan's desire to be independent fits in with Blackbeard's offer, who even made him one of the Ten Titanic Captains. However, Kuzan has his plan, and most of the time he just acts like a spectator away from the Blackbeard Pirates.

What led Kuzan to join Blackbeard

Kuzan with Black Beard Pirates in manga (Image via Shueisha/Eiichiro Oda)

Kuzan and Admiral Sakazuki had climbed up in the Navy step by step. They shared a complex friendship, compacted with strong contrasts in their understandings of what justice means.

While Sakazuki backed "Absolute Justice" which could sometimes get very harsh, Kuzan was more about "Lazy Justice" which leaned towards thinking before taking action. These distinct philosophies were even apparent when they were serving as Vice Admirals together.

Sakazuki as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

After the Paramount War, both became candidates for the Fleet Admiral role. Sengoku, who was leaving his post of Fleet Admiral, suggested Kuzan take over; however, there was also a considerable population within the Navy that supported Sakazuki instead.

Kuzan did not agree with Sakazuki's harsh perspective and battled him instead of serving under him. Kuzan departed from the Marines after a strong fight against Admiral Sakazuki caused by their different opinions on the Marines' path. When Kuzan lost in this battle, he left his position because of being disappointed at how corrupt the World Government had become and became a wanderer.

Kuzan's possible ulterior motives explored

In One Piece, Kuzan's association with Blackbeard has sparked much talk among fans regarding what his actual intentions might be. A theory put forward proposes that despite seeming to change sides, Kuzan remains loyal to the Marine cause.

He has conversations between Punk Hazard and Dressrosa arcs with Smoker and other characters who imply strongly towards this idea, some One Piece fans say he supports Marine ideals but prefers to work alone because of Akainu's leadership style.

One Piece fans think Kuzan would not join with Blackbeard, who has no good intentions unless he serves a bigger purpose. Fans also have the same idea that Kuzan's character might not be completely evil. An interesting theory is maybe his decision to team up could just be a trick or calculated move.

A few fans think that his actions might be a secret plan to help the Marines but not leave Blackbeard's group. He could save Garp using his ability to freeze wounds, and then later change sides against Blackbeard when it is convenient for him.

Final thoughts

In One Piece, why did Kuzan join the Blackbeard Pirates? Kuzan, also known as Aokiji, joined the Blackbeard Pirates because he desired a life where he could do what he wanted rather than always serving others.

After losing in battle against Admiral Akainu and becoming disappointed with his organization because of its corruption problems within the World Government, combined with strict principles from Marines, Kuzan sought a different path. His wish for personal freedom matched with the proposal given by Blackbeard, which made him become one of the Ten Titanic Captains.

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Edited by Pradyot Hegde