The world ofOne Pieceis filled with unpredictable alliances and constantly shifting power structures, and the emergence of the Cross Guild marks one of the most unexpected developments in the post-Wano arc. Formed in the aftermath of the collapse of the Warlord system, the Cross Guild is a pirate organization that has turned the tables by placing bounties on Marine officers. This surprising twist has stirred the balance of power across the Grand Line, making the Cross Guild one of the most intriguing and disruptive factions introduced in recent years. With powerful members and bold ideals, the guild has begun to make waves across the seas.
The Birth of the Cross Guild
Aftermath of the Warlord Abolition
Following the Reverie, the World Government decided to disband the Shichibukai (Warlord of the Sea) system, leaving former Warlords vulnerable to Marine attacks. This abrupt change forced several prominent figures to either flee or regroup for survival. Among them were Buggy the Clown, Dracule Mihawk, and Crocodile three very different pirates whose alliance would lead to the formation of the Cross Guild.
Formation and Public Perception
The Cross Guild was publicly introduced in the manga after the Wano Country arc. What shocked many fans and characters in-universe was the announcement that Buggy was the leader of this new organization. Posters and propaganda presented him as the face of the guild, while the true masterminds Crocodile and Mihawk were operating behind the scenes. This misperception was largely due to a series of misunderstandings and Buggy’s own talent for surviving impossible situations, earning him the nickname ‘the luckiest man alive.’
Core Members of the Cross Guild
Buggy the Clown
Once a member of Gol D. Roger’s crew and a former Warlord, Buggy has stumbled his way into power through a combination of luck, charisma, and opportunism. Despite his lack of combat ability compared to the others, he plays a crucial role in the guild’s public image. The World Government now considers him a Yonko (Emperor of the Sea), mostly due to the mistaken belief that he commands both Crocodile and Mihawk.
Dracule Mihawk
Known as the strongest swordsman in the world, Mihawk brings immense strength and reputation to the Cross Guild. He is calm, calculated, and prefers solitude, but joined the guild to avoid being hunted by the Marines after the Warlord system was abolished. Mihawk’s presence significantly increases the guild’s threat level, as few would dare to challenge him in battle.
Sir Crocodile
The former president of Baroque Works and ex-Warlord, Crocodile is a strategic mastermind. After failing in his bid to take over Alabasta, he went into hiding and re-emerged during the Impel Down arc. His reappearance in the Cross Guild suggests he is aiming once again for greater power. Crocodile is believed to be the true architect of the guild’s structure and operations, with ambitions that may reach far beyond current alliances.
Cross Guild’s Unique Mission
Turning the Tables on the Marines
The Cross Guild’s most revolutionary act is placing bounties on Marine officers. Traditionally, the Marines issue bounties on pirates, but this organization has reversed that dynamic. By offering rewards for the heads of high-ranking Marines, the Cross Guild has introduced a new threat that shakes the very foundation of World Government authority.
Implications for the World Government
This move has far-reaching consequences. Marines must now operate under constant threat, knowing that even their own lives have prices. It disrupts the Marine’s control over the seas and undermines the authority they’ve held unchallenged for decades. Pirates, bounty hunters, and mercenaries are now incentivized to go after the very people who once hunted them.
Public Reaction and Pirate Influence
How the World Sees the Cross Guild
To the general public, the Cross Guild seems like a terrifying force, especially with Buggy’s name at the forefront. While most people believe Buggy is leading Mihawk and Crocodile, the guild’s actual power dynamics remain hidden. However, the illusion of Buggy’s control works in the guild’s favor, allowing the real power players to act without drawing direct attention to themselves.
Rising Pirate Morale
Among pirates, the formation of the Cross Guild has boosted morale. Many view it as a sign that the balance of power is shifting and that the World Government is no longer invincible. This belief may spark new waves of piracy, rebellions, and alliances across the New World, further destabilizing the already chaotic world of One Piece.
Goals and Theories
What Does Crocodile Want?
Many fans believe Crocodile’s goals go beyond just survival. His history of planning and manipulation suggests he may aim to build a new world order or take control of territories left vulnerable after Wano. With his intellect and ruthlessness, Crocodile is likely using the Cross Guild as a means to a much bigger endgame.
Mihawk’s Role in the Chaos
Mihawk’s motivations are harder to pin down. As someone who seeks challenging opponents, he may simply be using the guild to stay protected while he searches for a worthy duel. However, his strategic nature implies he sees some value in aligning with Crocodile, at least temporarily.
Buggy’s Unintentional Rise
Buggy’s continued ascension is one of the longest-running jokes and most interesting developments in One Piece. Despite his incompetence in many areas, his knack for survival and accidental brilliance make him a surprisingly effective figurehead. Some believe that Buggy may eventually take more deliberate control or that he could be a key player in the final saga through sheer persistence.
Future of the Cross Guild
Conflict with the Straw Hats
Given their opposing ideologies, it’s likely that the Cross Guild will eventually cross paths with the Straw Hat Pirates. While no direct conflict has occurred yet, fans speculate that Crocodile, in particular, still holds a grudge against Luffy, and any alliance involving Marines could draw them into battle.
New Alliances and Rivalries
The formation of the Cross Guild has triggered a domino effect. Other factions, including the Revolutionary Army, the Blackbeard Pirates, and remnants of Big Mom’s crew, are also evolving. The New World is becoming more dangerous and unpredictable, and the Cross Guild could either rise as a dominant force or collapse under the weight of its conflicting agendas.
Symbol of Rebellion
Regardless of their individual goals, the Cross Guild has become a symbol of rebellion. By reversing the rules of bounty hunting, they’ve inspired pirates and ordinary citizens alike. Their continued existence challenges the status quo and sets the stage for a larger confrontation that could redefine justice and power in the world of One Piece.
The Cross Guild inOne Piecerepresents a new chapter in the age of piracy one where old enemies unite, reputations are manipulated, and the rules are rewritten. Whether it’s Crocodile’s cunning, Mihawk’s power, or Buggy’s strange luck, the guild has quickly become one of the most compelling organizations in the story. As the final saga unfolds, the Cross Guild’s actions may shape the future of the entire world, making them a force to watch closely in the unpredictable seas of the Grand Line.