The Ideal Vice Captain of One Piece: Marco the Phoenix

In the vast and adventurous land of One Piece, the narrative centers on Luffy's quest to become the ultimate King of the Pirates while others strive for the acclaimed treasure. Amidst this quest, there is fierce competition among the pirate crews, each vying for supremacy. The Straw Hat Pirates stand as one of the most formidable crews, but they have yet to claim the top position amid a range of powerful rivals. To assemble the greatest crew, it is crucial for every member to excel in their designated role.

This leads us to consider who might best embody the title of the premier Vice Captain in the One Piece realm. The role of Vice Captain entails strength, responsibility, and a high degree of adaptability. While Zoro serves as Luffy's right-hand man, he does not quite fit the criteria for the ideal Vice Captain. Leaving him in charge could spell trouble for both him and the crew. So, who might truly be the quintessential Vice Captain? An unexpected yet fitting choice is Marco the Phoenix. Once the first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, he eventually became Whitebeard's trusted second-in-command. Following the captain's demise, Marco led the crew until they were forced to disband.

He has significantly contributed during the Wano and Marineford arcs, showcasing his unwavering loyalty. Having commanded a crew of 1600 members and boasting a staggering bounty of 1.3 billion Beli, Marco exemplifies not only strength but also cunning intelligence as a crew member. Considering Marco's qualifications as a Vice Captain, his prowess in battle cannot be overlooked. He has shown the ability to confront three Marine admirals simultaneously and successfully held off King and Queen, two of Kaido's formidable fighters, sustaining only minor injuries. His mythical zoan Devil Fruit, allowing transformation into a phoenix hybrid, equips him with wings that are advantageous in combat.

This unique ability also enables him to rescue crew members from perilous situations, a vital skill for aiding fellow Devil Fruit users. Moreover, his phoenix flames possess healing properties, complementing his role as a medic—an invaluable asset to any pirate crew. Additionally, he has mastered both Armament and Observation Haki. Shanks' attempts to recruit Marco further emphasize his exceptional capability. Although Marco declined the opportunity, the mere fact that Shanks sought him out highlights the significance of such an offer, especially given that the Red Hair Pirates are primarily comprised of those who do not use Devil Fruits. For those interested, the One Piece manga can be explored on Viz Media, while the anime is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.