Quick Answer
An Admiral (大将, Taisho) is one of the three (sometimes four) highest-ranking officers in the Marines in One Piece. They represent the World Government’s supreme military force and form, together with the Yonko and formerly the Shichibukai, the Three Great Powers. All Admirals bear a colour-based codename and wield rare Logia or Zoan Devil Fruits. As of 2026 (post-Egghead), the active Admirals are Sakazuki / Akainu (Fleet Admiral), Borsalino / Kizaru, Issho / Fujitora, and Aramaki / Ryokugyu.
Article written by the Wanted Store team — sources: One Piece manga vols. 1-110+ by Eiichiro Oda, Toei Animation anime, official SBS. Updated on April 26, 2026.
What is a Marine Admiral in One Piece?
A Marine Admiral is an officer of extremely high rank within the Marines, the World Government’s military organisation. An Admiral answers directly to the Fleet Admiral (Gensui) and outranks every other grade. Admirals are the most powerful individual combatants in the Marines, comparable to the Yonko in terms of individual strength.
Admirals traditionally bear a Japanese colour-based codename (Akainu = Red Dog, Aokiji (Kuzan) = Blue Pheasant, Kizaru (Borsalino) = Yellow Monkey, Fujitora (Issho) = Wisteria Tiger, Ryokugyu (Aramaki) = Green Bull). This system reinforces their identity as living symbols of governmental power.
Active Admirals (2026, post-Egghead)
| Admiral | Codename | Power | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sakazuki | Akainu (Red Dog) | Magu Magu no Mi (magma, Logia) | Fleet Admiral |
| Borsalino | Kizaru (Yellow Monkey) | Pika Pika no Mi (light, Logia) | Active Admiral |
| Issho | Fujitora (Wisteria Tiger) | Zushi Zushi no Mi (gravity, Paramecia) | Active Admiral |
| Aramaki | Ryokugyu (Green Bull) | Mori Mori no Mi (forest, Logia) | Active Admiral |
Check out the official Marines posters for these characters at Wanted Store.
Historical Admirals (Former and Retired)
Sengoku “The Buddha”
Former Fleet Admiral before Akainu. User of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model Daibutsu (Mythical Zoan, golden Buddha). Resigned after Marineford out of disgust at the new regime. See the Sengoku poster.
Kuzan “Aokiji” (Blue Pheasant)
Former Admiral, user of the Hie Hie no Mi (ice, Logia). Resigned after his 10-day battle against Akainu on Punk Hazard for the position of Fleet Admiral. He later joined the Blackbeard Pirates, becoming one of their commanders — one of the greatest betrayals in the series. See the Aokiji poster.
Garp “The Hero”
Technically, Garp is not an Admiral but an emeritus Vice Admiral. He turned down promotions to Admiral rank throughout his career in order to stay in the field. His power is above that of the current Admirals according to several canonical characters. Adoptive father of Ace, grandfather of Luffy. See the Garp poster.
The Role of Admirals in the Marines
Admirals do not permanently command a specific fleet. They are deployed on a case-by-case basis for major conflicts deemed too severe for Vice Admirals. Three primary missions:
- Targeted strikes — eliminating a Yonko, neutralising an enemy Emperor (so far impossible).
- Major regional conflicts — Marineford (all 3 Admirals deployed together), Onigashima (Ryokugyu sent alone to Wano Country post-Onigashima).
- Power diplomacy — appearing as a living symbol of the Government (Reverie, royal negotiations).
Fleet Admiral Sakazuki / Akainu directs strategic operations from Marine Headquarters at Marineford.
Why Do All Admirals Have Colour-Based Codenames?
It is an unwritten tradition of the Marines going back several generations. The codename symbolises:
- The shared identity of Admirals as a unified body
- A form of tactical dehumanisation — the Admiral is a symbol, not an individual
- Visual intimidation — colour + animal = easy for enemies to remember
When a new Admiral is appointed, they are given an available colour. Ryokugyu (Green) was appointed during the timeskip post-Marineford to fill a vacancy.
How Does One Become an Admiral?
Three strict prerequisites:
- Exceptional individual strength — at minimum, complete mastery of all three Haki, ideally combined with a Logia or Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit.
- A distinguished career — rising through the ranks: Captain → Vice Admiral → Admiral. No shortcuts.
- Loyalty to Absolute Justice — Akainu’s ideology demands the radical elimination of pirates. Officers leaning towards “Lazy Justice” (Fujitora’s stance) are tolerated but watched closely.
The Fleet Admiral is appointed by the Five Elders (Gorosei) on recommendation. Akainu’s appointment after Marineford pushed the Marines towards a more radical ideology.
Admiral vs Yonko: Equals or Hierarchy?
See our dedicated article Yonko vs Admiral: Who Would Win?. Short answer: roughly equal individual strength, but the Yonko holds the advantage in territory and crew size, while the Admiral holds the advantage of unlimited Marine support.
FAQ — The Marine Admirals
How many Admirals are there in One Piece?
Generally three main Admirals + 1 Fleet Admiral. Since the timeskip, a fourth (Ryokugyu) was added. That makes 4 active in 2026 plus Fleet Admiral Akainu.
Who are the current Admirals in 2026?
Sakazuki (Akainu) as Fleet Admiral, Borsalino (Kizaru), Issho (Fujitora), and Aramaki (Ryokugyu).
Who is the strongest Admiral?
Sakazuki / Akainu in terms of rank (Fleet Admiral). In raw individual power, the debate remains open: Akainu is superior in a straight duel, but Garp (Vice Admiral) is widely considered stronger than all current Admirals according to multiple canonical characters.
Why did Aokiji leave the Marines?
After his 10-day battle against Akainu on Punk Hazard for the position of Fleet Admiral, Aokiji lost and resigned out of disgust at the Absolute Justice regime. He subsequently joined the Blackbeard Pirates, becoming one of their commanders — one of the biggest betrayals in the series.
Is Garp an Admiral?
No, Garp is a Vice Admiral. He refused several promotions to Admiral rank in order to remain free in his actions and to avoid having to execute Roger (his respected rival). He is nevertheless considered stronger than the current Admirals.
Why do all Admirals have colour-based codenames?
It is a Marines tradition. The colour-based name (Akainu = red, Aokiji = blue, etc.) symbolises the unity of the Admiral corps and their status as living symbols of the Government. It also serves as a form of tactical dehumanisation.
Are there official posters of the Admirals?
Yes — Wanted Store carries the official Marines collection featuring posters of Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru, Sengoku and Garp.
