Quick Answer
The Cross Guild (クロスギルド) is a criminal organisation that emerged in One Piece after the abolition of the Seven Warlords (Shichibukai). It is officially led by Buggy the Clown, but in reality co-governed by Dracule Mihawk and Sir Crocodile. Its revolutionary twist: it issues bounties against the Marines, inverting the traditional system. The Cross Guild propelled Buggy to Yonko status (3.189 billion Berries), despite his largely decorative role.
Article written by the Wanted Store team — sources: One Piece manga vols. 1–110+ by Eiichiro Oda, Toei Animation anime, official SBS. Chapters 1053+, 1080+. Updated on April 26, 2026.
What Is the Cross Guild?
The Cross Guild is a paramilitary organisation founded after the official dissolution of the Seven Warlords (Shichibukai) (Reverie, arc 90+). Three former Warlords found themselves without legal status and decided to establish their own force:
- Sir Crocodile (strategic mastermind) — former Shichibukai since Alabasta
- Dracule Mihawk (military muscle) — the world’s greatest swordsman
- Buggy the Clown (marketing figurehead) — appointed chief without fully realising it
The revolutionary idea: reverse the bounty system. Instead of being hunted by the Marines, they hunt the Marines. The Cross Guild pays in Berries to anyone who delivers a high-ranking Marine officer.
The 3 Founders in Detail
Buggy the Clown — The Official “King”
Officially the leader of the Cross Guild and a new Yonko. In reality, he is an unwitting puppet. His successive blunders have been interpreted by the media as Machiavellian strategy. He genuinely believes he runs the organisation while Mihawk and Crocodile make all the important decisions.
Wielder of the Bara Bara no Mi (Chop-Chop Fruit, Paramecia — body splitting, immunity to slashing). His bounty of 3.189 billion Berries stems primarily from his public role at the Cross Guild. See the Buggy Wanted Poster.
Dracule Mihawk — The Armed Wing
The world’s greatest swordsman, former Shichibukai and Zoro’s eternal goal. His revealed bounty of 3.59 billion Berries stunned fans (higher than Luffy’s). Within the Cross Guild, Dracule Mihawk handles direct military operations and the elimination of high-value targets.
Sir Crocodile — The Strategist
Former antagonist of the Alabasta arc, former Shichibukai, wielder of the Suna Suna no Mi (Sand-Sand Fruit). Crocodile is the true brain of the Cross Guild. He manages strategy, finances, and contracts. His revealed bounty of 1.965 billion Berries reflects his position. See the Crocodile Wanted Poster.
The Reverse Bounty System
The Cross Guild introduced a revolutionary concept to the One Piece world: a bounty system targeting the Marines. Here is how it works:
- The Cross Guild publishes “Marine Wanted Posters” with the officer’s photo and rank
- Anyone (pirate, civilian, corrupt Marine) can deliver a Marine officer dead or alive
- The Cross Guild pays in Berries upon delivery
- The higher the rank, the higher the bounty (Vice-Admiral > Captain > Lieutenant)
This inversion triggers mass panic within the Marines. Many officers resign or go into hiding. It is one of the major political turning points of the Yonko saga.
Why Was Buggy Chosen as “Leader”?
The choice of Buggy as figurehead is brilliantly strategic:
- Popular image — Buggy has been known and liked by the public since East Blue
- Artificially inflated reputation — his Impel Down escape and repeated “accidents” gave him an aura of chaotic genius
- Former apprentice of Roger — historical link to the King of the Pirates and to Shanks
- No threat to Mihawk and Crocodile — he is far too weak to oust them
- Media distraction — the Marines and the Government focus on him while Mihawk and Crocodile operate behind the scenes
Buggy himself has no idea he is being manipulated. He genuinely believes he is a great strategist.
Cross Guild HQ: Karai Bari Island
The official headquarters of the Cross Guild is on Karai Bari Island (formerly Hana Arashi Island). It is a heavily fortified tropical island featuring:
- A main castle where Buggy resides
- Mihawk’s quarters (the swordsman keeps his training workshop there)
- Crocodile’s facilities (strategic management)
- A central bounty office where deliveries of Marine officers are registered
Other Notable Cross Guild Members
Galdino (Mr. 3)
Former Baroque Works member, wielder of the Doru Doru no Mi (wax). Buggy’s lieutenant since Impel Down. Loyal despite his leader’s lack of talent.
Daz Bones (Mr. 1)
Former Baroque Works member, wielder of the Supa Supa no Mi (blades). Crocodile’s right-hand man.
Buggy’s Delivery (sub-organisation)
Mercenary network hired out by the Cross Guild. Serves as its legitimate commercial interface.
The Geopolitical Impact of the Cross Guild
The emergence of the Cross Guild has shaken the global balance of power:
- Mass Marine resignations from officers fearing for their lives
- Direct competition with the Yonko — the Cross Guild controls islands in the New World
- Recruitment of independent pirates drawn by Marine bounties
- Reverse propaganda — the Cross Guild presents itself as “liberating the people”
It is now a fourth world power alongside the World Government, the Yonko, and the Revolutionary Army.
FAQ — The Cross Guild
What is the Cross Guild?
A paramilitary organisation founded after the dissolution of the Seven Warlords. Officially led by Buggy the Clown, in reality co-governed by Mihawk and Crocodile. It issues bounties against the Marines.
Who really runs the Cross Guild?
Officially Buggy. In reality, Mihawk (military power) and Crocodile (strategy) make all important decisions. Buggy is an unwitting puppet.
Why did Buggy become a Yonko?
His public reputation was massively inflated by repeated “accidents” interpreted as strategy. The Marines classified him as a Yonko with a bounty of 3.189 billion Berries, despite his largely decorative real role.
How do Cross Guild bounties work?
The Cross Guild publishes Wanted Posters targeting Marines: Vice-Admirals, Captains, Lieutenants. Anyone can deliver an officer dead or alive in exchange for Berries. It is a revolutionary inversion of the traditional system.
Where is the Cross Guild HQ?
On Karai Bari Island, formerly Hana Arashi Island — a heavily fortified tropical island in the New World.
Does Buggy know he is being manipulated?
No. Buggy genuinely believes he is a great strategist and the master of the Cross Guild. It is one of the funniest running gags of the Yonko arc.
Are there Wanted Posters for Mihawk and Crocodile at Wanted Store?
Yes — the Crocodile Wanted Poster is available. The official Mihawk Wanted Poster (featuring his revealed 3.59 billion Berry bounty) is being added to the catalogue. The Buggy Wanted Poster is also available.
