Living as a pirate isn’t suited for everyone—even many who have embraced the lifestyle. Various reasons contribute to this realization, leading some to abandon their swashbuckling ways despite the extensive time they invested in it. While the anime One Piece illustrates numerous seasoned pirates continuing their adventures into old age, others opt to step back earlier. The motivations behind these departures can differ greatly, and often the subsequent lives they lead are fraught with their own challenges, as many former pirates remain fugitives. To be included in this compilation, a pirate must no longer be affiliated with an active crew or partake in piracy in any significant way.
5 Silvers Rayleigh
First Mate of the Roger Pirates
Revered as the “Dark King,”Rayleigh served alongside Gol D. Roger for many years, often falling into a disciplinary role due to his respected status. His tenure with the Roger Pirates granted him unique knowledge regarding the whereabouts of the One Piece, making him one of the few pirates with such insight. Despite the legendary status achieved during his time with Roger, Rayleigh chose a quieter life post-adventure, working as a coating expert for ships and settling down with his partner, Shakuyaku, who is also a former pirate.
Though retired, Rayleigh’s bounty remains active, and he has preserved his remarkable physique even as the years have passed. He possesses enough strength to go toe-to-toe with formidable foes like Kizaru and Blackbeard, proving that his legacy is still a source of fear. While he may have left piracy behind, he continues to guide the likes of Monkey D. Luffy and Boa Hancock, imparting wisdom in the three forms of Haki due to his extensive expertise.
4 I will eat
Lieutenant Commander in the Marines
Jango, a hypnotist, once held the title of temporary captain in the Black Cat Pirates, a role he obtained rather ironically as his original captain, Kuro, wished to abandon piracy. Kuro successfully eluded capture by having Jango enthrall a similar-looking crewmate into believing he was the captain, resulting in the execution of this substitute and a bounty clearance without suspicion. Later, Jango took on the position of butler to a wealthy heiress named Kaya, under the alias Klahadore. Kuro had ulterior motives to acquire Kaya’s fortune, using Jango’s abilities to secure his place as her sole heir.
However, Jango’s tale took a turn when he was bested by Usopp in a single strike, narrowly missing the chance to reunite with his fleeing crew. He found himself on an island featuring a dance contest, where he crossed paths with Marine Lieutenant Fullbody, sharing a mutual passion for dancing. Together, they fought off pirates threatening the island, but Jango ultimately faced trial for his pirate identity. Fortunately for him, Fullbody sacrificed his own rank to secure Jango’s acquittal.
Subsequently, the duo worked under Hina, a high-ranking marine they both had feelings for, and through their efforts, they ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Commander—one rank above what Fullbody sacrificed for Jango.
3 Hatchan
Officer of the Arlong Pirates
Hatchan was a loyal companion of Arlong, although he was less fervent about the anti-human sentiments championed by his captain. He initially aligned with the Arlong Pirates during their more trivial days on Fish-Man Island. Afterward, he became part of the Sun Pirates but later returned to the Arlong crew when the two teams parted ways. Positioned at Arlong Park, Hatchan stood among Arlong’s top officers.
His crew met its demise at the hands of the Straw Hat Pirates during their quest for Nami. In a notable battle, Hatchan was defeated by Zoro, who employed only half the swords that Hatchan did. Following the majority of the crew’s apprehension, Hatchan escaped imprisonment and ultimately established a successful Takoyaki restaurant on the seas. In time, he formed alliances, including with the Straw Hat Pirates, yet his days as an active pirate ended with Arlong’s capture.
2 Viola
Officer of the Donquixote Pirates
Viola’s pirate journey was largely motivated by her father, King Riku Doldo III of Dressrosa. After witnessing her father’s impending execution at the hands of Donquixote Doflamingo, she joined his crew, leveraging her mind-reading Devil Fruit abilities to ensure her father’s survival.
Eventually, in the current timeline, she attempted to seduce and assassinate Sanji but found herself moved by his genuine character. Consequently, she warned him of his crew’s peril and allied with the Straw Hats and their friends to eliminate the threat posed by the Donquixote Pirates. Once the crew suffered significant arrests, Viola seemed at peace with her departure from piracy, only to later be seen partaking in the Levely as a princess, now that her father reclaimed his throne.
1 Morley
Revolutionary Army Commander (West Branch)
The tale of Morley, a giant, in the realm of piracy is notably brief compared to her long life of over a century and a half. She is known to have been incarcerated in Impel Down at some point, ultimately escaping in a manner that contradicted the prison’s reputed inescapability, before Shiki followed suit. Utilizing her Devil Fruit powers that enabled her to manipulate the ground, she created a hidden area within the prison known as Newkama Land. Being a Newkama herself, Morley likely supported this creation, possibly having a hand in nurturing it.
For reasons unknown, Morley transitioned from her piratical life to that of a Revolutionary Army member. This shift is intriguing since revolutionaries often endure dangers exceeding those of piracy. It’s likely that her status as an escaped convict rendered safety concerns moot for her. As a commander, she ranks among the most formidable agents of the Revolutionary Army, displaying remarkable courage by infiltrating Mary Geoise, the World Government’s capital. Given her daring quests, piracy appears to constitute a mere footnote in her extensive career.
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