Overview of Long-Cons in One Piece
- Characters frequently engage in long cons, often with ulterior motives within various organizations.
- X Drake infiltrated pirate circles as a Marine operative, though his success remains uncertain.
- Kanjuro pretended to be a loyal member of the Kozuki clan while secretly serving Kurozumi Orochi for over two decades.
The term “long con”refers to elaborate scams that unfold over an extended period, typically aiming for a significant payoff. In the universe of One Piece, these scams often go beyond mere financial gain, allowing characters to pursue complex agendas.
Characters from all walks of life embed themselves into rival factions, each pursuing hidden motives. Some individuals maintain their façade for several years while deceiving those they claim to serve, showcasing the intricate and often treacherous side of trust and loyalty in the series.
1. X Drake
Undercover as a Pirate for 2 Years
- Functioned on behalf of the Marines through the SWORD unit.
X Drake, whose father was a Marine defector, was drawn into piracy. He later joined the Marines, ultimately becoming a part of its covert operations team, SWORD. To achieve his objectives, he posed as a pirate and gained notoriety within the Worst Generation, a group notorious for their piracy. His confrontation with Kaido served as a strategic move to penetrate the Beasts Pirates.
Although he officially joined Kaido’s crew during the time skip, his true intentions remained ambiguous, leaving questions about his ultimate success. After his identity was revealed, he allied with renowned figures like Monkey D. Luffy and the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance. Following the Onigashima raid, Drake returned to a Marine base, with his next steps still unclear regarding his experiences while embedded among pirates.
2. Rob Lucci, Kaku, Blueno, and Kalifa
Undercover for Approximately 5 Years
- Operated under the World Government as part of CP9.
CP9, a covert agency of assassins trained from a young age, was tasked with infiltrating Water 7 to acquire the blueprints for the formidable battleship Pluton. Members Rob Lucci and Kaku embedded themselves as foremen at the shipbuilding company Galley-La, while Kalifa became the secretary of President Iceburg, and Blueno worked as a bartender.
When they learned that Iceburg lacked the blueprints, they redirected their efforts towards Franky, who had been entrusted with the plans but promptly destroyed them. Their leader, Spandam, later betrayed them to avoid accountability, leading to their criminalization. The team eventually redeemed themselves by stopping a conspiracy against the World Government, culminating in their absorption into Cipher Pol “Aigis”0.
3. Vergo
Infiltrated the Marines for About 15 Years
- Collaborated with Donquixote Doflamingo.
Vergo, affiliated with Donquixote Doflamingo, undertook a mission to deeply infiltrate the Marines. He served as an “inside man”without a singular objective, which sometimes proved profitable. Despite his unusual eating habits, he maintained a spotless reputation among the Marines.
His notable achievement involved unmasking Doflamingo’s brother, Rosinante, as a Marine informant, which led to significant maneuvers within both organizations. His cover was ultimately compromised and he met his demise due to a gas attack ordered by Doflamingo, illustrating the dangers of such prolonged infiltration.
4. Kurozumi Kanjuro
Espionage Against the Oden Family for Nearly 21–41 Years
- Served under Kurozumi Orochi.
Kanjuro’s background as a member of the Kurozumi Clan involved him in a insidious plot against the Kozuki Clan, leading to his family’s tragic fate. Following the murder of his parents, he was groomed for betrayal, ultimately positioning himself as a trusted ally to Kozuki Oden.
Through deception, he ingratiated himself with Oden and became part of the Nine Red Scabbards while secretly forwarding intelligence to the Kurozumi Clan. However, his mission’s duration is debatable as his character continued post-time skip, practically extending his espionage for 41 years. Despite the eventual downfall of the Kozuki Clan, Kanjuro’s legacy remained ignominious, culminating in a duel with Kin’emon and his creation of Kazenbo as a farewell gesture.
5. Marshall D. Teach
Spent 26 Years with the Whitebeard Pirates
- Pursued his own agenda.
Marshall D. Teach, recognized for his cunning and strategic thinking, executed a long-term con that lasted over two decades, all built on ambition and speculation regarding the Yami Yami no Mi prowess. Accepted into the Whitebeard Pirates at a young age, he skillfully kept a low profile while harboring grand aspirations.
Rather than seizing immediate power, he waited for the right moment when Thatch, a fellow crew member, found the coveted Yami Yami no Mi. Teach’s treachery led him to eliminate Thatch and defect from the crew, subsequently claiming a crew of dangerous outlaws. His ascent culminated in the assassination of Whitebeard, allowing him to harness his captain’s powers and establish dominion over previously unclaimed territories, transforming himself into the infamous Blackbeard.