15 Best Minor One Piece Characters Who Matter Later

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Often, characters in One Piece appear minor at first, but later become surprisingly important. These characters begin as background figures and unexpectedly play a crucial role in major plot twists, world-changing events, or the Straw Hats’ journey, leaving a lasting impact.

Koby

Koby starts out as a shy cabin boy in ‘Romance Dawn’ and eventually trains with Garp to become a Marine. He reappears during the ‘Marineford’ arc, briefly stopping the battle with a heartfelt request for mercy. After a two-year time skip, he rises through the ranks and becomes part of SWORD, a secret Marine unit. Later, he’s shown participating in important Navy missions, including events after the ‘Dressrosa’ arc.

Helmeppo

Helmeppo appears in the story as the pampered son of Captain Morgan. After an encounter with Garp, he begins training with Koby and enlists in the Marines. He later reappears as a capable fighter, participating in Marine operations and intelligence gathering. His involvement with the SWORD organization suggests a link between events in the East Blue and the Marines’ current strategies.

Buggy

Buggy is first introduced as a comical, villainous pirate in the Orange Town arc. He remarkably gathers allies and repeatedly escapes deadly situations that would defeat other pirates. His actions during the Impel Down and Marineford arcs bring him widespread fame and significantly change how people see him. Eventually, he leads the Cross Guild, transforming from a minor enemy into a powerful figure with global influence.

Mr. 3 Galdino

Galdino first appears in ‘Little Garden’ as an officer specializing in Baroque Works’ unique creations. He later plays a vital role in the escape from Impel Down by making wax keys and shields. During the battle at Marineford, he uses his wax abilities to help with important rescues, and he consistently provides crucial support that helps key characters survive.

Bellamy

Bellamy begins his story in ‘Jaya’ as a rather arrogant, minor pirate. After a significant loss, he resurfaces in ‘Dressrosa’ working for Donquixote Doflamingo. His involvement in the events there, particularly the tournament and the issues with the factory, impacts Luffy’s journey. Ultimately, he chooses a new direction that has lasting consequences for the symbol of the smiley Jolly Roger.

Caribou

Caribou initially appears as a tricky newcomer in the Sabaody Archipelago. He later sneaks onto the Thousand Sunny, creating trouble on Fish-Man Island. During the Wano Country arc, his actions result in sensitive information about powerful ancient weapons falling into the wrong hands. Throughout the story, he consistently acts as a channel for information that heightens the global conflict.

Nefertari Vivi

Vivi first appears disguised within the Baroque Works organization during the ‘Whiskey Peak’ arc. She quickly befriends the Straw Hat crew and continues to be involved in politics after the ‘Alabasta’ arc. Her family’s history becomes important again at the ‘Reverie’ meeting, causing increased tension with the World Government. News about her situation later spreads worldwide, causing a major stir.

Wapol

Wapol, formerly the king of Drum Island, lost his kingdom but later became wealthy by cleverly using his unique ability to eat anything. By the time of the Reverie, he had regained power and become a prominent figure in the media. His connections and gossip proved influential, even impacting major political announcements and shifting how the public viewed certain events.

Dalton

Dalton is a reserved guard on Drum Island who steps up to lead after the previous ruler, Wapol. He rebuilds the island’s government and safeguards its people as they work to define a new future. His steady leadership brings stability, and eventually links the island to larger world affairs through a significant meeting known as the Reverie. The changes on Drum Island demonstrate the lasting impact of events from earlier storylines.

Hatchan

Hatchan first appears as one of Arlong’s crew members at Arlong Park. Later, he reappears at the Sabaody Archipelago and plays a key role in helping the Straw Hats meet Rayleigh. His assistance is crucial for their plan to coat the Thousand Sunny, and it affects when important characters are able to reconnect. Beyond these major events, Hatchan quietly works to improve understanding between humans and fish-men, creating a positive impact throughout the story.

Duval

Duval first shows up near the Sabaody Archipelago as a masked motorcyclist, initially angry about a wanted poster resembling Sanji. Once the misunderstanding is cleared up, he joins forces with the Flying Fish Riders. He then helps the Straw Hat crew by providing escorts to important locations and later ensures they have safe passage and access to supplies in treacherous seas.

Crocus

Crocus first appears on Reverse Mountain, where he repairs the Going Merry. He shares important information about the Grand Line and the whale, Laboon. Hints about his past as a doctor and connection to a famous pirate crew foreshadow later revelations, and his relationship with Crocus proves crucial when Brook’s story is revealed.

Laboon

Laboon, a massive whale, waits at Reverse Mountain for someone he was promised he’d see again. The Straw Hat Pirates leave a hopeful message on his head as they sail on. Later, we learn Brook’s past is connected to Laboon’s long wait. This first meeting proves to be a powerful, emotional moment that becomes meaningful when their stories finally come together.

Stussy

Stussy first appears as a mysterious contact during the events at Whole Cake Island. She later emerges as an important player within the World Government, revealing surprising connections. Her loyalties challenge our understanding of how secret organizations operate, and her actions on advanced islands have significant consequences for both technology and political stability.

Jewelry Bonney

Bonney begins her story as a relatively unknown member of the Supernovas at the Sabaody Archipelago. She’s connected to some powerful and secretive events. When she reappears, it’s revealed she has personal connections to important scientific research that’s driving the current conflicts. Details about her past are changing how major groups see the future of the world.

Share your pick for a minor One Piece character who surprised you later in the comments.

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2025-11-12 19:15