Roger

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Gol D. Roger (original: 罗杰)
Alias(es)	Pirate King; Captain Roger
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Roger Pirates
Occupation/Role	Captain; Pirate King
Status	Deceased in the original history; later temporarily manifested through Austin’s Tanuki Fruit ability 405 418
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Roger was already a legendary pirate when Austin encountered him on Dullamos Island. Having survived the God Valley incident, Roger was sailing the New World in search of the four remaining Poneglyphs. At that time, he had not yet contracted his terminal illness and was enjoying the freedom of the sea 1.

He welcomed Austin into the Roger Pirates and became one of the young pirate’s most important teachers. Roger recognized Austin’s extraordinary potential, protected him during dangerous battles, and took pride in his growth 10 11. Austin also learned from the wider crew, treating the Roger Pirates as both mentors and family.

After Roger’s illness was discovered, the crew accelerated its journey through the New World. They eventually reached Laugh Tale, after which Roger was formally recognized as the Pirate King. At the height of the crew’s fame, Roger announced its disbandment 9 22.

Roger later surrendered himself and was imprisoned in Impel Down. He was suffering from an incurable disease and had arranged for Austin to capture him in one timeline, rather than allowing Garp to take him 657 660. Before his execution, Roger asked Garp to protect his unborn child, Ace 121 660.

Roger’s execution launched a new age of piracy. Even after his death, his name continued to shape the actions of pirates, Marines, and the World Government 47 374.

Appearance

Roger appears as a broad, physically imposing man whose most recognizable features are his distinctive mustache, wide grin, and red captain’s coat.

• In his prime, he had a youthful, powerful appearance and wore a red cape while wielding the Black Blade Ace 230.
• In his later years, he had white hair, a snub nose, and prominent mustache hairs 405 409.
• Even when facing death or overwhelming opposition, he retained a carefree smile and confident posture 47 405.

Personality

Roger is charismatic, impulsive, and intensely drawn to strong opponents. He treats dangerous encounters as opportunities for excitement, immediately challenging Austin after sensing his Conqueror’s Haki and inviting him to join the Roger Pirates after their clash 229 230.

Despite his carefree behavior, Roger is fiercely loyal to his crew. He disbanded the Roger Pirates only after they had reached the height of their fame, and he used his own life as leverage to protect them from the World Government’s bounty system 22 28.

He values dreams, destiny, and personal freedom. Roger also has a playful and childish side, but he accepts danger without fear and continues smiling even during his execution 10 47.

Roger’s relationship with his family is more complicated. He loved Rouge and cared about Ace’s future, yet Austin considered him a failed husband and father for leaving them exposed to the World Government 41. Roger ultimately entrusted Ace’s protection to Garp, and later to Austin in another account of events 121 660.

Abilities & Skills

Haki

Roger possesses exceptionally powerful Haki, particularly Conqueror’s Haki.

• His clash with Shiki produced a battlefield filled with overwhelming Conqueror’s Haki pressure 11.
• His Conqueror’s Haki matched Austin’s during their meeting in the year 1483, cracking the earth and disrupting the surrounding sky 229.
• He uses Haki infusion through his sword attacks, including Divine Departure 230 409.
• His Haki remains formidable even in an aged, temporarily manifested state, allowing him to fight high-level opponents at Marineford 405 409.

Swordsmanship

Roger is a master swordsman who wields the Black Blade Ace.

• His signature technique, Divine Departure, is a devastating Haki-infused slash 230.
• He used the technique against Austin and later against Sakazuki during the Marineford battle 230 409.
• His swordsmanship was powerful enough to tear through Marineford and create a massive chasm 409.

Physical Strength and Durability

Roger has a powerful natural physique and does not rely on a Devil Fruit.

• He could remain physically dominant despite severe illness and imprisonment 657 660.
• His prime attack injured Austin and destroyed much of Water Seven Island 230.
• He could fight alongside Garp against Rocks, one of the strongest figures of the era 522 524.
• In his manifested form, his power ceiling was determined by Austin and remained close to Roger’s peak strength 405 409.

Leadership

Roger commands intense loyalty from his crew and inspires admiration even among rivals.

• He kept the Roger Pirates unified through battles against major pirate crews and the Marines 10 22.
• His decision to disband the crew followed their journey to Laugh Tale rather than a defeat 22.
• His charisma was strong enough that even after his death, Buggy wished to reform the Roger Pirates with him 406.
• He recognized talent quickly and tried to recruit Austin after their first confrontation 229 637.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Ace — Roger’s Black Blade and primary weapon. It was later held by Austin and returned to Roger during their reunion 229 407.
• Oro Jackson — The ship of the Roger Pirates, used during Roger’s final voyage and the crew’s journey to Laugh Tale 22 233.

Relationships

• Austin — Young crewmate, student, and one of Roger’s most valued successors. Roger recognized Austin’s strength and repeatedly encouraged him to join the Roger Pirates 1 229 637.
• Silvers Rayleigh — Roger’s closest comrade and vice-captain. Rayleigh fought beside Roger, protected him in battle, and remained deeply affected by his later return 10 230 405.
• Scopper Gaban — Senior officer and trusted combatant. Gaban fought alongside Roger and helped protect him during the clash with Austin 230.
• Monkey D. Garp — Lifelong rival and respected friend. Roger and Garp temporarily joined forces against Rocks and later fought together again at Marineford 522 524 409.
• Portgas D. Rouge — Roger’s lover and Ace’s mother. Roger spent part of his final period with Rouge before his capture 657.
• Portgas D. Ace — Roger’s son. Roger wanted Ace to have a future protected from piracy and asked Garp to care for him 121 660.
• Shanks and Buggy — Young apprentices aboard the Roger Pirates. Roger treated them as members of his crew and remained affectionate toward them even after they became independent pirates 1 405 406.
• Edward Newgate — Rival pirate captain and fellow legend. Roger fought Whitebeard during the God Valley-era conflicts and later confronted him again during the wider pirate struggle 236.
• Golden Lion Shiki — Rival captain and former associate from the previous pirate era. Roger and Shiki repeatedly clashed over power, ambition, and the future of the seas 10 408.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Roger Pirates’ Final Voyage

Roger leads the Roger Pirates through the New World while searching for the remaining Poneglyphs. During this period, Austin joins the crew and develops rapidly under Roger’s influence 1 9 10.

Laugh Tale and the Disbandment

Roger reaches Laugh Tale and becomes known as the Pirate King. Shortly afterward, he disbands the Roger Pirates, sending its members toward separate futures 22.

Surrender and Execution

Roger’s terminal illness leads him to surrender. In one timeline, Austin captures him and brings him to Impel Down, where Garp learns that Roger deliberately chose Austin as his captor 657 660. Roger’s execution becomes the defining event that begins the Great Pirate Era 47.

Time-Travel Encounter

When Austin travels back to the year 1483, he encounters Roger in his prime on Water Lily Star Island. Roger immediately challenges him, and their clash of Conqueror’s Haki devastates the surrounding area 229 230.

Austin later fights alongside Roger and Garp during the God Valley-era conflict against Rocks. Roger recognizes Austin as a key force in the battle and joins the effort to bring down Rocks 522 524.

Marineford Manifestation

During the Marineford War, Austin uses the awakened Tanuki Fruit to temporarily manifest Roger’s soul and appearance. The manifestation is incomplete and cannot last indefinitely, but it retains Roger’s personality and nearly his full combat power 405 418.

Roger’s appearance shocks the entire world. He learns about Ace’s fate, meets Buggy again, and fights Sakazuki before clashing with Garp in a destructive battle that tears through Marineford 405 409.

Notable Quotes

“Roger Pirates, disband!!!” 22

“You’re so strong, hey!!! Do you want to join us!!!” 229

“Hello, this world. I am... Gol D. Roger!!!” 405

“Marine kid, if you want to defeat me, you should let Garp and Sengoku come!!!” 409

Trivia

• Roger had not yet contracted his terminal illness when Austin first joined the Roger Pirates 1.
• Roger’s sword is named Ace, the same name later used by his son 229 407.
• His temporary manifestation could last only around ten days to half a month at most 418.
• Roger’s return caused the Five Elders to lose their composure and left the World Government openly shaken 406.
• Rayleigh described Austin as the strongest among the young trainees aboard Roger’s ship, noting that Shanks lost to him more than once 374.