Lafitte

Biodata

Background and History

Lafitte declined an invitation from Shanks before joining Blackbeard’s newly formed crew in the West Blue. Blackbeard recruited him as its third member, after Arlong 222 242. When Akainu and Saint Garin intercepted the crew, Lafitte flew away and told Blackbeard to escape. Arlong, who saved Blackbeard by taking him into the sea, condemned Lafitte for abandoning them. Blackbeard nevertheless welcomed Lafitte back when they reunited in the South Blue, allowing Arlong to challenge him 244 245 262.

After being imprisoned in Impel Down, Lafitte supplied the Marines with information about Blackbeard’s route in exchange for a reduced sentence. The intelligence helped Aokiji intercept and capture Blackbeard 284 290. Seven then paid Deputy Warden Rolen one billion Beli to secure Lafitte’s release. Lafitte disavowed Blackbeard to Seven and accepted a place as an intern in the Morning Star Crew 344 345. Seven marked him with a controlling Devil Fruit power and sent him back undercover with orders to recover the Logia-type Dark-Dark Fruit 345.

To regain Blackbeard’s trust, Lafitte carried him out of Punk Hazard during a staged escape. Blackbeard, unaware of Lafitte’s allegiance, promoted him to vice captain 401. Lafitte subsequently kept Blackbeard pursuing his ambitions while steering him toward dispossessed nobles who could fund the Blackbeard Club. He advised Blackbeard on approaching Stussy, winning noble support, and challenging Aokiji to attract further investment 412 425 427. His undercover assignment lasted nine years 452.

When a crewman found the Dark-Dark Fruit on Jaya, Lafitte took it under the pretense of delivering it to Blackbeard. He instead flew to Sky City and presented it to Seven 449 450 452. Seven appointed him chief staff officer of Air Force Headquarters. Lafitte’s years inside the Blackbeard Club also helped the United Kingdom identify and uproot the remnants of the old era who had backed it 452 456.

Appearance

Lafitte is seen wearing a top hat and carrying a cane; he can sprout wings from his back 242 262.

• Top hat — Straightens it before facing Arlong in the South Blue 262.
• Wings — Allow him to take flight, including while carrying Blackbeard or the Dark-Dark Fruit 242 401 450.

Personality

Lafitte adjusts his manner to the person in front of him. Facing Seven after his release, he quickly renounced Blackbeard to secure his own survival; while undercover, he encouraged Blackbeard so convincingly that Blackbeard came to regard him as his most loyal companion 344 401 412. His concern for Blackbeard surviving the fight with Aokiji was genuine, but it was rooted in his need for Blackbeard to remain alive until the Dark-Dark Fruit was found 432.

He is ambitious about recognition and rank. On returning to Sky City, he eagerly accepted his Air Force appointment and declined Seven’s offer of two days’ rest 452.

Abilities & Skills

Flight and infiltration

Lafitte can grow wings and fly. Seven also identifies flight and hypnosis as capabilities useful for entering restricted areas, controlling guards, and gathering intelligence 242 284.

• Escaped a Marine interception by flying away 244.
• Carried Blackbeard out of Punk Hazard and flew toward a ship offshore 401.
• Transported the Dark-Dark Fruit from Jaya to Sky City 450.

Strategy and deception

• Maintained his cover beside Blackbeard for nine years without exposing his mission 452.
• Directed Blackbeard toward old-era nobles as sources of funds, personnel, and Devil Fruits 412 425.
• Repeatedly restored Blackbeard’s confidence when he considered giving up 412 423.
• Arranged a purported bribe for Arlong’s early release to motivate Blackbeard; Lafitte had actually coordinated an act with Impel Down’s deputy warden 433.

Combat

• Is skilled with pistols and canes 242.
• Fought Arlong after rejoining the Blackbeard Pirates, though the outcome is not specified 262.
• His overall combat strength remains unspecified when Seven appoints him chief staff officer 452.

Equipment and Items

• Cane — One of his stated fighting implements 242.
• Pistols — Weapons he is stated to use skillfully 242.
• Dark-Dark Fruit — Recovered from Jaya and delivered to Seven rather than Blackbeard 450 452.

Relationships

• Blackbeard (Teach) — Former captain and the target of Lafitte’s undercover mission. Blackbeard promoted him to vice captain after the Punk Hazard escape and trusted him to deliver the Dark-Dark Fruit 401 450.
• Barzeb Seven — Recruited and controlled Lafitte, assigned him the Dark-Dark Fruit mission, then rewarded its completion with an Air Force headquarters post 344 345 452.
• Arlong — Blackbeard crewmate who distrusted Lafitte after he fled the Marine interception; the two fought when Lafitte returned 245 262.
• Shiryu — Lafitte’s immediate superior in the Morning Star Crew; received him on his return to Sky City 452.
• Roadside — Blackbeard crewmate who noticed Lafitte’s excitement over the newly found Devil Fruit and attempted to warn Blackbeard 449.