Hunter Guild

Biodata

History

Founding

Dunn and Robin first drafted the Hunter Association as an organization capable of rivaling the World Government, Navy, and pirate forces. Their immediate objective was to build a reputation across the seas. 78

Dunn later clarified that he did not want a rigid organization governed by extensive rules. Instead, he envisioned the Guild as an inclusive “beacon” around which people could gather. 121 He tasked Crocodile with formally establishing it, trusting him to supply the organization and resources required. 123

Early Establishment

The Guild claimed Skypiea as a base for a Hunter Exam site after Dunn defeated Enel and took control of the sky island. 149 Dunn also offered Tom and his students the Guild’s protection, presenting membership as an alternative to remaining vulnerable to World Government surveillance in Water 7. 163

Upon returning to Sabaody Archipelago, Dunn planned to establish the headquarters in one of the archipelago’s lawless areas, Areas 1–29. 168 A functioning headquarters was later operating under Crocodile’s management. 341

Expansion

After Dunn’s strike created a canyon through the Red Line and intensified pirate activity, he decided that the Guild should actively expand its anti-piracy influence. Crocodile was assigned to recruit Pirate Hunters and establish branches throughout the Four Blues. 211

Dressrosa became the Guild’s first branch when King Riku requested its protection and offered support for Dunn’s organization. 240 The Guild subsequently became active in East Blue, where hunters captured pirates in exchange for points and rewards. 269

Dunn also pursued cooperation with the Revolutionary Army to support further branch expansion, though Crocodile initially regarded such cooperation as a delicate risk for the still-developing Guild. 219 238 250

Principles and Governance

• Core code — Hunters may “do as they please, but do no harm.” Dunn uses this principle to distinguish hunters from pirates. 168
• Limited rules — The Guild has comparatively few restrictions, but its members are still bound by rules that cannot be violated after joining. 342
• Guildmaster authority — Dunn makes final decisions on major policy, expansion, recruitment, and security matters. 328
• Crocodile’s role — Crocodile manages major Guild affairs, including finances, recruitment, branch planning, and responses to outside proposals. 211 219 341
• Internal enforcement — The Guild seeks information on hunters who disguise themselves as pirates to plunder others and offers compensation for useful reports. 325
• Infiltration response — When World Government and Marine infiltrators were suspected within the Guild, Dunn ordered that they be removed once identified. 328

Operations

Pirate Hunting

• Hunters capture pirates for points that can be exchanged for rewards. 269
• The Guild has pursued cooperation with outside groups, such as Baratie, to obtain intelligence on pirates and rogue hunters. 325
• Dunn has considered turning captured high-profile pirates over to the Marines and using this policy to help preserve order in the New World. 318 328

Hunter Exam

• Skypiea serves as the principal Hunter Exam site. 149
• The examination attracts pirates, adventurers, and other factions with promises of Devil Fruits and high-value rewards. 397
• Dunn, Rayleigh, Dragon, and other powerful figures serve as guardians of examination trial zones. 397
• Due to the difficulty of acquiring enough giant beasts for the trials, Dunn arranged for Caesar Clown and Vinsmoke Judge to create monsters for the exam. 328
• Hunters who truly pass receive the Guild’s full backing, including training support, operational resources, and the ability to mobilize substantial Guild assets. 404

Membership Categories

Locations and Branches

Notable Personnel and Affiliates

• Dunn — Founder and Guildmaster; defines the Guild’s code, strategy, and long-term direction. 168 354
• Crocodile — Senior administrator responsible for establishment, recruitment, finances, and internal affairs. 123 211 341
• Robin — Works closely with Dunn and handles operational communication, including contact with Crocodile during Guild incidents. 180
• Issho — Dunn’s partner and a major combatant associated with the Guild. 143
• Dracule Mihawk — Confirmed Guild member who assists in training and protecting younger hunters. 319 402
• Boa Hancock and Amazon Lily — Hancock declared that she and all of Amazon Lily intended to join the Guild. 214
• Stussy — Accepted into the Guild after directly requesting membership through Crocodile and Dunn. 252
• Kuina and Roronoa Zoro — Guild hunters who pursued Ace and intended to take the Hunter Exam before entering the New World. 297 319
• Capone Bege and Vinsmoke Judge — Their groups joined as the Guild became active on a larger scale. 272

Opposition and Political Position

The Navy and World Government monitor the Guild as a possible threat, particularly because of Dunn’s strength and the Hunter Exam’s growing influence. 219 At one point, the possibility of classifying the Guild alongside pirate forces was considered. 255

Despite Dunn’s personal deterrence, Crocodile described the early Guild as structurally fragile: powerful at its head but lacking equivalent strength throughout its body. 219 This weakness made recruitment, branch development, and outside cooperation strategically important.

The Five Elders later considered targeting the Guild’s upper ranks directly, recognizing it as a significant obstacle amid their conflict with Dunn and the wider world order. 418