Jaba

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Jaba (贾巴)
Alias(es)	Old Jaba; “Old Man”
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Moss Town; Oak Craft General Store; former member of Gol D. Roger’s crew
Occupation/Role	Shopkeeper; former pirate; Mark and Daisy’s adoptive guardian and combat mentor
Status	Alive
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Jaba found Mark as an infant after Mark’s father set him adrift in a wooden basin to save him from the Marines. He raised Mark in Moss Town for fifteen years, requiring him to work from age two—first through chores such as washing clothes and carrying water, then at the Oak Craft General Store—to earn his place and build self-reliance. 2

A former member of Roger’s crew and implied former right-hand man, Jaba left the pirate life behind to run Oak Craft General Store. His sea journal preserves accounts of his travels, unusual races, Sea Kings, and a brief description of the Dark-Dark Fruit as “gravity” capable of attracting and devouring everything. 2 3

Jaba also helped rescue Daisy after slave traders captured her following her flight from the Celestial Dragons. He raised her alongside Mark, tempering her former Celestial Dragon arrogance through strict discipline. 5

Several years before Mark sailed, Red-Haired Shanks personally visited Moss Town and invited Jaba to join his crew. Jaba refused, though Shanks remained in town long enough to become acquainted with Mark and Daisy. 25

Appearance

Jaba is a bald elderly man whose relaxed shopkeeper appearance conceals his former pirate identity and combat ability. 1 7

• Wears sunglasses and has black tattoos covering his face. 1
• Commonly smokes a dry tobacco pipe. 1 3
• Carries and uses an axe. 7
• Is described as having an old pirate’s bearing even while living quietly in Moss Town. 5

Personality

Jaba is gruff, sarcastic, and prone to teasing Mark and Daisy, but his harsh manner consistently masks deep concern for them. He entrusts Mark with the store, supports Daisy’s choices despite complaining, and secretly cries when the two finally leave Moss Town. 3 5 10

His philosophy centers on strength and self-reliance. Rather than allowing Mark to depend on him, Jaba made him work and train from childhood, teaching him that survival requires becoming strong enough that no one can oppress him. 2

Though he complains about being abandoned when Mark and Daisy leave, he ultimately encourages them to pursue their ambitions—having once set sail toward his own dream on a mere wooden raft. 10

Abilities & Skills

Axe Combat

Jaba is an elite axe wielder whose skill formed the basis of Mark’s fighting style.

• Taught Mark axe techniques, including using force through the wrist and fingers during swings. 10
• Modified his techniques to better suit Mark’s massive two-handed Mountain-Splitting Axe. 10
• Killed several of Buffettla’s armed men before Mark arrived, remaining calm while facing their leader. 7
• Is regarded by Mark as a sea powerhouse despite his age. 7

Haki Instruction

Jaba trained Mark in Haki before his departure from Moss Town.

• Taught Mark both Observation Haki and Armament Haki without reservation. 10
• Mark awakened both forms within six months and learned to coat his body with Armament Haki under Jaba’s instruction. 10

Craftsmanship and Training Methods

Jaba’s mentorship extends beyond combat.

• Taught Mark carving as a means of improving wrist strength and axe precision. 3
• Established Mark’s work ethic through years of physical labor, chores, and daily training. 2
• Maintains a sea journal containing knowledge gathered during his travels. 3

Equipment / Items

• Axe — Used to fight the attackers at Oak Craft General Store. 7
• Tobacco pipe — A constant part of his appearance; he often smokes while observing events around him. 1 3
• Sea journal — Contains records of his travels and information on unusual phenomena and Devil Fruits. 3
• Oak Craft General Store — His Moss Town shop and the home base where Mark grew up. 3

Relationships

• Mark — Adoptive grandson and student. Jaba rescued and raised him, trained him in axe combat and Haki, and supports his decision to become a pirate despite the pain of parting. 2 10
• Daisy — Adoptive granddaughter. Jaba helped rescue her from slave traders and raised her alongside Mark; their relationship is affectionate but filled with bickering. 5 10
• Gol D. Roger — Former captain; Jaba’s past as one of Roger’s crewmates continues to make the Marines wary of him. 2 31
• Shanks — Former acquaintance who attempted to recruit Jaba years after Roger’s era; Jaba declined the offer. 25
• Crocus — Former Roger Pirates associate. Crocus immediately becomes friendlier to Mark’s crew upon hearing Jaba’s name. 39
• Aunt Ma (Mura) — Moss Town resident who brings Jaba news of the Moss Pirates; Jaba remembers her real name. 30

Story Role / Major Arcs

Mark’s Awakening and Moss Town Incidents

Jaba cares for Mark after he collapses following the acquisition of the Dark-Dark Fruit and Combat Bracer. He notices Mark’s growing confidence and appears to infer that Mark killed the man in Yarl Forest, but does not confront him over it. 1 2

When Buffettla’s group attacks Oak Craft General Store, Jaba has already killed several intruders by the time Mark arrives. He dismisses Mark’s concern and leaves Mark to deal with the remaining enemies. 7

Mark and Daisy’s Departure

Jaba spends six months preparing Mark and Daisy for their journey, intensifying their training before allowing them to leave Moss Town. He gives Mark supplies, argues theatrically with the pair, and hides behind a house to cry after seeing them off. 10

The Moss Pirates’ Rise

Jaba receives Mark’s wanted poster after the Moss Pirates become known in the East Blue. He responds with pride, declaring that he will wait for Mark’s name to resound across the seas. 30

The Marines identify Mark’s connection to Jaba as a major factor in the Moss Pirates’ threat assessment. Smoker states that the Marines avoid arresting Roger’s former crewmates because of their influence and the danger of provoking another great naval war. 31

Notable Quotes

“If you don't want to be killed, then become stronger from this moment onward. Become so strong that no one in this world can ever press you down!” 2

“You ungrateful brat, wasn't it enough for you to head out to sea on your own? You even ran off with this old man's granddaughter.” 10

Trivia

• Jaba’s preferred weapon is an axe, a preference Mark inherited through his training. 4
• He once sailed toward his dream on only a small wooden raft. 10
• His cooking is considered inferior to Mark’s by Crocus. 39