Four Emperors

Four tyrants keep the New World on edge, casting shadows from one end to the other.

In the second half of the Grand Line known as the New World, the Four Emperors rule over separate empires consisting of several islands. An alliance between two or more of them is feared by the World Government, which maintains hegemony over most of the world. The geopolitical struggle between the World Government and the Four Emperors is the main conflict through the story. Initially the Four Emperors consists of Shanks, Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom, forming a precarious balance of power with the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the Marines that keeps the world at peace; they are allowed to do as they please without interference from or to the World Government.

Quick Facts

Key members: Shanks, Blackbeard (formerly Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom)

Lore & Background

The balance maintained by these four has been a central pillar of the world's stability for decades. Blackbeard's capture of Ace leads to a war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the World Government, which results in Whitebeard's death. Two years later, Blackbeard is considered to have assumed Whitebeard's position. Following the events of the Onigashima war, where Big Mom and Kaido were defeated, Monkey D. Luffy and Buggy were considered the new members to replace them. There have been seven different Emperors of the Sea during the story of One Piece. Big Mom was the first to form a pirate empire, followed by Whitebeard and Kaido. Shanks was the most recent Emperor of the Sea at the start of the story, and is now the longest-ruling Emperor at the present part of the story.

Reader's Guide

The Four Emperors are the four most powerful pirate captains currently active in the world of One Piece. They serve as the de facto rulers of the New World, controlling vast territories and commanding fleets of subordinate crews who pay them tribute. The members have shifted over time due to the deaths of legends like Whitebeard and the rise of new contenders like Blackbeard. The current roster includes Kaido, Big Mom, Shanks, and Marshall D. Teach. Their role in the conflict is pivotal; they act as the final obstacles for any crew aspiring to reach the end of the Grand Line. The World Government fears their power and often avoids direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary.

Did You Know?

Whitebeard held a bounty of 5,046,000,000, the second-highest bounty ever for a pirate after Roger.
Blackbeard used an unknown method to steal Whitebeard's Devil Fruit power after his death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Four Emperors?

They are four legendary pirate captains who dominate the New World with overwhelming influence and military strength. Originally consisting of Whitebeard, Shanks, Kaido, and Big Mom, the group now includes Blackbeard following major shifts in power.

How does their membership change?

Status is lost through death or defeat, such as Whitebeard dying at Marineford or Kaido being overthrown during the Wano arc. Blackbeard became a new Emperor after the war at Marineford, in which Whitebeard died, reshaping the landscape of piracy.