One Piece’s D. Clan may have a connection to the Void Century and World Government through their position as slaves 800 years ago.
One Piece‘s D. Clan have been a mystery as shrouded as the One Piece itself. Numerous characters within the series have the initial D. in the middle of their name, and not all are linked through blood, most notably the Monkey Family, Marshall D. Teach, Rocks D. Xebec and Jaguar D. Saul to name a few. Whilst there are some in the series who certainly know the history and relevance of the initial, it has been kept from fans with only brief explanations and subtle hints.
There are many theories speculating on the purpose of the general initial, the D. Clan, and the Will of D. However, there is a theory that considers various aspects of One Piece’s themes, Monkey D. Luffy’s driving force through the series, and the idea of order versus chaos — which seems to be a factor in Blackbeard’s agenda. It is believed the D. initial represents a group of people in the Void Century who stood against the Celestial Dragons — or the powers that be at the time — and the significance of this comes from their status as slaves.
One Piece’s Subtle Foreshadowing of the D. Clan Heritage
There is a possibility that Eiichiro Oda used the D. to signify the Japanese word for ‘slave’ (奴隷, dorei). This would mean those who hold the Will of D continuously carry a reminder of what their ancestors once were, to remind them to endlessly strive for freedom. During the Void Century, the slaves revolted against the World Government and became enemies of the Gods. This idea would explain why the World Government is so vigilant of the clan. They once had them in chains, but they proved too powerful to contain and broke their shackles. The Will of D has never forgotten the strive for freedom, even 800 years later.
This would also explain the fact that D. is not allocated to one family in particular, nor even far-related characters. Dorei was the name of those in servitude, and the clan would have spread far and wide after they achieved freedom from the World Government, perhaps even bringing it to its knees during the Void Century. Years passed, but the Will of D remains within those who once found freedom. Even if the story of how they achieved it is lost — perhaps to be found on Laugh Tale — their D continues to help guide those with it to One Piece‘s conclusion.
Why One Piece’s World Government Is Cautious of the D. Clan
Naturally, those who know the weakness or have the ability to bring freedom to the world are the enemy of a tyrannical governmental force. Anyone with the initial of D. is immediately a threat to their regime. Like Spartacus pressed Rome into a corner, bringing thousands to his side, those who were once slaves show the World Government is capable of failure in its total control and power.
However, the inclusion of characters who have sided with the World Government — such as Monkey D. Garp and Saul — shows that the idea of complete freedom is not absolute within the Dorei. This implies the World Government is prepared, or perhaps would even prefer, to bring those with the D. back into the fold. As the D. Clan is likely as old, if not older than many of the current Celestial Dragons, their place on the world stage could be more beneficial to the World Government rather than simply wiping them off the face of the earth. If they are considered enemies of the Gods, it seems they can be protectors of them too.
Once the Straw Hats finally reach Laugh Tale and the One Piece is unveiled, the truth about the D. Clan will follow. There is a reason why the clan is considered so dangerous in the World Government’s eyes, but also a reason why they are not immediately killed when anyone with the D. is born. Garp was allowed in the Navy for a reason, and Gol D. Roger was called Gold Roger for a reason too. Their place in history is not as black and white as enemies to the Celestial Dragons.
