The recurring message in One Piece emphasizes that no organization is purely good or evil. The marines, while serving as protectors against pirates, also act as enforcers for the oppressive Celestial Dragons.
Despite their public image, they conceal truths and can be as harmful to civilians as they are protective. The Buster Call, a mechanism for large-scale destruction, exemplifies this duality.
Although intended as a covert operation, it is widely known among marine personnel. Though only three instances of Buster Calls are shown in the manga, their use demonstrates the marines’ willingness to employ such force when deemed necessary.
One Piece reveals the complicated nature of the marines, where protection often masks darker truths hidden from the public (Photo: Marine Leaders/Toei Animation)Nico Robin’s Role in Buster Calls
Robin has been central to every depicted Buster Call, with each event tied to the mysterious Void Century. The destruction of Ohara, Enies Lobby, and Egghead Island highlights the marines’ repeated failure to fully achieve their goals.
These events have also defined the principles of the original admirals, whose actions during the Buster Calls reflect their distinct approaches to justice.
Unlike other marine operations, such as Kizaru’s attack at Sabaody, Buster Calls adhere to specific protocols recognized within the marine hierarchy.
Buster Call Protocols and Command
The authority to initiate a Buster Call is limited to 10 of the World Government’s highest-ranking officials, including admirals and the Five Elders. This privilege can be delegated to lower ranks via the golden Den Den Mushi, though such delegations are rare.
Cipher Pol agents, despite not directly managing Buster Calls, have been involved in all known instances. These operations, executed with extreme force, deploy five vice admirals and ten battleships, targeting islands with no possibility of withdrawal until the mission’s conclusion.
The Ohara Incident: A Devastating Misstep
When the scholars of Ohara uncovered secrets of the Void Century, the World Government labeled them a threat, prompting a Buster Call. Though Akainu and Aokiji participated as vice admirals, their actions highlighted a moral divide.
Akainu’s ruthless destruction of evacuation ships contrasted with Aokiji’s decision to spare Robin, setting the stage for future conflicts between the two. While the operation succeeded in destroying the Tree of Knowledge, Robin survived alongside key texts, undermining the government’s aims.
Enies Lobby: A Repeat of History
The mission at Enies Lobby sought to rectify the perceived failures of Ohara by executing Robin. However, the Straw Hats’ intervention and Spandam’s blunders complicated the plan. Although Aokiji provided Spandam the golden Den Den Mushi, the operation was disorganized, resulting in delays and internal conflicts.
Nico Robin’s ties to Buster Calls highlight the tragic consequences of the marines’ pursuit of their vision of justice (Photo: Nico Robin/Toei Animation)The Straw Hats thwarted the mission, rescuing Robin and Franky while gaining new bounties. The marines’ actions not only failed but also led to the destruction of Judicial Island.
Egghead Island: A Larger-Scale Operation
The Egghead Island Buster Call marked the most ambitious operation to date, involving nine vice admirals and an unprecedented number of ships. Unlike previous calls, this mission was overseen by a member of the Five Elders.
Despite the increased firepower, the marines were unable to eliminate their targets. Vegapunk managed to disseminate critical information, while the Straw Hats escaped with valuable allies. Though Vegapunk appeared to die, his legacy and knowledge persisted.
Buster Calls and Their Repercussions
Each encounter with a Buster Call strengthens the Straw Hat crew’s resilience while exposing flaws within the World Government. These operations, intended as demonstrations of marine strength, instead reveal vulnerabilities and erode the confidence of both civilians and marine forces.
The recent destruction of Lulusia Kingdom suggests the government may be seeking alternatives to Buster Calls, given their continued failures. What remains clear is the growing disillusionment within the marines, as these brutal tactics cast doubt on the righteousness of their cause.