第197回：Sakana-kun

Readers around the world now know Bonney’s origin story and her real age and while the drama between Kuma, Ginny, and Bonney has taken center stage –rightfully so- there’s one bit of behind-the-scenes drama that Oda has been folding into the story. I’m referring to the relationship between Gyogyo, his mohawk’d friend, and Bonney.

“Gyogyo and who now?”

These two characters in the right panel:

Both Gyogyo and his comrade have not only watched Bonney grow up over the years, they literally grew up alongside Kuma and Ginny in Sorbet:

And although they began as bullies, they became extremely close to both Kuma and Ginny over the years. Even in this non-canon cover illustration by Oda, the two are seen clearly in the background, suggesting they associated with both Kuma and Ginny on a near-daily basis.

In fact, they were so dedicated to the duo, that they wound up imprisoned just for trying to free Kuma when he was jailed:

As it turns out, they first appeared in ONE PIECE waaay back in Chapter 498 which was over fifteen years ago right alongside Bonney’s manga debut:

In fact, Gyogyo can even be seen once again here in Chapter 595

So…why are they hanging around Bonney on her ship? First and foremost, it seems that due to their love and respect for Ginny and Kuma, they are willing to protect her with their very lives! But there’s another reason that isn’t quite as obvious but becomes apparent with just a bit of insight.

Gyogyo and ‘mohawk’ are not just protecting Bonney by raw strength, they’re also protecting her image on the high seas. Without proper training, Bonney couldn’t run an entire pirate ship on her own. Even if she amassed a crew, we have no indication that she studied cartography or seafaring and her lack of experience would *quickly* become apparent without a solid inner circle that both knew her secret, and how to navigate a seafaring vessel. Gyogyo and ‘Mohawk’ take up that position. They’re her protector, the wind in her sails, and the keeper of her secret.

Being raised and adored by the entire village, it’s highly likely that Gyogyo and ‘Mohawk’ aren’t the only ones fron Sorbet onboard.

For instance, this fellow sports a strikingly similar body type and hairstyle to that of this man imprisoned alongside Gyogyo:

And maybe some of the village elders have benefited from Bonney’s powers and have accompanied her at sea as well: