The royal families depicted in One Piece are known for their unique structures and ideologies. Although the Straw Hat Crew are pirates, they have formed alliances with many of these families and frequently collaborate with their princesses.
Among them, Shirahoshi stands out as the most influential princess to work with the Straw Hats, despite never officially joining the crew like Nefertari Vivi. Her family, the Neptunes, have proven to be invaluable allies.
Their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of their people and advocating for equality among fishmen and other undersea species highlights their noble pursuits. Even though their efforts are hindered by the corrupt Celestial Dragons, the Neptune Family consistently prioritizes their community.
Otohime’s vision of peace lives on, despite the challenges faced by her people (Photo:Otohime/Toei Company)Numerous influential figures have championed the cause of freedom for fishmen, each presenting a distinct vision. Fisher Tiger, a former slave turned pirate, is among the most impactful. Renowned for liberating slaves of all species, he founded the Sun Pirates and provided refuge to fishmen seeking solidarity.
His enduring legacy lives on through individuals like Jinbe, Arlong, Hody Jones, and Koala the Revolutionary. Though their perspectives differ from his, Fisher Tiger’s influence extends deeply into the lives of Fish Man Island’s Royal Family. Each figure connected to his legacy has forged their own relationship with the Neptunes.
King Neptune’s Role as a Leader
Towering over most of his subjects as a giant coelacanth merman, King Neptune exudes a larger-than-life presence. His boisterous personality is balanced by a genuine commitment to his people. Although he has shown impulsiveness, such as when he initially had the Straw Hats arrested, his actions are always aimed at safeguarding Fish Man Island.
His unconventional thinking has proven useful, allowing him to better understand and trust the crew, particularly with Jinbe among their ranks. Neptune’s alliance with the Straw Hats has been pivotal for the island’s security.
| Character | Species | Age | Japanese VA | English VA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neptune | Coelacanth | 70 | Minoru Inaba | Bruce DuBose |
| Otohime | Goldfish | 36 | Michiko Neya | Amanda Lee |
| Fukaboshi | Shark | 24 | Kentaro Ito | Jarrod Greene |
| Ryuboshi | Oarfish | 23 | Yūsuke Numata | Alex Ross |
| Manboshi | Opah | 20 | Kazunari Tanaka | Troy Hughes |
| Shirahoshi | Smelt-whiting | 16 | Yukana | Bryn Apprill |
Otohime’s Pursuit of Equality
For centuries, fishmen have endured oppression and exploitation, often treated as nothing more than a source of slave labor by the Celestial Dragons. Otohime, a goldfish mermaid, dedicated her life to breaking these barriers.
Advocating for peace and cooperation with humanity, she clashed ideologically with Fisher Tiger, though mutual respect existed between them. Her efforts inspired figures like Donquixote Mjosgard to embrace the notion of equality. Otohime also secured Fish Man Island’s first seat at the Reverie, marking a milestone for her people.
Despite these advancements, progress was hindered following Fisher Tiger’s demise. Many of his followers became embittered, with Arlong inciting hatred and Hody Jones ultimately taking Otohime’s life while framing a human for the act.
Yet, even in her final moments, Otohime championed peace. Her ideals live on through her children and Jinbe, who continue her work to unite fishmen and humans.
Fukaboshi’s Leadership and Dedication
As a shark merman and the presumed heir to Fish Man Island, Fukaboshi has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to his people. From pledging to uphold his mother’s ideals at her funeral to delivering Jinbe’s message to Monkey D. Luffy, he takes his responsibilities seriously.
The alliance between the Straw Hats and the Neptune Family showcases true unity against adversity (Photo: Straw Hats and the Neptune Familye/Toei Company)Protecting Shirahoshi and the island remains his primary focus, and his calm demeanor only falters when his sister is threatened. Though intensely devoted, Fukaboshi strives to approach each situation with fairness and discernment.
Ryuboshi’s Joyful Spirit
Ryuboshi, an oarfish merman, shares his family’s devotion to Shirahoshi and Fish Man Island. Known for his unique habit of singing in scales while speaking, he often uses music and dance to uplift Shirahoshi’s spirits, a tradition that began in her childhood and continued after Otohime’s death. Though primarily seen as a cheerful and entertaining figure, Ryuboshi is also ready to defend his people when the situation demands it.
Manboshi’s Energetic Nature
Manboshi, the youngest prince and an opah merman, brings boundless energy to his role. Like his brother Ryuboshi, he incorporates music into his interactions but refrains from singing in scales.
His lively personality doesn’t diminish his resolve, as he proved during battles against the New Fish Man Pirates. Whether dancing or fighting, Manboshi consistently demonstrates his dedication to his family and their cause.
Shirahoshi’s Unique Power and Vulnerability
As a giant smelt-whiting mermaid, Shirahoshi possesses a fragile yet brave demeanor shaped by years of isolation. Her family’s protective nature stems from her role as the ancient weapon Poseidon, granting her control over sea kings.
This extraordinary power makes her a target, compelling her family to safeguard the secret. Despite these challenges, Shirahoshi yearns to explore the world her mother envisioned and actively supports efforts to achieve peace.
The Neptune Family’s Enduring Mission
The Neptunes’ connections to the Void Century and Gol D. Roger’s journey reveal their deeper understanding of the world’s secrets. These ties, combined with Shirahoshi’s status as Poseidon, place them at odds with the World Government, which refuses to grant their people equality.
Despite these risks, the Neptunes persist in their advocacy for their people, forging alliances with pirates like the Straw Hats to ensure Fish Man Island’s future.
