The concept of the “Will of D” in One Piece has fascinated fans for years, revealing a complex lineage that stretches back to a time before the Void Century. This family line is believed to connect to the original King of the World, a ruler whose reign encompassed a tumultuous period filled with conflict among various factions: humans, Lunarians, Merfolk, and ancient giants.
A Tale of Two Princes
At the heart of this legacy are two twin princes who held contrasting ideals, ultimately leading to a fierce battle for the throne. The letter “D” itself symbolizes a split moon, representing the two distinct paths of these siblings—Dawn and Dusk.
Saint Moon Dusk represents darkness and corruption, seeking control over others, while Saint Moon Dawn embodies justice and the quest for freedom. Both princes displayed qualities of leadership, yet their ambitions were starkly different.
Their father, the King of the World, was able to unite rival kingdoms during his reign, but he died without naming a successor. This power vacuum led to a dispute over the throne, leaving the title of King of the World vacant. In the ensuing chaos, both siblings became co-rulers, with Dawn governing the day and Dusk ruling the night. Their opposing personalities and goals significantly influenced their paths: Dawn was a free spirit, reckless and unafraid of death, while Dusk was cunning and cautious, willing to impose control but fearful of his own mortality.
The Rise of Dusk
Ultimately, Dusk overthrew his twin brother, seizing the throne with the aid of allies who were later elevated to the status of Saints. As Dawn lay dying, he passed on his will to his followers, who adopted the initial “D” in honor of his legacy. This group included notable families such as Gol, Monkey, Nefertari, Kozuki, Trafalgar, Clou, Jaguar, and Montblanc. These families rallied around Dawn’s ideals, creating a bond that transcended bloodlines.
With Dusk in power, followers of Dawn became enemies of the gods, leading to their return to their respective kingdoms. For example, the Monkey family ruled Goa in the East Blue, while the Trafalgar family held sway in Flevance. Both families were eventually dethroned and exiled, setting the stage for the rise of the Ancient Kingdom.
The Moon Family and the World Government
The Moon family and their early allies laid the foundation for what would become the World Government. The Nefertari family, secretly loyal to Dawn, aligned with the 20 kingdoms that dismantled the Ancient Kingdom. Imu’s fascination with Princess Lili allowed the Nefertari to escape destruction, as Lili’s legacy continued through the Poneglyphs, which were hidden and passed down through generations.
Zunisha, the ancient elephant, wandered the Grand Line for nearly a century, scattering Poneglyphs across the sea. This rich history creates a tapestry of intrigue and conflict that shapes the One Piece narrative.
The Legacy of D
Interestingly, Dusk’s followers did not adopt the initial “D,” except for figures like Xebec and Blackbeard, who shared ambitions of ruling the world. Families such as the Figarland, Donquixote, Rocks, Korozumi, and Marshall families exemplified the ambitious and treacherous nature of Dusk’s legacy.
The era of the D family predates the advent of ancient weapons and Devil Fruits, a time when humans were not the apex species. Lunarians, Merfolk, and ancient giants dominated, and humans relied on alliances and resources to survive.
The Nerona Connection
The last name of Imu, Nerona, raises intriguing questions. If one of the twins were to bear this name, would the other also be a Nerona? This could suggest a deeper sibling connection, with one representing Dawn and the other Dusk.
There’s also speculation that Lili played a pivotal role in spreading the Poneglyphs, possibly using Kuma’s powers. O-Tama, a Kurozumi, diverges from her family’s legacy and possesses the ability to sleep, further complicating the narrative. Orochi’s sleeplessness seems to begin as Toki’s predicted date approaches, while Blackbeard’s origins from a cold country prevent him from sleeping without consequences.
Conclusion
The Will of D intertwines themes of legacy, ambition, and the struggle between light and darkness within the world of One Piece. As the series progresses, the depth of this lore continues to captivate fans, inviting them to ponder the implications of these rich narratives on the overarching story. The journey through the history of the D family is far from over, and as we await further revelations, the mysteries surrounding this legendary lineage will only grow deeper.
