Villains who could return unharmed

One Piece often writes characters outside of the storyline. Many of the characters' stories are often continued either through covers or bits of the main story that later tease their involvement. One such example was when Crocodile, formerly one of Luffy's fiercest enemies, returned as an ally to Impel Down and even helped him during the Summit War due to their shared hatred of the government.

Since then, he has seen a resurgence in history, serving as one of the secret allies of the Cross Guild, a mercenary organization that awards rewards to the Marines. If Crocodile can once again become a force to be reckoned with, then there's no reason why other former villains can't return to history in a similar fashion. Here are a few villains primed for a potential return.​​​​​​

6 Gecko Moriah

Current Status: Escaped from Hachinohe

Gecko Moria, captain of the Thriller Bark Pirates and former warlord, was noted for his inadequacy. The traumatic loss he suffered at the hands of Kaido led him to attempt to control zombies for his pirate crew, believing that he would grieve less after their deaths. However, as an extension of this apathy, he has passed his prime. Doflamingo was ordered to execute him during the war at the top, but did not finish the job. Instead, Moriah survived and tried to reunite with his teammates. After discovering that Absalom, one of his few crew members, had been killed by Blackbeard's pirates, he decided to end up in prison rather than serve them.

It was recently confirmed that he was freed through the efforts of Perona, another of his living subordinates. With the return of freedom, it is not clear where he will go. It is possible that he could join the Crusader Guild, as he, like many of their leadership, is a known warlord with a grudge against the World Government.

5 Caesar the Clown

Current Status: Co-Founder of NEO MADS

Caesar the Clown was a fellow Vegapunk who cared far less about the ethics of science than his counterpart. He was formerly Donquixote Doflamingo's underling, using the latter's government connections to conduct his experiments without fear of punishment. However, with his master defeated and fired, the Clown became a hostage to the Straw Hats and was forced to team up with them for protection. After helping them in the land of Thoth, he was released.

He recently teamed up with Vinsmoke Judge, Sanji's father. However, this is not the first time the pair have met, as they were both previously part of an illegal research institute alongside Vegapunk and Queen (of the Beast Pirates) known as MADS. The pair recently decided to combine their research to create another institute in the same vein, known as NEO MADS. It's unclear to what extent the pair will reappear in the story, but they have plenty of leads.

4 Charlotte Katakuri

Current Status: Captain (?) of the Big Mom Pirates

Charlotte Katakuri was both Charlotte Linlin's son and chief subordinate, holding the power in Big Mom's Pirates. With his mother's defeat and presumed death in Wano, Katakuri was groomed by his siblings as a possible successor, challenged only by his half-brother Perospero, who wants to claim the title based on seniority. Despite his clear affiliation with evil, he was an honorable fighter and genuinely respected Luffy, believing him when he said he would become the Pirate King.

He was last seen listening to Vegapunk's message with some of his siblings, but before that he was fighting the Vinsmoke siblings, but Caesar the Clown arrived with a gas compound that allowed them to escape, while Katakuri ended up hallucinating and fighting with his brother Dukhovka. Since Katakura's half-sister, Pudding, was kidnapped by Blackbeard, he will probably lead his team to fight against the Emperor to get her back. If the circumstances call for it, he can even team up with Luffy to achieve his goals. However, any kind of autonomy he may have is determined by whether or not Big Mom is alive, for if she were, he would most likely obey her.

3 Donquixote Doflamingo

Current Status: Imprisoned in Impel Down

Donquixote Doflamingo was a former world noble who turned to piracy in an attempt to regain the power he believed he deserved. After a successful coup to capture Dressrose, he established himself as an arms dealer, working with many members of the underworld. Eventually, several pirates led by Luffy overthrew him, leading to his imprisonment.

He is now locked up in Impel Down, the World Government's sea prison, and keeps his spirits up despite his lack of freedom. Probably because he expects some form of salvation. While it is not clear how justified this opinion is, the release of Doflamingo himself is not without benefit. In addition to his criminal connections, Doflamingo, as a former world noble, has sensitive knowledge that the World Government wants to keep from the public, and especially from other criminals. Perhaps this could be his ticket to freedom. Like Moria, he may also join the Crusader Guild as he also has an obvious grudge against the government.

2 Magellan

Current Status: Vice Overseer of Impel Down

Magellan, who used to be the chief guardian of Impel Down, was demoted after Monkey D. Luffy's escape. Being a man bound by duty, the incident upset him so much that he seriously considered suicide. In his stead, Haniyabal, his former subordinate, took over as chief overseer, and he made no secret of his ambition. Magellan eventually returned to active duty, much to the delight of his superior and colleagues.

It's possible that Impel Down could suffer a breakout again. Even if a handful of the most dangerous criminals escape, the possibility of Doflamingo doing so, potentially taking others with him, is not impossible. If the escape does happen, Magellan will most likely be there, as the prison is his domain. Magellan may even be promoted back to his old position, as most of the blame would fall on the current Chief Warden.

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