In the vast, interconnected universe of One Piece, there are characters who have left an indelible mark on the fandom despite never appearing in the official manga. These are the heroes, villains, and allies from filler arcs, movies, and video games, created by Eiichiro Oda or approved by him but existing outside of his central narrative. While some, like Shiki and Uta, have been given a small nod of canon status in the manga, the majority remain in a kind of purgatory, celebrated by fans but not officially part of the main storyline. This creates a bittersweet feeling, as many of these characters are so well-designed and compelling that their exclusion from the main story feels like a missed opportunity. This article will highlight some of the most beloved non-canon characters who have earned their place in the manga’s canon and discuss why their inclusion would enrich the final saga of One Piece.

1. Vice Admiral Jonathan (G-8 Arc)

The G-8 Arc is arguably the most beloved filler arc in the entire One Piece anime. At the heart of this arc is Vice Admiral Jonathan, a brilliant strategist and a morally complex Marine. Unlike the dogmatic, “Absolute Justice” followers, Jonathan adheres to a more pragmatic and reasonable form of justice. He respects the Straw Hat Pirates as formidable opponents and engages them in a game of cat and mouse rather than a simple brute force battle. His dynamic with the Straw Hats, particularly Sanji and Usopp, and his unique philosophy make him a standout character. Making Jonathan canon would not only add a fan-favorite to the ranks of the Marines but also provide a much-needed contrast to the more extreme Marines like Akainu. He would be a perfect fit for a small role in the final war, perhaps providing a moral compass for the Marine forces.

2. Zephyr (One Piece Film: Z)

Zephyr, also known as “Black Arm Z,” is a tragic and compelling figure. A former Marine Admiral and a mentor to some of the most powerful Marines, including Aokiji and Kizaru, Zephyr turned his back on the World Government after his family and unit were brutally murdered by a pirate who was then granted the title of Warlord of the Sea. His story of disillusionment and a quest for revenge against the corrupt system is deeply resonant with One Piece’s core themes. Zephyr is one of the most well-developed movie villains, with a clear motivation and a sense of justice that has been twisted by grief. While his overall plan to destroy the New World is a bit too grandiose for the manga’s canon, his backstory and his unique relationship with the Marines are too good to ignore. A flashback or a small-scale appearance in the manga would add a powerful and tragic layer to the history of the Marines and the World Government’s flaws.

3. Gild Tesoro (One Piece Film: Gold)

Gild Tesoro, the main antagonist of Film: Gold, is one of the most visually and thematically rich villains in the series. He is a former slave who, after being freed by Fisher Tiger, became obsessed with money and power. He uses the Gol-Gol Fruit to control and manipulate gold, creating a massive, Vegas-like city-ship where he reigns as a ruthless king. His backstory, a direct result of the cruelty of the Celestial Dragons, is one of the most compelling backstories in the series, on par with characters like Law and Doflamingo. His desire for revenge and his unique powers would make him a fantastic, albeit small, player in the final war. He could be a pirate who allies with the Straw Hats simply because he despises the World Government and the Celestial Dragons as much as they do. His inclusion would be a perfect way to show the far-reaching consequences of the World Government’s tyranny.

4. Patrick Redfield (One Piece: Unlimited World Red)

From the world of video games, Patrick Redfield, also known as “Red” the Red Count, is a legendary pirate who was once a rival to both Gol D. Roger and Whitebeard. He is the main antagonist of the game One Piece: Unlimited World Red and is a user of the Batto Batto no Mi, Model: Vampire Devil Fruit. He has an interesting and tragic backstory of his own, and his goal is to find a way to become young again. The fact that a character of such immense power and historical significance exists outside the manga feels like a great disservice to the world of One Piece. A single flashback panel or a reference to him in the manga would do wonders for the series’ lore. He could be a crucial figure in the story of the Rocks Pirates or a survivor of a past era, providing a fresh perspective on the history of the seas.

5. Byrnndi World (One Piece 3D2Y)

Byrnndi World, the main antagonist of the TV special One Piece 3D2Y, is a pirate from the same era as the legendary Rocks D. Xebec. He is the user of the Mogu Mogu no Mi, which allows him to multiply the size and speed of anything he touches. He was imprisoned in Level 6 of Impel Down and was one of the many prisoners who escaped during the Blackbeard Pirates’ raid. The fact that a character of his caliber, with ties to the series’ history and a connection to the timeline’s greatest war, is considered non-canon is a crime. His inclusion would not only add a major player to the final war but also provide more insight into the world’s most dangerous criminals. He is a character that perfectly fits into the ongoing narrative, and his absence is a glaring gap in the story.

6. Gaimon

While Gaimon is technically a canon character from the manga’s early chapters, his subsequent appearances in the anime have made him a fan favorite, and his fate remains a mystery. He is a man who was trapped in a treasure chest for two decades, and the sheer absurdity of his character is what makes him so memorable. The anime has added to his story, giving him a girlfriend and a more detailed backstory. Bringing Gaimon back into the manga would be a perfect way to tie up a long-forgotten loose end and provide a moment of nostalgia and humor in the final saga. He could appear in a small cover story or a single panel, showing that the world of One Piece has not forgotten its most unique and bizarre characters.

7. Lily Enstomach

A character from a video game who is incredibly popular with the community, Lily Enstomach from One Piece: Unlimited Adventure, is a giant who ate a Devil Fruit that allows her to shrink. Her unique abilities and her character design make her a perfect candidate for a canon appearance. The fact that she is a giant with a Devil Fruit power is a unique combination that has not been explored in the main story. With the upcoming Elbaf Arc, the inclusion of a character like Lily would be a perfect way to add a fresh and intriguing dynamic to the giant race. She could be a member of the Giant Pirates or a part of the Giant Assassin Division, and her powers would make her a valuable ally or a formidable opponent.

The Case for Making Them Canon

The final saga of One Piece is the perfect time for Eiichiro Oda to bring these fan-favorite characters into the manga. Their compelling backstories, unique abilities, and strong fan reception are a testament to their quality. While Oda has a strict policy about what is and is not canon, a few simple panels or a single reference could be enough to officially cement these characters in the series’ history. It would be a huge show of appreciation to the fans who have followed the series for decades and a way to tie up some of the most compelling loose ends from the anime and video games. The inclusion of these characters would make the final war feel even more epic and would create a world that is not only vast but also deeply connected to its own rich history.