Buggy the Clown has risen to the top from misunderstanding after misunderstanding, and now he holds a genuine desire for the One Piece.

With Buggy the Clown a newly-appointed Yonko alongside Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece, one would assume his risk to the social order of the world has been deemed significant. In reality, the former Roger Pirate’s strength level is not the major concern of the World Government, but those who are serving within Cross Guild are. Thus, comparing Buggy’s power to the likes of Marshall D. Teach, Shanks and Luffy is comical.

However, power alone is not the greatest threat to the World Government. Whilst it is certainly a factor in the rank of Yonko, Buggy reaching such a title proves there is far more to it. The question is not whether Buggy is powerful enough to be a Yonko — clearly he is — but if his position, allies, knowledge and infamy are enough to make him truly a possible contestant in finding Laugh Tale and the legendary One Piece.

Buggy Is More Than Comic Relief in One Piece

One Piece has played Buggy off as a comedic character ever since his introduction in Orange Town. He was an antagonist who caused multiple issues for Luffy, even being the first to almost kill the Straw Hat Captain. Since the events of Loguetown, Buggy has drifted entirely from an amusing villain into a comical anti-hero, misunderstood at every turn and given prize after prize for his masquerade of power rather than actual display. Yet, his humorous demeanor is part of what makes him endearing. Like Luffy, Buggy has the ability to draw people to him. Impel Down was the beginning of this trend, and his crew continues to expand. Such a trait is certainly expected of someone striving for the title of Pirate King.

Recent events have actually shown the weight of Buggy’s resolve in his intention to become the Pirate King and find the One Piece. The solemn portrayal of his lack of strength has held him back since he and Shanks went their separate ways, and is likely part of why he behaves in the manner he does now. Buggy will always be a comedic character in One Piece, but he fills far more than that role. He is a character with a dream that had been lost so many years prior. With its recent reignition, Buggy’s presence in the series will continue to grow beyond a few laughs at his expense.

Buggy’s Lack of Power Is Compensated by Status

Unfortunately for Buggy, he lacks the power to compete with the rest of the Yonko. A battle of the captains would certainly end with his defeat. However, Dracule Mihawk and Crocodile, as well as his formerly incarcerated Impel Down crew, make up for that lack of power. With those two at his side, his crew stands a significantly higher chance of achieving their captain’s newly cemented dream. The reason Buggy was even named a Yonko was due to being accidentally placed as head of Cross Guild whilst having Mihawk under him.

Likewise, it’s not just Mihawk and Crocodile’s strength that enhances Buggy’s chance of locating the One Piece, but their status. Buggy has ridden the waves of success through his own past relationships and status; now that it’s combined with the Strongest Swordsman, his position has been heightened in the eyes of the World Government and the rest of the world — civilians and pirates. All these factors offer opportunities and gateways that would have been closed to him had he never strayed away from Orange Town.

With Buggy’s status and allies, he is a serious contestant to find the One Piece — and also one of the biggest threats to the Straw Hats, Red-Haired Pirates and Blackbeard Pirates in the series’ conclusion. Buggy will likely continue to draw powerful allies to his side — either blinded by his status or won over by Mihawk and Crocodile — increasing the threat he poses to the world. Without Buggy, the entire system of Cross Guild will crumble to pieces.

Src: cbr.com