Updated on March 27, 5:27 p.m. (GMT+8): Improved relevancy.

Vice admiral Monkey D. Garp is one of the most beloved marines in One Piece.

Warning: Major spoilers if you haven’t watched or read One Piece.

Known as Luffy’s grandfather, this anime character has a funny and carefree personality. Despite not acquiring any powers through Devil Fruits, Garp’s abilities should not be underestimated.

One Piece live action cast Taz Skylar as Sanji, Jacob Gibson as Usopp, Inaki Godoy as Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, and Mackenyu as Zoro in ONE Esports featured image for article "A closer look at Netflix’s One Piece live-action cast"
Credit: Netflix
A closer look at Netflix’s One Piece live-action cast

Garp’s exploits in his youth earned him the title of “Hero of the Marines,” although he never really liked it. He had to team up with the legendary pirate, Gol D. Roger, to defeat Rocks D. Xebec, and the navy’s cooperation with pirates was probably not something he was proud of.

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With all of his glorious achievements and unbelievable strength, many fans wonder why Garp continues to retain his position as a vice admiral.

Garp refuses to become admiral of the Marines

Vice admiral Garp in One Piece
Credit: Toei Animation

In One Piece, the navy is believed to be the embodiment of the good side. Their main mission is to protect the Celestial Dragons, a group that holds the highest authority in the World Government.

The dark side of the Celestial Dragons has been exposed in several scenes in the series. The most memorable one was when they threatened and punished the slaves at Fish-Man Island.

The group has committed various crimes that go against the evolution, civilization, and morality of people.

One Piece Straw Hat Pirates members Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Vinsmoke Sanji, Tony Tony Chopper, Nico Robin, Franky, Brook, Jinbe in ONE Esports featured image for article "One Piece watch order: How to watch the anime, movies, and OVAs in chronological order"
Credit: Toei Animation
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The inspector General of the Marines, Sengoku, revealed that the admiral is just one of the Heavenly Dragons’ henchmen, directly commissioned by them.

Should Garp be promoted to admiral, he still has to obey the command of the Five Elders, the leaders of the Heavenly Dragons.

He soon became aware of this, and, as a result, repeatedly turned down promotion offers.

Funko Pop Animation: One Piece - Sanji (Fishman) Collectible Figure, Multicolor
Credit: Funko
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Garp does not accept turning a blind eye to the despicable actions of the Celestial Dragons, let alone serving them.

Even though he was repeatedly offered a promotion to admiral or even admiral of the sea, he always refused and would not change his mind.

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He has always believed that being a criminal does not mean being a bad person. To prove this, he adopted Ace, the son of the pirate Gol D. Roger. Garp agreed with Roger’s point that the father’s crimes should not be inherited by the son.

Additionally, he also left both Ace and Luffy in the care of Curly Dadan, a mountain bandit.

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