Puzzle

Puzzle's wild red mane runs nearly as long as Sanji's, and the trait that sets him apart most is a phoenix-shaped birthmark sitting at the center of his brow. He favors red trousers, a buttoned blue top, and earlier wore a black sleeveless vest. A chain forged from a faintly golden metal serves as both accessory and weapon. After his clash in the New World, bandages wrapped his head.

His crew places enormous faith in him, drawing courage from a leader who keeps clawing his way upright no matter how badly he is wounded. That resilience is exactly why they liken him to the mythical bird and expect him to one day claim the title of Pirate King. Their devotion runs so deep that his first mate, Vigaro, willingly gave his life so the captain could survive.

Puzzle guided the Phoenix Pirates across the Grand Line, but pressing on into the New World exposed how badly they were outmatched. A vessel resembling a Marine ship rained projectiles down on them, and escape proved impossible until Vigaro stayed behind to stall the attackers. His sacrifice bought the crew's freedom, yet it cost Vigaro his life and left Puzzle gravely hurt and comatose. Stansen took over as acting captain while the wounded leader lay hidden in a concealed cabin, and the leaderless crew fell to the Accino Family, who seized their flag and pressed them into bounty hunting.

When the Straw Hats crossed paths with the Phoenix Pirates during the Ice Hunter events, young Jiro begged Chopper to tend to the captain, whose injuries Chopper judged critical. Puzzle eventually woke, but rather than returning to the New World he declared that a man unable to shield his comrades had no business there, leaving his crew dispirited. Luffy's blunt confidence shook him, and in the end he chose to stand with the Straw Hats to win back the stolen flag, holding off Campacino so they could flee while vowing to meet Luffy again in the New World.