Super Spot-Billed Duck Troops

Within the guard squad of the Arabasta Kingdom serves a small carrier unit built around seven super spot-billed ducks, later expanded by the addition of a yasa camel called Matsuge. Karoo stands as their captain, and across the desert nation few doubt that no faster troop exists. One recurring habit sets the birds apart: every duck turns out decked in its own hat along with assorted jewelry and clothing, giving the squad an unmistakably eccentric look.

Speed defines what this unit is for. Because the ducks outrun anything else in the country, the Nefertari Family and the royal guard granted them independent standing as a courier group and afforded them special privileges. Karoo, their leader, is no ordinary bird either: he is the treasured pet of Princess Nefertari Vivi and has never once left her side. Beyond military duty, the troop also turns up at moments of leisure, once relaxing in the hot springs of Ukkari Hot-Spring Island alongside senior figures from Arabasta.

Captaining the group is Karoo, Vivi's lifelong companion and its most recognizable member. Rewarded for his help after the crisis, the camel Matsuge was folded into the roster following Operation Utopia's collapse. During the campaign against Baroque Works, Karoo first carried a message to the king, then rounded up the ducks and led them to the crew's aid. To hide their identities, the riders wrapped themselves in cloaks so agents could not spot Vivi among them; once the group reached the capital, the birds broke apart in different directions, scattering the enemy so each Straw Hat could confront a single opponent. Later, when the pirates set off again on the Going Merry, the remaining ducks carried them across the kingdom while Karoo and Matsuge stayed behind.