When it comes to iconic characters that can be described with the word "legendary" there is no anime or manga quite like One Piece. This series sports some of the most masterful storytelling in any series out there whether it's an anime, manga, or anything else.

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One character that captures that epic nature is one of the most influential characters in the world of the hit series, Gol D. Roger, more commonly called Gold Roger. This powerful pirate became enemy number one to Marines and pirates everywhere, amassing a bounty of 5,564,800,000 bellies, the highest bounty of any pirate in history. All of his great qualities came together to make the perfect storm to reach this status.

10 Gol D. Roger is easily one of the most ambitious pirates of the old era & of all time

Gol D. Roger Ambition One Piece

This pirate captain had his eyes set on the biggest prize possible since the start of his sea ventures. Building up his fame over the years, Roger made a proper name for himself that became known to many across the globe.

No pirate was truly on his level until the growth of the Worst Generation, and of course his kindred spirit, Monkey D. Luffy, is the only one that can really be compared to the impact that he put on the world during his time roaming the seven seas.

9 Many see Roger as one of, if not the most powerful pirate of all time

gol d roger power

In the world of One Piece, one can not simply have smarts or great leadership skills in order to be recognized as a great pirate. These seas are filled with some of the most powerful characters there are and Gold D. Roger is recognized as one of the best there is.

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Many see Roger as one of, if not the most powerful pirate of all time. He's been called an unstoppable force when it comes to combat, with not many being able to match his skill in battle. The only two able to be compared are Monkey D. Garp and his rival Whitebeard.

8 A strong pirate requires a strong crew & Roger's was absolutely phenomenal

gol d roger crew

The legendary "Dark King" Silvers Rayleigh, one of the most powerful pirates of all time being the first mate of Roger is great proof of that.

The daimyo of Kuri in Wano Country, Kozuki Oden, a very powerful pirate, was also a member of the Roger Pirates. Together with his crew, Roger took on and defeated a vast amount of enemies, going as far as destroying an entire military force for simply insulting his crew.

7 his influence truly changed things & inspired other pirates

gol d roger young

One thing that Marines don't enjoy is for other pirates to get inspired, as seen with the adventures of Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew. This is one of Roger's "mistakes" that he had no regrets about.

His great ventures caused quite a stir to all pirates around him, and he and his crew brought about an age of piracy unlike any before it. As seen with the current One Piece world, his influence truly changed things and the stories told by pirates of his era show that without him things may not be on as grand of a scale as they are now.

6 being recognized as the Pirate King really turned the Marine's attention to Gol D. Roger

one piece pirate king

If inspiring all pirates that heard of him didn't do it, being recognized as the Pirate King really turned the Marine's attention to Gol D. Roger. After the discovery of Joy Boy's treasure and the story of "Laugh Tale" spreading like wildfire, all eyes were on the new Pirate King, putting a larger target on his head than ever.

Both pirates and Marine forces targeted Roger and his entire crew with the mission of getting that treasure. This, of course, led to the disbandment of the Roger Pirates and the start of Roger's plan to have a son that would find his hidden treasure.

5 Becoming an Enemy to the Marines

Gol D Roger from One Piece.

Roger feared no one and became a constant thorn in the side of each Marine.

This is a sure-fire way to become the most wanted pirate of all time. Of course, not just any Marine enemy amasses the bounty that Roger did.

4 Never Running From a Fight & finishing everything he started

gol d roger hardhead

Much like Luffy, Roger is no coward and will never run from a fight. This put him in the position of finishing anything he started or was brought into.

Many criticize him for this personality trait, but Roger cared not and had the power to back up his decisions.

3 He Conquered the Grand Line

gol d roger war

No pirate can boast the achievements that the Pirate King can. Besides his vast fortune and the discovery of Joy Boy's fortune, Roger has conquered the land of adventure.

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That land is one of the most unpredictable places in the world of One Piece, the Grand Line.

2 Uttered Those Famous Last Words

gol d roger death in one piece

Gol D. Roger not only inspired pirates during his lifetime but brought about an age of pirates like none other before it for those after him as well. He did this not only through actions but with his final words, one of the greatest quotes in the series.

"My treasure? If you want it, I'll grant it! Search on! All the world had to offer, I left in that place!"

1 Started the Golden Age of Pirates

worst generation

Those last words kick-started the Golden Age of Pirates that Oda is presenting to readers and watchers of One Piece now.

This grand era would not have come to be if not for the most wanted pirate of all time. However, he may not have that title for much longer if Luffy has anything to say about it.

NEXT: One Piece: Every Fight Kaido Fought (& Who Won)