Given that the series is set in a world where pirates roam as freely as they can, One Piece constantly houses numerous wars and strife. However, amid the chaos, one group reigns supreme: the Celestial Dragons. These enigmatic figures stand at the pinnacle of society, commanding authority and influence that surpasses that of any other group. Their ability to act with impunity and seemingly do whatever they please raises intriguing questions about their origins, their hold on power and the repercussions of their actions.

The Celestial Dragons have the World Government in their clutches. In extension, they also have command over the Marines. The Marines' fleet admiral can't defy their orders, and the three admirals are nothing more than aides to them -- and all this is achieved due to their bloodline.

The Celestial Dragons Are the True Royalties of One Piece

The influence wielded by the Celestial Dragons extends beyond their direct power. Their position of power is the result of their historical significance and their role in the creation of the World Government. They are the descendants of the 20 royal families who united to fight against the Great Kingdom over 800 years ago from the present-day timeline. After accomplishing such a feat, they established the World Government and ascended to Marijoa.

These very same royalties are the ones who pledged upon the empty throne, with each family leaving a weapon on the ground. These weapons and the empty throne symbolize equality among the Celestial Dragon families, meaning that no one family is (in theory) above the others. However, while there were originally 20 families who established the World Government, only 19 of them actually reside in Marijoa. The Nefeltari Family opted out of its agreement and returned to Alabasta, where their descendants continue to rule today.

The Power Wielded By the Celestial Dragons Is Not Their Own

The Celestial Dragons' hold on power stems from their unique status as descendants of the founders of the World Government. Their ancestry grants them privileges that far exceed those of ordinary citizens, cementing their position as the ruling elite. With their wealth and influence, they can exercise authority over the World Government and the Marines, effectively bending these institutions to their will. Of course, the fact that the Five Elders themselves are World Nobles further tightens their grip on the organization.

The World Government comprises the three great powers: the World Government itself, the Marines and the Shichibukai. However, the Seven Warlord system has recently been demolished. This triumvirate of authority ensures the Celestial Dragons' control over various aspects of governance and military might. They have the ability to issue orders and have them unquestioningly obeyed by the Marines, especially the three admirals, like when St. Jaygarcia Saturn tasked Kizaru with being his bodyguard as he sailed toward Egghead.

Such unchecked power has allowed the Celestial Dragons to engage in unimaginable acts of cruelty and oppression. They consider themselves above the law, using their authority to satisfy their whims and desires without facing any consequences. Their heinous actions often involve the abuse and mistreatment of individuals they deem beneath them, leaving a trail of suffering in the world of One Piece. Nonetheless, other than the Five Elders and Imu, the Celestial Dragons are yet to prove they have any battle prowess.