Among the many mysteries of One Piece, the 'Will of D.' has remained the most shrouded in secrecy. Even though over a thousand chapters have gone by, readers are yet to understand the meaning of the 'D.' that has made an appearance in the names of several prominent characters.
While Chapter #1085 attempted to shed some light on the true meaning of the mysterious middle name, telling its readers at least where it comes from, it seems that every answer Eichiiro Oda provides only raises a myriad of questions in return. That said, here's everything that One Piece has revealed so far about the meaning of 'D.'
Those Carrying The 'D.' Are The Enemies of the Gods
In Chapter #1085, when confronted by King Cobra, Imu revealed that 'D.' was a name held by an ancient enemy of the World Government. Imu also divulged that the initial is no more than a faint echo of its former self at present with many who possess it being unaware of its meaning, origin, or implications.
Interestingly, this revelation was foreshadowed as early as Chapter #764 when Donquixote Rosinante revealed to a young Law that those carrying the cryptic 'D.' were known in some places as the 'enemies of the gods' who possessed a fearsome reputation as a group sure to cause a storm. Rosinante shared how back in his hometown children were threatened with being gobbled up by those with the mysterious initial if they didn't behave.
The undercover marine was also quick to point out that in a world such as theirs where Celestial Dragons are treated no less than gods, it is highly likely that the 'D Clan' may have very well been a group that once opposed the ancestors of the World Nobles and founders of the World Government: the twenty nations and, if they are truly immortal as hinted, Imu. Subsequent reveals that the Red Line was once called the Land of Gods and that the Five Elders possess the titles of gods also seem to point towards Rosinante being right.
The D. Clan is Linked to the Void Century and the Great Kingdom
The Great Kingdom was first implied to be an enemy that was wiped out by the World Government during the Void Century by Professor Clover during the Ohara flashback. However, there seemed to be no connection between the D. Clan and the Void Century until suggested otherwise by the conversation between Rayleigh and Nico Robin at Sabaody in Chapter #507. While Rayleigh only teased the knowledge Roger's crew gained about the Void Century, suspicions that the Will of D. was also closely connected to the mystery were confirmed by Oden who clearly mentioned learning the truth about the D. Clan alongside the Void Century and the Ancient Weapons at Laugh Tale in his travel journal.
Additionally, in Chapter #1085, Imu blames Lily, who is subsequently revealed to also possess the 'D.' in her name, for the scattering of the Poneglyphs across the world. Since it was from these very stones that the scholars of Ohara learned of the Great Kingdom, it is highly likely that the D. Clan and the Great Kingdom were closely connected during the Void Century and may have even been allies who opposed Imu and the World Government together or, more simply, the D. indicates the descendants of the inhabitants of the Great Kingdom.
The 'D.' Signifies Inherited Will
While Luffy has introduced himself using the mysterious 'D.' in his name since the very beginning of the series, the moniker mostly went unnoticed. That is until Dr. Kureha hinted that the initial might play a larger role in the story and the fate of its carriers. Thus, the 'Will of D.' was first introduced in Chapter #154 with Kureha also revealing that the King of the Pirates too carried the same initial, his name being not Gold Roger as the World Government wanted people to think, but rather, Gol D. Roger.
Dr. Kureha's reveal on Drum Island also sowed the first seeds of the theme of inherited will which would eventually go on to play a major role in the series. More, importantly, this set up the expectations that Luffy would inevitably follow in the steps of the Pirate King which had also been hinted at as early as Loguetown. Later, in Skypeia, Gan Fall would also go on to note the similarities between Roger and Luffy, refusing to dismiss the D. in their names as a mere coincidence.
Since then, several figures sharing the initial have stepped forth into prominence. At present, thirteen carriers of the Will of D. have been named: Jaguar D. Saul, Portgas D. Rouge, Portgas D. Ace, Rocks D. Xebec, Marshall D. Teach, Trafalgar D. Water Law, Monkey D. Garp, Monkey D. Dragon, Nefertari D. Lily, Nefertari D. Cobra, Nefertari D. Vivi, Gol D. Roger, and of course, Monkey D. Luffy.
As for what this inherited will might entail, it seems that as the 'enemies of the gods,' those possessing the initial may be destined to go against the Celestial Dragons and the World Government. According to Sengoku in Chapter #798, many with the 'D.' have had checkered fates. A brief look at all the known D. Clan in the series seems to both statements with almost half having met dreadful fates and every D. still alive opposing the Word Government in some way or another. Even Garp, despite being a marine, has made his dislike of the Celestial Dragons known on multiple occasions.
The Literal Meaning of 'D.' is Yet to Be Revealed
Despite shedding light on the identity of the D. Clan, Oda has yet to reveal what the 'D.' stands for. One popular theory is that the 'D.' might actually be a smile on its side. This theory stems from the fact that many with the moniker like Rouge, Roger, and Ace have died with a smile on their face. Even characters such as Saul and Luffy have smiled in the face of possible death.
Another popular theory since the reveals of Gear Five and of the existence of Sun God Nika is that the 'D.' could stand for Dawn. However, this route does seem to be too obvious to be true. With One Piece currently in the Final Saga, it is certain that the mystery will be explained sooner than later.
One Piece is available from Viz Media.
