Scopper Gaban

Overview

Scopper Gaban is a legendary pirate from the manga and anime series ONE PIECE. Known by the epithets Mountain Eater and the Left Hand of the Pirate King, he served as the skilled navigator for the Roger Pirates. Standing alongside Vice-Captain Silvers Rayleigh as one of the two main pillars supporting Captain Gol D. Roger, Gaban was recognized as the formidable third most powerful combatant in the crew. Following the disbandment of the Roger Pirates, he chose to retire on the giant island of Elbaf, where the local giant residents affectionately refer to him by the nickname Ya-san.

Appearance

Gaban is a muscular older man with dark skin, a full beard, and signature dark sunglasses. He wears a traditional braided straw hat and a traveler's cloak draped over an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt. His lower attire consists of white shorts paired with sturdy boots. Despite his advanced age, he retains a robust and physically imposing frame that mirrors his appearance during his active pirate years.

Personality

Gaban possesses a jovial and reckless demeanor, often taking genuine amusement in chaotic situations sparked by others. He enjoys drinking and embraces a free-spirited philosophy, casually referring to himself as a missionary of love who accepts romantic bonds regardless of species. In his youth, he had a reputation for being a womanizer. Beneath his laid-back exterior lies a pragmatic and sharp-minded veteran capable of reining in troublemakers when necessary. He also displays a competitive pride regarding his status in the crew, playfully insisting that he was the number two fighter rather than number three.

Abilities

In battle, Gaban wields two specialized axes in a dual-axe fighting style. Although aging has somewhat reduced his prime physical power, he remains an extraordinarily potent fighter. He is highly proficient in Armament and Observation Haki, and also commands Conqueror's Haki, which he can infuse directly into his attacks. His advanced Observation Haki allows him to sense distant presences and predict impending actions. His techniques include Yasotakeru, a cross-shaped dual-axe strike that generates destructive shockwaves, and Futenraku, a wide sweeping slash capable of cleaving through Haki-reinforced defenses. He is also knowledgeable regarding countermeasures against the regenerative traits of the Holy Knights.

Background

Gaban joined Gol D. Roger during the era of the Rocks Pirates, serving as the crew's navigator throughout their legendary voyages. He took part in historic conflicts such as the Battle of Edd War and clashes with the Whitebeard Pirates. After traveling alongside Kozuki Oden and reaching the final island, Laugh Tale, he learned the truth of the world. Following the crew's dissolution, Gaban continued traveling before settling on Elbaf. There, he formed a common-law marriage with the giant Ripley and fathered a son named Colon. During the Elbaf arc, he encounters Monkey D. Luffy and his companions, testing the young captain before surrendering the key to Prince Loki's chains and joining the battle against emerging threats on the island.

Relationships

As one of Gol D. Roger's earliest crewmates, Gaban shared deep mutual trust with his captain and served alongside Vice-Captain Silvers Rayleigh as part of the crew's core leadership. Although initially reluctant to accept Kozuki Oden, he grew close to him through shared battles and feasts. He acted as a senior figure to young apprentices Shanks and Buggy, maintaining a friendly relationship with Shanks into adulthood. On Elbaf, he lives with his common-law wife Ripley and cares deeply for their son Colon. Upon meeting Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates, Gaban recognized their potential, recalling his own youthful days under Roger.

Trivia

Gaban's name was inspired by the acclaimed French actor Jean Gabin, a detail officially confirmed by creator Eiichiro Oda in the SBS section of Volume 112. His name fits the metallic naming pattern shared by the top figures of the Roger Pirates, corresponding to copper alongside Gold (Gol D. Roger) and Silver (Silvers Rayleigh). Additionally, his combat technique Yasotakeru takes its name from historical Japanese terminology found in the Nihon Shoki, while Futenraku derives its motif from Futianle, an ancient Chinese musical piece.