The Akatsuki group in Naruto is one of the most iconic villain groups in anime and manga history. Fans can enter any anime convention in any part of the world and expect at least one group of cosplayers dressing up as the Akatsuki. Even their theme song is used as an inspiration for many groups other than those in the world of anime.

On the other hand, One Piece may not have any iconic groups, but they certainly do have some pretty amazing villains that most anime fans can recognize. And some of them can easily make great additions to the Akatsuki group, if they want to, that is.

Without further ado, here are 5 One Piece villains who would make awesome additions to the Akatsuki!

Donquixote Doflamingo

Donquixote Doflamingo | Credits: Toei Animation

The first character that fans would easily consider is Doflamingo. While having the Ito Ito no Mi Devil fruit, Doflamingo has the ability to manipulate objects and even people and bend them to his will. This would make him quite fearful, even to someone like Shanks.

As a result, he was able to be the ruler of Dressrosa before his reign was cut short by Luffy and Law’s interference.

Doflamingo’s cunningness and sadistic nature can easily attract the attention of the Akatsuki. However, Doflamingo is not the kind of person who would join an organization; instead, he would much rather wreak havoc by himself.

Blackbeard

Blackbeard’s Dark-Dark Fruit | Credits: Toei Animation

Blackbeard is hailed as one of One Piece‘s strongest characters, as he’s one of the Four Emperors who rule over the New World. Being the only known person in history to wield the powers of two Devil Fruits, the Yami Yami no Mi and the Gura Gura no Mi, he could actually solo every member in the Akatsuki.

The Yami no Mi enables Blackbeard to essentially become a Black Hole as the space inside his body is theoretically infinite, and almost nothing can escape the pull of his powers. It is considered unique and is said to be the most evil of all Devil Fruits.

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On the other hand, the Gura Gura no Mi helps Blackbeard to generate massive quakes and shock waves at will. It is said to have the power to destroy the world, which was one of the biggest reasons Whitebeard was so feared, before Blackbeard stole it from him.

These two Devil Fruits would be perfect to help capture the Tailed Beasts (Jinchuriki) in Naruto, something the Akatsuki has been after. Even though Blackbeard has no need for the Akatsuki, he can essentially become its leader and use them for his own benefit.

Kaido

Kaido | Credits: Toei Animation

It’s no surprise that Kaido would be included in the list. It took Luffy to unleash a divine power like Gear 5 to actually defeat him. That’s the reason why Kaido is often hailed as one of Luffy’s toughest opponents.

He would have been an immediate addition to Akatsuki’s ranks due to his extraordinary strength and practically unbreakable skin. While his Armament Haki makes him stronger and more durable, he may imbue his enormous war club with his Conqueror’s Haki to greatly boost his strike power.

If he were to face off against a Tailed Beast, his Devil Fruit power to turn into a massive blue dragon would be his sole weapon. Plus, with this talent, he could defeat the Tailed Beasts by himself.

But would he actually want to join the Akatsuki? Probably not, because his pride wouldn’t let him be subjected to other’s commands. But Naruto would definitely have a hard time dealing with him.

But there’s one character who has a high chance of joining.

Captain Kuro

Kuro | Credits: Toei Animation

Kuro’s low profile and very high IQ would make a great addition to the Akatsuki. Though he appeared quite early in One Piece, he is the series’ first dangerous villain who actually posed a threat to the Strawhats.

As the Captain of the Black Cat Pirates, he was living undercover in Syrup Village as a butler for Kaya. Kuro had concocted a plan to take over Kaya’s wealth and then live happily. Luffy and the others had to try so hard to stop him. His mere footsteps were enough to send a chill down one’s spine. And his menacing aura was enough to make Nami run for her life.

After his defeat, Kuro disappears, but there are some fans who think that he might make an appearance in the future.

Kizaru

Kizaru | Credits: Toei Animation

Another character the Akatsuki would die to recruit is Kizaru. Endowed with the power of the Pika Pika no Mi, Kizaru is one of the three Marine Admirals. He was the second Admiral to be introduced in the series, and he made his debut during the Sabaody Archipelago arc. When he arrived at Sabaody, every pirate began running for their life.

Kizaru doesn’t look that dangerous but looks can be quite deceiving. And that’s the kind of person the Akatsuki would definitely want. Kizaru is so strong that he almost killed Luffy and the others but thanks to Rayleigh stepping in, they managed to escape.

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Kizaru was also involved in the Paramount War, where he injured Whitebeard, Luffy, and Marco. But later in the Egghead arc, Luffy was able to take his revenge. What really makes Kizaru so desirable for the Akatsuki is that he can transform into light, thanks to his Devil Fruit. Physical attacks and ninjutsu would simply pass through him, surpassing Tobi aka Obito, because he can move at the speed of light. This means that virtually no ninja would be able to keep up with his movements.

Kizaru’s cunning behavior tells fans he would be willing to join the Akatsuki but definitely would try to take control over them for his own bidding. One Piece villains have groups of their own, which means they can form their own Akatsuki, if they are willing to take the group’s way of thinking and blend it to their own.

Naruto and One Piece are both available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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