| Mr. 2 Bon Clay | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mr. 2 Bon Clay |
| Series | One Piece |
| First | "Baroque Works" arc |
| Creator | Eiichiro Oda |
| Alias | Bentham |
| Occupation | Ex-Baroque Works officer agent; Okama dancer; ally of the Straw Hat Pirates |
| Affiliation | Formerly Baroque Works; later associate of Straw Hat Pirates and residents of Impel Down/Kamabakka Kingdom |
Mr. 2 Bon Clay
Mr. 2 Bon Clay (real name Bentham) is a recurring supporting character in the manga and anime series One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. A former officer agent of the clandestine organization Baroque Works, he is notable for his flamboyant personality, unique Devil Fruit ability, and pivotal role in several major story arcs that influenced protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and the wider world. Bon Clay's actions reinforce themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and social cohesion in the series.
Mr. 2 Bon Clay is introduced as an eccentric, theatrical member of Baroque Works who values friendship and honor above organizational loyalty. He adopts the stage name and persona of a cross-dressing okama performer, drawing attention with dramatic gestures and a strong sense of personal code. Bon Clay's character contrasts with criminal ambition represented by leaders like Crocodile and structures such as the Baroque Works hierarchy, ultimately siding with principles of comradeship exemplified by the Straw Hat Pirates.
Physically, Bon Clay is recognizable for his swan-themed costume, heavy makeup, and exaggerated ballet-inspired movements; his look echoes performers from theatrical troupes and the Kamabakka Kingdom's cultural aesthetics. He ate the Mane-Mane Fruit (Chango Chango no Mi), a Paramecia that allows him to copy the face of anyone whose face he has touched. Bon Clay pairs this with martial arts skills labeled "Okama Kenpo", which combine acrobatic strikes and ballet-like techniques. His combat style emphasizes mobility and unorthodox holds rather than brute force, allowing him to confront notable adversaries such as Roronoa Zoro and representatives of Impel Down.
Bon Clay functions as both antagonist and ally over his appearances. During the Alabasta/Baroque Works arc he acts as a high-ranking agent opposing Straw Hat Pirates but shows compassion, notably sparing Nefertari Vivi and others. His most consequential role occurs in the Impel Down arc: incarcerated in Level 5.5 of Impel Down prison, Bon Clay aids Monkey D. Luffy in infiltrating the facility to rescue Portgas D. Ace. There, Bon Clay demonstrates self-sacrifice by fighting Jailer Beasts and using his identity-changing ability strategically to facilitate Luffy's escape, altering the trajectory of Ace's and Luffy's arcs and contributing to the later Marineford events.
Bon Clay's loyalties evolve from allegiance to Baroque Works under Crocodile to personal bonds with outlaws and prisoners. He forms a close, fraternal camaraderie with Luffy, whom he treats with deep affection and respect, often invoking theatrical declarations of friendship. He establishes long-term ties with residents of Impel Down and later with the community of the Kamabakka Kingdom, led by figures such as Emporio Ivankov's associates and the okama society. His interactions with other notable characters include conflicted encounters with Sir Crocodile, cooperative moments with Nico Robin, and fights alongside members of the Straw Hat Crew like Sanji and Roronoa Zoro in broader conflicts.
- Baroque Works/Alabasta arc: Introduced as an officer agent opposing the Straw Hat Pirates; demonstrates theatrical combat and loyalty to comrades within Baroque Works' chain of command. - Jaya and subsequent arcs: Brief appearances that establish post-Baroque Works status and hint at Bon Clay's wandering life. - Impel Down arc: Central to his character development; he befriends Luffy in prison, orchestrates critical diversions, and sacrifices his freedom to ensure Luffy's escape. This event cements his reputation as a selfless ally and transforms him from villainous agent to heroic figure. - Aftermath and return: Following the Paramount War (Marineford), Bon Clay is shown living freely in Kamabakka Kingdom, where he continues to support allies and the network of okama, influencing rehabilitation themes for former criminals.
Bon Clay's legacy is multifaceted. Within the narrative, his actions at Impel Down directly enable Luffy's later role in the War of the Best and affect the balance between World Government institutions like Marines and pirate factions. Culturally, he symbolizes acceptance and the dignity of marginalized communities such as okama, reinforcing social cohesion across islands like Amazon Lily and Kamabakka Kingdom. Among characters, he is remembered for exemplifying unwavering loyalty; his influence endures in the respect shown by figures like Monkey D. Luffy, former inmates of Impel Down, and the theatrical circles of Dressrosa and other ports. Bon Clay's thematic emphasis on honor, friendship, and redemption upholds the series' broader motifs of unity and moral resilience.
Category:One Piece characters Category:Fictional dancers Category:Fictional prisoners and detainees