| Bon Clay | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bon Clay |
| Caption | Bon Clay (Bentham), as depicted in One Piece |
| Series | One Piece |
| First | "Alabasta" (Manga chapter 155; Anime episode 70) |
| Creator | Eiichiro Oda |
| Alias | Bentham, Mr. 2, "Mr. 2 Bon Clay" |
| Species | Human |
| Occupation | Former Revolutionary ally; Okama dancer; Impel Down inmate; Revolutionary Army associate |
| Affiliations | Baroque Works (former), Straw Hat Pirates (ally), Revolutionary Army (associate), inmates of Impel Down |
Bon Clay
Bon Clay, also known by his given name Bentham and formerly as Mr. 2, is a fictional character in the manga and anime series One Piece created by Eiichiro Oda. He is notable for being a flamboyant okama dancer, a high-ranking operative of Baroque Works who later becomes a loyal ally to the series' protagonist group, the Straw Hat Pirates. Bon Clay's actions during the Impel Down arc and his demonstrations of loyalty and sacrifice have made him a memorable supporting character within the manga and anime fandom.
Bon Clay serves as both antagonist and tragic ally across multiple story arcs. Initially introduced as an enemy under the codename Mr. 2, he distinguishes himself with the Mane Mane no Mi (Also spelled Man-Man Fruit) Devil Fruit ability that allows him to transform his appearance into other people. His flamboyant persona and code of honor set him apart from other villains in Baroque Works, a criminal organization led by Crocodile (real name Sir Crocodile) and Nico Robin's initial enemies. Over time, Bon Clay transitions into a self-sacrificing figure whose choices directly affect the trajectories of main characters such as Monkey D. Luffy and Sanji.
Bentham was raised in the okama society and trained as a ballet-style dancer and martial artist, adopting the stage identity Bon Clay. He joined Baroque Works under the codename Mr. 2 and served as Crocodile's lieutenant, carrying out missions in the Alabasta arc where he confronted members of the Straw Hat Pirates including Roronoa Zoro and Nami. After Baroque Works' defeat, Bon Clay disappeared from the mainstream criminal scene and was later revealed to be imprisoned in the underwater maximum-security prison Impel Down. In Impel Down, he befriended numerous inmates and ultimately played a decisive role in the Impel Down arc and the subsequent Marineford crossover, assisting Monkey D. Luffy's attempt to rescue Portgas D. Ace.
His most defining act occurs when he sacrifices his freedom and well-being to aid Luffy: Bon Clay escorts Luffy out of Impel Down and ensures Luffy reaches Marineford. Bon Clay remains behind, willingly staying imprisoned to protect Luffy's escape and later is shown among inmates during the prison's collapse. After these events he maintains a relationship with the Straw Hat Pirates and later provides assistance and guidance aligned with members of the Revolutionary Army and other allies.
Bon Clay's primary power comes from the Paramecia-type Mane Mane no Mi (Manne Mane Fruit), which enables him to perfectly copy the facial appearance of anyone he has touched. This ability makes him an expert infiltrator and impersonator, often used for deception, reconnaissance, and strategic sacrifices. He supplements this with a unique martial arts style called Okama Kenpo, a ballet-influenced form combining acrobatics, kicks, and theatrical movements suited to his background as an okama performer.
Technically proficient, Bon Clay can employ his transformations in tandem with hand-to-hand combat, creating openings against powerful opponents such as members of Baroque Works and Impel Down guards. He also demonstrates strong leadership and tactical improvisation in prison riots and escape scenarios. While not a Pirate of the same caliber as Yonko-level fighters, his agility, endurance, and resolve make him an effective supporting combatant in large-scale confrontations like Impel Down and Marineford.
Bon Clay’s relationships underscore his complex morality. He was once loyal to Crocodile within Baroque Works but later shows deep personal loyalty to non-criminals, notably to Luffy and fellow inmates such as Mr. 3 (Galdino). His bond with Luffy is framed by mutual respect and sacrifice: Bon Clay chooses to remain imprisoned so Luffy can survive, an act that cements his role as an ally.
He is closely tied to the okama community and befriends characters across social strata, including members of the Straw Hat Pirates—Sanji in particular shows admiration for Bon Clay's dedication—and Revolutionary sympathizers who recognize his willingness to defy established powers. Bon Clay's network extends into organized crime, prison hierarchies, and theatrical circles, enabling cross-context interactions during arcs that involve World Government institutions like Impel Down and the Marines.
Bon Clay appears in several of One Piece’s pivotal arcs. In the Alabasta arc, he serves as an antagonist enforcer and directly confronts the Straw Hats. His capture and later disappearance set up his reemergence in Impel Down, where he is an instrumental ally during Luffy's infiltration to rescue Ace. During the Impel Down arc, Bon Clay organizes inmate resistance, navigates the prison's levels, and ultimately ensures Luffy escapes to Marineford to participate in the Paramount War.
Though Bon Clay does not fight at Marineford himself, his actions catalyze Luffy's involvement, indirectly affecting the outcomes for characters like Ace and summaries of the Summit War saga. Post-war, Bon Clay's legacy continues in the narrative through the emotional influence he exerts on the Straw Hats and other protagonists, reinforcing themes of chosen family, sacrifice, and redemption.
Critically and popularly, Bon Clay is celebrated for subverting villain archetypes and for his emotional depth. Fans and commentators praise his loyalty, theatrical personality, and the memorable scene in Impel Down where he remains behind to guarantee Luffy's escape. The character has been discussed in analyses of One Piece's treatment of gender presentation, identity, and found family; scholarly and fan discourse often references Bon Clay when exploring the series' depiction of okama culture. Merchandise, fan art, and cosplay featuring Bon Clay remain prevalent at conventions and online communities, reflecting his enduring popularity within the One Piece fandom.
Category:One Piece characters Category:Fictional dancers Category:Fictional prisoners and detainees