| Mr. 2 Bon Clay | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mr. 2 Bon Clay |
| Series | One Piece |
| First | One Piece manga chapter 145 / anime episode 80 |
| Creator | Eiichiro Oda |
| Alias | Bon Clay / Bentham |
| Species | Human |
| Occupation | Former officer agent of Baroque Works; okama dancer; ally of the Straw Hat Pirates |
| Abilities | Mane Mane no Mi (Clone-Clone Fruit), Okama Kenpo, acrobatics |
| Affiliation | Former Baroque Works, ally of Luffy |
Mr. 2 Bon Clay
Mr. 2 Bon Clay, born Bentham, is a recurring supporting character in the One Piece manga and anime created by Eiichiro Oda. He first appears as a high-ranking officer agent of the secret criminal organization Baroque Works and later becomes a crucial ally to the series' protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. Bon Clay is notable for his flamboyant appearance, mastery of Okama Kenpo, and the powers of the Mane Mane no Mi, making him both an effective combatant and an emotionally resonant figure in key story arcs such as Alabasta and Impel Down.
Bon Clay is distinguished by his theatrical makeup, swan-themed costume, and ballet-like movements; his design emphasizes dance and performance, reflecting his background as an okama and a Ballet-inspired fighter. He practices Okama Kenpo, a fictional martial art combining acrobatics, striking, and theatrical poses, which complements his agility and stamina demonstrated in extended fights against opponents like Mr. 1 and Jabra.
Bon Clay ate the Mane Mane no Mi (Clone-Clone Fruit), a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allows him to perfectly copy the face of anyone whose face he has touched. This ability grants him literal impersonation skills valuable for infiltration and deception within arcs such as Alabasta and Impel Down. He supplements Devil Fruit stealth with improvisation, disguise, and an acute sense of timing, but remains vulnerable to the standard Devil Fruit limitation of being unable to swim (the sea).
In the Alabasta arc, Bon Clay acts as a high-ranking officer agent serving under Crocodile; he ambushes the Straw Hat Pirates and notably injures Roronoa Zoro, demonstrating both combat skill and loyalty to Baroque Works. His early role positions him as an antagonist-turned-comrade as the narrative progresses.
Bon Clay's most pivotal contribution occurs during the Impel Down arc, where he reappears as an inmate of the underwater prison Impel Down and ultimately sacrifices his freedom to aid Luffy and other escapees. He orchestrates Luffy's escape from Level 6 by helping many prisoners and personally leading a diversion; his actions enable Luffy to proceed to the Marineford war to rescue Ace. During the Marineford war, Bon Clay is absent from the battlefield but his earlier sacrifices directly influence the events that follow.
Post-war, Bon Clay becomes the guardian of the deserted Okama Island culture in some adaptations, and later reappears in the New World era as an ally who inspired others with his dedication. His legacy includes mentoring and protecting characters who value freedom and found family, and his selfless choices continue to resonate with the Straw Hat Crew and secondary characters.
Originally an officer agent of Baroque Works, Bon Clay operated under the codename Mr. 2 and served alongside agents such as Mr. 1 and Nico Robin (temporarily affiliated). His relationship with the Straw Hat Pirates evolves from enemy combatant to trusted friend after his actions in Impel Down. He forms particularly close bonds with Monkey D. Luffy, whose single-minded loyalty Bon Clay reciprocates; their rapport culminates in Bon Clay refusing to escape with Luffy in order to ensure Luffy reaches Marineford.
Bon Clay also interacts with numerous prisoners and allies inside Impel Down, including Emporio Ivankov, who assists Luffy, and other inmates moved by Bon Clay's sacrifice. While never formally joining the Straw Hat Crew, he is treated as an honorary ally and is referenced in subsequent arcs for his loyalty and courage.
Bon Clay embodies themes of chosen family, identity, and performance. As an okama — a term within the series referencing cross-dressing performers and a subculture on Sabaody and elsewhere — he challenges conventional gender norms in the One Piece world. His flamboyant behavior and emotional expressiveness contrast with stereotypical depictions of criminals, highlighting Eiichiro Oda's nuanced portrayal of marginalized identities.
His mantra of friendship and sacrifice reinforces recurring series themes: loyalty, redemption, and the value of bonds. Bon Clay's willingness to sacrifice personal freedom for another's future underscores the moral complexity of characters who straddle lines between outlaw and hero.
Bon Clay is widely regarded by readers and critics as one of One Piece's most memorable supporting characters due to his distinctive design, tragic-hero arc, and the emotional impact of his actions in Impel Down. Fan communities often cite his scenes with Luffy as among the franchise's most moving moments. Merchandise, fan art, and cosplay frequently reflect his theatrical aesthetic.
Within-series legacy includes continued references by the Straw Hat Pirates, influence on depictions of okama culture in later arcs, and a symbolic role in portraying how empathy and loyalty can redefine allies. His arc remains a touchstone for discussions of identity, sacrifice, and the narrative power of secondary characters in long-form serialized storytelling.