Doflamingo, a former Warlord, once controlled Dressrosa like a puppet master, even turning its citizens into toys. His ruthless past includes murdering his own father as a child.
Manmayer Gurou, a Holy Knight, returned to Esperia not for his estranged daughter, but for the unique power in her eyes. He sought to exploit the same dormant ability he'd always possessed.
Sir Crocodile, despite losing his kingdom and Warlord status, made a powerful comeback. He formed the Cross Guild with Mihawk, leveraging an old debt from Buggy to create a new empire.
Akainu, now Fleet Admiral, earned his title through a devastating ten-day duel that reshaped an island. His magma powers also famously ended Ace's life and clashed with Whitebeard.
Blackbeard, a master manipulator, played a long game, acquiring two Devil Fruits including one that nullifies others. He even betrayed his own captain, Whitebeard, to gain immense power.
Killingham possesses the terrifying ability to manifest people's deepest fears into physical reality. Elbaf experienced this firsthand as nightmares, from giant serpents to skeletal figures, came to life.
Nerona Imu, the enigmatic ruler of the world, remained hidden for 800 years before being revealed. He effortlessly erased an entire kingdom, wielding a Devil Fruit power that predates all others.