TV-Series
Description
Bentham, known by his code name Mr. 2 Bon Clay, is a former officer agent of the criminal organization Baroque Works. He identifies as an okama, a term in Japanese culture that signifies a person who defies traditional gender norms, and this identity is reflected in his flamboyant dress, heavy makeup, ballet-inspired movements, and expressive theatrical manner. His true name is Bentham, but he is most widely recognized by his alias Bon Clay, a composite name that draws from the male agent numbering system and the female agent holiday-based naming convention of Baroque Works.
Bon Clay’s background begins as a loyal operative under the Warlord Crocodile, where he served as an antagonist during the Arabasta Arc. He consumed the Mane Mane no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that grants him the ability to perfectly replicate the face, body, and voice of anyone he has touched with his right hand. This power makes him an exceptional infiltrator and spy, capable of bypassing security systems and impersonating authority figures. In combat, he combines his transformation ability with a distinctive martial art called Okama Kenpo, which incorporates acrobatic kicks, ballet poses, and flexible movements to create a fighting style that is both visually striking and practically effective.
Personality-wise, Bon Clay is characterized by an exuberant, theatrical nature and a profound sense of honor and loyalty. Despite beginning as an enemy of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates, he quickly demonstrates a genuine warmth, openness, and empathy that transcend his initial role. His motivations are rooted in a deep belief in the value of friendship and self-sacrifice. He values authenticity and emotional connection over duty or status, a trait that leads him to abandon his position in Baroque Works after recognizing Luffy’s sincerity. This ideological shift is not framed as a redemption arc but as a natural revelation of his true character.
Bon Clay’s role in the story is pivotal across multiple arcs. In Arabasta, he initially fights against the Straw Hats, notably engaging Sanji in a duel and later using his disguise abilities to impersonate the king and sow chaos. However, after Luffy shows him kindness and respect, Bon Clay aids the crew’s escape from the kingdom. His most defining narrative contributions occur during the Impel Down Arc, where he voluntarily enters the underwater prison to help Luffy rescue his brother Ace. Inside, he reforms his alliance with Luffy and uses his transformation power repeatedly to manipulate prison security, impersonate guards, and coordinate escapes. His ultimate sacrifice occurs when he impersonates the prison warden Magellan to open the gates for Luffy and the escaping prisoners, knowingly staying behind to face certain capture. This act solidifies his status as a heroic figure.
Key relationships define Bon Clay’s development. His friendship with Monkey D. Luffy is the central bond of his character arc. Luffy’s unconditional acceptance of Bon Clay’s identity and personality inspires deep loyalty, and the two share a mutual respect that transcends their initial enmity. Bon Clay also shares a mentor-like bond with Emporio Ivankov, the revolutionary leader and fellow okama, whom he encounters in Impel Down. Under Ivankov’s influence, Bon Clay’s flamboyant style and sense of belonging are reinforced, and he becomes part of the larger newkama community. His relationship with the Straw Hat crew evolves from adversarial to trusting; Sanji, in particular, develops a begrudging respect for him, and the crew as a whole views him as an eccentric but reliable ally.
Bon Clay’s character development is one of self-actualization and unwavering altruism. He transitions from a calculating agent of an evil organization to a selfless friend willing to sacrifice his freedom and safety for others. His growth is not marked by an increase in power but by a deepening of his moral conviction and emotional investment. He represents themes of acceptance, authenticity, and the idea that bonds formed through genuine kindness are stronger than any allegiance based on fear or authority. His legacy within the series is that of a beloved supporting character whose courage and heart leave a lasting impression on both the protagonists and the audience.
Bon Clay’s background begins as a loyal operative under the Warlord Crocodile, where he served as an antagonist during the Arabasta Arc. He consumed the Mane Mane no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that grants him the ability to perfectly replicate the face, body, and voice of anyone he has touched with his right hand. This power makes him an exceptional infiltrator and spy, capable of bypassing security systems and impersonating authority figures. In combat, he combines his transformation ability with a distinctive martial art called Okama Kenpo, which incorporates acrobatic kicks, ballet poses, and flexible movements to create a fighting style that is both visually striking and practically effective.
Personality-wise, Bon Clay is characterized by an exuberant, theatrical nature and a profound sense of honor and loyalty. Despite beginning as an enemy of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates, he quickly demonstrates a genuine warmth, openness, and empathy that transcend his initial role. His motivations are rooted in a deep belief in the value of friendship and self-sacrifice. He values authenticity and emotional connection over duty or status, a trait that leads him to abandon his position in Baroque Works after recognizing Luffy’s sincerity. This ideological shift is not framed as a redemption arc but as a natural revelation of his true character.
Bon Clay’s role in the story is pivotal across multiple arcs. In Arabasta, he initially fights against the Straw Hats, notably engaging Sanji in a duel and later using his disguise abilities to impersonate the king and sow chaos. However, after Luffy shows him kindness and respect, Bon Clay aids the crew’s escape from the kingdom. His most defining narrative contributions occur during the Impel Down Arc, where he voluntarily enters the underwater prison to help Luffy rescue his brother Ace. Inside, he reforms his alliance with Luffy and uses his transformation power repeatedly to manipulate prison security, impersonate guards, and coordinate escapes. His ultimate sacrifice occurs when he impersonates the prison warden Magellan to open the gates for Luffy and the escaping prisoners, knowingly staying behind to face certain capture. This act solidifies his status as a heroic figure.
Key relationships define Bon Clay’s development. His friendship with Monkey D. Luffy is the central bond of his character arc. Luffy’s unconditional acceptance of Bon Clay’s identity and personality inspires deep loyalty, and the two share a mutual respect that transcends their initial enmity. Bon Clay also shares a mentor-like bond with Emporio Ivankov, the revolutionary leader and fellow okama, whom he encounters in Impel Down. Under Ivankov’s influence, Bon Clay’s flamboyant style and sense of belonging are reinforced, and he becomes part of the larger newkama community. His relationship with the Straw Hat crew evolves from adversarial to trusting; Sanji, in particular, develops a begrudging respect for him, and the crew as a whole views him as an eccentric but reliable ally.
Bon Clay’s character development is one of self-actualization and unwavering altruism. He transitions from a calculating agent of an evil organization to a selfless friend willing to sacrifice his freedom and safety for others. His growth is not marked by an increase in power but by a deepening of his moral conviction and emotional investment. He represents themes of acceptance, authenticity, and the idea that bonds formed through genuine kindness are stronger than any allegiance based on fear or authority. His legacy within the series is that of a beloved supporting character whose courage and heart leave a lasting impression on both the protagonists and the audience.