Why is Vergo called Corazon in One Piece? Explained

One of the most exciting aspects of mangaka Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece manga series is the depth of its world, which extends to its wide cast of pirate crews. Donquixote Doflamingo’s Donquixote pirates exemplify this, as they are a large but well-developed group of characters. Additionally, there is a hierarchy within the crew, featuring a more complicated history regarding its officer positions than most other crews.

The question of “Why is Vergo called Corazon in One Piece?” best illustrates this, highlighting the depth of the lore surrounding the ex-Shichibukai’s crew. Vergo is called Corazon because he was the first person to hold the codename and position in the Donquixote Pirates, which was confirmed by Donquixote Rosinante (the second Corazon) himself.

Vergo and Rosinante’s stints as Corazon, explained

While the above serves as a sufficient answer to the question of “Why is Vergo called Corazon in One Piece?” There are additional significant details worth discussing. One of the most important aspects is the source material of this information in the material itself. In this case, it’s chapter 764, which sees Donquixote Rosinante explain who he truly is to a young Trafalgar D. Water Law during the latter’s larger origin flashback.

As Rosinante explains his reasons for rejoining the crew and reveals Doffy’s evil nature and past, he explains that Vergo was “the previous Corazon” before he held the role. Rosinante took over the role from Vergo after he went abroad on a secret mission from Doffy himself to infiltrate the Marines as a high-ranking officer. His goals were to gather information for Doffy and to expand their criminal operations within the Marines’ ranks.

Despite Rosinante being the better-known Corazon, he was the second to hold the title in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

This is also why Rosinante’s official title as Corazon is “Second Corazon,” while Vergo’s was just “Corazon” during his time in the role. Likewise, Vergo does not return to the role of Corazon after Rosinante’s death, instead remaining a general officer of the crew. One Piece chapter 732 sees him labeled as “Supreme Officer Vergo” in the artwork, suggesting that this is his official title in the Donquixote Pirates after abandoning the Corazon position.

One reason Vergo never reclaimed the role is because Doflamingo deliberately left the seat empty after Rosinante’s betrayal. This is understandable, as the two were brothers, and Doffy was obviously very pained by having to kill Rosinante, despite the rage he primarily showed. This could also explain some confusion among fans, who may remember this plot point more distinctly than an offhand line by Corazon said as a small part of a larger focus.

Law’s nickname for Rosinante in One Piece

Another reason fans may be confused about Vergo being called Corazon is that they might be thinking of Law’s loving nickname for Corazon of “Cora-san.” In the Japanese version, the pronunciations are similar, which may have confused viewers who thought Vergo was being given Law’s nickname for Rosinante. This would be very jarring, as Law’s use of that nickname for Rosinante is one born of their loving father-son relationship.

While Law uses the nickname for Rosinante out of love, he wasn’t the one to come up with this nickname. It’s first used by Baby 5 and Buffalo in chapter 761, while Law doesn’t call Rosinante by that name until six months into their journey together. Moreover, he only does so after hearing a tearful confession by Rosinante, which he wasn’t meant to. Likewise, Law’s use of the nickname is emotionally distinct from that of Baby 5 and Buffalo’s.

In summation

The answer to the question of “Why is Vergo called Corazon in One Piece?” lies in the history of the Corazon seat of the Donquixote Pirates. Vergo first occupied it before infiltrating the Marines, with Rosinante taking it after and the seat remaining empty following his betrayal. What Vergio isn’t called in the series is “Cora-san,” which is a unique nickname given to Rosinante only by Law most notably.