There are supporting characters who leave a much greater mark than their screen time would suggest. Bon Clay, alias Mr. 2, is the perfect example of this in One Piece: first introduced as a flamboyant and colorful adversary during the Alabasta arc, he becomes one of the most beloved characters in the entire series thanks to an act of absolute loyalty. Here is a look back at the journey of this character who is as comical as he is heart-wrenching.
Bon Clay at a glance
- Real name: Bentham
- Alias: Mr. 2 Bon Clay, former elite agent of Baroque Works
- Devil Fruit: Mane Mane no Mi, the Clone-Clone Fruit, which copies the face and body of anyone he touches
- Fighting style: Okama Kenpo, a kick-based martial art
- Key arcs: Alabasta and Impel Down
Who is Bon Clay, alias Mr. 2?
Bon Clay first appears in One Piece under the identity of Mr. 2, an agent of the criminal organization Baroque Works during the Alabasta arc. An extravagant ballet dancer, presented as neither fully man nor woman, he is as funny as he is formidable in combat, immediately standing out from the organization's other agents by his unabashed eccentricity and his sense of honor, which is almost misplaced for a member of a criminal organization.
The Mane Mane no Mi, a power made for show
Bon Clay possesses the Mane Mane no Mi, a Devil Fruit that allows him to fully copy the physical appearance of anyone whose face he touches. This power, originally designed for infiltration and manipulation, becomes an essential tool throughout the story for his greatest act of loyalty, by allowing him to pose as someone else at the most decisive moment. It is also a power that perfectly suits his theatrical personality, always focused on performance and spectacle, both in the ring and in life.
From flamboyant rival to unexpected ally during the Alabasta arc
A tough adversary for Luffy during their first confrontation, Bon Clay eventually switches sides at the end of a battle marked as much by action as by humor. This shift, rare for a character initially presented as a top-tier enemy, already establishes the foundation for what will become the strength of his character later in the story: beneath his eccentric appearance lies a sense of honor and sincere gratitude toward those who treated him as an equal rather than an enemy to be struck down.
Impel Down: when friendship overcomes convictions
It is during the Impel Down arc that Bon Clay, now nicknamed Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, proves the full extent of his devotion to Luffy. While the latter attempts an almost suicidal escape from the world's most secure prison to reach Marineford, Bon Clay provides him with decisive help, at the risk of his own freedom and life, never expecting anything in return. This choice, motivated solely by gratitude and the friendship forged in Alabasta, permanently changes fans' perception of this character, who had until then been primarily associated with comedy.
The sacrifice that moved a whole generation of fans
At the end of his journey in Impel Down, Bon Clay sacrifices himself to allow Luffy to continue his journey toward Marineford, in a scene considered by a large part of the community to be one of the most moving in the entire series. This moment works precisely because it comes from a character we did not expect to reach this level of dramatic intensity: the contrast between his usually lighthearted, comedic tone and the absolute gravity of his final act makes the scene all the more striking. To find other equally powerful moments in the series, our selection of the most iconic One Piece scenes revisits what makes these moments unforgettable.
A symbol of loyalty and sincere friendship
What makes Bon Clay from One Piece so beloved even today is what he represents: the proof that sincere friendship is measured neither by appearance, nor by time spent together, nor by conventions. A flamboyant character, often mocked by others, ultimately becomes one of the best examples of loyalty in the entire saga. If you want to know which character from the series you are most like, our One Piece personality test can give you a first clue, in a much lighter tone.
Carry this tribute on your phone
To pay tribute to this moment, as heart-wrenching as it is symbolic, the Mister 2 Sacrifice phone case captures the flamboyant energy and emotional intensity characteristic of the character, with a UV-printed design. A way to celebrate, every day, one of the most endearing characters in the entire franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mr. 2 in One Piece?
Mr. 2 is the code name of Bon Clay, one of the top agents of Baroque Works, Crocodile's organization. Luffy's enemy in Alabasta, he becomes one of his most loyal friends.
What is Bon Clay's real name?
His real name is Bentham. Bon Clay is his nickname and Mr. 2 his Baroque Works code name.
What is Bon Clay's power?
The Mane Mane no Mi lets him take on the exact appearance of anyone he has touched with his right hand, and return to his own face by touching it with his left hand.
What is Bon Clay's sacrifice?
In Alabasta, he draws the Marines away so the Straw Hats can escape. In Impel Down, he disguises himself as Magellan to open the Gates of Justice and stays behind so Luffy can get away.
Is Bon Clay dead?
No. Bon Clay survives Impel Down: he is seen later in the prison, now the queen of Newkama Land.
Why does Bon Clay sacrifice himself for Luffy?
Out of gratitude and sincere friendship, born from their first confrontation in Alabasta, where Luffy treated him as an equal despite their differences.
Is there a Yonkotsu product dedicated to Bon Clay?
Yes, the Mister 2 Sacrifice phone case pays tribute to this defining moment of his journey in One Piece.
Explore the collection linked to this article · Understand the UV finish
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