Vander Decken IX
Vander Decken IX is the captain of the Flying Pirates and a bullhead shark fishman. He pursues Princess Shirahoshi with repeated marriage proposals and death threats delivered through his abilities. His actions include forming an alliance with Hody Jones and attempting to use the ship Noah against targets on Fish-Man Island.
Appearance
Vander Decken IX appears with a fierce glare and clenched fist in early depictions. He wears a hat and coat during key meetings and laughs widely while shaking hands. His silhouette reveals long hair and a flowing coat as he leaps forward with an exaggerated pose and pointing finger.123
Vander Decken IX stands triumphantly with arms spread, open mouth, and sweat on his face after claiming a discovery. Later he is shown with a shaved head, sweat drops, and wide screaming mouth while clutching his head with both hands. He wears an umbrella and striped cloak during moments of distress and brightens with an idea realization before laughing.45
Personality
Vander Decken IX displays theatrical flair during confrontations and maintains an obsessive focus on fulfilling a personal goal tied to his ancestor. He reacts with intense rage when his advances are rejected and quickly shifts to formulating new destructive plans.67
After rejection Vander Decken IX shaves his head in visible distress and laments that his thrown objects continue to miss their mark due to external interference. He rejects reassurance from subordinates and declares intent to crush all obstacles at once.87
Abilities and powers
Vander Decken IX possesses the Mato Mato curse that grants him a demonic power allowing him to mark targets. He demonstrates this ability publicly while boasting of his descent from the captain of the Flying Dutchman.9
Vander Decken IX uses his left hand ability to mark Hody Jones during their confrontation. He later explains that this marking enables him to direct the ship Noah toward the marked individual for destruction.1011
Vander Decken IX has wide eyes and open mouth during explanation of his power after marking a target. He wears a hat and coat while being attacked yet survives to continue his plans.12
History
Early notoriety
Vander Decken IX features on a wanted poster labeled DANGER VANDER DECKEN IX that shocks observers who recall meeting him on a ghost ship. Discussions reveal his obsession with Princess Shirahoshi through repeated love letters and marriage proposals accompanied by blackmail, leaving her terrified while searchers fail to locate him.13
Early actions on Fish-Man Island
Public demonstration
Vander Decken IX steps forward dramatically before a crowd on Noah to demonstrate his abilities while boasting of his descent. He declares himself a fish-man who cannot swim yet possesses a demonic power from the Mato Mato curse and claims to be the descendant of the captain of the Flying Dutchman rather than a ghost.16
Alliance period
Palace events and claims
Relationships
Vander Decken IX directs repeated proposals and threats toward Princess Shirahoshi over a period of ten years. He reacts with fury when she rejects him and accuses her existence of insulting his longing.226
Vander Decken IX seizes Princess Shirahoshi outside the Ryuuguu Palace Shell Tower and looms over her with a wide grin and swirling eyes. He directs proposals and threats toward her over years while reacting with fury to rejection and accusing her existence of insulting his lineage.2324
Vander Decken IX grips his head and declares every last one must be crushed while an ally questions him. He suddenly brightens with a beautiful idea about annihilating sea monsters alone to ensure destruction of the troublesome Straw Hat crew even if thousands of allies perish.2526
Major battles
Vander Decken IX confronts Neptune who draws a sword and declares that Shirahoshi is his beloved sister. Decken snarls back while weapons are raised and debris falls around Shirahoshi.2728
Vander Decken IX confronts Neptune who towers with drawn sword and open roaring mouth. Vander Decken IX snarls upward with bared teeth and aggressive posture before lunging forward with wide grin and intense eyes.29
Hody Jones strikes Vander Decken IX with a trident after learning of the plan to destroy the island. Vander Decken IX survives the attack and remains standing while panting heavily.10
Vander Decken IX sweats heavily with wide eyes and heavy panting posture after Hody Jones kicks him violently. He recoils from the kick with pained posture yet remains standing.12