Summary
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One of the most mysterious groups so far, in the world ofOne Piece, is the enigmatic D. Clan. Although most fans of the series understand their purpose in the story, the origin and true meaning behind the name have been kept a secret ever since its first mention in the series. Outside of a few brief explanations from the characters ofOne Piece, almost every other is completely up to speculation.
However, even with the limited knowledge of what the D. Clan represents inOne Piece, one character in the group doesn’t seem to fit in among the others. Strangely enough, although most characters that possess the middle initial “D” are generally good people,Marshall D. Teach, aka Blackbeard, is also among their ranks. While he technically does fit many of the characteristics that D. Clan members possess, there are still a few reasons that Blackbeard may be the one traitor to the D. Clan inOne Piece.

The One Piece D. Clan Members Share Many Characteristics
Most Are Heroic And Laugh In The Face Of Death
Being a part of the D. Clan means that a character inOne Piecepossesses the inherited, “Will of the D.” which is represented by the middle initial, “D” in their name. Some important D. Clan members include Monkey D. Luffy, Trafalgar Water D. Law, Portgas D. Ace, and, of course,Gol D. Roger, the first Pirate KinginOne Piece. However, this list also includes the main antagonist of the series, Marshall D. Teach, who at first glance, fails to live up to many of the qualifications that the D. Clan has.
Fate has chosen me to conquer this world! - Marshall D. Teach

The members of D. Clan are said to be the enemies of the Gods, meaning they are the natural enemies of the World Government andOne Piece’sWorld Nobles. As for characteristics, these characters are often prone to action and doing things that are hugely impactful on the landscape of the world. Additionally, and most notably, these characters are known to not fear death in almost any circumstance. Rather than acting desperate when they are about to die, D. Clan members often smile or laugh during their final moments, a characteristic that has shocked many other characters in the series.
Blackbeard Is Different From Other D. Clan Members
Blackbeard Begs In The Face Of Death And Is Cowardly
Firstly, Blackbeard himself, in these near-death situations and moments of extreme stress, has been shown to be more of a coward than any otherOne PieceD. Clan member. Namely, at multiple points in the series, including when he begged for his life from the former Emperor Whitebeard on Marineford, Blackbeard has shown a notable lack of this quality. For other characters, like Roger, who laughed during his execution, Luffy, who smiled when he almost died at the hands of Buggy, or Garp, who smiled after being pierced by Kuzan’s icicle, this sort of circumstance would have been easy to take in stride.
For this reason, combined with his extremely nihilistic and opportunistic tendencies, Blackbeard may be a traitor hidden away inthe D. Clan ofOne Piece. Rather than being a true member who has inherited the “Will of the D”, Blackbeard could be masquerading as one of their members, knowing just how much these characters impact the world. Although the clan’s true purpose was knowledge hidden by the World Government, Blackbeard, being extremely crafty, could have somehow gleaned the knowledge from his encounters with Roger or other long-time pirates.

Blackbeard May Have Plans While Pretending To Be A D. Clan Member
The Pirate May Be Looking To Manipulate Both Pirates And The World Government
After masquerading as a D. Clan member, Blackbeard could use his title not only as leverage to increase his notoriety againstOne Piece’sWorld Government, but to also potentially get closer to other members of the D. Clan as well. Some fans predict that the D. Clan will be forced to battle the World Government in a showdown duringOne Piece’sFinal Saga, especially with the mobilization of the Holy knights on Elbaf. A moment like this may be Blackbeard’s opportunity to show his true intentions as a false Blackbeard member.
A hand of darkness to call forth the void. A hand of light to shake the Heavens and bend the Earth. - Marshall D. Teach
However, this idea of Blackbeard being a traitor to the D. Clan is mainly speculation. Other characters, likeOne Piece’sClou D. Clover, have shown fear in the face of death. Although his circumstances were extremely different, this isn’t a trait only Blackbeard has. In the end, while there may be a potential for him to be a traitor, right now, there needs to be a bit more evidence inOne Piecebefore anything becomes clear.