Pirates are often romanticized in media as a group of swashbuckling adventurers with strong bonds of loyalty and camaraderie. However, the reality is often much more complicated. Blackbeard, one of the most infamous pirates in history, acknowledged that pirates are only united by common interests, not by friendship. He knew that once those common interests were no longer present, betrayal and treachery would inevitably follow. This is a lesson that all pirates should heed.
Blackbeard's crew was no exception to this rule. While there may have been some camaraderie among them, it was clear that their loyalty to each other was limited. Blackbeard himself did not trust Shiryu, and with good reason, given Shiryu's penchant for violence. Similarly, Pizarro's loyalty was called into question when he expressed a desire to be captain and was threatened with death by Laffitte.
It is likely that the only crew members who are truly loyal to Blackbeard are Jesus Burgess, Doc Q, and Van Augur. Even then, it is unclear if their loyalty is absolute. The rest of the crew, including San Juan Wolf, Vasco, and Devon, are likely only in it for the promise of power and destruction. As level 6 prisoners, they have little else to follow.
This lack of loyalty among Blackbeard's crew is a weakness that could ultimately lead to his downfall. When he is at his weakest, he will be abandoned and betrayed, leaving him with nothing to fall back on. In contrast, Luffy's crew is united by a strong sense of loyalty and a deep bond of friendship. They are willing to die for each other and for their captain.
The lesson here is clear: loyalty is key to the success of any group, whether it is a pirate crew or a team of coworkers. Without it, the group is vulnerable to betrayal and division. Blackbeard may have been a fearsome pirate, but his lack of loyalty among his crew was ultimately his undoing. Luffy, on the other hand, has built a crew that is united by a powerful sense of loyalty and friendship. This is what sets him apart from other pirates and what will ultimately lead him to success.