Warning: This article includes spoilers related to the Elbaf Arc in One Piece.
Key Highlights
- Zoro and Sanji maintain an equal footing in strength and significance within the Straw Hat crew.
- The trio comprising Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji draws parallels with the famed Roger Pirates.
- There is a clear trajectory for Zoro and Sanji to exceed the legendary Rayleigh and Gaban, potentially achieving Yonko-level capabilities.
The Elbaf Arc of One Piece is currently unfolding, captivating fans with thrilling developments. Now entering the concluding saga, the story is expected to escalate into high-stakes battles where the Straw Hat Pirates will be pivotal players.
Within this crew, three characters shine brightly as the foremost fighters—the Monster Trio. Their strength and capabilities are evident, making it clear that the Straw Hats are poised for remarkable advancements. As the series progresses, fans eagerly await Oda’s elaborate plans for their growth and power evolution.
The Parallels Between the Straw Hat Monster Trio and the Roger Pirates
When considering powerful crews within the One Piece universe, each has distinct characteristics. The Yonko crews are particularly significant, typically exhibiting a hierarchical structure with a Yonko leading and three formidable commanders at their side. For instance, Kaido ruled over his crew supported by King, Queen, and Jack, just as Big Mom commanded her crew with Katakuri, Smoothie, and Cracker.
However, the Roger Pirates operated under a different dynamic, as there was no single captain standing alone at the top. Instead, Gol D. Roger, Silvers Rayleigh, and Scopper Gaban formed a legendary trio of immense strength, something unparalleled throughout the series. Oda has confirmed that Gaban, like Rayleigh, was formidable, boasting combat prowess nearly matching that of Roger himself.
This dynamic is mirrored in the Straw Hat Pirates, with Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji forming a “Monster Trio.”Similar to Roger’s cadre, they are poised to compete against the likes of Roger, Rayleigh, and Gaban in future confrontations.
Zoro and Sanji’s Equal Standing
Zoro and Sanji Are Luffy’s Wings
The debate over the strongest members of Luffy’s crew has been ongoing. However, it is essential to recognize that Zoro and Sanji consistently rank as Luffy’s top supporters, acting as his “wings”on his journey toward becoming the Pirate King. Their support is vital to Luffy’s ambitions, as highlighted by Robin’s assertion that he cannot soar without them.
In contrast to the Roger Pirates, where Rayleigh served as Vice Captain, the Straw Hats operate without a designated Vice, leading to equal standing for both Zoro and Sanji. Their rivalry is legendary, and no matter the varying opinions among fans, they are consistently portrayed as equals by Oda. Adjustments in strength may occur, but fundamentally, Zoro and Sanji will always share a relative power level.
Whether it is in the present or during the time when Luffy claims his title as the Pirate King and Zoro becomes the world’s foremost swordsman while Sanji discovers the All Blue, their comparative strengths will remain intertwined.
Zoro and Sanji’s Ascendancy Beyond Rayleigh and Gaban
Oda Has Already Decided Their Peaks
Given the established dynamics between Zoro and Sanji, it is crucial to explore their anticipated power levels. Both characters are on a trajectory to exceed the strength associated with the Yonko. Zoro’s objective of becoming the World’s Greatest Swordsman, by defeating Mihawk, directly aligns him with the Yonko’s upper echelon. Meanwhile, although Sanji doesn’t pursue a singular goal like Zoro, he is strongly positioned to become more powerful than Scopper Gaban, his counterpart from the Roger Pirates.
Ultimately, the new generation, represented by Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, is expected to surpass the revered old guard. Roger himself hinted that future generations would eventually eclipse their predecessors. Therefore, it’s reasonable to predict that not only will Luffy surpass Roger, but Zoro will also surpass Rayleigh, and Sanji will outstrip Gaban.
As both Gaban and Rayleigh are figures who reached Yonko tier, it’s evident that Zoro and Sanji are destined to be among the mightiest at the series’ conclusion. The unfolding narrative promises that their growth will soon culminate in showcasing their true combat potential, affirming their place as integral members of the Straw Hat Pirates supporting Luffy in his quest for the Pirate King title.
Fans can follow the developments of One Piece through Viz Media and easily access the series for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The next chapter, One Piece 1141, is scheduled for release on March 2, 2025.
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