This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf Arc.
Overview of the Elbaf Arc
- The Straw Hat Pirates must enhance their strength to rival the legendary Roger Pirates.
- Luffy and his crew are on a trajectory to outpace Roger’s group in terms of power and accomplishments.
- The Elbaf arc will present formidable challenges, forging the Straw Hats into a more powerful crew.
The ongoing Elbaf arc in One Piece marks a pivotal moment for the Straw Hat Pirates, as it represents the first major trial they face during the Final Saga. Following the conclusion of the Wano Arc, the crew ascended to the status of Yonko; however, their abilities as a cohesive unit were not thoroughly tested. The brief encounters on Egghead provided some insights into the powers of Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, yet much of the crew’s potential remains unexamined.
Now, with the Elbaf arc unfolding, the full extent of the Straw Hat Pirates’ capabilities is set to be revealed as they strive to attain the legendary status held by the Roger Pirates. This arc is key for fans to gauge how far the Straw Hats can truly go as a Yonko crew in One Piece.
The Roger Pirates at Their Peak
- The Roger Pirates were unrivaled in strength.
- They emerged victorious from the battle of God Valley.
In the expansive world of One Piece, the Roger Pirates stand out as the most renowned pirate crew, reportedly the pinnacle of power. This stature is inevitable for a crew led by the Pirate King himself. Comparisons with the Yonko crews often reveal an imbalance; while Yonko teams feature a strong captain accompanied by three formidable subordinates, the Roger Pirates outclassed even the mightiest of their contemporaries. For example, while Big Mom could contend with Roger, her crew members fell short against the likes of Rayleigh and Scopper Gaban.
Notably, the Red Haired Pirates are an exception, noted by Oda as having a remarkable balance among their ranks, yet fans are left to wonder how they measure up to the legendary Roger Pirates.
The illustrated superiority of the Roger Pirates is undeniable. Roger himself surpassed all other Yonko, with Whitebeard being his only worthy adversary. The formidable duo of Rayleigh and Gaban, his right and left-hand men, further exemplifies the strength of this crew, essentially embodying three Yonko amongst them—an unprecedented feat in the One Piece universe. Even the powerful Whitebeard Pirates do not reach the peaks established by the Roger Pirates, solidifying their legacy as unmatched.
Current Strength of the Straw Hat Pirates
Straw Hats’ Need for Strength
Currently, the Straw Hat Pirates’ strength lags considerably behind the Roger Pirates. Despite Luffy showcasing significant power, he remains below Roger’s level at this time. Zoro, similarly talented, is not yet on par with Rayleigh, and Sanji has yet to rise to Gaban’s standards. This disparity is evident, making it clear to fans that, as a Yonko crew, the Straw Hats must undergo substantial growth to compete with the legendary figures of the past.
Someone will come and surpass us one day.— Roger
The anticipated enhancement in their abilities may come during the Elbaf arc, as the Straw Hats encounter Scopper Gaban, a former member of the Roger Pirates. This meeting offers Luffy a chance to identify his shortcomings, paving the way for improvement. Additionally, the presence of powerful adversaries like the Holy Knights in Elbaf adds pressure to the crew, requiring them to elevate their game significantly. Essential battles await, including Luffy potentially facing off against Shamrock, challenging the crew to rise to the occasion.
Fans eagerly await the development of the Straw Hats into a stronger unit, especially as Luffy approaches his fateful meeting with Shanks. By that time, Luffy should possess enough strength to rival his idol. This progression implies that Luffy’s crew must also elevate their skills—Zoro must match Ben while Sanji should reach similar heights. All members, from Robin to Chopper, must ascend their power levels to fulfill their dreams.
Why the Straw Hat Pirates Will Surpass Roger’s Crew
Luffy’s Journey to Surpass Roger
It is an expectation that the Straw Hat Pirates will ultimately match the feats of the Roger Pirates. Luffy is destined to become the Pirate King, which necessitates that he must possess strength comparable to that of legendary figures like Whitebeard and Roger himself. The prophetic words of Roger indicate that someone will surpass him, setting the stage for the Straw Hats to achieve this extraordinary goal.
However, their path to greatness suggests that they will exceed even Roger’s crew. Unlike Roger, who did not engage in a conflict with the World Government, Luffy will face this challenge head-on. While the Roger Pirates reached their zenith after discovering the One Piece, Luffy’s journey promises to involve additional trials that will enable him and his crew to surpass their predecessors.
In the grand narratives of One Piece, Luffy aims to become the strongest of all time, positioning himself alongside Joy Boy and outpacing legends like Rayleigh and Gaban. By the story’s conclusion, the Straw Hat Pirates are poised to redefine power in the world and might outshine even the legendary Roger crew, thus paving the way for a new era—a necessity after centuries of turmoil. Fans will be captivated as they watch this epic unfold.
For those interested, One Piece can be accessed legally via Viz Media, and fans can read the series for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The upcoming chapter, One Piece 1140, is slated for release on February 23, 2025.
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