5 Years Later, Oda Finally Delivers Sanji’s Promised Upgrade In One Piece’s Elbaph Arc

The Straw Hat Pirates are becoming incredibly powerful as the story progresses, and this is especially clear in the current Elbaph arc of the manga. Sanji, the crew’s chef and a top fighter, is no exception. Over the past few years, creator Eiichiro Oda has been focusing on developing Sanji’s strength, aiming to make him a truly elite warrior capable of easily defeating the strongest opponents in the One Piece world. This increase in Sanji’s power isn’t unexpected; Oda hinted at it back in volume 105 of the SBS, and now, nine volumes later, we’re finally seeing it happen.

How Eiichiro Oda’s SBS Volume 105 Foreshadowed Sanji’s Science Upgrade 5 Years Ago

Sanji experienced a major power boost during the Wano Country Arc when he unlocked his genetic potential, known as the Lineage Factor, after using the Raid Suit three times. Unlike his brothers, Sanji wasn’t altered by a process that suppressed emotions, a procedure that cost their mother her life. However, this also meant he didn’t inherit the physical enhancements—like a tough exoskeleton, immense strength, durability, and fast healing—that his brothers did.

For a long time, Sanji’s hidden potential remained unrealized. However, the Wano Arc marked a turning point, as he began unlocking his unique abilities, ultimately allowing him to defeat a powerful opponent like Queen. Series creator Eiichiro Oda confirmed in One Piece Volume 105 that Sanji’s ‘scientific evolution’ had started and hinted at even greater developments to come as the story progresses towards its conclusion. Now, as the crew reaches Elbaph, Sanji’s increasing strength is becoming increasingly obvious.

Sanji is quite different. The Raid Suit unlocked a scientific ability within him. He already possessed a peculiar resistance to fire, which was interesting to begin with. It will be fascinating to see how this develops for him going forward. — Eiichiro Oda, Volume 105 SBS

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Breaking Down Sanji’s New Strength Upgrade In The Elbaph Arc Of One Piece

During the Elbaph arc of One Piece, Sanji has shown significant growth, particularly evident in his recent fight against Saint Killingham. Despite Killingham being a powerful member of Nerona Imu’s crew and possessing the ability to endlessly regenerate, Sanji easily defeated him. He completely dismantled Killingham’s body, and the other Straw Hats helped restrain him. Killingham was left with a lasting and intense hatred for Sanji, vowing to get revenge. Remarkably, Sanji accomplished all of this without even using the full extent of his abilities.

Although the Straw Hat Pirates haven’t gained obvious new powers, their strength has increased significantly during the events on Elbaph. Sanji, for example, is now powerful enough to fight Yonko Commanders without pushing himself to his limits – he can even deflect attacks from an Admiral like Kizaru and hold his own against the world’s strongest fighters, with only someone like Nerona Imu being able to defeat him quickly. Sanji’s development in the Final Saga is impressive, and Oda is fulfilling his promises for the character, hinting at even more abilities to come, including Conqueror’s Haki. With Nerona Imu now involved in the battle, it’s likely Killingham will reappear to fight him, and this could be the catalyst for Sanji to unlock Conqueror’s Haki, further boosting his strength.

Sanji’s Post-Elbaph Power Level Makes Him One Of The Strongest Pirates In The World

With the Elbaf arc reaching its peak, Sanji is poised to become one of the strongest fighters in the One Piece world – and the upcoming challenges demand it. A massive war is brewing, and the World Government’s top powers are already preparing. This means Luffy needs to grow even stronger, and his crew needs to level up alongside him.

Sanji isn’t the only one who needs to improve; Zoro and the rest of the Straw Hat crew – Nami, Robin, Franky, Brook, Jinbe, Chopper, and Usopp – all need to reach their full potential. To challenge the World Government and win the upcoming Great War, everyone needs to be at their strongest. Oda has already hinted at how they will all grow stronger.

One Piece chapter 1180 will be available to read on Manga Plus on April 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. EST.

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2026-04-15 14:04