Unlikely One Piece Showdowns That May Never Happen

Summary

Eiichiro Oda focuses on storytelling, leading to unlikely matchups and fights.
Many anticipated battles in One Piece are unlikely to occur due to characters’ diverging paths.
Zoro vs Sanji and other potential matchups are unlikely due to mutual respect and other storylines.

Despite being over a thousand chapters deep, the manga One Piece still holds numerous unsolved mysteries. The author, Eiichiro Oda, prioritizes story development and world creation, which often leads to unexpected twists, especially during combat scenes.

Occasionally, Eiichiro Oda hints at a confrontation between certain One Piece characters, but then surprises us by changing the course of events. As a result, several battles that fans anticipate may not materialize in the series.

This post contains spoilers for One Piece.

7. Shanks vs. Shamrock

Both Have Different Priorities

In Figarland Garling’s history, Shanks and Shamrock are often seen as two figures with contrasting destinies, both stemming from noble lineage but living divergent lives. Raised in Marijoa, Shamrock ascended to become the Commander of the Holy Knights. Conversely, Shanks was nurtured by the Roger Pirates and eventually rose through their ranks to claim one of the Four Emperor titles of the Sea.

A fight between Shanks and Shamrock would be incredible, but it’s almost unimaginable. Since Shamrock belongs to the Holy Knights, it’s quite unlikely that they would pursue a pirate like Shanks unless he was directly attacking Marijoa or the Celestial Dragons. On the other hand, Shanks is focused on finding the One Piece, so encounters with Shamrock are unlikely.

6. Monkey D. Dragon vs. Sakazuki

Dragon Is More Interested In Taking Down The Celestial Dragons

Monkey D. Dragon serves as the head of the Revolutionary Army, earning him the infamous title, “The Most Notorious Outlaw Globally.” His mission is to dismantle the oppressive government and eliminate wickedness from the planet.

In simpler terms, Sakazuki holds the position of a high-ranking Marine officer known as the Fleet Admiral. His duties primarily involve handling pirates and other lawbreakers. Due to his strong dislike for Dragon, who is the chief of the Revolutionary Army and once left the Marines, Sakazuki might engage in battle with someone else – Sabo. This would be symbolically fitting since Sabo is Ace’s blood brother, and defeating him could avenge Ace’s death.

5. Enel vs. Anyone

Enel Might Never Return To Earth

In the realm of Skypiea, it was Enel who played the role of the primary adversary. He was a self-proclaimed deity, characterized by his inflated sense of self-importance and narcissism, often acting in a godlike manner. Armed with the Goro Goro no Mi, a Devil Fruit of the Logia class, Enel possessed an extraordinary ability to manipulate lightning at will. By utilizing Observation Haki, he was able to create an illusion of omnipotence.

After losing to Luffy in Skypiea, Enel journeyed to Fairy Vearth onboard Ark Maxim. In one of the side stories, we learned that Enel successfully reached his destination and gained a substantial fan base. Therefore, it’s highly improbable that he will return to Earth and encounter one of its top fighters.

4. Zoro vs. Sanji

They Care About Each Other

The duo composed by Zoro and Sanji constitute two out of the three members known as the Monster Trio. These two are exceptional fighters, but they each have unique fighting styles. Zoro is a master swordsman who employs a three-sword technique, whereas Sanji favors employing his legs to crush adversaries instead.

For centuries, there has been a continuous discussion among fans about which character is more powerful: Zoro or Sanji. Many thought it was Zoro, but Oda clarified that they’re equally strong because they are referred to as the “wings of the Pirate King.” Instead, these two characters admire and respect each other, eliminating any chance of a fight between them in One Piece.

3. Big Mom vs. Luffy

Big Mom Likely Died In Wano

Big Mom is known as one of the most dreaded pirates globally. Leading a colossal pirate fleet, she ascended to become one of the Four Sea Emperors. During the Fish-Man Island storyline, Luffy, in a bold move, teased Big Mom, who is revered as the Queen of Totto Land.

They hadn’t met until the Whole Cake Island storyline, regrettably Luffy didn’t have a serious battle with Big Mom; instead, his main adversary was Katakuri. Oda felt it premature for Luffy to defeat her at that time. Despite being present in Wano, Big Mom didn’t engage in combat with Luffy. Instead, Oda pitted her against Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law, which was somewhat unsatisfying because of the animosity between Luffy and Big Mom.

2. Yasopp vs. Usopp

Yasopp’s Final Fight WIll Likely Be Against Van Augur

In the world of pirates, Yasopp, belonging to the Red Hair Pirates, is known as their skilled sniper. On the other hand, Usopp, his son, has taken over the same role in the Straw Hat Pirates. However, there’s a significant difference in their fighting abilities. Yasopp is an exceptional fighter and holds a high position among the Red Hair Pirates, often ranked among their top officers.

Conversely, Usopp is known for being feeble and timid. He understands his capabilities and prefers to avoid conflicts. Yet, many fans eagerly anticipate a confrontation between Usopp and his father, but such an event might never occur because it seems that the Red Hair Pirates are set on clashing with the Blackbeard Pirates instead.

1. Dracule Mihawk vs. Roronoa Zoro

Mihawk Might Lose His Title To Someone Else

Dracule Mihawk, renowned as the most powerful swordsman globally, encountered Zoro in the East Blue region. In their initial encounter, Mihawk outshone Zoro and left him feeling embarrassed. Despite this, Mihawk admired Zoro’s determination, leading him to show mercy. Their paths crossed again on Kuriagana Island, where instead of engaging in combat, Mihawk chose to train Zoro.

It’s evident that Roronoa Zoro intends to engage in combat with Mihawk. Yet, it’s possible that another contender might outdo Mihawk, causing him to forfeit his title. Consequently, if someone else defeats Mihawk, Zoro would likely focus on this victor instead.

2025-05-05 17:36