Weak Characters Who Became Absurdly Strong in One Piece

Summary

Characters in One Piece start off weak but can become powerhouses through training and growth.
Examples like Shirahoshi, Koby, and Zoro highlight remarkable transformations in strength and abilities.
Overcoming weaknesses and training diligently can lead to characters evolving into formidable forces.

In the contemporary tale of “One Piece”, numerous characters possess incredible power that could obliterate entire islands with a solitary blow. However, these mighty figures didn’t always boast such strength at the story’s outset. Indeed, a Devil Fruit may grant an edge in battle, but to confront some of the world’s deadliest pirates and marines, a character must dedicate substantial effort to training just to have a fighting chance against the elite.

In the world of “One Piece,” several characters initially perceived as relatively feeble have astonishingly transformed into formidable forces, bordering on excessively powerful given their remarkable achievements within the series. Let’s delve into these characters and explore how they evolved to such greatness, as well as why they were once deemed weak.

Shirahoshi

Shirahoshi Musters Up The Courage To Control The Sea Kings

First Appearance: Episode 531

In simpler terms, Shirahoshi, known as Poseidon, holds an immense, destructive power within her, enough to potentially wipe out the world if fully controlled. However, initially, she was timid and simple-minded, often breaking down at minor inconveniences. Her eagerness to avoid conflict made her seem weak, but towards the end of Fishman Island arc, she started tapping into a hidden strength, becoming more formidable.

In the world of One Piece, Shirahoshi demonstrates remarkable control over several Sea Kings simultaneously, safeguarding Fishman Island against potential destruction by the Noah. It’s crucial to bear in mind that Sea Kings are among the fearsome creatures known for causing immense destruction with their massive size and strength. Despite initially appearing as a fragile crybaby, Shirahoshi has evolved into one of the potentially most perilous characters within the series.

Bleackbeard

From A Timid Ruffian To The World’s Most Infamous Pirate

First Appearance: Episode 146

Before becoming a notorious pirate who plundered Devil Fruits and caused chaos on islands with his motley crew, Blackbeard was initially a destitute boy working under the renowned captain Whitebeard. Unlike his fellow crew members like Marco and Jozu, who were already formidable fighters, Blackbeard often watched battles from afar during that time, suggesting he wasn’t as powerful as he later became.

After betraying the crew and stealing the Dark Dark Fruit, he gained control over darkness and the power to disable others’ abilities. Later in the series, Blackbeard went even further by acquiring his previous captain’s Devil Fruit, allowing him to trigger earthquakes with a single punch. It’s clear that he has progressed significantly since his early days on Whitebeard’s ship.

Koby

It’s Amazing What A Little Bit Of Training With Garp Can Lead To

First Appearance: Episode 1

In the initial episode of One Piece, Koby initially appears as an inexperienced and clumsy errand boy, who struggles even with holding a brush, far from being able to wield a sword. However, despite these shortcomings, he had a long journey ahead before realizing his ambition of becoming a marine. Fortunately, with guidance from Garp, Koby progressed through the ranks at an unexpectedly rapid pace.

Over the course of the One Piece storyline, Koby has been progressively building up his power until he was ultimately accepted into SWORD, a covert team known for its difficulty to join. Lately, he’s demonstrated remarkable feats of strength, like when he released his formidable Honesty Impact, remarkably similar to Garp’s Galaxy Impact, which nearly annihilated an entire island, demonstrating just how powerfully strong Koby has grown.

Katakuri

Katakuri’s Dedication To Protecting His Family Pushed Him To Become Stronger

First Appearance: Episode 825

In a similar vein to most of Big Mom’s offspring, Katakuri experienced an unfulfilling childhood. His excessive fondness for donuts led to his mouth growing abnormally large, which made him the constant target of bullies when he was younger. Even his sister Brulee suffered from bullying due to her association with the misshapen Katakuri. To prevent such incidents from recurring, Katakuri dedicated years to rigorous training to build up his strength so that he could safeguard his family. As Capone aptly noted, this relentless pursuit of power transformed him into a formidable force by the time he emerged in the main storyline.

Katakuri’s unique Mochi fruit grants him the ability to shape-shift his body at will, but it’s not just that – he’s also honed his Observation Haki to glimpse a few seconds ahead, which makes him nearly invulnerable. Furthermore, through rigorous physical training, his body has become incredibly resilient, so much so that even Luffy struggled to impact him while in Gear 4.

Trafalgar Law

Law Was On The Brink Of Death, But He Came Back Swinging

First Appearance: Episode 392

At a young age, Law found himself afflicted by the supposedly incurable Amber Lead disease. This not only took a toll on his mental health but also sapped his physical strength so severely that it seemed inevitable he wouldn’t survive. However, fortunately for him, Corazon, a marine working undercover, intervened and bestowed upon Law the Ope Ope no Mi fruit. With this newfound power, Law was able to remove the disease from his own body.

After that, Law has been refining his skills to transform into a formidable pirate, mastering not just his swordplay, but also finding innovative uses for his Devil Fruit. With this fruit, he can alter his surroundings to create a versatile playground, enabling him to control people’s bodies in various ways, from rearranging their organs to even swapping bodies with others. Today, he stands as a highly powerful figure, constantly monitored by the Marines.

Sanji

Sanji Has Put in The Work To Become Someone Luffy Can Depend On

First Appearance: Episode 20

Unlike his siblings, who were born with extraordinary strength and speed due to their father Judge, Sanji didn’t develop these abilities. Instead, he was viewed as a failure and kept in isolation, while his family seemed content. Despite being told he would be worthless, Sanji’s fortunes shifted when he encountered a chef named Zeff, eventually leading him to Luffy and the Straw Hat pirates.

Sanji, who doesn’t possess a Devil Fruit, still managed to become one of the strongest members of the crew solely due to his unwavering determination and tireless effort. As the story progressed, he inadvertently unlocked some hidden abilities. A key moment was when he utilized his Diable Jambe technique during the Enies Lobby arc, which enables him to set his leg ablaze with fire. With his Armament Haki, Sanji can fell formidable foes with just a few strikes. It’s hard to imagine that young Sanji ever dreamed of joining a legendary trio, but his commitment to being a reliable crew member for Luffy eventually led him to this prestigious position.

Zoro

Zoro’s Come A Very Long Way Since The Early Episodes

First Appearance: Episode 2

Initially, when Zoro debuted in the show, his strength surpassed most humans. However, considering the broader context and looking back retrospectively, it’s accurate to say he was relatively weak. Despite having the ability to wield three swords simultaneously, Mihawk effortlessly outmatched him using a common butter knife, leaving Zoro defeated without exerting much effort. Interestingly, that crushing defeat served as a significant turning point for Zoro, motivating him to strive tirelessly towards mastery until he ultimately ranked among the most powerful characters in the series.

After the time jump, Zoro has made some astonishing battle achievements. He even divided Pica, who was as large as a mountainous peak, and left a mark on Kaido, a feat only Oden has accomplished before him. Additionally, he is one of the select few with the ability to wield Supreme King Haki. Given his humble beginnings as a swordsman, it’s no surprise that Zoro is now seen as a significant threat.

Luffy

Luffy Has Become Immensely Powerful Since His Epic Journey Began

First Appearance: Episode 1

Over time, Luffy’s stretchy Devil Fruit abilities have earned him a reputation as a powerful puncher. However, in broader terms, during his early days at Romance Dawn, Luffy wasn’t seen as incredibly potent. He lacked Haki skills and had limited combat experience. As a result, he could be easily overpowered by anyone even slightly stronger. But that’s changed dramatically now.

Through the mastery of his Devil Fruit powers and learning various Gear techniques, Luffy has gradually grown stronger throughout his journey. He’s successfully defeated numerous powerful adversaries along the way.

In my perspective, his greatest ability lies in the activation of Gear 5 – a feat that unleashes the untapped power within his Devil Fruit, channeling the might of the Sun God Nika. Now, Luffy holds his ground against the Admirals and Yonko, a far cry from when the series initially commenced.

2025-08-17 08:36