One Piece: Oda Confirms How Sanji Will Officially Surpass Zoro

This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.

One Piece is a very popular manga known for its well-developed and endearing characters. Over time, the author, Oda, has created some truly remarkable characters and compelling relationships between them. A frequent topic of debate among fans is the dynamic between Zoro and Sanji. While Oda has repeatedly suggested they are equals – the ‘wings’ that will support the future Pirate King – many fans still enjoy comparing their strengths and hoping one will surpass the other.

Sanji and Zoro are generally on the same level, though each excels in different areas. However, Sanji could potentially become a greater threat to the Marines than Zoro by the end of the *One Piece* story. This possibility was suggested by Oda during the Thriller Bark arc and may become important in the final part of the series.

Sanji Has Said He Will Be The Navy’s Biggest Threat

Sanji’s Bounty Might be Higher Than Zoro’s by The End

Sanji is a hugely popular character in One Piece, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a fascinating character and a key fighter for the Straw Hat Pirates, forming the powerful “Monster Trio” with Luffy and Zoro. The author, Oda, clearly has big plans for Sanji, even after already revealing so much of his past, and he continues to play an important role in the story.

Oda subtly hinted at Sanji becoming a major target for the Navy way back during the Thriller Bark arc, a detail many fans have missed. Sanji himself told Kuma he would become a huge problem for the Navy, and considering Oda’s tendency to foreshadow future events, this is likely to be significant down the line.

Sanji is becoming a major problem for the Navy, which likely means his bounty will increase significantly – potentially even surpass Zoro‘s. Currently, he has the fourth-highest bounty among the Straw Hats, but that’s expected to change soon, considering he previously had a higher bounty than Zoro before the Wano arc ended.

Sanji’s Connections To Sora Will Be Revealed in the Final Saga

Sora Is Connected To the Navy

Fans of the detailed backstory in *One Piece* are likely familiar with Sora, the Warrior of the Sea. Currently presented as a legend, the creator, Oda, seems to have significant plans for this character. Sora will likely have a meaningful connection to Sanji, possibly as an ancestor from the Vinsmoke family, or someone else important from the Void Century. We already know Sora was associated with the Marines and used in their propaganda. Uncovering the full truth about Sora could be the thing that ultimately makes Sanji a major enemy of the Navy.

Will Sanji Surpass Zoro in Power?

Sanji and Zoro Are Equal As The Wings of the Pirate King

Although Sanji might be seen as a bigger threat to the Marines than Zoro, they are likely equals in terms of overall strength. Throughout the *One Piece* story, Oda has suggested that Zoro and Sanji are relatively matched in power. They’re often described as Luffy’s two main supports, and it wouldn’t fit the story for one to be significantly stronger than the other.

Viewers can also observe a similar relationship within the Roger Pirates, where Rayleigh and Gaban are portrayed as equally powerful. Gaban even asserts he’s the second strongest member of the crew, after Roger himself.

The newest chapter of One Piece, chapter 1162, will be released next week on Sunday. While it becomes available in Japan at midnight on Monday, most fans around the world will be able to read it on October 12, 2025. You can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus.

2025-10-09 16:34