Characters Who Lived Up To Their Reputations in One Piece

Summary

Characters like Oden and Big Mom live up to their hype with impressive skills and reputations.
Crocodile’s cunning and power as a Shichibukai match his evil reputation in Alabasta.
Jinbe and Vegapunk exceed expectations with their abilities and intelligence when revealed in the story.

Before Luffy embarks on his pirate voyage officially, many significant characters in the world of One Piece had already established themselves prominently. Readers or viewers of One Piece would recognize that Oda often hints at characters early and unveils them later, but whether they meet expectations set by their grand reputations is a different story altogether.

It’s fortunate that many of these highly anticipated characters make an outstanding debut, confirming why their fame has spread across great distances. The following pirates, revolutionaries, and marines have managed to live up to their renowned status, despite the high expectations. However, be aware that this list may include minor spoilers up to the Eggman Island arc.

This list contains spoilers!

6. Oden

Wano’s Hero Makes A Big Impression When He’s Revealed In A Flashback

First Appearance: Episode 910

Shortly after Luffy and the team landed in Wano, tales about a legendary figure named Kouzuki Oden began circulating. Given the high regard in which people hold his deeds and impact on Wano, it’s clear that he carried significant expectations. It quickly becomes evident why he has garnered such widespread acclaim among his fellow citizens.

In my excitement, let me share the tale of Oden, a man who embarked on an extraordinary voyage, determined to unlock Wano’s borders. This epic seafaring adventure saw him sailing alongside Whitebeard, and much later, the legendary Roger – the captain he would serve once he reached the elusive One Piece.

Oden’s swordsmanship was nothing short of remarkable, a fact that becomes evident when you consider he was the only one capable of leaving a lasting mark on Kaido, long before Zoro managed to do so many years later.

5. Big Mom

The Terrifying Yonko Proved Worthy Of Her Infamous Reputation

First Appearance: Episode 571

At the tail-end of Fishman Island, we meet Big Mom, who scolds Luffy for taking her candies. Pekoms, one of Big Mom’s underlings, warns the Straw Hats about this towering Yonko, emphasizing that they’ve stepped into serious trouble by angering her. He tells the Straw Hat captain directly that he’s made a big mistake.

In order to save Sanji, Luffy finds himself venturing onto Big Mom’s Whole Cake Island, and it swiftly becomes clear why the Rocks Pirate is dreaded by mighty warriors. Beyond her Devil Fruit power that extracts souls, Big Mom demonstrates an impressive command of Haki, making her a formidable hand-to-hand combatant. Moreover, her allies, or homies, are always ready to lend a helping hand in tough fights.

4. Crocodile

Alabasta’s Evil Ruler Is Just As Devious As He Was Made Out To Be

First Appearance: Episode 76

In the popular series, many viewers believe that the Alabasta saga marks a significant turning point, due to its extensive plot and high-stakes nature. This storyline is notable because Crocodile, who orchestrates this nation’s impending civil war, serves as the main antagonist. Prior to the Straw Hat crew’s arrival in Alabasta, Vivi frequently discusses Crocodile, suggesting that he’s not a foe Luffy can easily defeat with a single blow.

In typical Luffy style, the pirate appears unbothered by Crocodile’s fearsome Shichibukai status, a reputation that results in him receiving multiple beatings at the hands of the sea’s sand-commanding warlord. This indifference towards Crocodile’s dangerous reputation proves costly, as it becomes evident that he is indeed a master strategist, as suggested by his ability to effortlessly ensnare the Straw Hats and control their actions without any direct intervention.

3. Jinbe

Jinbe Is Mentioned Very Early On In The Story As An Immensely Powerful Fishman

First Appearance: Episode 430

In the manga, even before appearing during the Marineford War (which took place just prior to a time jump), Jinbe was initially mentioned as early as chapter 69. He was depicted as an incredibly powerful Fishman who could cause destruction wherever he went. While this initial portrayal may have given the impression that Jinbe was more villainous than he truly is, it certainly piqued the interest of readers to catch a glimpse of this renowned Shichibukai. And it’s accurate to say that he lived up to expectations.

During the conflict, Jinbe displayed remarkable abilities, such as single-handedly fending off an assault from the formidable Akainu to protect Luffy. Despite being momentarily ridiculed, he admirably lived up to the high standards set by his global notoriety.

2. Vegapunk

People Knew Vegapunk Was Intelligent, But Nobody Could Have Expected Just How Wicked Smart He Truly Is

First Appearance: Episode 1090

In the storyline, Vegapunk is a character who is frequently referenced, yet doesn’t physically appear until the Egghead Island arc, which occurs well beyond the 1000-episode milestone. Insights provided by Franky and hints about Vegapunk constructing something to substitute for the Shichibukai suggested he was intelligent, but it’s truly astounding to witness just how intellectually gifted this eccentric scientist turns out to be.

On Egghead Island, Vegapunk maintains a residence where he’s created numerous copies of himself. These duplicates gather data and knowledge that are stored in his memory bank. Over time, as he delves deeper into the secrets of Ohara, Vegapunk’s intelligence becomes almost problematic, making him a marked individual by the Marines.

1. Kaido

The Strongest Being In Land, Sea, And Air Proves To Luffy Why He’s Earned Such A Title

First Appearance: Episode 739

In many parts of the narrative prior to his central role in the Wano arc, Kaido serves as a sort of terrifying legend or myth. The Straw Hat crew had heard about this extremely powerful Yonko named Kaido from figures like Kin’emon, Doflamingo, and even Big Mom, who described him as a monstrous entity.

In the initial appearance on Sky Island, he made his series entry, leaving fans with just a fleeting impression of his formidable strength and aura. However, it wasn’t until the Wano arc that we truly understood why he earned such a fearsome reputation as a pirate. His ability to stand against numerous members of the Worst Generation, not to mention knocking Luffy down multiple times, reinforced his power and lived up to the immense anticipation surrounding his encounter with the Straw Hat crew.

2025-05-19 11:35