One Piece: Oda Finally Reveals Who Is Stronger Between Luffy and Zoro

by

This article contains spoilers from the Final Saga of One Piece.

Among the Straw Hat Pirates, the crew members aren’t all at the same power level. While some, like Chopper, Usopp, and Nami, are relatively weaker, others – including Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji – are incredibly strong. However, when fans want to see a really exciting fight, they usually tune in to watch Luffy and Zoro.

Zoro was the first member Luffy added to his crew, drawn in by Zoro’s fearsome reputation as a pirate hunter and his intense personality. Luffy and Zoro have become a legendary pair, overcoming incredible challenges and defeating powerful foes together. Despite both being exceptionally strong, fans frequently debate who would win in a fight between them. Some even believe Zoro is stronger than Luffy himself! However, the story’s creator, Eiichiro Oda, has already established who the stronger of the two is.

Luffy And Zoro Are A Powerful Duo In One Piece

  • Zoro was Luffy’s first crewmate
  • Zoro often fights the second strongest in One Piece

From the very start of One Piece, Luffy and Zoro have been an incredibly strong team, consistently overcoming tough opponents. They first fought together to defeat Axehand Morgan soon after Zoro joined the Straw Hat Pirates. Later, they combined their skills again to defeat Buggy and his crew. This powerful partnership continued to be a key force throughout the series, whether battling the Krieg Armada or facing challenges at Arlong Park.

During the Arabasta arc, Luffy and Zoro each contributed to freeing the country, playing important roles in their own way. Later, at Enies Lobby, they were crucial in saving Robin. It was also at Enies Lobby that both of them achieved significant power increases: Luffy developed his Gears, and Zoro awakened Asura.

Zoro challenged Luffy with a playful question: “Who’s tougher, me or you?” – said during their time in Whiskey Peak.

During the events at Enies Lobby, some people traveling with the Straw Hat Pirates began to question if Zoro was actually the captain, impressed by his power. However, their consideration of Zoro actually highlights how exceptional Luffy truly is. This situation sparked ongoing debates among fans about the relative strengths of Luffy and Zoro. While many clearly believe Luffy is the stronger fighter, a surprising number of fans think Zoro is either on par with, or even surpasses, Luffy in strength.

Luffy Is Way Stronger Than Zoro Right Now

Image via Toei Animation.
  • There is no comparison between the two
  • Zoro’s power levels are inferior to Luffy’s

The debate about who’s stronger, Luffy or Zoro, is always lively among fans, but ultimately, Luffy is significantly more powerful, and likely always will be. This isn’t to say Zoro isn’t strong – he’s a formidable fighter – but Luffy operates on a completely different level compared to everyone else in the Straw Hat crew. A big reason is Luffy’s incredibly powerful Devil Fruit and his ability to use Gear 5, which gives him almost unlimited potential, limited only by his own imagination. Beyond that, Luffy recovers from injuries faster and is much more durable than Zoro.

What’s wrong, Zoro? Do you need help in battle? — Luffy watching Zoro struggle vs Lucci

Luffy and Zoro are both skilled in all three types of Haki, but they each focus on a different one. Luffy excels at Conqueror’s Haki and has the greatest potential to develop it, while Zoro specializes in Armament Haki. This gives Luffy an edge, as his stronger Conqueror’s Haki puts Zoro at a disadvantage.

Right now, Lucci would likely defeat Zoro, but Luffy could easily beat him in a single blow. If Luffy and Zoro fought, Luffy would win decisively within just a few minutes – that’s just how much stronger Luffy has become.

Zoro Is Still Not Yonko Level Yet

Luffy has become one of the most powerful pirates in the world, known as a Yonko, and he’s quickly becoming the strongest among them. Zoro, while incredibly strong, isn’t at that level yet. This doesn’t mean he won’t get there, but even if he does, Luffy will likely be even more powerful, as both of them are constantly improving their abilities.

Zoro needs to overcome significant challenges and refine his abilities to become strong enough to rival the Yonko. Currently, he hasn’t mastered Conqueror’s Haki, and developing this skill is crucial, especially during the upcoming Elbaf arc. Improving his control over his powers will be essential for him to effectively fight against top-level opponents like the Yonko and the Admirals. Until he does, he’ll be outmatched by these powerful fighters.

Zoro and Sanji Are Equal Rivals

  • Sanji Will Always Be Zoro’s Equal
  • The Two Form The Wings Of The Pirate King

When it comes to power levels within the Straw Hat Pirates, it’s important to remember that Zoro will never surpass Luffy. Instead, the author has already positioned Sanji as Zoro’s true equal. Both characters serve as the ‘Wings’ supporting Luffy’s journey to become Pirate King, and they’re destined to grow and develop at the same rate, regardless of what fans believe.

Currently, Zoro and Sanji are equally matched, and their close competition will likely continue throughout the story. This rivalry is a central element of the overall narrative. Both characters are expected to make significant progress in the Elbaf arc, potentially mastering the advanced form of Conqueror’s Haki.

Similar to how the Roger Pirates had three incredibly powerful members, the Straw Hat Pirates are destined to have their own trio of monsters. Oda has repeatedly emphasized the rivalry and equal strength between Rayleigh and Gaban. Following this pattern, Zoro and Sanji are expected to reach comparable levels of power, despite what fans may believe.

Eiichiro Oda’s popular manga, One Piece, follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the legendary treasure called the One Piece. The story is currently in its final arc. A new chapter, number 1171, will be released in this week’s issue of Weekly Shonen Jump on January 18, 2026. In Japan, it will become available at midnight on Monday, which is 11:00 AM Eastern Time and 8:00 AM Pacific Time. Fans can read the chapter for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps, and reading through these official platforms helps support the creator.

Read More

2026-01-15 00:37