One Piece: Oda Has Already Revealed Who Will Beat Akainu, And It’s Not Luffy

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This article contains spoilers for One Piece’s Final Saga.

The final arc of One Piece was expected to showcase the strongest characters, and it’s certainly delivering. Currently, all the major groups are competing for dominance, and they’re all aware that each one is led by incredibly powerful individuals.

From what I’ve seen, Akainu is shaping up to be the Navy’s leader during what many consider its most chaotic period. A lot of fans anticipate a showdown between Akainu and Luffy, with Akainu ultimately losing, but it looks like Oda has something different in mind for how things will play out.

Akainu Is One Of The Biggest Final Saga Villains

  • Akainu Killed Ace
  • Luffy Still Feels The Scar Ache

From the moment Akainu appeared in One Piece, it was obvious Eiichiro Oda intended him to be a major antagonist. He not only acts like a villain, but he also has a strong, personal rivalry with Luffy. Akainu tried to kill Luffy during the Marineford arc, but was stopped by those who supported Luffy. He continues to hunt Luffy, and Luffy hasn’t forgiven him for his actions.

Jinbe, hand over Dragon’s son to me. — Akainu to Jinbe, Marineford

Although Luffy made it through the devastating events at Marineford, his brother Ace tragically didn’t. Ace sacrificed himself to save Luffy, which deeply traumatized him. This experience motivated Luffy to become stronger, determined to protect those he cares about and prevent future losses. Many fans expect Luffy to be the one to finally defeat Akainu, the Marine who caused him so much pain. However, the story has a different plan, and someone else will ultimately be the one to take him down.

As a child, I dreamed of creating a manga with an incredibly exciting climax. I wondered if I could actually pull it off! Now, after 25 years, we’re nearing the end of the Wano arc and everything is almost ready. You can jump into the story here if you’re new, because from this point on… it’s the ONE PIECE! I’m going to reveal all the secrets of this world in the art. It’s going to be a wild ride! So buckle up and please stick with me a little longer! — Eiichiro Oda, Author of One Piece, 2022

Sabo Will Fight Akainu

Sabo Has Inherited The Will Of Ace

Many fans believe Sabo will be the one to ultimately fight and defeat Akainu. As the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, Sabo isn’t inherently opposed to the Navy, but he’s fiercely protective of Luffy and won’t tolerate anyone hindering him. Sabo is a key figure in the final arc of One Piece, and importantly, he possesses Ace’s Devil Fruit and often seems to communicate with the flames as if Ace’s spirit lives on within them.

I will come to Luffy’s aid, no matter what my duty is. — Sabo, Dressrosa

Sabo is fully aware of everything that happened at the Paramount War, and he likely blames Akainu for it. If Akainu ever threatens Luffy, Sabo will be forced to confront him. The memory of Ace, and the fire it ignites within Sabo, demands that Akainu be defeated.

Luffy Will Fight Imu

A fight between Luffy and Akainu would be incredible. However, with Luffy already facing challenges from Imu and Blackbeard, it seems Sabo will likely be the one to confront Akainu instead. Fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown and expect it to happen soon.

The newest chapter of One Piece will be released this week, as it typically is on Sundays. While it becomes available in Japan at midnight JST on Monday, most international fans will be able to read it on November 2nd. The chapter will be available to read for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-10-29 23:38