One Piece: The Strongest Character In Every Arc, Ranked

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Throughout the One Piece series, the focus on power has become much more prominent. While it’s a classic adventure story, the initial appeal of One Piece was its sense of exploration and intrigue. Early on, becoming the strongest wasn’t a major focus, but it’s become increasingly important as the story has progressed.

Over time, as the story of One Piece developed and stronger characters appeared, discussions about relative power levels became increasingly important. This article will break down who the strongest character is in each of the series’ major story arcs.

Shanks Was The Strongest Character In The Romance Dawn Arc

East Blue Saga

  • The start of the story.

The Romance Dawn arc was the beginning of the series and gave a quick look at Luffy’s early life. It showed how important Shanks was to Luffy, and hinted at just how powerful Shanks really is. This arc also marked the very first time Conqueror’s Haki was seen, when Shanks used it to frighten off a local bandit leader.

Luffy Was The Strongest In The Orange Town, Syrup Village, And Arlong Park Arcs

East Blue Saga

  • Almost at the Grand Line.

It’s not surprising that Luffy, the main character, is often the most powerful person in each story arc. Especially early on, he consistently defeated the main villains, earning a reputation as the strongest thanks to his unique and inventive use of his Devil Fruit powers.

Dracule Mihawk Was The Strongest Character Of The Baratie Arc

East Blue Saga

  • The World’s Strongest Swordsman.

The Baratie storyline featured the Straw Hat crew’s first major battle against Don Krieg, who was actually fleeing from a greater threat. This threat turned out to be Dracule Mihawk, introduced as the world’s strongest swordsman. He remains a powerful and enigmatic figure throughout the series. In a brief encounter, Mihawk easily defeated Zoro, inspiring the swordsman to dedicate himself to becoming even stronger and surpassing Mihawk’s skill.

Dragon Was The Strongest Character Of The Loguetown Arc

East Blue Saga

  • Luffy’s father.

The Loguetown story arc nearly ended the Straw Hat crew’s adventure right at the start when Luffy was captured and scheduled to be executed. Luckily, a sudden and unusual storm disrupted the execution, and many fans believe this was caused by Monkey D. Dragon, who arrived to rescue his son from the Marines. While the full scope of Dragon’s power remains a mystery, it’s clear he was the most powerful figure in Loguetown.

Crocodile Was The Strongest In The Entire Alabasta Saga

Alabasta Saga

  • The head of Baroque Works.

All the events leading up to the Alabasta storyline eventually focused on the major conflict within Alabasta, where Crocodile was the strongest fighter. His ability to control sand, combined with the desert landscape, allowed him to repeatedly defeat Luffy. Ultimately, Luffy was able to overcome him thanks to a unique power boost.

Enel Was The Strongest Character In The Skypeia Arc And Saga

Sky Island Saga

  • An overpowered villain.

Similar to Crocodile, Enel was the most powerful character in his arc, largely due to the immense strength of his lightning-based Devil Fruit. He also demonstrated remarkably precise Observation Haki, a skill that wasn’t fully developed for other characters at that point in the story. Luffy’s victory over Enel relied specifically on the unique abilities granted by his Rubber-Rubber Fruit.

Kuzan Was The Strongest Character In The Long Ring Long Land Arc

Water 7 Saga

  • The strength of an Admiral.

As a huge One Piece fan, I remember when the Admirals were built up as these unbelievably powerful forces, the biggest threats our heroes would eventually face! And Kuzan, also known as Aokiji, really showed us why during the events in Long Ring Long Land. His ice powers were insane – he literally froze everything and everyone! Thankfully, he let the Straw Hats get away, which was a huge relief, but definitely cemented him as a major player.

Lucci Was The Strongest Character In The Remaining Water 7 Arc

Water 7 Saga

  • The powerful villain.

Lucci first appeared as a shipwright at Galley-La, but was secretly an agent of CP9. During the Water 7 saga, he showed off incredible power, using his skills with the Six Powers and a rare Zoan Devil Fruit to easily defeat Luffy.

Luffy Was The Strongest Character In The Enies Lobby Arc

Water 7 Saga

  • Becomes the strongest again.

Following his loss to Lucci, Luffy returns stronger in the Enies Lobby arc. He develops his Gear 3 ability, allowing him to finally defeat the CP9 member who had previously beaten him after a grueling fight.

Kuma Was The Strongest Character In The Thriller Bark Arc

Thriller Bark Saga

  • A powerful Warlord.

Just after the Straw Hats defeated Gecko Moria and found some peace, Bartholomew Kuma arrived on the scene. While he didn’t fight, most fans believe he was far too powerful for the crew to handle at that time.

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2026-01-20 22:37