Say Hello To The New Strongest Man In The World Of One Piece

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece.

Over the years in One Piece, Eiichiro Oda has created many incredibly strong characters. Some gain their power from Devil Fruits, while others master advanced Haki, and a few skillfully combine both to become even more formidable.

Fans of the One Piece manga were first introduced to Whitebeard, who was immediately known as the world’s Strongest Man – and the Paramount War proved why. However, years later, the author, Oda, has now revealed another character was actually even stronger than Whitebeard, making him the true strongest man, though only for a short time.

Before Whitebeard, Harald Was The Strongest Man In The One Piece World

Image by Viz Media

The exact moment Whitebeard earned the title of “Strongest Man in the World” isn’t specified in the manga. Currently, it’s generally accepted that he gained the title after the death of Gol D. Roger. It’s important to remember that this title is closely linked to his Devil Fruit power, which is capable of causing immense destruction.

Fourteen years ago, a fierce battle took place at Aurust Castle between King Harald and Loki. These scars are what remain of that fight. While Loki was a powerful opponent, King Harald was a renowned and skilled warrior. Sadly, the extent of the damage suggests the outcome was unavoidable. Only two people were left alive after the battle: Chief Jarul and Loki. – Rodo, recounting the Battle of Aurust Castle

After Roger died, Whitebeard wasn’t necessarily the strongest fighter in one-on-one battles. That title likely belonged to Harald, the King of Elbaf. It’s surprising to some, but Harald was actually as powerful as Rocks. Even if Whitebeard became as strong as Rocks after the battle at God Valley, he still wouldn’t have been Harald’s equal.

From what I’ve seen, Harald was undeniably the strongest person in the world up until about 14 years ago – both in terms of physical power and Haki. Oda really emphasizes this point throughout the story. It also makes sense why he didn’t have a famous pirate title; Elbaf was isolated, and Harald mostly acted as a king, not a swashbuckling pirate.

Harald Was Even Stronger Than Whitebeard

Harald was a powerful figure roughly 38 years ago, but he’s grown even more formidable since then. He famously received a contract from the Five Elders – the Shallow Sea contract – which, while not directly increasing his power, granted him several unique abilities.

Listen closely. I am the Sun God, a figure from this land’s legends. You must not address me without my consent. I believe I am the strongest being in these lands. This is Warland, the Kingdom of Violence belonging to Elbaf – once the most warlike nation on Earth. And I, Loki, am the Sun God destined to bring about the world’s end!

Harald’s true strength came from receiving the Deep Sea Pact in One Piece chapter 1168. He immediately felt a huge surge of power, significantly increasing his abilities. This pushed Harald, who was already as strong as someone like Rocks, to a new level, making him arguably the world’s strongest character.

I noticed the story made it pretty clear Harald had become immortal, so he couldn’t die in battle. Considering everything, it seemed like Harald was undeniably the strongest person alive, right up until he actually died.

Harald Died Under Mysterious Circumstances 14 Years Ago

Fourteen years ago, everything changed for the island of Elbaf. Harald was ordered by Imu to build a huge army, one that could match the power of the Navy, and fight for him. Harald refused, and Imu then took control of his body. A secret battle followed, and Harald ultimately died.

Following Harald’s death, Whitebeard was widely considered the most powerful person in the world of One Piece, a title he maintained until his own passing. Many fans wished they could have seen Harald at his peak, but it’s clear that Whitebeard held the position of strongest in the world for a significant portion of the story.

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, the One Piece. The story is currently in its final arc. The newest chapter, 1169, will be available in this week’s Weekly Shonen Jump, with an official release date of December 21, 2025. In Japan, it will be released at midnight on Monday, which translates to 11:00 AM Eastern Time or 8:00 AM Pacific Time. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump app, and doing so helps support the creator.

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2025-12-11 00:38