Since its debut in 1999, One Piece has evolved into one of the most iconic anime series in history. Now, with the show taking a six-month hiatus, it’s an ideal time to revisit the early days of the story, reflecting on the powerful characters that played pivotal roles from the outset. As One Piece celebrates over two decades of adventure, the series continues to showcase a broad array of characters with unique abilities and personalities. While not every character is a seasoned fighter like Luffy, many proved their strength early on, with some emerging as formidable forces. Below are the ten strongest characters introduced at the start of the series, ranked.
10. Nico Robin
First Appearance: Episode 67, “Deliver Princess Vivi! Luffy Pirates Depart”
Initially introduced as an antagonist, Nico Robin’s story takes a significant turn as she joins the Straw Hat crew after the Alabasta Arc. Robin’s strength comes from the Hana Hana no Mi, a Devil Fruit power that allows her to create duplicate body parts anywhere within her line of sight. This ability grants her considerable versatility, including the deadly capacity to snap necks and incapacitate foes from a distance.
9. Eneru
First Appearance: Episode 167, “God Enel Appears!! Aubade to the Survivors”
Eneru, the self-proclaimed “God” of Skypiea, is a formidable villain whose lightning-based powers make him nearly invincible. His consumption of the Goro Goro no Mi gives him the ability to control electricity, a power that makes him an overwhelming opponent. However, Luffy’s rubber-based body ultimately proves to be his downfall, highlighting just how dangerous Eneru could have been without that weakness.
8. Monkey D. Luffy
First Appearance: Episode 1, “I’m Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King!”
As the protagonist of One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy quickly establishes himself as a powerful figure with a singular goal: to become the Pirate King. His Devil Fruit ability, the Gomu Gomu no Mi, grants him the ability to stretch his body in extraordinary ways, allowing him to withstand formidable blows and land powerful attacks. His innate determination and resilience make him a potent threat, even in the series’ early arcs.
7. Roronoa Zoro
First Appearance: Episode 1, “I’m Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King!”
Zoro, the first crew member Luffy recruits, is a master swordsman known for wielding three blades in his unique fighting style. His strength is evident from the start, as he is able to take on powerful foes with precision and skill. Zoro’s loyalty to Luffy and his exceptional endurance make him one of the strongest characters in the early One Piece narrative.
6. Crocodile
First Appearance: Episode 76, “Critical Counterattack! Usopp’s Quick Wit and Kaenboshi!”
Crocodile, a former Warlord of the Sea, serves as the primary antagonist of the Alabasta Arc. Armed with the power of the Suna Suna no Mi, which allows him to transform into and control sand, Crocodile is a menacing figure. Though Luffy defeats him with sheer strategy and resolve, Crocodile’s strength and influence are undeniable, making him one of the most dangerous foes early in the series.
5. Emporio Ivankov
First Appearance: Episode 438, “Paradise in Hell – Impel Down Level 5.5”
Ivankov, a high-ranking prisoner in Impel Down, proves to be a powerful ally during Luffy’s attempt to rescue his brother Ace. His hormone-altering abilities, granted by the Horu Horu no Mi, allow him to heal, enhance, or weaken individuals in battle. Ivankov’s agility and strength also make him a formidable opponent in direct combat, particularly during the Marineford War.
4. Bartholomew Kuma
First Appearance: Episode 151, “The 100,000,000 Man! The World’s Highest Authority and the Pirate Blackbeard”
A former Warlord of the Sea, Kuma is a powerful force whose abilities make him a fearsome opponent. With the power of the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi, Kuma can send people and objects flying to distant locations, a power he uses to devastating effect during the Sabaody Archipelago Arc. His strength, combined with his cyborg enhancements, makes him one of the most dangerous figures in the One Piece world.
3. Dracule Mihawk
First Appearance: Episode 23, “Protect Baratie! The Great Pirate: Zeff the Red Leg”
As the world’s greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk’s reputation precedes him. A former Warlord of the Sea, Mihawk’s incredible skill with a sword makes him a formidable adversary, even for Zoro, who aspires to surpass him. Mihawk’s combat prowess and precision place him among the elite in the One Piece world.
2. Kizaru
First Appearance: Episode 398, “Admiral Kizaru Moves! The Sabaody Archipelago in Chaos”
Admiral Kizaru, also known as Borsalino, is one of the most powerful figures within the Marines. With the power of the Pika Pika no Mi, which allows him to manipulate and become light, Kizaru can move at light speed and unleash devastating laser attacks. His formidable physical strength, combined with his Devil Fruit ability, makes him an exceptionally dangerous opponent.
1. Whitebeard
First Appearance: Episode 95, “Ace and Luffy! Warm Memories and Brotherly Bonds”
Widely regarded as the strongest man in the world during the early years of One Piece, Whitebeard, also known as Edward Newgate, is a legendary pirate captain. His Devil Fruit ability, the Gura Gura no Mi, grants him the power to create massive shockwaves capable of destroying entire islands. Whitebeard’s resilience and immense strength were on full display during the Marineford War, where he continued to fight even after sustaining fatal injuries. His unmatched power and influence make him the undisputed top character at the start of the series.
As One Piece continues to evolve, these early characters serve as a reminder of the immense strength and influence that shaped the series. Whether through their unique abilities, physical prowess, or indomitable will, these characters left an unforgettable impact on the One Piece universe from the very beginning.
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