The grand search for the One Piece is one of the most compelling mysteries in anime history. As the journey for the legendary treasure inches toward its final stages, fans are more eager than ever to speculate on which character will claim the title of Pirate King. With a world teeming with powerful fighters, dreamers, and strategists, it’s anyone’s guess who will make it to the legendary Laugh Tale and uncover the ultimate treasure.
This list explores the top 10 contenders who are most likely to get their hands on the One Piece, evaluating their power, position, and overall potential in the race. While the anime’s main character, Luffy, might seem like the obvious choice, many others have their eyes set on the prize, and this list takes a look at the fiercest challengers.
10. Koby
First Appearance: Episode 1
Koby, who fans first met in the opening episode of One Piece, started as a timid, weak boy with dreams of joining the Navy. Under the tutelage of Monkey D. Garp, he has grown significantly, sharpening his combat skills and becoming a key player in the story’s final saga. Koby’s journey from a meek young boy to a promising marine has positioned him as a wild card in the search for the One Piece. With recent developments pushing him toward a greater role in the plot, there’s a surprising yet plausible chance that Koby might play a significant part in deciding the fate of the treasure. Whether he discovers it himself or has it entrusted to him by Luffy, Koby’s evolving storyline keeps him as an underdog to watch.
9. Eustass Kid
First Appearance: Episode 392
Eustass Kid, the hot-headed captain of the Kid Pirates, has long been recognized as one of the most dangerous members of the Worst Generation. After his introduction at Sabaody Archipelago, Kid’s brutal nature and immense strength have made him a force to be reckoned with. He was once considered a top contender for the One Piece, but after his crushing defeat by Shanks, Kid lost his road poneglyphs and saw his ambitions sidelined. Though his fate is uncertain, Kid’s relentless drive and refusal to back down suggest he still has a role to play, even if the odds seem stacked against him.
8. Trafalgar D. Water Law
First Appearance: Episode 392
Trafalgar Law, the calm and calculating captain of the Heart Pirates, has been a central figure since the Sabaody Archipelago arc. Law’s strategic mind and the power of his Ope Ope no Mi have helped him survive in a world dominated by chaos. While his interest in the One Piece hasn’t always been as pronounced as others, Law’s status as a member of the D clan hints at his deeper connection to the treasure. His recent clash with Blackbeard saw him lose his poneglyphs, but his escape leaves the door open for him to continue playing a pivotal role in the grand search.
7. Monkey D. Dragon
First Appearance: Episode 52
The enigmatic leader of the Revolutionary Army and father of Luffy, Monkey D. Dragon is the most wanted man in the world. His revolutionary ideals and disdain for the World Government make him a key figure in the larger narrative of One Piece. While Dragon hasn’t openly pursued the One Piece, his immense power, influence, and knowledge suggest that he could be drawn into the race as the final saga unfolds. With the World Government in his crosshairs, Dragon may find that the treasure holds the key to toppling his greatest enemies.
6. Imu
First Appearance: Episode 885
Imu, the shadowy figure who sits on the Empty Throne, has emerged as a mysterious force in the final stages of One Piece. Though little is known about Imu’s goals, their position as the true ruler of the world makes them one of the most powerful characters in the story. While Imu might not actively seek the One Piece, they may already know its location or even be working to prevent others from finding it. As the person pulling the strings behind the scenes, Imu’s role in the story is bound to be monumental.
5. Sakazuki (Akainu)
First Appearance: Episode 278
Sakazuki, better known as Akainu, is the ruthless Fleet Admiral of the Navy and one of the most feared characters in One Piece. After his brutal actions during the Marineford War, Akainu has made it his mission to eradicate pirates from the world. Though he’s not a pirate himself, Akainu could see finding the One Piece as a means to destroy the hopes of every pirate dreaming of the treasure. With his immense strength and strategic prowess, Akainu could make a bold move for the treasure in the final saga, aiming to claim it for the Navy and end the pirate era once and for all.
4. Buggy
First Appearance: Episode 4
Once a clownish villain and now one of the Four Emperors, Buggy’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of miraculous. Despite his weak fighting ability, Buggy’s sheer luck and knack for survival have earned him a powerful position in the world of One Piece. As a former member of Gol D. Roger’s crew, Buggy has a surprising connection to the One Piece, and his ever-growing reputation could lead him to the treasure through sheer accident. With Eiichiro Oda’s love for the unexpected, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to imagine Buggy stumbling upon the world’s greatest treasure.
3. Shanks
First Appearance: Episode 4
Shanks, the charismatic and powerful Red-Haired Emperor, has long been one of the most mysterious characters in One Piece. With close ties to Luffy and Gol D. Roger’s crew, Shanks has only recently made his move in the race for the One Piece. Having collected two road poneglyphs and likely knowing the location of more, Shanks is closer than almost anyone to Laugh Tale. His vast knowledge and influence make him one of the strongest contenders for the treasure, and his involvement in the final saga is sure to shape the fate of the One Piece.
2. Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard)
First Appearance: Episode 146
Marshall D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard, is Luffy’s greatest rival for the title of Pirate King. His cunning, deceit, and ability to wield two powerful devil fruits have made him one of the most dangerous pirates in the world. Blackbeard has likely gathered three road poneglyphs, putting him within striking distance of Laugh Tale. As one of the final villains of the series, Blackbeard is almost guaranteed to clash with Luffy for the treasure, and his ambition to claim the One Piece for himself makes him one of the top contenders.
1. Monkey D. Luffy
First Appearance: Episode 1
It comes as no surprise that the number one contender for the One Piece is the series’ protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. After defeating Kaido and claiming three road poneglyphs, Luffy is closer than ever to achieving his lifelong dream of becoming the King of the Pirates. His unwavering determination, strength, and spirit of adventure have driven him through countless challenges, and with the legendary Laugh Tale now within his reach, Luffy is poised to find the One Piece and fulfill his destiny. As the heart of the series, Luffy’s journey will undoubtedly lead to the final discovery of the world’s greatest treasure.
The search for the One Piece is entering its climactic stages, and while Luffy remains the most likely candidate to claim the treasure, many other powerful figures stand in his way. With each character’s unique motivations, powers, and ambitions, the final race promises to be one of the most epic conclusions in anime history. As the mystery of the One Piece draws closer to its resolution, fans can expect an unforgettable ending to this legendary tale.
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