This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Elbaf Arc.

Summary

Zoro and Sanji's rivalry began in Little Garden, escalating in Elbaf parallel to Dorry and Brogy's equal rivalry.
Zoro typically fights the 2nd strongest enemy while Sanji fights the 3rd strongest, implying both are equals.
Oda confirms Zoro and Sanji are equals through the introduction of Gaban, on par with Rayleigh among Roger's crew.

One Piece's Elbaf arc has been absolutely phenomenal so far, and Oda keeps on raising the heat here, with the Holy Knights and Imu themself now having gotten involved as well. Elbaf doesn't just sport some of the most exciting villains in the story, but at the same time, it also ensures that fans get some massive lore reveals. At the same time in One Piece, Oda has taken his time to introduce to the fans some legendary characters as well, such as Scopper Gaban, which only adds to the level of depth of the plot.

One Piece: Oda Just Revealed The Power Of Imu's Conqueror's Haki

Imu has powerful conqueror's haki alongside their other powerful abilities.

Posts 1

By Rei Penber

When it comes to Scopper Gaban specifically, fans know that he's known to have been Roger's left arm and among the strongest on the crew. At the same time, Gaban is clearly a parallel to Sanji from the Straw Hat Pirates. Through Gaban's character, Oda has finally settled the long-time debate of who is stronger between Zoro and Sanji.

The Zoro Vs Sanji Debate Has Always Been Big

Zoro Vs Sanji Began In Little Garden
Zoro And Sanji Fight The Second And Third Strongest Enemies

When it comes to the Zoro and Sanji rivalry, fans know very well that it goes back to the Little Garden arc. To be precise, they first started bickering in Arlong Park, but it was Little Garden where the rivalry truly took off. The two were competing over who would catch the bigger dinosaur and in this way, Oda paralleled them to Dorry and Brogy, two mighty warriors of Elbaf, who have fought over 100 battles with each other, all to a draw.

It's time for the stars to take the stage! — Marco on Zoro and Sanji

Sanji and Zoro have never fought and they never will, but they do compete with each other in terms of how they perform against their enemies. Usually, Zoro takes on the second strongest enemy of the opposition, while Sanji takes on the third strongest. This has led some fans to believe that Zoro is the second strongest, while Sanji is the third strongest. While a case can clearly be made for it, it seems Oda doesn't look at it that way.

Oda Has Introduced Parallels That Confirm Their Standing

Dorry and Brogy are Equal, Just Like Rayleigh and Gaban

Zoro and Sanji's strength will be debated until the end of time, but it seems Oda has already made it clear what he thinks. Firstly, Oda has drawn a parallel between them and the Co-Captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates. Just as Dorry and Brogy are equal, Oda seems to imply an equality between Zoro and Sanji. If that wasn't crystal clear, then the introduction of Gaban certainly cleared it all up.

I was the second strongest in the Roger Pirates! — Scopper Gaban

One Piece Luffy Power Up Greater Than Gear 5

One Piece: Oda Drops A Hint About Luffy's Upcoming Power Up, And It's Even Better Than Gear 5

Gear 5 is strong, but the next power up for Luffy will be on a whole other level in One Piece.

Posts 3

By Rei Penber

Gaban is known to be a character who is on par with Roger and Rayleigh, meaning he's in the same tier as them. It is said that Gaban rivaled Rayleigh, meaning they're on the same level. Furthermore, in One Piece chapter 1151, Gaban confirms that he sees himself as the second strongest of the Roger Pirates. Clearly, this means the difference in power between Gaban and Rayleigh is nonexistent and an argument can be made for either to be placed at No. 2 in terms of strength.

Zoro And Sanji Are Meant To Be Seen As Equals

Zoro and Sanji are meant to parallel Dorry and Brogy, and also on Rayleigh and Gaban. Undoubtedly, the idea that Oda is enforcing, especially in the Final Saga, is that Zoro and Sanji are meant to be seen as equals. Fans can still have one over the other, but the fighting and debate between them is never going to end.

One Piece Chapter 1151 will be out in a day. As usual, One Piece is going to drop on Sunday. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday. However, the vast majority of international readers will see the chapter available on June 8. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1151 is June 8, 2025. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image

Display card tags widget

TV-14

Anime

Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget

Release Date: October 20, 1999
Network: Fuji TV
Directors: Hiroaki Miyamoto, Konosuke Uda, Junji Shimizu, Satoshi Itō, Munehisa Sakai, Katsumi Tokoro, Yutaka Nakajima, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kenichi Takeshita, Yoko Ikeda, Ryota Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kakudou, Takahiro Imamura, Toshihiro Maeya, Yûji Endô, Nozomu Shishido, Hidehiko Kadota, Sumio Watanabe, Harume Kosaka, Yasuhiro Tanabe, Yukihiko Nakao, Keisuke Onishi, Junichi Fujise, Hiroyuki Satou