As One Piece charges toward its endgame, fans are beginning to ask a bold question: after Monkey D. Luffy, which Straw Hats could realistically ascend to Yonko-level strength? With Luffy now firmly standing among the world’s strongest pirates, two names consistently dominate the conversation — Roronoa Zoro and Sanji.
Recent arcs and power-ups suggest that both fighters are on a trajectory that could place them in the same tier as the sea’s most feared emperors.
Zoro: The Future World’s Strongest Swordsman
Zoro’s growth throughout the series has been nothing short of explosive. From mastering advanced Armament and Conqueror’s Haki to wielding the legendary blade Enma, his ceiling appears higher than ever. His battles in Wano demonstrated not only raw power but also endurance and tactical evolution — key traits required of any Yonko-level combatant.
As Zoro inches closer to his lifelong goal of surpassing Dracule Mihawk and becoming the world’s greatest swordsman, the scale of his opponents continues to rise. Many fans believe that once he achieves that title, he will naturally stand among the most dominant figures in the world — a warrior capable of clashing evenly with emperors and admirals alike.
Sanji: The Pirate King’s Wings Soar Higher
Sanji’s transformation has been equally dramatic. With his genetic enhancements fully awakened and his devastating Ifrit Jambe technique unveiled, he has reached a level few anticipated. His speed, durability, and firepower now rival the strongest commanders in the series.
Narratively, Sanji is positioned as one of the “Wings of the Pirate King,” a title that implies parity with Zoro in terms of importance and growth. As the story approaches its final saga, many believe Sanji’s evolution is far from complete. A future clash against top-tier opponents could cement his status as a fighter capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Yonko-class legends.
The God Valley Arc Has Taken Over the Fandom
While speculation about the Straw Hats’ future runs wild, the fandom remains deeply immersed in the God Valley flashback crafted by Eiichiro Oda. The arc has brought legendary figures like Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, and the enigmatic Imu into focus.
Rather than feeling like a brief detour, God Valley has unfolded as a sweeping historical epic. It dives into the political tensions and power struggles that shaped the modern pirate era, revealing secrets about the Celestial Dragons and the fragile balance of world authority.
Fans Don’t Want to Return to the Straw Hats Yet
Interestingly, some readers admit they aren’t ready to leave the past behind. Social media is filled with posts praising the darker tone and lore-heavy storytelling of the arc. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “If we return to the Straw Hats now, it’ll feel like waking up from a dream.”
This reaction highlights a rare moment in the fandom — where the legends of the past feel just as compelling as the present adventure.
A Testament to Oda’s Enduring Vision
The excitement surrounding both the God Valley arc and the Straw Hats’ future power scaling underscores Oda’s mastery of long-form storytelling. More than two decades into serialization, he continues to connect generations of pirates, marines, and rulers into a cohesive narrative.
If Luffy represents the dawn of a new era, Zoro and Sanji may represent its pillars — warriors destined to redefine what Yonko-level truly means. As the final saga unfolds, fans are watching closely. The age of legends may not be ending; it may simply be evolving within the Straw Hat crew itself.
