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Explore the 8 most memorable One Piece battles without Luffy. Additionally, find out what makes these battles so good.
One Piece is filled with exciting battles using Devil Fruits, Haki, and other abilities. While the protagonist, Luffy, has his fair share of unforgettable fights, these moments are not restricted to him. Due to how rich the world is, other Straw Hats as well as side characters have intricate development, motivations, and strengths. This leads to many confrontational highlights.
Hence, here are the 8 most memorable One Piece battles that do not feature Monkey D. Luffy.
1) Zoro vs Mihawk
Soon after setting out to become the strongest swordsman in the world, Zoro got his opportunity in the Baratie. In a face-off against Krieg Pirates, Dracule Mihawk crashed the party, allowing the Straw Hat to finally test his skills.
Unfortunately, despite his resolve, Zoro was far outmatched by the Warlord. With nothing but a small dagger, Mihawk comfortably dueled Zoro, leaving brutal injuries on him. However, recognizing his spirit, he showed off the prowess of his true blade, Yoru.
While Zoro did face humiliating defeat, this was a crucial moment in his character arc. He discovered the wall he had to overcome and the strength required to achieve his ambition.
2) Sanji vs Queen
Sanji’s fight with Queen during the Wano Arc was pivotal for his character, showing growth from his past trauma. When faced against one of Kaido’s most powerful officers, Sanji was heavily tested by Queen’s mechanical enhancements and physical superiority as a dinosaur.
Queen constantly kept taunting Sanji about his connection to Judge, pressuring him into using his Raid Suit. Nevertheless, Sanji began healing from his upbringing, realizing the situation’s stakes. By embracing his Germa heritage and discovering a powerful kick called Ifrit Jambe, he beat Queen.
This was a powerful moment that displayed the growth of the Straw Hat chef while assisting in Wano’s liberation.
3) Ace vs Blackbeard
Ace’s battle with Blackbeard is one of the most significant moments in One Piece, leading to a war that changed the entire landscape. Looking for retribution against Blackbeard for betraying the Whitebeard Pirates and killing Thatch, Ace caught up to him on Banaro Island.
While Ace’s flame powers were definitely a spectacle, Blackbeard’s new Dark-Dark Fruit could comfortably nullify his opponent’s abilities. Therefore, in a clash between their energies which nearly destroyed the island, the antagonist emerged victorious.
Blackbeard then proceeded to hand Ace to the World Government, which caused the tragic events of Marineford. Resultantly, this battle has stuck in the minds of fans.
4) Franky vs Senor Pink
Not many fights between side characters have been as emotionally impactful as Franky’s battle with Senor Pink. In this clash which was believed to be comedic, the two “macho” characters showed off their unwavering durability.
Senor Pink’s heart-breaking backstory paired with the mutual respect between him and Franky greatly invested viewers. The battle finally ended with Franky’s Iron Boxing, which pushed Pink past his limits.
Even after losing and crying at the thought of his family, Pink was consoled by Franky, who wiped his tears away. This clash of charismatic characters was a spotlight of the Dressrosa Arc, nearly receiving more attention than Luffy’s fight with Doflamingo itself.
5) Kaido vs Oden
As a hero acclaimed throughout Wano, Oden stood up against Kaido and his tyranny over the land. Using Enma and Ame no Habakiri, he inflicted permanent damage on Kaido’s dragon form, where defeat seemed imminent for the Yonko.
Unfortunately, Higurashi tricked Oden by transforming into Momonosuke, allowing Kaido to take advantage and beat him. This was a dissatisfying end to an epic battle, one which even Kaido acknowledged.
Oden’s subsequent execution served as the prelude to the alliance of species who would unite and eventually defeat the Beasts Pirates.
6) Kid and Law vs Big Mom
When Luffy was facing off against Kaido in the Onigashima Raid, Kid and Law were assigned the important task of fighting Big Mom. The Yonko’s soul-manipulation abilities, Homies, and lightning proved to be overpowering, nearly driving both pirates to their deaths.
However, their persistent willpower overcame her attacks, letting Law exploit Big Mom’s lack of defence with his ROOM. He stabbed her with his blade and created a large hole in the ground, after which Kid unleashed a devastating Damned Punk. This drove the Yonko to the depths of Onigashima, standing as a spotlight during the arc.
Kid and Law’s victory marked a sign of change, where the newer generation was finally overtaking the older one. It also cemented their status as major players in One Piece, growing alongside the main characters.
7) Whitebeard vs Akainu
Among the various clashes in Marineford, few held the intensity of Whitebeard battling Akainu. Devastated by the Ace’s death, the strongest pirate shook up the battlefield with his Tremor-Tremor Fruit.
This greatly intimidated Akainu, who was on the back foot for a long time. Unfortunately, Whitebeard had already suffered a lot of injuries, due to which the Marine could damage him with his magma. This was followed by Blackbeard’s intervention, where he stole Whitebeard’s Devil Fruit.
While Whitebeard remained defiant until the very end, his age and strain of battle caused him to die. At the same time, it also provided the necessary distraction for Luffy and the other pirates to escape the battlefield, ushering in a new era of piracy.
8) Garp vs Blackbeard Pirates
When Koby and the Marines were tricked and captured by the Blackbeard Pirates at Hachinosu, their mentor Garp jumped into action. Through his immense Supreme King Haki, he sent shockwaves through the island with his attack.
In an intense battle against Aokiji and other antagonists, Garp seemed to be holding his own. Unfortunately, Blackbeard’s crew took advantage of the Marine’s protective nature, threatening those around him before Shiryu stabbed him. This was followed by Aokiji greatly damaging him with his ice powers.
While Garp did end up getting captured by the Blackbeard Pirates, his fight with them was enough to let all other Marines escape. This showcased why his spirit and strength were revered by the Marines.
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