One Piece Fights Explained: Scopper Gaban vs. Luffy

Discover everything you need to know about the One Piece fight between Scopper Gaban and Luffy in the Elbaph Arc.

One Piece Fights Explained: Scopper Gaban vs. Luffy
Gaban hits Luffy with Supreme King Haki as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

One Piece is filled with exciting fights that leave an impact regardless of their length. With every new arc, fans look forward to the introduction of new characters, their memorable powers, and confrontations. In the latest Elbaph Arc of One Piece, we have gotten several lore drops but had to wait a long time to experience a fight.

Luckily, in chapter 1140 of the One Piece manga, fans finally got to see an extremely short but exciting battle between Luffy and Scopper Gaban. As two of the most formidable individuals in the series, this exchange is already taking over fan discussions. Here is a closer look at it.

What Are Scopper Gaban and Luffy Doing in Elbaph?

Scopper Gaban is the left hand of the Pirate King and one of Gol D. Roger’s most trusted comrades. After reaching Laugh Tale with the Roger Pirates, the crew had been disbanded, with most members’ fates being left in suspense.

One Piece Fights Explained: Scopper Gaban vs. Luffy
Luffy tries taking the key from Gaban as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

However, in the Elbaph Arc, we discovered that the influential Scopper Gaban had chosen to spend his retirement in the land of the Giants. He became the lover of Ripley, and together, they became the parents of Colon. In addition to this, Gaban is well-regarded by all the Giants, going by the name of “Ya-san.”

Luffy, on the other hand, had been assisted by Dorry and Broggy in his fight against the World Government at the end of the Egghead Arc. Shortly after, he was partying the night away with his friends before eventually ending up in Elbaph a few days later.

The circumstances behind the Straw Hat Pirates entering Elbaph remain a mystery, but One Piece has been building up their visit to the land of the Giants for years.

Why Did Scopper Gaban and Luffy Fight?

Gaban and Luffy as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)
Gaban and Luffy as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Soon after landing in Elbaph, Luffy met up with the imprisoned prince, Loki. Their initial meeting was filled with intensity, with Luffy launching a powerful attack on Loki for insulting Shanks. Nevertheless, after Loki dodged this move, he drew Luffy’s curiosity about the red-haired pirate’s connection with the Giants.

Following this, Luffy and Loki made a deal, the details of which haven’t been revealed. However, based on the context, it seemingly involved Luffy freeing Loki in exchange for information regarding Shanks. Hence, in order to keep up his end of the deal, Luffy went to Aurust Castle with Zoro and Nami.

Over here, when searching for the keys to Loki’s restraints, he ran into its safekeeper—Scopper Gaban. Gaban, after discovering their intent, warned the group about the consequences of freeing Loki. At the same time, he was also interested in their ability to create trouble.

Gaban using his axes against Luffy and Zoro as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)
Gaban using his axes against Luffy and Zoro as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Wishing to test the protagonist for himself, he shared his identity with him, instigating a battle between the two.

What Happened During Scopper Gaban and Luffy’s Fight?

Chapter 1140 of the One Piece manga featured both the start and end of Scopper Gaban and Luffy’s fight. While Luffy was initially hesitant and only wished to take the key from Gaban, his desire was not easily met.

Attempting to push the protagonist into fighting, Gaban launched a devastating Supreme King Haki attack against him. Luffy could endure this, still not engaging in battle and only extending his arms to get the key.

Gear Five Luffy and Zoro as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)
Gear Five Luffy and Zoro as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

However, both he and Zoro sensed the urgency of the situation when Gaban took out his two axes. With a skill named Yasotakeru, he unleashed powerful slashes that destroyed their surroundings. Thankfully, Zoro intervened in time and protected Luffy from it.

Right when Gaban was admiring Luffy’s crew, the main cast decided to get serious. Luffy transformed into Gear Five while Zoro accompanied him with three blades. At this point, Gaban took a close look at his opponents, with a gleam coming out of his eye.

When fans were expecting an exhilarating clash between both parties, Gaban shockingly yielded. He shared how he was joking, handing over the key to Luffy. Soon after this, Gaban left, telling Luffy to see him again before leaving the island—if Elbaph was still intact.

The Significance of Scopper Gaban vs. Luffy in One Piece

One Piece Fight
Gaban yields against Luffy and Zoro as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Scopper Gaban’s fight with Luffy is extremely significant despite only lasting a few pages. Within this time, Gaban revealed his identity as the newest Supreme King Haki user in One Piece. Additionally, there are also theories regarding him having Future Sight due to the glint in his eye.

Hence, in this short sequence, Gaban showed why he was comparable to Roger and Rayleigh. At the same time, he acknowledged Luffy and Zoro, trusting them for the task ahead.

One Piece Fight
Gaban as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Since Gaban has also set up a date for their meeting in the future, we can be sure this isn’t their last encounter. However, with the presence of the new God’s Knights in Elbaph, aiming to kidnap children, both Luffy and Gaban now have a common opponent.

Therefore, most fans are expecting to see many more exciting battles in the future between the World Government and the Straw Hat Pirates. Since Gaban is also connected to the Giants, his involvement will not be surprising. Having seen the immense powers wielded by him, we can be sure he will be a game-changing figure in the Final Saga.

Conclusion

The battle between Scopper Gaban and Luffy was short, sweet, and memorable. It has displayed the potential powers of the left-hand man of Roger, possibly foreshadowing his role in the upcoming battle against the World Government.

Since Luffy has gotten his seal of approval, watching his forbidden Devil Fruit powers face the main antagonists will be a sight to behold.


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