Ranking the Top 15 Epic Battles in One Piece's Wano Arc

The Wano Arc in the One Piece series reached a significant point with its exciting developments. The story takes us back to the past, where Kozuki Oden, a highly respected individual acknowledged by both Whitebeard and Gol D. Roger, fought a desperate battle to safeguard Wano from Kaido. Unfortunately, Kaido emerged victorious and imposed his rule as a tyrant over the country.

In the present, the Straw Hat Pirates formed a friendship with Oden's son, Momonosuke, and his loyal retainer, Kinemon, and committed to assisting them. Collaborating with numerous formidable allies, the Straw Hats launched an attack on Onigashima, the stronghold of the Beasts Pirates, who were in alliance with Big Mom and her followers.

After a fierce struggle, Luffy and his comrades emerged victorious, liberating Wano from its oppressive rule. In recognition of his bravery, Luffy was honored with the prestigious title of Yonko, while both Kaido and Big Mom were stripped of their authority. Furthermore, numerous significant events unfolded within the nation even after the conflict concluded, captivating fans with thrilling battles featured in the 192 episodes of the anime adaptation that make up this arc. The impact of these encounters continues to resonate with enthusiasts to this day.

Top 15 greatest fights in Wano, ranked as of One Piece episode 1083

15) Inuarashi vs Jack & Nekomamushi vs Perospero

The Sulong Dukes vs Perospero and Jack as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi, the two Dukes of the Minks, possess equal strength and authority. In addition to their impressive physical abilities and mastery of Armament Haki, they also have the ability to assume the Sulong form, which is granted to Minks under moonlight.

During the raid, Inuarashi faced off against Jack, the fourth strongest member of the Beasts Pirates. In his Sulong form, Inuarashi decisively defeated Jack, seeking retribution for the cruel actions against the Minks. Simultaneously, Nekomamushi took on Charlotte Perospero, Big Mom's eldest son.

14) Jinbe vs Who's Who

In the battle, Perospero, a Devil Fruit user with comparable strength to all the Sweet Commanders except Katakuri, initially had the advantage. However, Neko, also known as Nekomamushi, turned the tables by unleashing his Sulong form and decisively defeated Perospero. This victory served as retribution for the death of Pedro, a fellow Mink, who lost his life because of Perospero's actions.

Jinbe's debut battle as a member of the Straw Hat Pirates took place in Wano. Engaging in the raid, he confronts Who's Who, the formidable member of the Beasts Pirates' Flying Six.

A former member of CP9 and captain of a pirate crew in the New World, Who's Who was confident in his ability to defeat Jinbe. Utilizing Rokushiki techniques, Haki, and a Zoan Devil Fruit, Who's Who applied considerable pressure on the fish-man.

However, Jinbe was not giving it his all. When Who's Who insulted the Fish-Man Race, Jinbe became enraged and used his Haki to overpower his opponent. He then combined Armament Haki with Fish-Man Karate to execute a devastating move that incapacitated Who's Who.

13) Red Scabbards vs Kaido

The Scabbards vs Kaido as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

The Red Scabbards, faithful to Kozuki Oden, patiently bided their time for two decades, concealed in the shadows, seeking to avenge their beloved leader's death at the hands of Kaido. At long last, during the Fire Festival, they launched a surprise attack on the merciless pirate, boldly challenging him to a duel.

Despite their overwhelming 9-to-1 numerical advantage, the Scabbards found themselves powerless against Kaido. Even when Inuarashi, Denjiro, Ashura Doji, and Kinemon pooled their strengths to replicate Oden's legendary sword technique, Kaido, though wounded, brushed off the assault and dismissed their efforts as feeble.

Ultimately, the Scabbards were only able to cause superficial wounds to Kaido. Unperturbed by their assault, the Yonko effortlessly subdued all of the retainers with just a fraction of his full strength. Nevertheless, their monumental display of determination serves as an inspiring and poignant testament to the selflessness of the samurai.

12) Red Scabbards vs Aramaki "Ryokugyu"

The confrontation between the Scabbards and Admiral Ryokugyu is captured in this image from the popular anime series One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece).

Following the intense Onigashima Raid, Admiral Ryokugyu made his way to Wano with a determination to eliminate Luffy. In the beginning, Ryokugyu encountered King and Queen, who had been greatly weakened by their previous injuries and were easily overpowered by the admiral.

While Ryokugyu was on his way to the Flower Capital to join in the celebration of Luffy and the others' victory, the Red Scabbards made an attempt to halt his progression. Regrettably, they proved to be no match for Ryokugyu's formidable Logia-class power, the Woods-Woods Fruit.

The Scabbards were rendered defenseless against Ryokugyu's devastating plant-based attacks. However, just as the situation seemed dire, Momonosuke and Yamato arrived to provide assistance. Prepared to unleash his full power, the Admiral suddenly sensed the nearby presence of Shanks, the intimidating "Red Hair". Overwhelmed by this encounter, Ryokugyu quickly retreated.

11) Killer vs Basil Hawkins

Killer vs Hawkins as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

The clash between Killer and Basil Hawkins pitted the Supernovas from the Worst Generation against each other. While Killer refused to submit to the Emperors and fought relentlessly with Kid and the rest, Hawkins made the choice to align himself with Kaido's crew.

Using the abilities of the Straw-Straw Fruit, Hawkins connected his body to Kid's, making any harm inflicted by Killer redirect onto Kid. With no choice but to be on the defensive to prevent accidentally harming his captain, Killer presented Hawkins with an offer to sacrifice his own life instead of Kid's.

Once Killer managed to outsmart Hawkins, the latter lost his leverage to blackmail his opponent and resorted to utilizing his cards and Devil Fruit abilities. However, Killer exhibited his superiority as a fighter with his lightning-fast and lethal attacks that overwhelmed Hawkins, pushing him to the edge of mortality.

10) Nico Robin vs Black Maria

Through Toei Animation's portrayal in One Piece, an intense showdown unfolds between Robin and Black Maria. Wano reignites the eerie essence of Nico Robin's past, but this time, the Straw Hat crew's archaeologist taps into her formidable demonic power to safeguard her comrades. With Sanji unable to confront Black Maria, Robin steps up and takes his place in the fierce battle.

Robin's newfound abilities were showcased during the intense battle against Black Maria. Cornered by her opponent's techniques, Robin skillfully utilized her Flower-Flower Fruit powers, combining them with her recent proficiency in Fish-Man Karate-style palm strikes.

Transforming into her powerful Demonio Fleur form, Robin summoned a colossal, demonic clone of herself and mercilessly attacked Maria. Despite ultimately overpowering her adversary, the exertion of the battle left Robin completely drained, causing her to faint. Thankfully, she received invaluable assistance from Brook.

9) Roronoa Zoro vs Killer

Zoro vs Killer as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

As the Straw Hat Pirates' second strongest member, Roronoa Zoro often interacts with the second-in-command of other pirate crews. In the first act of the Wano arc, Zoro came across Killer, who holds the same position in the Kid Pirates. Blackmailed into working as an assassin for Orochi, Killer was forced to take on the name "Kamazo".

Killer's task was to assassinate Hiyori and Toko, but Zoro intervened. This led to a fierce confrontation between the two, both of whom were at a disadvantage. Killer, lacking his usual trademark blades known as the "Punishers," wielded a pair of scythes instead.

Regarding Zoro, he was only capable of wielding two swords, with his most valuable one, Shunsui, absent. In the midst of the intense clash between Killer and Zoro, Gyukimaru launched a surprise attack on Zoro from behind. The pirate with green hair managed to evade the strike, but Killer capitalized on the momentary distraction and impaled Zoro.

Despite the unfair circumstances, Zoro demonstrated his superiority. Utilizing his immense strength, he prevented Killer from retrieving the scythe. Furthermore, he took hold of the weapon and utilized it as a substitute for his missing third sword. Helpless against Zoro's Rengoku Onigiri move, enhanced by Armament Haki, Killer succumbed to defeat.

8) Sanji Vinsmoke vs Queen

Sanji vs Queen as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

After the timeskip, Sanji's combat skills declined, resulting in a significant blow to his reputation for prowess. However, in Wano, he regained his status as a formidable fighter, thanks to his triumphant defeat of Queen.

Queen, an intimidating scientist and adept user of Zoan Fruit, held the position as the third most powerful member of Kaido's crew, making him the most formidable adversary Sanji had ever faced single-handedly. Making matters more complex, the battle became personal due to Queen's personal connection with Sanji's family.

Originally, Queen dominated over Sanji, but the dynamics shifted as Sanji activated his genetic enhancements. As a result of his Vinsmoke lineage, these upgrades sparked an internal struggle within Sanji. Nevertheless, they greatly amplified his fighting abilities.

With his newly acquired Ifrit Jambe, an enhanced version of the Diable Jambe, alongside a specialized exoskeleton, Sanji cleverly capitalized on Queen's uncoordinated movements, subjecting the scientist to a merciless onslaught.

7) Yamato vs Kaido

Kaido vs Yamato as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Yamato, despite being Kaido's offspring, developed a deep admiration for Oden, even going so far as to identify with the renowned samurai and hold a strong disdain for her own father. When Luffy and his comrades launched an attack on Onigashima with the intent to overthrow Kaido, Yamato eagerly aligned herself with them.

As the unfolding events progressed, Yamato found herself engaged in combat against her own father, Kaido. In their fierce clash, both warriors utilized the immensely powerful Advanced Conqueror's Haki and showcased the formidable hybrid form of their respective Mythical Zoan Fruits.

Yamato displayed her formidable strength by holding her ground against Kaido for a considerable duration, managing to maintain a respectable fighting stance even after the intense confrontation. Although it is evident that Kaido did not unleash his full power upon her, maintaining the advantage throughout, Yamato's achievement remains praiseworthy, as does her unwavering determination.

6) Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid vs Charlotte Linlin "Big Mom"

In One Piece, Big Mom finds herself in a face-off against Law and Kid, thanks to a thrilling encounter on Onigashima's rooftop. Despite initially feeling assured of victory, the overconfident Charlotte Linlin underestimates the true strength of these young members of the Worst Generation Supernovas, leading her to make a fatal error.

Law and Kid showcased the activation of their Devil Fruits, the Ope-Ope and the Magnet-Magnet, respectively, granting them the ability to execute extraordinary techniques. Utilizing their numerical advantage, the duo successfully landed multiple strikes on Linlin, causing her injuries.

Though enduring the damage without losing consciousness, the assaults forced her into a desperate situation. Unable to rise up, Big Mom found herself trapped in a devastating explosion when bombs were released upon her during the descent into an underground volcano that was erupting.

5) Roronoa Zoro vs King

Zoro vs King as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Zoro and King, the loyal right-hand men of their respective captains, engaged in an exhilarating showdown. Utilizing an Ancient Zoan Fruit and the distinct abilities of the Lunarian Race, King was capable of enduring Zoro's assaults without sustaining any harm, despite their formidable strength being capable of injuring even Kaido.

During the course of the battle, one of Zoro's swords, Enma, posed a challenge for him, depleting a considerable amount of his energy and leaving him vulnerable to King's relentless attacks. Nevertheless, this predicament allowed Zoro to recognize the immense innate power that lay dormant within him.

Zoro fulfilled his promises to Luffy and Kuina by reaching new levels of power. He showcased his exceptional ability as one of the rare users of Conqueror's Haki, mastering the advanced form of this formidable skill. On the other hand, King summoned a colossal dragon formed from flames resembling molten Lunarian essence. However, Zoro's newly acquired Haki abilities far surpassed King's. With the addition of Advanced Conqueror's Haki to his already honed Color of Armament, Zoro unleashed the King of Hell Style, a groundbreaking mode based on Haki. In the face of this unstoppable form, his adversary stood no chance.

4) Kozuki Oden vs Kaido (flashback)

Oden vs Kaido as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

A mighty samurai had aspirations of becoming Wano's next shogun. Oden became an essential member of Whitebeard's crew and eventually joined Roger's crew as well. Upon completing his travels with the Roger Pirates, Oden returned home with the goal of opening Wano's borders to the rest of the world.

However, to his dismay, Oden discovered that the Beasts Pirates and the Kurozumi Family had taken control of the country. Drawing upon his formidable Haki, Oden imbued his swords, Enma and Ame no Habakiri, and launched a fierce attack against the leader of the enemy, Kaido. In their battle, Oden matched the pirate on equal terms and managed to inflict severe injuries upon him.

The assault by the Paradise Totsuka samurai left Kaido with a permanent scar, a reminder of the devastating wound he suffered. Though Oden was unfairly distracted and ultimately defeated in the battle, his tremendous strength and skills impressed Kaido more than anyone else's.

3) Gol D. Roger vs Edward Newgate "Whitebeard" (flashback)

The image above depicts the clash between Roger and Whitebeard in the One Piece series. Despite engaging in multiple duels, the two legendary pirates maintained a harmonious relationship, much like the friendship between Shanks and Dracule Mihawk in the present timeline. This particular fight is showcased in the Kozuki Oden flashback, where Roger encounters Whitebeard following a brief confrontation with him.

As the "World's Strongest Man" brandished his naginata, Murakumogiri, Roger retaliated by drawing his sword, Ace. Both of their weapons were infused with Advanced Conqueror's Haki, resulting in a clash that released immense power, splitting the clouds in the sky and blowing away their surroundings.

For three days and three nights, Roger and Whitebeard engaged in an intense struggle, as did their respective crews. Eventually, the confrontation took a more amicable turn, reaching a point where Roger invited Oden to join his crew for the final journey to Laugh Tale.

2) Monkey D. Luffy vs Kaido

Luffy vs Kaido as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

The battle between Luffy and Kaido will be remembered as a significant event in the series. Despite Kaido's immense strength, he inflicted severe damage that put Luffy's life in danger. However, driven by the desire to protect his friends, the young pirate refused to give up.

Despite enduring multiple brutal attacks, Luffy gradually narrowed the gap between himself and Kaido. Already proficient in Observation Haki, Luffy further enhanced his abilities by mastering Armament Haki. Pushed to his limits, he even improved his Conqueror's Haki to its highest level, allowing him to engage in an equal clash with Kaido.

Luffy successfully achieved the Awakening of his Devil Fruit, which allowed him to utilize Gear 5. This form granted him the power to manipulate reality. Throughout their intense battle, Luffy and Kaido exchanged powerful strikes. However, Kaido then unleashed a massive fire dragon, fueled by Conqueror's Haki, surpassing even his own formidable Azure Dragon form.

In response, Luffy combined the capabilities of Gear 5 with the advanced versions of Armament and Conqueror's Haki. In an electrifying showdown, Luffy's Bajrang Gun overwhelmed Kaido's Rising Dragon: Flame Bagua, leading to Luffy's unexpected triumph over the "World's Strongest Creature."

1) Worst Generation Supernovas vs Kaido and Big Mom

The Worst Generation's elite vs the Emperors Kaido and Big Mom (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

In Wano, five formidable young pirates, known as Luffy, Zoro, Law, Kid, and Killer, were recognized as the strongest Supernovas of the Worst Generation. Putting aside their rivalry, the rookies joined forces to confront Kaido and Big Mom on the rooftop of Onigashima.

The clash between the elite of the Worst Generation and the Emperors is widely known among fans as the "Roof Piece." As the battle commenced, Zoro unleashed a fiery slash infused with Haki known as the Flying Dragon Blaze. Big Mom urgently warned Kaido to avoid the attack at all costs, as its immense power could inflict serious harm upon him.

Luffy unleashed his Kong Gatling at Kaido, but the formidable foe fought back. In a counterattack, Zoro employed his Dragon Twister, successfully pushing back the Yonko and even inflicting a wound upon him. Big Mom and Kaido, determined to crush the up-and-coming pirates, joined forces and unleashed their devastating combined attack, known as the Hakai. Zoro valiantly defended his comrades, sacrificing himself and sustaining severe injuries in the process.

With a flawless display of teamwork, the Supernovas managed to overpower and force Big Mom off Onigashima. However, Kaido struck a heavy blow, rendering Luffy unconscious. Gathering his remaining strength, Zoro unleashed his Nine Sword Style: Ashura technique. Although Kaido endured the attack, he was left with a deep scar as a lasting reminder. Fortunately, Luffy rallied and prepared himself for the decisive battle ahead.

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Editor's P/S

The Wano Arc in One Piece was a thrilling ride from start to finish, and the epic battles that took place throughout the arc were a major highlight. From Luffy's hard-fought victory over Kaido to the Straw Hats' alliance with the Minks and Samurai, there were no shortage of memorable moments.

One of my favorite battles from the arc was the Sulong Dukes vs Perospero and Jack. The Dukes of the Minks, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi, were finally able to get revenge on Jack for his cruelty towards their people, and they did it in style. Their Sulong forms were incredibly powerful, and they made quick work of Jack and Perospero.

Another great battle was Jinbe vs Who's Who. Jinbe is a powerful fish-man, and he showed off his skills in this fight. He was able to defeat Who's Who, a member of the Beasts Pirates' Flying Six, with his Fish-Man Karate and Haki.

Overall, the Wano Arc was an amazing arc with some truly epic battles. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Straw Hats and their crew.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.