The Future of One Piece: Will Koby Become the Next Legendary Successor to Monkey D Garp?

One Piece continues to gain popularity with each passing day, attracting a growing number of fans worldwide. The anime adaptation's Wano Country Arc has reached its peak, while the manga's Egghead Island Arc has intrigued readers with its unfolding mysteries. In recent chapters, the Heart Pirates, led by Trafalgar Law, clashed with the Blackbeard Pirates, led by Marshal D. Teach. Simultaneously, the Straw Hat Pirates, led by Monkey D. Luffy, teamed up with Cipher Pol 0 agents Rob Lucci and Kaku to face the Seraphims on Egghead Island.

The current storyline of One Piece leads fans to Hachinosu, also known as Pirate Island, which falls under the control of Marshal D. Teach, one of the four emperors of the sea. The Blackbeard Pirates have captured Koby, along with other Marines and the mysterious Sword agency. In response, Vice-Admiral Monkey D. Garp, leader of the Sword agency, launches an attack on Pirate Island to rescue his beloved disciple and the captured Marines. This situation raises an important question: Can Koby ever surpass his teacher and become his rightful successor?

From Fright to Fight

Koby, a side character in the One Piece story, undergoes remarkable character development. Introduced in chapter 2 of the manga and the first episode of the anime, he is initially portrayed as a timid ship caretaker for the Alvida Pirates, constantly fearing his crew and captain. However, his encounters with Luffy on their journey together inspire him to become more confident. Eventually, Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp becomes his mentor, leading to further changes in Koby's personality, notably an increase in self-confidence.

Despite his newfound strength and bravery, Koby remains a polite, emotional, and compassionate individual who easily gets moved in emotional situations. However, his commitment to becoming a just and fair Marine, ensuring the well-being of normal citizens, is his greatest strength. Instead of acting recklessly, he strives to neutralize conflicts. A notable example is when he confronts Admiral Akainu during the war at Marineford, bringing the conflict to a halt, even though he knows he could be killed in the process. Since that pivotal moment, Koby's life, character traits, and strength have continued to evolve positively.

Filling Garp's Shoes

Garp is undeniably one of the most renowned and significant characters in the One Piece world. He is held in high esteem by the Marine Corps and is hailed as a heroic figure. In terms of power, Garp ranks among the strongest individuals in One Piece, warranting comparison to the previous King of Pirates, Gol D. Roger, in terms of raw strength and Haki abilities. He is one of only two marines whom Roger deemed worthy of his attention, the other being the former fleet Admiral of the Marines.

Throughout his life, Garp has endured immense pain, both physical and mental, as he has faced incredibly emotionally demanding situations. He witnessed his grandson Ace's execution by the Marines at Marineford, feeling utterly powerless due to his duty as a vice admiral, unable to save Ace's life. In addition to his role as a Vice Admiral, Garp carries out other crucial responsibilities, including leading the special agency within the Marines known as Sword.

Although Koby has made significant progress in overcoming his personal struggles, he still has a long way to go, particularly if he hopes to one day assume the role of Monkey D. Garp's successor. Not only must he rise in rank within the Marine Corps, but he must also establish himself as a significant figure within the vast One Piece universe.

To truly fill Garp's shoes, Koby must undergo intense training and develop both physical and emotional strength. Becoming a worthy Marine hero, let alone a righteous one, is no easy feat. Recent events, such as Garp and the rest of the Sword coming to Koby's aid on the Pirate Island, have shown him the need to rely less on his teammates and prioritize their safety. He must become more strategic, formidable, and composed to have any chance of following in Garp's footsteps.