Among the many intriguing antagonists in One Piece, Fleet Admiral Akainu stands out as a favorite among fans. It is his unwavering and resolute demeanor, along with his actions throughout the series, that make him such a captivating villain. His relentless pursuit to end Luffy's life and his notable accomplishments exemplify his unwavering determination and his embodiment of justice in the Navy.
In the recent manga chapters, Akainu's swift clash with Kuma further showcases his exceptional combat skills and formidable strength.
The extent of Akainu's strength remains a source of intrigue due to the considerable increase in power levels in the One Piece universe. Many contend that he no longer poses a challenge to Luffy. Nonetheless, Eiichiro Oda provided some insight into the character during a previous interview, further fueling anticipation given the recent developments in the manga.
Note: This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.
What One Piece author Eiichiro Oda said about Akainu's power in the series
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In 2018, during an interview, Eiichiro expressed his concern about Luffy's immense strength. Eiichiro mentioned that Luffy's ability to defeat enemies quickly was a challenge, resulting in Luffy often being left alone for most story arcs. This pattern became evident particularly after the time skip, with arcs like Fishman Island, Punk Hazard, and Dressrosa serving as notable examples.
However, the most intriguing comment came next. Eiichiro stated that if Akainu were the main character of the series, One Piece would have concluded within a year. This statement is fascinating considering the lengthy duration of the series and Luffy's consistently formidable abilities, which is a testament to Akainu's potentially overwhelming power.
Akainu's role in the story
The strength of Akainu has always been a subject of debate among One Piece enthusiasts due to his tumultuous history with Luffy. Given that it was the Fleet Admiral who dealt the fatal blow to the protagonist's brother, Portgas D. Ace, most individuals anticipate a rematch between these two characters. Moreover, with Luffy's continuous growth and heightened prowess in recent story arcs, there is a lingering concern that Akainu may no longer pose a significant challenge to the captain of the Strawhats.
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Akainu is revered by fans of One Piece for his unwavering persona and formidable presence, standing out amidst a vibrant lineup of adversaries. While other villains like Crocodile and Doflamingo have left a lasting impact on the series, Akainu's unique position on the moral spectrum holds a special significance in the story.
While most villains in Oda's manga are purely evil, Akainu stands out as someone who commits bad deeds in the name of what he believes to be the greater good. It's understandable that readers sympathize with Luffy when the Admiral killed Ace during the Marineford arc, but Akainu was simply carrying out his duty by ending the life of a criminal who had been sentenced to death.
In the world of One Piece, pirates are considered criminals, and Akainu is determined to bring them to justice. However, this does not excuse the actions he took during Nico Robin's childhood in Ohara. In many ways, he represents the extreme manifestation of a strong sense of justice and serves as an intriguing contrast to Luffy's light-hearted nature. This sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch between the two characters, which is sure to excite fans.
Final thoughts
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Akainu's role in the series will significantly increase soon. As perhaps the Navy's most formidable combatant and their final safeguard, a confrontation between him and Luffy appears inevitable given their history and mutual desire for a rematch.
One PieceManga - 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. |