One Piece: 5 Characters That Need an Epic Power-Up

In the realm of anime and manga, few series celebrate character development as deeply as One Piece. This iconic saga not only strengthens its protagonists but also invests significant narrative energy into supporting characters and antagonists, particularly those who make impactful returns. A prime example of this commitment to character evolution is the two-year time skip, during which each member of the Straw Hat crew trained rigorously to face challenges in the New World. This article explores several characters poised for notable enhancements before the series reaches its conclusion.

5 Nefertari D. Vivi

Potential Straw Hat Rejoined?

Nefertari D. Vivi, once a vital ally to the Straw Hats, played a crucial role in their battle against the notorious Crocodile in Alabasta. Despite her departure after the kingdom’s liberation, her bond with the crew was deeply felt, symbolized by the “X”they each marked on themselves—a poignant farewell gesture.

Recent developments, including her familial trials related to the Will of D and the assassination of her father, have intensified her narrative significance. The intriguing detail of Luffy sporting an “X”on his wrist has sparked speculation. Given that “X”corresponds to the Roman numeral for 10, fans are anxious to see if Vivi will reclaim her spot as the tenth Straw Hat.

Should she return, one aspect that necessitates improvement is her combat prowess. While Vivi demonstrated impressive skills within Baroque Works, she often found herself overshadowed by more potent adversaries. To maintain her relevance, especially with the Straw Hats’ escalating power levels, an infusion of strength is essential for her character development.

4 Koby

A Future Admiral in the Making?

Koby has undergone significant evolution since his initial appearance as a timid pirate hostage. Fueled by ambition and skill, he has emerged as a pivotal figure within the Marines, especially following the enigmatic events of the Rocky Port Incident. Currently serving in the elite SWORD unit, Koby aspires to ascend the ranks and challenge Luffy’s domain.

Though Koby has demonstrated notable growth, he has not yet reached the level necessary to secure an Admiral position. While acquiring a Devil Fruit could bolster his abilities, it’s also plausible that he could rely solely on physical prowess, reminiscent of his mentor, Garp.

3 Crocodile

The Mastermind Behind Cross Guild

Crocodile, a character known for his shifting allegiances, continues to play a critical role in the series. Currently, he has distanced himself from direct conflict with Luffy but still harbors ambitions of power, evidenced by his co-founding of the Cross Guild, a powerful mercenary organization that places bounties on Marines. His partnership with the legendary Dracule Mihawk as well as their utilization of Buggy as a figurehead, speaks volumes about his strategic acumen.

Given the expanding influence of Cross Guild, it is imperative for Crocodile to elevate his strength to remain a formidable figure, especially with Mihawk—the world’s strongest swordsman—by his side.

2 Buggy

The Unlikely Leader of Cross Guild

Buggy the Clown has perpetually occupied the role of a comic relief character, yet he has inexplicably ascended the ranks of power, most recently with his position in the Cross Guild. This was largely a result of a mistaken promotional portrayal suggesting he was the leader, a narrative twist that Crocodile and Mihawk cleverly exploited.

Despite this comic misrepresentation, it raises questions about Buggy’s potential actual strengths. Could his frequent rises to power be attributed to sheer luck, or is there a deeper mechanism at play, such as latent Conqueror’s Haki? Before joining Cross Guild, Buggy demonstrated an uncanny ability to attract formidable allies, showcasing a strength that, although unconventional, is ripe for further exploration.

1 Usopp

The Crafty Sniper of the Straw Hats

Usopp stands out as the ingenious sniper of the Straw Hat crew, adept in his strategic thinking and unique use of weaponry, such as pop greens and reject dials, to outsmart formidable foes. Despite his cleverness, Usopp remains one of the weaker members of the crew, which may need addressing as the narrative progresses.

The upcoming Elbaf Arc presents a significant opportunity for Usopp’s growth, especially considering his long-standing admiration for the giants, exemplified during the Little Garden Arc. The potential for development in this arc could lead to transformative changes in Usopp’s character, making this a highly anticipated storyline for fans.

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