Sorry Usopp, But One Piece’s Elbaf Arc Is Sanji’s Time to Shine: Here’s Why

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The Elbaf Arc in One Piece, long awaited by fans, delves into Harald’s past just before the battle with the Holy Knights. This storyline was hinted at during the Little Garden Arc within the Alabasta Saga, which took place approximately 25 years ago. Elbaf is famous for its mighty Giant warriors, who prioritize honor and pride above their lives. These values were what initially won Luffy and Usopp’s respect for Dorry and Brogy. Ever since then, the two have aspired to visit Elbaf. Encounters with Dorry and Brogy inspired Usopp to strive for strength and honor, much like them. After over two decades, fans are excited that it may finally be Usopp’s time to shine in this arc.

In the world of One Piece, although Usopp is widely popular among fans, he sometimes fails to receive the recognition he deserves because the storyline often focuses on high-octane action sequences involving Haki and Devil Fruits. Unlike his comrades like Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji who excel in these aspects, Usopp lacks the ability to use Armament or Conqueror’s Haki, and he doesn’t possess a Devil Fruit or exceptional physical strength. However, unlike them, Usopp plays a unique role within the crew that often gets overshadowed. Even though the Elbaf Arc has been ongoing for several months now, it appears that the limelight continues to elude Usopp, while Sanji is more likely to receive further character development.

One Piece’s Elbaf Arc Might Give Sanji the One Power He Lacks

While Devil Fruits can certainly enhance a person’s fighting capabilities, they are not the sole determinant of power. Characters like Shanks, Roger, Mihawk, Garp, and many others have demonstrated remarkable strength through their mastery of Haki. Among the Straw Hat pirates, Zoro and Sanji stand out, with Zoro having the unique ability to use Conqueror’s Haki, whereas Sanji has yet to exhibit this power. However, there are indications that Sanji may develop this skill in the Elbaf Arc. The appearance of Scopper Gaban, Roger’s right-hand man, has significantly impacted not only the narrative but also Sanji’s character development.

In a similar vein to Luffy mirroring Gol D. Roger, Zoro echoes Rayleigh, with Sanji being likened to Gaban. While serving on the same crew, Gaban and Rayleigh were in fierce competition for the position of the second strongest member. The question of who was superior may never have been definitively answered due to Gaban’s steadfast claim as the No. 2 pirate of the Roger Pirates. Despite their rivalry, Gaban’s might cannot be underestimated; his prowess is largely attributed to his mastery over Conqueror’s Haki and Future Sight.

The Holy Knights appear invincible due to their remarkable healing abilities, giving an impression of immortality. However, it’s not all strength without vulnerability – Gaban possesses a secret strategy to vanquish them. In such dire situations, employing Advanced Conqueror’s Haki becomes essential. As the manga unfolded before Harald’s backstory, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji were gearing up for battle against the Holy Knights, ready to deploy their most powerful techniques.

No matter how much power Sanji may possess, it’s ineffective against the villains if he fails to employ Conqueror’s Haki. In the world of One Piece, Zoro and Sanji have often been equals, but Zoro has usually had a slight edge. However, it seems doubtful that Sanji would push his limits significantly without unlocking one of the strongest abilities in the series.

One Piece Creator May Be Preparing to Reshape Sanji’s Image

As per Chapter 1157, it seems that the creator of the series, Eiichiro Oda, intends to rehabilitate Sanji’s image, which has been marred due to his habitual infatuation with attractive women. This excessive admiration often lands him in awkward situations, causing quite a stir among fans. However, it is essential to remember that Sanji’s chivalrous nature and propensity to flirt with every woman he encounters are integral parts of his character. Despite having more supporters than detractors, it’s evident that some viewers find his behavior unappealing.

In a less formal way, Sanji’s playful advances aren’t meant to be taken literally, but they can get repetitive and annoying for readers. To add insult to injury, the anime moves at a snail’s pace during these scenes, making them feel longer than they need to be and giving off a creepy vibe. But in the latest lore, we learn that numerous legendary pirates, including Gol D. Roger, Edward Newgate, and Rocks D. Xebec, had feelings for Shakuyaku. With so many legends expressing interest in her, Sanji’s running joke doesn’t seem as odd anymore.

In Elbaf, beyond the spectacle of intense battles, lies a rich tapestry of lore, filled with secrets about the true history of the world that are hidden on the island of Giants, particularly linked to Nika. However, due to the presence of the Holy Knights and Harald’s backstory unfolding through the Rocks D. Xebec saga, there seems to be limited room for further character development when it comes to Usopp. While he may enjoy some notable moments, his significance pales in comparison to the Monster Trio. This has been the case, especially post time-skip, as the story primarily focuses on other characters’ arcs.

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2025-08-17 21:12