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One Piece‘s Marineford battle Arc demonstrated peak tragedy as Luffy’s desperate attempt to save his brother Ace ended up in heartbreak, leaving a scar that still shapes his journey. Among the many characters tied to that event, Akainu particularly stands out, and fans have long speculated that Luffy would one day confront Akainu to settle this score.

However, recent developments inOne Piece‘s storyline suggest that Eiichiro Oda might have a different plan in mind; one that aligns more closely with the overarching themes of justice and growth. With Garp’s life hanging by a thread, it’s probably the time when Koby ultimately gets the real development. And perhaps, it’s not Luffy, but Koby will be the one to deliver a decisive blow to Akainu.
The Legacy of Marineford and Akainu’s Reign of Terror
InOne Piece, theMarineford War arcwas like a watershed. It wasn’t just Ace’s devastating loss that defined the story, but also established Akainu’s ruthless image as a fleet admiral who values absolute justice above all else. Akainu’s philosophy of “Absolute Justice” created a rift not only between pirates and the Marines but also within the Marines themselves, resulting in evenGarp going against him.
Thus, for years, fans have anticipated Luffy would be the one to finally confront Akainu to avenge Ace. After all, Luffy’s journey to become the Pirate King is deeply personal, and avenging his brother seems like a logical step. A battle between Luffy and Akainu would definitely be epic. However, we have to note that, Luffy’s journey inOne Pieceis not driven purely by revenge, but by protecting his crew, pursuing freedom, and fulfilling his dreams.

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So Luffy’s confrontation against Akainu would risk reducing his motivations to a revenge plot. Instead, someone else could take the stage — someone whose sense of justice directly opposes Akainu’s philosophy. And, given the current circumstances, Koby seems to be the perfect candidate for this.
The Clash of Justice: Koby vs. Akainu’s PhilosophyinOne Piece
The current storyline inOne Pieceinvolving Garp’s capture by Blackbeard creates the perfect catalyst for Koby to rise to the occasion. If the Marines refuse to rescue Garp because of their lack of resources due to Akainu’s strict adherence to rules and regulations, Koby will have to take matters into his own hands. This act of defiance would not only strengthen Koby’s commitment to justice but also open his eyes to the true face of Marines and the World Government.
Moreover, Luffy’s involvement in a potential rescue mission of his grandfather could also create an opportunity for Koby and Luffy to team up. This partnership would echo their shared history and demonstrate how far both characters have come since they first met. By working together, Koby and Luffy could take on Blackbeard and his crew, paving the way for Koby to eventually face Akainu.

Luffy defeating Akainu would be satisfying, but it wouldn’t deliver the same impact as Koby doing it. Luffy is a pirate, and his victory over Akainu would likely be viewed as another pirate victory over the Marines. However, on the other hand, Koby represents the future of the Navy. Bystanding up to Akainu, he would signal a shift within the Marines, proving that justice doesn’t have to be cruel to be effective.
“One of the biggest character assassinations”: One Piece Fans Can’t Forgive Oda for Turning a Major Character Into a Joke But There’s Still Hope
Eiichiro Odahas always excelled at crafting storylines where characters’ ideals and motivations collide in meaningful ways. AsOne Pieceapproaches its final saga, the stage could be set for Koby to rise as a true hero of the Marines. Koby defeating Akainu would be the ultimate demonstration of his growth and a fitting way to honor the ideals of real justice.
One Pieceis currently available to watch and read on Crunchyroll and Viz Media, respectively.

Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
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Eiichiro OdaOne Piece
