One Piece: Oda Reveals Two New Potential Straw Hats Stronger Than Zoro and Sanji

Warning: This article contains spoilers for One Piece, including the Elbaf arc.

The Straw Hat Pirates have grown tremendously since Luffy set sail from the East Blue over 25 years ago. But the Elbaf arc is introducing two potential new crew members who would shake up the power hierarchy: Loki, the Accursed Prince of Elbaf, and his sentient weapon Ragnir.

Here’s the bombshell: both Loki and Ragnir are currently stronger than Zoro and Sanji, Luffy’s trusted wings. Let’s break down why these additions would change everything for the Straw Hat crew.

Table of Contents

The Evolution of the Straw Hat Pirates

Since the beginning of One Piece, fans have watched Luffy’s crew grow from humble beginnings to a Yonko-level force capable of challenging the World Government itself.

The Original East Blue Five:

Monkey D. Luffy – Captain with the Gomu Gomu no Mi (Nika)
Roronoa Zoro – Swordsman aiming to be the world’s strongest
Nami – Navigator with weather manipulation abilities
Usopp – Sniper and inventor
Sanji – Cook and martial artist

Paradise Additions (Grand Line First Half):

Tony Tony Chopper – Doctor with Zoan Devil Fruit
Nico Robin – Archaeologist with Flower-Flower Fruit
Franky – Shipwright and cyborg
Brook – Musician with Revive-Revive Fruit

New World Recruits:

Jinbe – Helmsman and former Warlord (joined officially in Wano)

The crew’s growth has slowed in the New World, with Jinbe being the only official addition during this half of the Grand Line. But Eiichiro Oda clearly has plans for more members, especially as the series enters its Final Saga.

One Piece Databook Confirms Zoro vs Sanji Strength Debate

Zoro and Sanji: Luffy’s Wings

Before discussing the new potential members, we need to establish where Zoro and Sanji currently stand in the crew’s power hierarchy.

The Top 3 Strongest Straw Hats:

1. Monkey D. Luffy – Far and away the strongest

Devil Fruit Awakening – Gear 5 and Nika transformation
Advanced Haki mastery – All three types at high levels
Yonko-level combatant – Defeated Kaido

2. Roronoa Zoro – The right wing

Master swordsman – Three-sword style specialist
Enma wielder – Oden’s legendary blade
Advanced Conqueror’s Haki – Can coat attacks
King of Hell fighting style

3. Sanji – The left wing

Modified genetics – Germa 66 enhancements activated
Advanced Observation Haki – Specializes in this type
Ifrit Jambe – Evolution of Diable Jambe
Exoskeleton – Cyborg-like durability

Oda’s Confirmation: They’re Equals

Despite endless fandom debates about Zoro vs. Sanji, Oda has confirmed multiple times that they’re essentially equals—Luffy’s two wings working in tandem to protect their captain.

Their dynamic:

Fierce rivals who constantly bicker
Shield each other’s backs in battle
Complementary fighting styles (offense vs. speed)
Both necessary for the crew’s success

This established power structure makes the introduction of Loki and Ragnir even more significant.

Loki: The Accursed Prince of Elbaf

Loki was first mentioned way back in Whole Cake Island, but the Elbaf arc finally brings him center stage. And he’s far more powerful than anyone anticipated.

Loki’s Background:

Prince of Elbaf – Royalty of the world’s most powerful nation
Ancient Giant blood – Son of King Harald
The “Accursed Prince” – Title earned through controversial actions
Legendary Devil Fruit – A prized treasure of Elbaf

Loki’s Shocking Introduction:

Loki’s own words reveal his incredible ego and power:

“I am the Sun God enshrined in the legends of this land. You will not speak to me without permission, human. I consider myself the strongest alive in the Lands. This is the Warland, Elbaf’s Kingdom of Violence. The most powerful nation in the world which once lived and breathed warfare. And I’m the Sun God who brings the world to an end, Loki!”

While his “Sun God” claim might seem like delusion (since Luffy is the actual Nika/Sun God), Loki’s strength backs up his confidence.

Loki’s Incredible Feats:

Defeated his own father:

Killed King Harald (Domi Reversi’d)
Harald was one of Elbaf’s legendary warriors
Required tremendous power to accomplish

All of Elbaf couldn’t stop him:

The entire giant warrior nation failed to subdue Loki
Shanks’ intervention was necessary to finally chain him
This alone puts Loki at Yonko-adjacent levels

Mysterious Devil Fruit:

Described as a prized treasure of Elbaf
Powerful enough to make Loki believe he’s the Sun God
Exact abilities still unknown but clearly formidable

Luffy Has Already Invited Loki

Unlike previous arcs where fans speculated about potential crew members, Luffy has already invited Loki to join the Straw Hat Pirates. This is significant—Luffy’s invitations are rarely refused in the long term.

Ragnir: The Sentient Yonko-Level Weapon

If Loki joins the crew, he won’t be alone. His ultimate weapon, Ragnir, would come with him—and Ragnir is far from an ordinary blade.

What Makes Ragnir Special:

Sentient weapon with Devil Fruit powers:

Ate a Squirrel Zoan Devil Fruit
Can act independently of Loki
Has its own will and combat capabilities
Essentially a crew member in weapon form

Acquired during the Elbaf flashback:

Loki obtained Ragnir during critical story events
Their bond was forged through shared purpose
Functions as both weapon and companion

Ragnir’s Impressive Power

Fought against Loki himself:

Engaged in combat with the Accursed Prince
Shattered Loki’s Conqueror’s Haki-infused weapon
This feat surpasses anything shown by Zoro or Sanji

Breaking down that achievement:

Destroying a Conqueror’s Haki-coated weapon is no small feat. This type of Haki represents the highest level of offensive power in One Piece:

Only the strongest characters can coat weapons with Conqueror’s Haki
Zoro only recently mastered this technique
Sanji doesn’t appear to have Conqueror’s Haki at all
Ragnir shattering such a weapon demonstrates Yonko-level attack power

Ragnir is effectively a Yonko-level weapon that can fight independently—something unprecedented in the series.

Why Loki and Ragnir Are Stronger Than Zoro and Sanji

Let’s break down the power comparison honestly:

Loki vs. Zoro and Sanji:

Loki’s advantages:

Yonko-level bounty – His threat level is extreme
Defeated King Harald – A legendary giant warrior
Required Shanks to subdue – A Yonko’s intervention was necessary
Mysterious powerful Devil Fruit – Full capabilities unknown
Ancient Giant physiology – Natural strength and durability advantage
Calls himself strongest alive – Backed by actual feats

Current gap:

Zoro and Sanji recently defeated King and Queen (Commander-level)
Loki’s feats suggest he’s beyond Commander-level
Neither wing has shown feats comparable to requiring Yonko intervention

Ragnir vs. Zoro and Sanji:

Ragnir’s advantages:

Shattered Conqueror’s Haki weapon – Beyond Zoro/Sanji’s shown capabilities
Independent combatant – Can fight while Loki engages separately
Devil Fruit powers – Additional abilities beyond normal weapons
Sentience – Strategic thinking and adaptability

Comparison to Zoro’s weapons:

Enma is incredibly powerful but not sentient
Zoro must wield his swords; they don’t fight independently
Ragnir represents a weapon + fighter combination

Comparison to Sanji:

Sanji doesn’t use weapons, relying on kicks
Would need to overcome both Ragnir’s combat skills AND weapon form
The sentient weapon aspect creates unique tactical challenges

The Elbaf Flashback: Understanding the Power Dynamic

Recent Elbaf flashback chapters have provided crucial context for understanding Loki and Ragnir’s strength.

Harald’s Deal With the World Government:

A shocking revelation came from Saint Imu Nerona speaking to Harald:

“Now, at last, thou art an undying Knight in service to Mu. Thou wilt create an Abyss on Elbaf. That will be thy bond to us. And when Thou hast completed thy final duty, after that, thy wish wilt be granted. Elbaf will be welcomed among the World Government’s member nations.”

This suggests:

Harald made a dangerous pact with the World Government
Loki’s actions may have been rebellion against this deal
The “Accursed Prince” title might be propaganda
Loki could be more heroic than initially presented

Why This Matters for Power Scaling:

If Harald was working with the World Government and Loki opposed him, it adds context to Loki’s strength:

Fighting against World Government machinations
Potentially standing against multiple powerful forces
Being chained required Shanks because of this larger conflict
His power is necessary to oppose god-level threats

Can Zoro and Sanji Surpass Them?

The article’s title asks an important question: where does this leave Luffy’s wings?

Short-Term Outlook (End of Elbaf):

Unlikely to surpass Loki:

The power gap is too significant currently
Loki has Yonko-adjacent feats and status
One arc isn’t enough time for that level of growth
Zoro and Sanji would need massive power-ups

Possibly surpass Ragnir:

The sentient weapon is strong but not quite Loki-level
Focused training could close this gap
However, surpassing just Ragnir is insufficient
Loki and Ragnir fight as a duo, making them twice as challenging

Long-Term Outlook (Final Saga):

Zoro and Sanji will reach new heights:

Zoro’s potential growth:

Mastering Black Blade transformation (turning Enma permanently black)
Further developing Conqueror’s Haki coating
Potentially facing Mihawk in his ultimate test
Achieving World’s Strongest Swordsman title

Sanji’s potential growth:

Fully mastering Germa modifications and combining with Haki
Developing his own form of advanced Conqueror’s Haki (if possible)
Evolution of Ifrit Jambe to even higher temperatures
Potentially unlocking new genetic abilities

The Final Saga Power Ceiling:

By the series’ end, Zoro and Sanji will likely surpass even Loki:

They’re destined to fight the strongest opponents alongside Luffy
Final battles will require them at Admiral/Yonko Commander+ levels
Character arcs demand they achieve their ultimate forms
The Pirate King’s wings must be among the world’s strongest

But for now, if Loki and Ragnir join the crew, they would immediately become the #2 and #3 strongest members after Luffy, with Zoro and Sanji temporarily taking #4 and #5 positions.

How This Changes Crew Dynamics

Adding two members stronger than the current wings would create fascinating dynamics:

Power Hierarchy Shift:

New ranking:

Luffy (Yonko-level)
Loki (Yonko-adjacent)
Ragnir (Yonko-level weapon)
Zoro (Commander+)
Sanji (Commander+)

This creates narrative tension:

Zoro’s pride as the first mate and right wing
Sanji’s rivalry with Zoro extending to new members
Both needing to prove themselves against stronger crewmates
Motivation to achieve greater power-ups faster

Strategic Advantages:

The Straw Hats would gain:

Two additional top-tier combatants
Loki’s Devil Fruit abilities (whatever they are)
Ragnir’s independent fighting capability
Giant warrior knowledge and techniques
Political connections to Elbaf

Story Possibilities:

Zoro and Sanji training with Loki to grow stronger
Ragnir teaching about sentient weapons and Devil Fruit synergy
Power dynamic exploration – how the crew adjusts to internal power shifts
Final battles where all five top fighters are necessary

When Can You Read About Loki and Ragnir?

One Piece is currently in its Final Saga, with the Elbaf arc unfolding now.

Reading Schedule:

One Piece Chapter 1170 – January 4, 2026
Japan release – 12:00 AM JST Monday
US release – 11:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM PT Sunday

Where to read legally:

Manga Plus – Free latest chapters
Shonen Jump app – Free official translations

Reading through official channels supports Eiichiro Oda and ensures the series continues.

Related gaming and anime content:

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Manga sales: One Piece reclaimed its crown as Japan’s best-selling manga of 2025

What This Means for One Piece’s Endgame

The potential addition of Loki and Ragnir signals important developments for the Final Saga:

Escalating Power Levels:

Enemies are getting stronger – requiring more powerful allies
World Government threat – needs crew members at highest tiers
Final battles – will require multiple Yonko-level fighters
Pirate King crew – must be the strongest in history

Narrative Significance:

Luffy recruiting Loki could parallel:

Roger recruiting Oden – a powerful prince joining the crew
Gaining giant allies – crucial for the final conflict
Elbaf’s role – the warrior nation joining Luffy’s side
Ancient weapons – Ragnir might connect to larger mysteries

The Final Crew Composition:

If Loki and Ragnir join, the Straw Hat Pirates would have:

Multiple Yonko-level fighters (Luffy, Loki)
Several Commander+ level members (Zoro, Sanji, Jinbe)
Specialized support roles (Nami, Chopper, Robin, etc.)
Strategic depth unmatched by any crew in history

This composition would make them truly worthy of finding the One Piece and challenging the World Government.

The Bottom Line: Embracing Change

Zoro and Sanji being temporarily surpassed isn’t a bad thing—it’s storytelling gold:

Creates motivation for growth
Adds internal crew dynamics beyond external threats
Demonstrates Luffy’s ability to recruit the best
Sets up incredible power-ups as Zoro and Sanji catch up
Makes the final battles even more spectacular when all fighters peak simultaneously

One Piece has always been about growth—and Loki and Ragnir joining would push Luffy’s wings to reach heights they otherwise might not achieve.

Bottom line: Loki and Ragnir, two potential new Straw Hat Pirates introduced in the Elbaf arc, are currently stronger than both Zoro and Sanji. Loki’s Yonko-adjacent power (requiring Shanks to subdue him) and Ragnir’s feat of shattering a Conqueror’s Haki weapon put them above Luffy’s current wings. While Zoro and Sanji will eventually surpass them during the Final Saga, for now, these new additions would reshape the crew’s power hierarchy. Read One Piece Chapter 1170 on January 4, 2026, to follow this developing story.