Since the end of the Wano saga, One Piece has vaulted into higher gear on the power scale. The Straw Hat crew now faces threats that feel almost immortal, pushing Luffy and his friends toward battles that test not just strength but their grasp of will and strategy. Even after taking down an emperor, they are stepping into confrontations with the World Government’s top powers.
In the Elbaph arc, Luffy’s limits are under a bright spotlight. His awakened Devil Fruit abilities and Gear 5 are still draining after extended duels, and facing Imu—the World Government’s figurehead—feels like a leap from what the crew can comfortably handle. The arrival of the Rain Goddess Zaza and other divine-level threats deepens the mythic tone.
That rising scale echoes a familiar critique from Naruto’s ending. By shifting toward cosmic powers and fate-altering twists, the series risked losing its ninja-centered identity and sidelining supporting heroes. If One Piece continues on this path, it could repeat some of the fan disappointment that surrounded Kaguya’s reveal.
Beyond the central trio, the rest of the crew shows uneven progress. While Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Jinbe remain in the fray, many teammates lack substantial Armament Haki development, and Usopp’s long-ago observation Haki breakthrough has not translated into steady growth. The emphasis on godlike entities can marginalize the wider cast and undercut the world-building fans cherish.
The Elbaph arc is being read as a potential wake-up call, a moment reminiscent of the Sabaody Archipelago when the gap between the crew and the cosmos’ strongest factions becomes impossible to ignore. It could be a chance to recalibrate pacing and give the crew room to grow more naturally before the story drives toward its ultimate showdown.
To avoid the same trap Naruto stumbled into, a deliberate pause—whether a training interlude or a short time-skip—might serve One Piece well. Let the Straw Hats deepen their bonds, sharpen their Haki, and earn their final clashes with the World Government on firmer footing. Only then can they truly deserve the title of Pirate King’s crew and seize One Piece.
Source: Original article
