Could Scopper Gaban unlock Luffy's strongest Haki before the final war in One Piece?

Time of India

22-05-2025

Credits: MSN
Now that One Piece is finally coming to its long-promised Final Saga, there's a lot of speculation about the possible return of Scopper Gaban, the former right-hand man of Pirate King Gol D.
Roger. Fans are speculating this because Gaban might come out of hiding to assist in training, helping Monkey D. Luffy learn the very last form of Haki, getting him ready for this final war that will determine the fate of the seas.
W
hile not officially confirmed by creator Eiichiro Oda, hints from past arcs and consistent storytelling patterns have led many to believe that Gaban's return may be imminent — and crucial.
Who Is Scopper Gaban?
For those fans who came around in the era after Roger went missing, Scopper Gaban is a pretty obscure name. He was a key member of the Roger Pirates, sitting below only Rayleigh and Roger himself in their hierarchy. Renowned for his dual-axe fighting style and stoic disposition, Gaban was a silent but deadly force in the Pirate King's age.
Just as Rayleigh trained Luffy in Haki during the two year time skip, Gaban has been absent from the story — unseen since the flashback arc of Oden's travelling with the Roger Pirates.
So to those who have wondered where he's been, we say here's what he's been up to. Is he coming back?
Why Luffy needs stronger Haki
By this point, we've seen Luffy go from knowing nothing to fully mastering all three types of Haki – Observation (Kenbunshoku), Armament (Busoshoku), and Conqueror's (Haoshoku). During the Wano Arc, he mastered infusing Conqueror's Haki into his attacks, something only the strongest warriors in One Piece can do.
Even with the final war against Imu, the Gorosei, Blackbeard, and maybe even the World Government's ultimate weapons, that seems insufficient for the level we're building to.
If Oda sticks with his tried and tested narrative formula, Luffy might still require one last bit of sass — an instructor who can help him harness Haki to its utmost zenith.
That's where someone like Gaban could come in.
Gaban's possible role in teaching the strongest Haki
Credits: VIZ
If Rayleigh showed Luffy the basics, then Gaban can teach Luffy how to fully combine all three types of Haki —something that's been rumored for a long time and could serve as the final form of Haki training goes.
This would represent equilibrium between determination, knowledge, and self-control — very appropriate for Luffy's development into the next Pirate King.
What's more, as someone who briefly sailed with the only man to ever conquer the Grand Line, Gaban could drop some huge One Piece lore bombs on Luffy, showing him how his mentor Roger utilized Haki not just in combat, but as an incarnation of unity and freedom itself.
In the sentimental, emotionally volatile world of One Piece, mentors cease to exist as mere educators. They become vessels for transgenerational camaraderie. Gaban may well be the final piece in the puzzle to unlocking Luffy's potential, not only as a fighter, but as the man who will fight against the world's most terrible injustice.
❤️ Human side of the theory
What's most interesting about this theory is not even the power-up itself — it's the emotional connection.
Luffy is a symbol of the new, Gaban is what's left of the old. Their relationship would be deeper than student and teacher — it'd be a torch-passing, rich with legacy, ambition, and the unyielding spirit of the Pirate King.
Picture this scene going down between Gaban and Luffy:
Roger would have thought that the time for another great era like we've had would need leaders like you. Let me show you how we can now help finish what he started.'
Such a moment would not only have fans in tears, it would increase the emotional core of the story and its themes.
Whether or not this theory ends up being correct, one thing seems certain — Luffy has at least one more big evolution to go before the climactic battle truly gets underway. If Scopper Gaban does indeed make a return, his inclusion would serve to not only pay respect to Roger's legacy, but set up Luffy as the captain to usher in this new age.
As One Piece approaches its final war, we might soon be seeing the return of another such quiet legend — a legend who bears the burden of the Pirate King's dream and the wisdom to eventually hand it over.
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