One Piece finally reveals who's stronger between Zoro and Sanji – Oda ends the debate in Elbaf arc

Time of India

07-06-2025

credit - toei animation
Well, One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has finally settled one of the series' most contentious arguments once and for all: Who is stronger, Zoro or Sanji? With the addition of new scenes from the Elbaf arc and introduction of key characters such as Scopper Gaban, the answer is now obvious and it isn't who's better, but rather they're equal.
Zoro vs. Sanji: The rivalry that defined the straw hat crew
Whether or not you're already an One Piece fan, you've definitely at least heard of Zoro and Sanji—two of the series' most powerful and popular characters. Zoro is the colossally cool swordsman who wants to be the world's greatest, and Sanji is the high-kicking foodie with a heart of gold. Both of them take the place of Luffy's top fighters and have been friendly rivals since their crews' earliest days.
For years, fans have speculated and argued over who would win in a fight.
Zoro typically gets to fight the strongest enemy's #2 and Sanji the #3 at the end of an arc. That difference doesn't tell the full story and now, the most recent arc has made it official, they're equals.
Elbaf arc reveals: Zoro and Sanji put their lives on the line for Luffy
During the ongoing Elbaf arc, it was Sanji and Zoro who endangered their lives to save Luffy. In the midst of that deadly standoff, Luffy found himself ensnared by one such 'bomb bubble', an explosive eddy proboscis that would have badly hurt or flat out killed our hero.
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Without a moment's thought, Zoro jumped in the way, taking the damage himself to protect Luffy.
This was the arc of Sanji's own sacrifice. X-Drake fought it though—unlike in an earlier battle, where he deliberately walked into a trap to save Luffy, fully aware that the trap would kill him. These moments weren't merely heroic—they were indicative of how far both men will go to protect their quarterback.
As the final battle between the two started, fans witnessed how their loyalty and strength was reflected in each other's moves that proved Zoro and Sanji were more than just fighters.
They are protectors, equals, and pillars of the Straw Hat crew.
Oda Confirms it: Zoro and Sanji are equals, not rivals
During the events of Chapter 1151, Oda first introduced us to Scopper Gaban, an important member of Pirate King Gol D. Roger's crew. Gaban is rumored to be on the same level as Rayleigh, who was Roger's right-hand man. Gaban goes so far as to lay claim to being the second strongest on the crew, implying he and Rayleigh were on the same level.
This is significant because Gaban is mostly accepted by fans as a counterpart to Sanji, while Rayleigh has been compared to Zoro for years.
What Oda is explicitly telling us here is that Zoro and Sanji are the modern day Gaban and Rayleigh—two strong fighters who are equal, both beside each other and above each other.
Giant warrior parallels: Zoro and Sanji are like Dorry and Brogy
The warrior giants Dorry and Brogy, who have been fighting for over 100 years without a winner, are one of the biggest returning throwbacks in the Elbaf arc. All the way back during the Little Garden arc, Zoro and Sanji were initially pitted against them, standing in for a rivalry that will never really come to a close with a definitive victor.
We need to reference the Fisherman Island manga arc again, because Oda has now doubled down on that comparison between Zoro and Sanji being like Dorry and Brogy. Rivals in spirit, but equals in strength.
Now that the Final Saga of One Piece is in full swing, each crew member's impact has become essential as the story escalates in stakes and intensity. Where they once operated largely as comic relief and functioned mostly in the periphery of the story, Zoro and Sanji have since become Luffy's right and left hands, ever on guard, literally in between him and danger at all times.
In such a world, Imu, the Holy Knights and the World Government in general are stronger than ever. Now Oda is really driving it home — from a strength perspective and a story perspective, Zoro and Sanji are equally important to Luffy's journey.
When does One Piece chapter 1151 release?
One Piece Chapter 1151 officially releases on June 8, 2025. US and UK readers should be able to catch the chapter for free on Manga Plus on Saturday night or early Sunday, depending on your time zone.
Oda's message is clear—Zoro and Sanji stand together
Whether you've always cheered for Zoro's pure strength or Sanji's swift, kick-based elegance, the fact is officially set in stone. Oda doesn't want the fans pitting them against each other, treating them like rivals rather than comrades. Their recent displays during Elbaf, along with the strong similarities to legends such as Rayleigh and Gaban, confirm that Zoro and Sanji are indeed two irreplaceable warriors of the Straw Hat Pirates.
So the next time somebody asks who's stronger, answer like this: 'They both are.
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