Highlights
- Several iconic One Piece characters have returned to the story stronger than ever before.
- Characters like Sentomaru, Gecko Moria, and Koala have made significant impressions in their previous appearances.
- The Straw Hat Pirates, as a crew, have returned after the timeskip stronger and more formidable than ever.
The world of One Piece is absolutely massive and fans have seen quite a lot of powerful characters show up to stand in the path of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates at one time or another. There are also other characters who were involved in the story for short stints in significant ways and made quite an impression, only to return much stronger later down the line.
These One Piece characters are iconic, in one way or another and their return only makes them more special. With the story now entering the Final Saga, quite a lot of One Piece characters are making their return, this time, stronger than ever before.
9 Sentomaru
A Navy Rebel
Sentomaru was working as Vegapunk’s assistant when he was first introduced in One Piece. He worked in the Navy science division and was responsible for the Pacifistas during the Sabaody Archipelago arc. During this arc, he created all sorts of problems for Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.
He was overwhelmingly strong at that point in the story. After the timeskip, Sentomaru returned once again, this time, stronger than ever before. He was now officially a member of the Marines and his strength had increased even further.
8 Gecko Moria
A Former Warlord
Gecko Moria stood in Luffy's path during the Thriller Bark arc and, in this arc, he showcased the tremendous might of his Kage Kage no Mi. It took the effort of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates to defeat Moria, with Luffy doing the vast majority of the job towards the end by himself.
Moria was utterly defeated in this arc, however, he did not simply sit by. After the timeskip, he returned once again, this time, likely stronger, given that he is in the New World now. Moria was captured by Blackbeard and later down the line, freed by Koby. His current fate remains unknown.
7 Koala
An Officer Of The Revolutionary Army
Koala was a former slave who was freed by Fisher Tiger when he raided Marijoa. Koala was delivered safely to her home by the Sun Pirates and the fans thought that would be the last they would ever see of her.
Koala later returned in the story during the Dressrosa arc as a member of the Revolutionary Army. This time, she was stronger than ever before and fought for justice, which makes her a very incredible character in the story.
6 Koby
A Marine SWORD Captain
Koby is one of the first few characters that Luffy befriends after setting sail. He was rescued by Luffy from Alvida’s ship and, from there onwards, he went on to join the Navy. Koby trained relentlessly under Garp and his progress can be seen in the many arcs of One Piece.
After the timeskip, Koby returned stronger than ever before, having become a Marine Captain. He currently has a five-star bounty on his head, which just goes to show his tremendous strength as a Marine.
5 Rob Lucci
A Member Of The CP0
Rob Lucci is one of the strongest enemies that Luffy has ever faced. He was the main antagonist of the Water Seven Saga and he gave Luffy all sorts of trouble in this arc, forcing him to push beyond his limits.
Eventually, Lucci was crushed by Luffy. However, after the timeskip, he returned in the Dressrosa arc, where it was revealed that he was now a member of CP0. He returned once again in the Final Saga, in the Egghead Island arc. He is still one of the antagonists in Luffy's way currently.
4 Sabo
The Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army
Luffy's sworn brother, Sabo was first mentioned by Ace moments before his death. In the ASL flashback, fans got to see Sabo spend his entire childhood with Luffy, only to be shot by the Celestial Dragons moments before he left on his journey to become a pirate.
While many believed Sabo to be dead, he was actually rescued by Dragon and, thereafter, inducted into the Revolutionary Army. Sabo built his strength up over the years and, currently, he's the Chief of Staff of the group. He returned in the Dressrosa arc, where he met Luffy once again.
3 Crocodile
A Top Officer Of The Cross Guild
One of the strongest and most cunning pirates in the entirety of One Piece, Crocodile stood in Luffy's path as the leader of the Baroque Works during the Alabasta Saga. During this Saga, Crocodile caused all sorts of problems for Vivi and the Straw Hat Pirates, pulling the strings for the civil war that was going on in this country.
After being defeated and unmasked by Luffy, Crocodile found himself imprisoned in Impel Down. However, Luffy later orchestrated his release. Following the timeskip, Crocodile has returned more powerful than ever, emerging as a prominent figure in the Cross Guild. With a bounty of 1.965 billion berries, he now stands as one of the leading and formidable figures in the One Piece world.
2 Buggy
A Yonko Of The Sea
Buggy, an early antagonist with a 15 million berry bounty, resurfaces in the Final Saga of One Piece with a more significant role than before. Over the years, he's evolved from a formidable adversary to a recurring and multifaceted character, contributing to the depth of the overarching narrative.
Buggy has now returned as a Yonko of the Sea. It must be noted that Buggy isn't necessarily as strong as the other Yonko. However, he is still stronger than he was in the East Blue Saga. Buggy has a bounty of 3.189 billion berries and he will surely play a major role as he's aiming actively for the One Piece.
1 The Straw Hat Pirates
A Yonko Crew
The Straw Hat Pirates underwent a transformative 2-year timeskip, emerging from it stronger than ever before. Their journey through the Sabaody Archipelago was marked by a devastating encounter with the Marines, leading to their dispersal. Kuma played a pivotal role in splitting up the crew.
In the aftermath of this separation, each member embarked on an individual journey to train and enhance their abilities to the fullest extent. This rigorous training aimed to prepare them for the challenges that lay ahead. Two years later, the Straw Hat Pirates reunited on the same island where they were scattered. The timeskip showcased not only the physical growth of each crew member but also their development in terms of skills, techniques, and strategic prowess. This period of intense training became a crucial chapter in the Straw Hat Pirates' journey, setting the stage for their continued adventures in the New World.
This crew went through tremendous hardships and returned so strong that no obstacle can stand in their path now. Currently, the Straw Hat Pirates are an Emperor Crew in One Piece.
