For nearly three decades, one of the biggest debates among One Piece fans has been: who is stronger, Zoro or Sanji? Although Eiichiro Oda has portrayed them as the “wings of the Pirate King,” the power gap between them has always sparked endless discussion.
However, the latest developments in the Elbaph arc may have finally delivered the clearest answer yet, as the manga confirms Sanji’s potential to awaken Conqueror’s Haki, a power once thought to give Zoro the edge over his crewmate.
Elbaph is more than just a battle with the Holy Knights
The Elbaph arc begins with high hopes as the Straw Hats arrive in the land of giants. But things quickly turn intense when the Holy Knights appear and turn the island into a battlefield.
It gets even more dangerous with Imu’s interference. While the story reveals the Holy Knights’ past and important secrets of the One Piece world, Oda also uses this arc to power up key characters before the final stages of the story.
One of the most notable changes is Sanji.
Sanji confirmed to have the potential to awaken Conqueror’s Haki
In chapter 1187, during his fight with Killingham, Sanji recalls words from Scopper Gaban. According to the former Roger Pirates member, Sanji has what it takes to awaken Conqueror’s Haki. This is a hugely significant detail.
Previously, the Wano arc led many to believe Zoro had clearly surpassed Sanji after awakening and using enhanced Conqueror’s Haki in his battle against King. While Zoro possesses a power only those with “kingly” qualities can achieve, Sanji showed no signs of similar abilities.
The Elbaph arc completely changes that perception. Gaban’s statement shows Sanji’s potential is very real, even if that power has yet to fully awaken.
Conqueror’s Haki is no longer just for those with ambitions to rule
A common misconception among fans is that only those who aspire to be king or world rulers can possess Conqueror’s Haki. In reality, One Piece increasingly shows that the key to awakening this power is a strong will.
Sanji has never sought to become Pirate King. His greatest goal has always been to help Luffy achieve that dream and protect those he cares about. It’s this unwavering determination that forms the foundation for Sanji to wield Conqueror’s Haki.
This makes sense given Sanji’s role in the Straw Hats. As one of Luffy’s two “wings,” it would unbalance the crew’s strength if he couldn’t use the strongest type of Haki, especially against the final enemies.
The fight against the Holy Knights highlights why Sanji needs this power
Recent chapters have revealed the terrifying nature of the Holy Knights. They are nearly immune to most conventional attacks thanks to special abilities, and enhanced Conqueror’s Haki is one of the few ways to truly harm them.
If Sanji relies only on Armament Haki, speed, and his Ifrit Jambe technique, he would be at a serious disadvantage against the World Government’s strongest foes.
That’s why Sanji moving closer to awakening Conqueror’s Haki is not just about matching Zoro, but a necessary step for the Straw Hats to be ready for the final battle.
Even without awakening, Sanji remains a formidable force
Notably, even without Conqueror’s Haki, Sanji is among the strongest characters in One Piece today. After his body enhancements in the Wano arc, he has an incredibly durable exoskeleton and superior healing thanks to his awakened Germa bloodline.
His speed can make him vanish from opponents’ sight, and his Ifrit Jambe technique with blue flames packs far more power than his previous Diable Jambe.
Additionally, Sanji’s Observation Haki has long been considered one of the strongest in the crew, with many believing it even surpasses Zoro’s in sensing and prediction.
Throughout One Piece’s history, there have been top-tier fighters without Conqueror’s Haki, like Akainu and Kizaru. This proves Sanji is already a fearsome warrior even before unlocking this legendary power.
The Zoro vs. Sanji debate may finally be coming to an end
For 29 years, Oda has built Zoro and Sanji as Luffy’s two most important companions, each excelling in different areas. While Zoro focuses on raw power and offense, Sanji stands out with speed, agility, and Observation Haki.
The Elbaph arc’s confirmation of Sanji’s potential to awaken Conqueror’s Haki suggests the gap between them will continue to close. Zoro may still have a slight edge in pure strength, but both are likely to remain equals, true to the “wings of the Pirate King” image Oda has crafted from the start.
After nearly three decades of debate, the author’s message seems clear: Zoro and Sanji were never meant to compete against each other, but to support Luffy in reaching the pinnacle of the pirate world.