In the world of One Piece, strength, willpower, and Devil Fruit powers determine who stands at the top, while characters like Luffy have rubber like abilities which may seem weak he still stands as the main protagonist in the show, on the other hand his brother Ace with the power of fire died at Marineford. The anime of One Piece is funny and filled with action. It is incomparable to other such anime shows on TV. One of the most feared and controversial characters in the series is Sakazuki, better known as Akainu, the current Fleet Admiral of the Marines. Known for his merciless sense of “Absolute Justice” and his brutal actions during the Marineford War, Akainu is widely regarded as one of Monkey D. Luffy’s most personal enemies—especially after killing his brother, Portgas D. Ace. Whoever stands tall against Akainu and Blackbeared are surely the strongest characters in One Piece.
But as powerful as Akainu is, he isn’t unbeatable. With the story now well into the Final Saga, more characters are rising to the top, each possessing power, intellect, or sheer will that could potentially bring down the fiery admiral. So, who could really stand up to Akainu in a fight and possibly defeat him? Here’s a list of 15 One Piece characters who might just have what it takes to defeat Akainu.
1. Monkey D. Garp – The Hero of the Marines
Let’s start with the legendary Monkey D. Garp, a Marine Vice-Admiral with a history that even Akainu can’t ignore. Garp once fought alongside Gol D. Roger to take down Rocks D. Xebec at God Valley. His fists, strengthened by incredible Haki, were known to destroy mountains.
Even in his old age, Garp remains a monster in battle. During the Summit War, he claimed that if he were allowed to move freely, he would have killed Akainu for Ace’s death. That’s no idle threat. Garp’s physical strength, combined with his mastery of Haki, makes him one of the few people who could fight Akainu head-on.
2. Dracule Mihawk – The World’s Strongest Swordsman
Mihawk is an enigma—calm, composed, and deadly. Known as the “World’s Strongest Swordsman,” he’s not a flashy Devil Fruit user, but don’t let that fool you. His swordsmanship alone is strong enough to slice giant icebergs in half and clash evenly with Shanks, a Yonko.
Mihawk’s calm demeanor masks a devastating level of power. If he ever decided to oppose the Marines directly, Akainu would have a real problem on his hands. After all, Mihawk isn’t part of the Cross Guild for nothing.
3. Monkey D. Dragon – The Most Wanted Man
Luffy’s father, Monkey D. Dragon, leads the Revolutionary Army and is known as the World Government’s most dangerous enemy. While we haven’t seen him fight yet, the fact that he commands powerful warriors like Sabo and Ivankov implies that Dragon is extremely powerful himself.
It’s heavily hinted that Dragon possesses a strong Devil Fruit ability and is a master strategist. In a direct confrontation, Dragon could very well stand his ground against Akainu—and possibly defeat him.
4. Blackbeard – Master of Two Devil Fruits
Marshall D. Teach, aka Blackbeard, is perhaps the only known character to wield two Devil Fruits: the Yami Yami no Mi (Darkness) and the Gura Gura no Mi (Tremor). That’s gravity-based powers combined with earthquake-level devastation.
Blackbeard has grown significantly in power since Marineford, and his underhanded tactics and ruthless nature make him especially dangerous. If it came down to a battle, Akainu’s magma fists might just not be enough to stop Blackbeard’s dual-fruit onslaught.
5. Shanks – The Haki Monster
Red-Haired Shanks is arguably the most mysterious Yonko. He doesn’t have a known Devil Fruit, but his Haki is off the charts. When he unleashed his Conqueror’s Haki at Wano, Admiral Ryokugyu literally ran away without a fight.
Shanks and Akainu had a brief standoff during the Marineford War, and it was clear that Akainu respected Shanks’ strength enough to back off. That’s no small thing coming from a man who just killed Ace and battled Whitebeard.
6. Monkey D. Luffy – The Future Pirate King
Luffy has come a long way since the Marineford War. After his epic battle with Kaido in Wano, Luffy awakened his Devil Fruit, the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika—which grants cartoonish freedom and reality-bending powers. Combine that with his advanced Armament, Observation, and Conqueror’s Haki, and Luffy is now one of the strongest pirates alive.
Luffy has a personal score to settle with Akainu, and fans are hoping for that rematch. This time, it’s Luffy who might come out on top.
7. Kaido – The Strongest Creature in the World
Kaido was considered the “Strongest Creature in the World” and for good reason. His Mythical Zoan fruit, Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu, allowed him to become a giant dragon capable of mass destruction. He fought against Luffy, Yamato, Zoro, and the entire Worst Generation for days and held his ground.
Although defeated by Luffy, Kaido’s sheer durability and power make him a serious threat to Akainu. In a direct brawl, Kaido might overpower him due to his stamina and raw strength.
8. St. Jaygarcia Saturn – The Eldritch Elder
One of the Five Elders, St. Jaygarcia Saturn, has recently shown his powers during the Egghead arc. His Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit seems to grant him a horrifying spider Oni transformation, with incredible healing and resilience.
While the full extent of his power is still unknown, the fact that he can warp onto battlefields instantly and terrify Vegapunk speaks volumes. If he and Akainu ever clashed, Saturn might just outlast the Admiral.
9. Imu – The Shadow Ruler
Imu is the most mysterious figure in One Piece—secretly ruling over the World Government. Very little is known about them, but we’ve seen that Imu possesses some form of godlike power, capable of obliterating islands from afar.
It’s hard to say what Imu’s abilities truly are, but if we’re talking about pure strength, authority, and mystique, Imu could likely defeat Akainu with ease.
10. St. Figarland Garling – Leader of the God Knights
Another figure emerging in the Final Saga is St. Figarland Garling, a powerful swordsman and leader of the God Knights. Being a central figure during the God Valley Incident, his strength must be immense.
Though not much is shown, the fact that he executed a Celestial Dragon without repercussions proves his power and authority. Akainu, despite being Fleet Admiral, may not be able to take him lightly.
11. Shiki the Golden Lion – The Flying Pirate
Shiki was one of Gol D. Roger’s fiercest rivals and a former member of the Rocks Pirates. He wielded the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, allowing him to levitate himself and other objects—on a massive scale.
He once fought both Garp and Sengoku at the same time and caused huge destruction in Marineford. Shiki may be older now, but in his prime, he certainly could have taken on Akainu and won.
12. Big Mom – The Soul-Stealing Yonko
Charlotte Linlin, aka Big Mom, is one of the most physically durable characters in the series. Her Devil Fruit, the Soru Soru no Mi, lets her steal souls and create sentient beings called homies, like Prometheus and Zeus.
In a battle against Akainu, her endurance and soul-based attacks could pose a serious problem. Plus, her ability to manipulate fear could weaken even the most steadfast opponents.
13. Silvers Rayleigh – The Dark King
Rayleigh, the former first mate of the Roger Pirates, is an absolute Haki master. Even in old age, he held off Admiral Kizaru and intimidated Blackbeard enough to make him retreat.
Rayleigh’s ability to use all three types of Haki, and likely their advanced forms, makes him a worthy match. He doesn’t even need a Devil Fruit—his raw skill is enough.
14. Sengoku – The Golden Buddha
Before Akainu became Fleet Admiral, Sengoku held the title. He’s a veteran of the Marine force and has the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Daibutsu, which lets him turn into a giant golden Buddha capable of shockwave attacks.
Sengoku fought alongside Garp against Shiki and has led Marines through the most critical times. His wisdom and power make him someone who could not only fight Akainu but possibly defeat him.
15. Sabo – The Flame Emperor
As the Revolutionary Army’s Chief of Staff and wielder of the Mera Mera no Mi, Sabo is shaping up to be a key player. He’s strong, quick, and has powerful Armament and Observation Haki.
While he might not be on Akainu’s level just yet, his growth is rapid—and his hatred for Akainu’s ideals could fuel a powerful future showdown.
Final Thoughts
Akainu is undeniably one of the strongest and most feared characters in One Piece, but he’s not invincible. Whether it’s due to raw power, strategic intelligence, or sheer will, several characters in the One Piece universe have what it takes to defeat him.
As we move deeper into the Final Saga, many of these matchups might actually play out. Luffy, Dragon, Blackbeard, or even someone like Imu could eventually stand face-to-face with Akainu—and bring him down.
One Piece is known for its twists and emotional payoffs. And when Akainu finally gets his comeuppance, it’s sure to be a moment fans will never forget.