One Piece Officially Confirms Luffy’s Smartest Ally After Major New Straw Hat Upgrade

The latest One Piece chapters have shown that becoming stronger is about more than learning new attacks. Zoro’s progress with Conqueror’s Haki and Sanji’s breakthrough after confronting his self-destructive habits highlight how much the Straw Hats have grown since the time skip. Interestingly, both developments bring an old ally back into focus: Bartholomew Kuma.

Kuma’s decision to separate the crew at Sabaody initially looked like a devastating betrayal. However, it gave each Straw Hat the chance to train, overcome personal weaknesses, and prepare for the New World. Looking back, Kuma’s actions stand out as one of the smartest moves made by anyone to help Luffy’s crew survive.

Kuma’s Sabaody Move Prepared Luffy’s Crew for the New World

Straw Hat Pirates facing Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation

The Sabaody Archipelago incident was one of the Straw Hats’ lowest points. Admiral Kizaru, the Pacifistas, and Bartholomew Kuma overwhelmed the crew, leaving Luffy unable to protect his friends. When Kuma began making each Straw Hat disappear, Luffy believed he was losing his crew one member at a time.

The truth was far more meaningful. Kuma sent the Straw Hat Pirates to destinations where they could survive and develop their individual strengths. He was not simply removing the crew from danger; he was giving them the opportunity to return stronger.

Luffy landed on Amazon Lily, where he eventually trained under Silvers Rayleigh and learned to use the three forms of Haki. Zoro ended up on Kuraigana Island and swallowed his pride to ask Dracule Mihawk to train him. Sanji was sent to Kamabakka Kingdom, where surviving the Okamas pushed him to improve his speed, master Sky Walk, and obtain recipes for strength-enhancing Attack Cuisine.

The other Straw Hats also gained skills that proved essential after the time skip. Nami studied weather science on Weatheria, while Usopp learned to use Pop Greens on the Boin Archipelago. Chopper expanded his medical knowledge on Torino Kingdom, Robin reunited with the Revolutionary Army after reaching Tequila Wolf, Franky studied Vegapunk’s technology on Karakuri Island, and Brook developed his abilities and became the famous Soul King on Namakura Island.

Each destination addressed a different weakness or gave a crew member access to knowledge they lacked. That is what makes Kuma such an important ally in Luffy’s journey. What looked like a cruel separation became the turning point that allowed the crew to face the New World as a stronger team.

One Piece: Zoro and Sanji Reach New Heights With Major Upgrades

Kuma’s decision looks even smarter when the latest Elbaf developments are considered. Zoro and Sanji are now confronting weaknesses that go beyond physical strength, and both of their journeys connect to lessons they received during the two-year time skip.

Zoro’s fight against Saint Shepherd Sommers has brought his Conqueror’s Haki into focus. His training under Mihawk taught him the importance of controlling his power rather than relying on raw strength alone. In the recent Elbaf chapters, Zoro has shown progress in controlling his Conqueror’s Haki, putting the Holy Knight under pressure. This is a meaningful step for a swordsman whose dream is to surpass Mihawk and become the world’s greatest swordsman.

Sanji’s development follows a different path. In One Piece Chapter 1196, his confrontation with the nightmare connected to Emporio Ivankov forces him to face his tendency to sacrifice himself for others. Ivankov’s lesson about self-love connects directly to Scopper Gaban’s warning in Chapter 1195 about Sanji’s self-destructive behaviour. Sanji’s kindness has always been one of his greatest strengths, but he must also recognise his own worth.

This makes Sanji’s potential Conqueror’s Haki awakening an especially compelling prospect. With Zoro pushing his Haki to new heights and Sanji confronting the mindset that has held him back, Kuma’s decision continues to stand out as one of the most consequential acts of support in the Straw Hats’ journey.

Now the big question is which development excites you more: Zoro’s progress with Conqueror’s Haki or Sanji’s path toward a potential awakening? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

One Piece manga is currently available to read on Manga Plus by Shueisha and the official Viz Media platform.