One Piece is approaching its conclusion with the latest arc, and it’s no surprise to see many beloved characters making their return. However, this also means that several supporting characters are currently being sidelined. Oda has stated before that he has a deep affection for these supporting characters and often brings them back to emphasize their significance in the storyline.
The First Supporting Characters to Be “Beloved” in One Piece
Supporting characters in One Piece are often undervalued, but it’s important to understand that this is a vast world with numerous aspects to explore. For example, in the East Blue saga, Oda introduced many supporting characters that, according to today’s standards, may not stand out much.
However, characters like Don Krieg and Arlong cannot be compared to the more formidable supporting characters like Kaido. Even when entering the Grand Line, some supporting characters Oda introduced, despite being quite powerful, are often perceived as weaker. For instance, Sir Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, faced off against Luffy and lost. Enel also pales in comparison to Luffy’s strength as he develops. Rob Lucci, who Luffy fought against during the Water 7 Saga, was indeed strong at the time, but after the timeskip, he did not leave a significant impact.
Clearly, there are several supporting characters that Oda has introduced too early to compete with Luffy, thus they must be resolved one way or another. Crocodile is a perfect example of this. With the immense strength he possesses, there is simply no way for a character like him to lose to Luffy as it has unfolded.
Fans often discuss a number of beloved supporting characters that are both intriguing and genuinely captivating, and Oda has certainly intended to highlight this point. In the past, Oda has found creative ways to resolve such issues within the storyline.
Oda’s Approach to Making Beloved Supporting Characters Stronger in One Piece
If there is one thing that Oda truly enjoys, it is to place these supporting characters in significant roles later in One Piece. However, when fans discuss a supporting character they love, Oda does not genuinely view the characters in a low light. Therefore, he tends to reintroduce them at crucial moments and make them stronger than before in many instances.
Eiichiro Oda mentioned in 2014, “I find it challenging to not appreciate the supporting characters in One Piece. For example, when I say ‘this supporting character is beloved,’ I can’t help but think, ‘Then I will make them even stronger!!'”
Clearly, this is something Oda has pursued to this day, and there are quite a few instances that are quite notable.
In the case of Sir Crocodile, he was previously defeated by Luffy during the Arabasta arc. He was soon captured and imprisoned at Impel Down. Later, Crocodile made another appearance when Luffy infiltrated Impel Down and freed many prisoners. Crocodile collaborated with Luffy and it became apparent that he had grown much stronger than before. He could keep up with Luffy’s Gear 2 and a formidable ally like Jinbe.
During the Marineford War, Crocodile battled against Doflamingo and held his own. He even faced off against Dracule Mihawk and managed to stand his ground, and even briefly held his own against Akainu, aiding Luffy’s survival. Now, in the current world, Crocodile is a member of the Cross Guild and is known as a notorious bounty hunter with a bounty of 1,965,000,000 berries.
A similar situation unfolded with Lucci. He was introduced as a member of CP9 and was defeated by Luffy. However, in the timeskip following that arc, Lucci became much stronger. He even demonstrated a ferocity that was astonishingly different from his previous self when facing Luffy once again.
Like Crocodile and Lucci, many other characters will undoubtedly return in One Piece at some pivotal moment. All these characters have the potential to play major roles and could become even more formidable than ever before.
