Admiral Akainu, whose real name is Sakazuki, is a character with immense power within the One Piece universe. He demonstrated his strength during the Summit War arc, and since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting to see his actions post-timeskip.
Oda even emphasized Akainu’s strength by stating that he could potentially find the One Piece within a year.
The Strength of Akainu in One Piece

Akainu, whose real name is Sakazuki, is one of the most formidable figures in the Navy. He held the position of Admiral before the timeskip and was promoted to Fleet Admiral after defeating Aokiji. The Fleet Admiral is the highest rank one can achieve within the Navy, which showcases Akainu’s immense strength.
Akainu is not someone to be underestimated. His power and ruthless nature make him a formidable opponent, even against the likes of the Yonko. This character has significantly impacted the entire narrative of the series, particularly evident during the Marineford War, where he succeeded in eliminating Portgas D. Ace.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, has expressed that if Akainu were the main character, he would find the One Piece within a year. This assertion is quite shocking, considering Luffy has spent more than two years searching for it without success, while others have also tried to claim the One Piece over several decades.
Below are some of the statements made by Eiichiro Oda regarding Akainu: “When creating a main character, it’s essential not to make him too powerful. If Akainu were the main character, he would be too strong, and the story would conclude within a year. Akainu is the most handsome man in the world. I will take good care of him.”
What Makes Akainu So Powerful in One Piece?

Akainu possesses a Devil Fruit known as Magu Magu no Mi, which belongs to the Logia type and allows him to transform into magma and create volcanic eruptions. This ability can cause severe destruction to opponents and can even melt steel and stone.
As a high-ranking Admiral, Akainu undoubtedly utilizes Haki at an impressive level. He has been confirmed to use both Observation Haki and Armament Haki, along with various other advanced Haki techniques.
For someone like Akainu, becoming a significant character in the future implies that he is powerful enough to challenge the Yonko and claim the One Piece.
However, it is crucial to understand that Akainu is not the strongest character overall. In practice, he might not even be the strongest character currently, even during his peak. The point is that Oda does not necessarily need to make the main character too strong, as the story should flow naturally without overpowering the narrative.