Major my friend. I know I have had my criticisms about King’s character (or lack thereof) in the past, but his combat showings this chapter are undeniable. Blocked Tatsumaki which cut Kaido himself, blasting off parts of Onigashima and walking off Death Lion Song have solidified him as being far above Katakuri, who was our introduction to the YC1 class, but obviously the weakest of them.
Of all the things to criticise a character for, not being able to put down Zoro is not a valid one. Zoro is the tankiest character in the entire series, and it’s not even close. Man dealt with a debilitating injury from Mihawk all of pre timeskip, yet still posed enough threat to terrify Arlong, take all of Luffy’s pain including his own and went on to fight a Pacifista and an admiral afterwards. If we ever saw the protagonists again in an extended fight, I guarantee he would make Luffy’s 11 hour record look cute. Speaking of 11 hours, Kata wasn’t even able to put down a wounded Luffy in that timespan, despite literally having the ability to stick him to the floor and go ham. Luffy had no answer to his awakening. None. And he couldn’t do the job given nearly half a freaking day.
It’s time to give King the credit he’s due as a fighter. He has the highest current bounty among the YC1s and he’s earned it. They are not the same.