I've been seeing a lot comments lately about the potential matchups for the Flying 6 and Calamities, and I gotta say some of it is a bit concerning. There have been a plethora of ideas that the Strawhat Pirates can't and will not fight the the F6/Calamities purely because they have been displayed as weak or in a losing manner, and "others" will take care of the fights themselves.
But I need to ask: Who are these "other" characters? As of now, the Strawhat Pirates have been called by Marco as the "main fighting force", in a group of people that are extremely outnumbered by Orochi and Kaido's own.
The "other" Allies
So that gets me back to my original question. If not the Strawhats, who is supposed to fight any of these people?
There aren't many characters who can or will in this instance. You have characters in past arcs, like Kyros and the SHF, who were used to fight main antagonists for in Dressrosa. However the difference here is Kyros had an immense vendetta against 1 enemy in particular and the Strawhat fleet were introduced as an extension of the Strawhat crew, so much so that Oda used the removal of half the crew to ALLOW them to take placements on matchups. This is not the case for Wano. Every arc tied protagonist (i.e. Kyros in Dressrosa or Wyper for Skypiea) with a vendetta for a villain has (allegedly) been defeated by Kaido. The other pirate allies are all technically gunning for the Yonko as well.
Ive said it a few times, I understand that it may be hard to believe the lesser strawhats could fight powerhouses and monsters like the F6. But just think about Enies Lobby. Think about how Oda had the strawhats, clearly inferior to CP-9 in most ways at Water 7, fight and surpass them at Enies Lobby, this is room for massive growth for each and every strawhat. Luffy himself shouted "Watch my back!!" Not even 10 chapters ago, indicating he wants his crew to hold off the Beasts Pirates.
Then, you have the argument that the "Strawhats can fight other villains!" Let's talk about these.
The "other" villains
My Point
We are at a point in this series were we need to see each Strawhat become elevated to support Luffy. At this point, at the end of a 400+ chapter storyline, not giving everyone a fight after shifting, separating and manipulating characters (Jinbe not joining in that timespan) just seems like a huge missed opportunity. There are not enough characters to fight the beasts pirates, IF Oda does not give it to the Strawhats. The "fodder" enemies are not good alternatives for them, as well as the "fodder" allies not being good replacements to fight big named enemies.
That being said, I will go through a potential list of what I think may happen in terms of matchups. In my opinion, its now or never. Its not about powerscaling or silly logic, its about what the story dictates, and right now Oda has created the absolute perfect opportunity to match the exact number of characters on each side:
So there you have it, I just really wanted to lay out why its highly likely and fundamentally important the Strawhats fight the main Beasts Pirates. It might be difficult to understand how this might occur, but let it be known that pre-timeskip, Oda always put the crew at very unlikely odds against opponents stronger than them. These are the most characterized villains this arc, and we have our main characters all finally together in one place about to surpass a big league member of the endgame. We need this to happen here, or else it becomes increasingly concerning how Oda will have crew members surpass even stronger people towards the endgame.
Tldr: The Strawhats are in fact set up to fight the Calamities and Flying 6. The supporting protagonists and antagonists are either losing directly against Kaido (scabbards) or planning in fighting them (Supernova), while everyone else (Yakuza bosses, Orochi henchmen, Numbers, Headliners) are virtually background fodder to the plot. THIS is were the crew must surpass big named characters after all these years. There are fundamentally NO other supporting characters to take on the main Beast Pirate members.
But I need to ask: Who are these "other" characters? As of now, the Strawhat Pirates have been called by Marco as the "main fighting force", in a group of people that are extremely outnumbered by Orochi and Kaido's own.
The "other" Allies
- Right off the bat, Oda sent 9 of some of the strongest allied fighters to get taken out by Kaido early on. Their personal beef is with Kaido, and their fate is to lose to Kaido. Outside potentially Denjiro and Sasaki (who already is being set up to fight Franky), none of these characters have affiliations with Flying 6 members. Inu/Neko took care of Jack, who is now conveniently recovering. Thats it, at this point, the scabbards fighting anyone else should effectively be dead in the water, unless we are attempting to shit on Kaido's inability to take out people. Maybe a final attack from everyone via Oden's will or something, but it makes sense they fall here and the battle carries on by Pirates.
- Then, the other Supernova allies present: Kid, Killer, Law, and Drake. All have intentions on fighting Kaido directly. Thats not to say they can't be stopped by other beasts pirates, but assuming Luffy can't handle Kaido/BM alone, he'd need additional support no? Then factor in Hawkins and Apoo, who may flip sides now (Hawkins may have already), plus Marco. These characters have not been set up to take on any Yonko subordinate whatsoever, unlike the crew which has been encountering these people left and right.
- Then you have the "fodder". Unless we are insinuating any of the Yakuza bosses, Hyougoro, Bepo/Law's crew and fodder samurai are superior or better to any of the Strawhats in terms of importance and strength, these characters should not be capable of taking on F6 or Calamities.
- Then, the other Supernova allies present: Kid, Killer, Law, and Drake. All have intentions on fighting Kaido directly. Thats not to say they can't be stopped by other beasts pirates, but assuming Luffy can't handle Kaido/BM alone, he'd need additional support no? Then factor in Hawkins and Apoo, who may flip sides now (Hawkins may have already), plus Marco. These characters have not been set up to take on any Yonko subordinate whatsoever, unlike the crew which has been encountering these people left and right.
- Then you have the "fodder". Unless we are insinuating any of the Yakuza bosses, Hyougoro, Bepo/Law's crew and fodder samurai are superior or better to any of the Strawhats in terms of importance and strength, these characters should not be capable of taking on F6 or Calamities.
So that gets me back to my original question. If not the Strawhats, who is supposed to fight any of these people?
There aren't many characters who can or will in this instance. You have characters in past arcs, like Kyros and the SHF, who were used to fight main antagonists for in Dressrosa. However the difference here is Kyros had an immense vendetta against 1 enemy in particular and the Strawhat fleet were introduced as an extension of the Strawhat crew, so much so that Oda used the removal of half the crew to ALLOW them to take placements on matchups. This is not the case for Wano. Every arc tied protagonist (i.e. Kyros in Dressrosa or Wyper for Skypiea) with a vendetta for a villain has (allegedly) been defeated by Kaido. The other pirate allies are all technically gunning for the Yonko as well.
Ive said it a few times, I understand that it may be hard to believe the lesser strawhats could fight powerhouses and monsters like the F6. But just think about Enies Lobby. Think about how Oda had the strawhats, clearly inferior to CP-9 in most ways at Water 7, fight and surpass them at Enies Lobby, this is room for massive growth for each and every strawhat. Luffy himself shouted "Watch my back!!" Not even 10 chapters ago, indicating he wants his crew to hold off the Beasts Pirates.
Then, you have the argument that the "Strawhats can fight other villains!" Let's talk about these.
The "other" villains
- The Numbers: 5 of 10 have already fallen either offscreen (the 7 Number) or via 1 shots from Luffy, Drake, Franky and Yamato. Clearly there is a level of competence and characterization that is clearly lacking. They are not meant to be any one characters opponent. Like the Yakuza bosses or the other Wano samurai. They are here to merely give background to Kaido and his crew. Potentially the other 5 do more interesting things or all 10 have a big moment, but they are essentially "mooks" who have no dialogue or characterization. None are justified for fights for the crew whatsoever.
- Headliners/Smiles: Oda has thrown the frequent joke that virtually every headliner/Smile is a complete and asinine joke for almost every strawhat. This has not changed in 90 chapters. Just look at the last few chapters. Its evident that like the Numbers, they characterize Kaido's crew exclusively as their function.
- Orochi's henchmen: outside of fodder, you have Fukurokuju and Hotei, who both lead "elite" Ninja and Samurai Squads, but like the Yakuza bosses and the like, very little characterization has gone into their presence during this war. Maybe they are elevated a bit later on, but again, the longer this arc goes on, the less likely it becomes they are worth opponents to face off against.
- Finally you have the Big Mom Pirates, which I admit allows for the ability to shake this up massively if they show up. But so far, they have been virtually nonexistent outside of Perospero. Maybe they become factors in Act 4? But then it begs the question: if you add villains, who are the protagonists that help offset this? Maybe additional Whitebeard Pirates? Maybe Sword? The point is, we don't know and right now they are not a factor.
- Headliners/Smiles: Oda has thrown the frequent joke that virtually every headliner/Smile is a complete and asinine joke for almost every strawhat. This has not changed in 90 chapters. Just look at the last few chapters. Its evident that like the Numbers, they characterize Kaido's crew exclusively as their function.
- Orochi's henchmen: outside of fodder, you have Fukurokuju and Hotei, who both lead "elite" Ninja and Samurai Squads, but like the Yakuza bosses and the like, very little characterization has gone into their presence during this war. Maybe they are elevated a bit later on, but again, the longer this arc goes on, the less likely it becomes they are worth opponents to face off against.
- Finally you have the Big Mom Pirates, which I admit allows for the ability to shake this up massively if they show up. But so far, they have been virtually nonexistent outside of Perospero. Maybe they become factors in Act 4? But then it begs the question: if you add villains, who are the protagonists that help offset this? Maybe additional Whitebeard Pirates? Maybe Sword? The point is, we don't know and right now they are not a factor.
My Point
We are at a point in this series were we need to see each Strawhat become elevated to support Luffy. At this point, at the end of a 400+ chapter storyline, not giving everyone a fight after shifting, separating and manipulating characters (Jinbe not joining in that timespan) just seems like a huge missed opportunity. There are not enough characters to fight the beasts pirates, IF Oda does not give it to the Strawhats. The "fodder" enemies are not good alternatives for them, as well as the "fodder" allies not being good replacements to fight big named enemies.
That being said, I will go through a potential list of what I think may happen in terms of matchups. In my opinion, its now or never. Its not about powerscaling or silly logic, its about what the story dictates, and right now Oda has created the absolute perfect opportunity to match the exact number of characters on each side:
- Ulti vs. Nami and Usopp: This one has already been set up in several ways. While they did lose, Ulti has kept a grudge on Nami for going against her demands. Both fought only Ulti, truly leaving Page 1 out of the fight outside of some assistance. What is is interesting, is if you pay attention to the fight, Page 1 actually helps Ulti when Usopp/Nami may have been winning or gaining an advantage. So if they fight her again with additional tools or resolve. It almost seems like a 3rd Strawhat could be appropriate to distracting Page 1.....
- Page 1 vs. Chopper: the other "kid" Flying 6 member that comes off sort of as a monster "lackey" for his sister. Something about this to me just screams a Chopper matchup, and I've been saying this since pretty much before we even knew all the flying 6. Imo, it had to do with his hybrid that he barely uses for some reason. When he uses it, hes actually decently strong an not a punching bag it seems (well, outside of being outclassed by Sanji)
- Sasaki vs. Franky: was predicted for many weeks and funny enough, Oda has put them both in the same place, with Yamato requesting Franky hold Sasaki off. This right here is the prime argument as to why the Strawhats should fight the Flying 6. Its being set up as such.
- Who's Who vs. Brook: Now, this is the one that people seem to have a problem with, which I personally don't get. WsW and Sasaki have been regarded to be relatively similar in strength (or both the characters actively interested in becoming Calamities). However, like Sasaki, we know nothing about WsW, so its disingenuous to say that Brook is no match for him. Brook has always been grouped with Franky and/or Robin in terms of being a "mid" duo/trio, either by Oda in the story or by the fanbase, so I'm not sure why this is a hard concept to grasp.
- Black Maria vs. Robin: applying the same concept above and Robin virtually being the only other capable female to fight Black Maria, it makes sense. One thing i will add is WsW, Black Maria and Sasaki all seem to make up a "mature" trio in a way that sort of match Brook, Robin and Franky, while Page 1/Ulti are sort of this "kid" duo that fit more with our "weak" trio's personalities. Also, Sanji being unable to fight Black Maria (most likely) means someone capable of fighting her will come around to take his place. Funny enough Robin started out as a Geisha this arc, it sort of matches Black Maria's oiran/brothel side of things, though not exactly the same thing, I get that, but sort of similar in their intentions of attracting people.
I'm not sure I need to specifically cover the Calamities, but:
- Jack vs. Jinbe: almost non-concidentally, Luffy/Jinbe are heading to the roof the exact same way Jack has done: through the mansion. Most of us expect a recovered Jack to potentially try and stop Luffy/Kid/Killer and Jinbe may intervene, leaving him behind like Sanji
- Queen vs. Sanji: Admittedly, there was little evidence until a few chapters prior when Queen outwardly expressed interest in Judge, twice. This WILL come into play later, and we all know Queen's essentric personality matches Sanji's usually opponents. Having that Vegapunk/Judge connection just makes it even more obvious.
- King vs. Zoro: Now this is where it gets interesting. Zoro is stuck between 3 categories right now in Wano. 1st, he's the Strawhat who seems to be getting the most arc focus beyond Luffy here. 2nd, hes a Supernova, and like the rest of the Supernova, have proclaimed they want to take down Kaido. 3rd, hes a strawhat Subordinate, and like every other Strawhat, "seems" to have an opponent lined up for them. So yes. Right now it doesnt seem like Zoro is hellbent in fighting Queen or King, BUT, I think being a Strawhat will pull him back into the category of fighting an antagonists group's number 2. What we don't know much if is Zoro's history with the Shimotsuki and Wano, and King may or may not play into that role as we head back to mainland Wano. And yes, i do think Zoro will have something to do with hurting Kaido too, just way after this fight as it is dragged out by Luffy and whomever else is fighting.
- Page 1 vs. Chopper: the other "kid" Flying 6 member that comes off sort of as a monster "lackey" for his sister. Something about this to me just screams a Chopper matchup, and I've been saying this since pretty much before we even knew all the flying 6. Imo, it had to do with his hybrid that he barely uses for some reason. When he uses it, hes actually decently strong an not a punching bag it seems (well, outside of being outclassed by Sanji)
- Sasaki vs. Franky: was predicted for many weeks and funny enough, Oda has put them both in the same place, with Yamato requesting Franky hold Sasaki off. This right here is the prime argument as to why the Strawhats should fight the Flying 6. Its being set up as such.
- Who's Who vs. Brook: Now, this is the one that people seem to have a problem with, which I personally don't get. WsW and Sasaki have been regarded to be relatively similar in strength (or both the characters actively interested in becoming Calamities). However, like Sasaki, we know nothing about WsW, so its disingenuous to say that Brook is no match for him. Brook has always been grouped with Franky and/or Robin in terms of being a "mid" duo/trio, either by Oda in the story or by the fanbase, so I'm not sure why this is a hard concept to grasp.
- Black Maria vs. Robin: applying the same concept above and Robin virtually being the only other capable female to fight Black Maria, it makes sense. One thing i will add is WsW, Black Maria and Sasaki all seem to make up a "mature" trio in a way that sort of match Brook, Robin and Franky, while Page 1/Ulti are sort of this "kid" duo that fit more with our "weak" trio's personalities. Also, Sanji being unable to fight Black Maria (most likely) means someone capable of fighting her will come around to take his place. Funny enough Robin started out as a Geisha this arc, it sort of matches Black Maria's oiran/brothel side of things, though not exactly the same thing, I get that, but sort of similar in their intentions of attracting people.
I'm not sure I need to specifically cover the Calamities, but:
- Jack vs. Jinbe: almost non-concidentally, Luffy/Jinbe are heading to the roof the exact same way Jack has done: through the mansion. Most of us expect a recovered Jack to potentially try and stop Luffy/Kid/Killer and Jinbe may intervene, leaving him behind like Sanji
- Queen vs. Sanji: Admittedly, there was little evidence until a few chapters prior when Queen outwardly expressed interest in Judge, twice. This WILL come into play later, and we all know Queen's essentric personality matches Sanji's usually opponents. Having that Vegapunk/Judge connection just makes it even more obvious.
- King vs. Zoro: Now this is where it gets interesting. Zoro is stuck between 3 categories right now in Wano. 1st, he's the Strawhat who seems to be getting the most arc focus beyond Luffy here. 2nd, hes a Supernova, and like the rest of the Supernova, have proclaimed they want to take down Kaido. 3rd, hes a strawhat Subordinate, and like every other Strawhat, "seems" to have an opponent lined up for them. So yes. Right now it doesnt seem like Zoro is hellbent in fighting Queen or King, BUT, I think being a Strawhat will pull him back into the category of fighting an antagonists group's number 2. What we don't know much if is Zoro's history with the Shimotsuki and Wano, and King may or may not play into that role as we head back to mainland Wano. And yes, i do think Zoro will have something to do with hurting Kaido too, just way after this fight as it is dragged out by Luffy and whomever else is fighting.
So there you have it, I just really wanted to lay out why its highly likely and fundamentally important the Strawhats fight the main Beasts Pirates. It might be difficult to understand how this might occur, but let it be known that pre-timeskip, Oda always put the crew at very unlikely odds against opponents stronger than them. These are the most characterized villains this arc, and we have our main characters all finally together in one place about to surpass a big league member of the endgame. We need this to happen here, or else it becomes increasingly concerning how Oda will have crew members surpass even stronger people towards the endgame.
Tldr: The Strawhats are in fact set up to fight the Calamities and Flying 6. The supporting protagonists and antagonists are either losing directly against Kaido (scabbards) or planning in fighting them (Supernova), while everyone else (Yakuza bosses, Orochi henchmen, Numbers, Headliners) are virtually background fodder to the plot. THIS is were the crew must surpass big named characters after all these years. There are fundamentally NO other supporting characters to take on the main Beast Pirate members.
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