Oda nerfs characters based on plot needs. That's just the way things are. But he is consistent in their feats and stats. If Big Mom is a physical monster, she will always be a physical monster even in her defeat. If the Admirals have mastery over their DF, they will have it even in defeat.
People thinking "nerf" just means if character A has 90 attack and 90 defence, now he has 60 attack and 60 defence. That's stat nerfing, which Oda doesn't do. The way he nerfs is through plot/circumstances. Arranging circumstances/environment in favour of a character is oftentimes even more beneficial than stat nerfing, because the author has a goal in mind, and he will achieve that goal no matter what.
"Oh Luffy got stabbed by Crocodile? Well let's put a bottle of water there."
"Oh Big Mom will chase SHs out of territory? Let's make her chase a cake instead."
Re-arranging circumstances is very powerful, because they are just as important if not more important than your actual stats.
The caveat here is that in the beginning of an arc, he will nerf Luffy, and at the end the opponent.
People thinking "nerf" just means if character A has 90 attack and 90 defence, now he has 60 attack and 60 defence. That's stat nerfing, which Oda doesn't do. The way he nerfs is through plot/circumstances. Arranging circumstances/environment in favour of a character is oftentimes even more beneficial than stat nerfing, because the author has a goal in mind, and he will achieve that goal no matter what.
"Oh Luffy got stabbed by Crocodile? Well let's put a bottle of water there."
"Oh Big Mom will chase SHs out of territory? Let's make her chase a cake instead."
Re-arranging circumstances is very powerful, because they are just as important if not more important than your actual stats.
The caveat here is that in the beginning of an arc, he will nerf Luffy, and at the end the opponent.