Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains a few spoilers from One Piece manga.
One Piece has given us many exciting battles by Luffy throughout the series. However, he is not the only reason the series is known for amazing battles. Over the years, Eiichiro Oda has given many other characters their own time to shine, and some of those fights are just as exciting as Luffy’s biggest victories.
Some battles changed the future of the world, while others helped a character grow in a big way. From emotional clashes to jaw-dropping action, these fights prove that One Piece has one of the best supporting casts in anime. Here are the 10 best battles without Luffy, ranked.
10. Nami Outsmarts Kalifa to Win the Fight
Nami battling Kalifa from the anime series One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
The clash between Nami and Kalifa achieved its peak in Chapter 411 of the Enies Lobby Arc. At first, Kalifa seemed to be very strong due to the powers of the Soap-Soap Fruit. However, instead of trying to defeat her using her strength, Nami remained calm and looked for an alternative way of winning.
Her upgraded Clima-Tact gave her the perfect answer. By using weather tricks and illusions, she slowly turned the fight in her favor before landing the final attack. This is one of the cleverest wins of Nami; however, it is tenth in the list, as other clashes have higher importance in the plot.
9. Brook Stands Up to Big Mom Without Fear
Brook confronts Big Mom in One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
Brook’s battle against Big Mom was one of the highlights of the Whole Cake Island Arc, specifically Chapter 851. Everyone knew that Brook couldn’t beat the Yonko, but this didn’t stop him from facing her.
He attacked Big Mom without hesitation, protected the Road Poneglyph rubbing, and even joked with her during the battle. That confidence made him impossible not to cheer for. This fight ranks above Nami’s because Brook challenged one of the strongest pirates alive and still walked away with one of the arc’s most memorable moments.
8. Robin Unleashes Her Power Against Black Maria
Nico Robin uses her “Demonio Fleur” technique to battle Black Maria. | Credit: Toei Animation
Finally, Robin received her due spotlight in Chapter 1021 during the Onigashima Arc, where, after years of working in the background, she showed she was capable of dealing with one of the most powerful officers of Kaido all by herself.
And the greatest shock was delivered when Robin unleashed her Demonio Fleur transformation. It was a scene that felt so powerful in the manga, but the anime made it even better, and it looked truly spectacular thanks to its great animations. This is why it takes the eighth spot here, as it gave Robin much-needed character development and a power-up.
7. Blackbeard Beats Ace and Starts His Rise
The clash between Ace and Blackbeard on Banaro Island. | Credit: Toei Animation
Ace’s fight with Blackbeard took place in chapter 441, but its effects are still being experienced to date. This is when Blackbeard revealed to everyone how dangerous he really was.
As a result of the fight, Ace was captured, an event that triggered the Marineford War. This fight was also the beginning of how Blackbeard became one of the most feared pirates in the world. It is ranked seventh due to its major significance to the storyline despite Oda not showing the entire battle scene.
6. Sanji Beats Queen Without Losing Himself
Sanji fighting Queen during the Wano Country Arc in One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
Sanji’s fight with Queen reached its ending in Chapter 1034, but the real battle was happening inside Sanji himself. As his Germa powers awakened, he feared that he would lose his emotions and become just like his brothers.
Instead, Sanji chose his own path. He destroyed the Raid Suit, trusted his own strength, and finished Queen with Ifrit Jambe. This fight ranks above Ace and Blackbeard because it mixed exciting action with one of the strongest character moments Sanji has ever had.
5. Kid and Law Finally Defeat Big Mom
Law, Kid, and Big Mom from a still. | Credit: Toei Animation
Kid and Law made history in Chapter 1040 by defeating Big Mom together. For years, the Yonko seemed impossible to beat, so seeing two members of the Worst Generation pull it off was a huge moment.
Neither captain could have won alone, but together they kept pushing until Big Mom finally fell from Onigashima. Their teamwork made the victory feel earned. It ranks fifth because bringing down a Yonko is one of the biggest achievements in the entire series.
4. Akainu and Kuzan Risk Everything for Fleet Admiral
Aokiji and Akainu from the anime series One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
Fans never saw the full battle between Akainu and Kuzan, but Chapter 650 revealed what happened after their ten-day duel on Punk Hazard. The fight decided who would become the Navy’s next Fleet Admiral after Sengoku stepped down.
The island itself became split between fire and ice because of their powers, showing just how fierce the battle was. Akainu won, while Kuzan chose to leave the Marines forever. It ranks this high because one unseen fight completely changed the future of the Navy.
3. Whitebeard Shows Why He Was a True Legend
Whitebeard in One Piece anime. | Credit: Toei Animation
Whitebeard’s battle during Marineford reached its emotional peak in Chapter 575. Even after losing Ace and suffering terrible injuries, he refused to fall until he had protected his crew.
His attacks shook the entire battlefield and even forced Akainu onto the defensive. Whitebeard’s final stand reminded everyone why he was called the World’s Strongest Man. It ranks third because very few fights in One Piece carry this much emotion and legendary status.
2. Roger and Garp Stop Rocks D. Xebec Together
Xebec confronting the Roger and Garp duo in One Piece manga. | Credit: Shueisha
The legendary God Valley Incident finally exploded onto the pages of Chapter 1164. It shattered decades of anticipation by showing Roger and Garp standing side-by-side against a tragic, demonized Rocks D. Xebec.
That single battle changed history by ending the Rocks Pirates, the crew that once included Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, and Shiki. It ranks second because Oda didn’t just give us world-shattering action – he delivered massive lore bombs about Imu, Davy Jones, and the true horror of the World Government.
1. Zoro Reaches a New Level Against King
Zoro’s fight against King reached its thrilling finish in Chapter 1035, and it felt like the perfect reward for his journey. King pushed Zoro harder than almost any opponent before him, forcing him to understand both Enma and King’s Lunarian abilities.
Once Zoro unlocked Advanced Conqueror’s Haki, the battle completely changed. Every attack felt stronger, faster, and more exciting than before. It takes the top spot because it has everything fans want from a great One Piece fight: amazing action, emotional growth, incredible artwork, and a victory that truly feels earned.
Series TitleOne PieceManga AuthorEiichiro OdaAnime Rating (MAL) – as of July 17, 20268.73 / 10Manga Rating (MAL) – as of July 17, 20269.21 / 10
Now the big question: Which non-Luffy fight is your favorite in One Piece, and which battle do you think should have made this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
One Piece anime is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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