In the One Piece universe, Ace’s death at Marineford changed the course of the story forever. Luffy reached the execution platform and freed his brother, but Akainu’s attack turned that victory into tragedy.
But what if a few of the series’ strongest pirates had been there? What if someone had arrived early enough to keep Akainu away from Ace or create a safe path? With that said, this ranking looks at five characters, irrespective of their presence at Marineford, who could have plausibly changed Ace’s fate, based on their ability to deal with the Marines’ strongest fighters.
5. Kaido Could Have Overwhelmed the Marines at Marineford
Kaido from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
Kaido had the raw power to make Marineford even more chaotic. His arrival with his forces was serious enough that Shanks intercepted him before the war. By the time the Red Hair Pirates reached Marineford, Shanks had already dealt with Kaido and his crew.
If Kaido had reached Marineford instead, the battle could have become much harder for the Marines. His Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, incredible durability, and powerful attacks would have forced the Marines to deal with another Yonko-level threat. He could have also kept some of the Marines’ strongest fighters busy while Luffy and the others tried to escape. Kaido ranks fifth because others on this list pose even greater threats for the Marines.
4. Mihawk Could Have Opened an Escape Route for Ace
Mihawk from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
Mihawk already showed at Marineford that his swordsmanship could cover huge distances. His slash in Chapter 561 cut through the massive frozen wave created by Aokiji, showing just how much force he could put behind a single attack. Mihawk was also interested in testing himself against Luffy during the war. Vista eventually stepped in and fought Mihawk, giving Luffy a chance to keep moving toward Ace.
But imagine if Mihawk had entered Marineford with one goal: getting Ace out. His long-range sword attacks could have cut through Marine defenses and opened a path toward the execution platform. However, he ranks fourth because, unlike Shanks, he never showed any interest in stopping the war, and his relationship with Shanks also makes it difficult to assume he would have taken the Red-Haired pirate’s side.
3. Shanks Could Have Forced the Marines to End the War
Shanks is one of the few characters who showed that he did not need to destroy Marineford to stop the war. When the Red Hair Pirates arrived near the end of the battle, Shanks told everyone that the war was over. Sengoku accepted his demand, while Blackbeard also decided to leave Marineford.
If Shanks had arrived before Ace’s execution, the Marines would have suddenly faced another Yonko and his entire crew. Moreover, Shanks could have used his presence, his Conqueror’s Haki, and the strength of his crew to pressure the Marines into stopping the battle. Instead of fighting his way through Marineford, he could have changed the entire situation around Ace.
2. Scopper Gaban Could Have Fought His Way to Ace
Gaban from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
Scopper Gaban becomes an even more interesting choice after his recent appearances in the Elbaf Arc. As a former member of the Roger Pirates, he has the experience of fighting alongside one of the greatest pirate crews in history. His recent feats also show that Gaban is still an extremely dangerous fighter. His Supreme King Haki and skills have allowed him to stand against powerful enemies in Elbaf.
That makes Marineford an interesting battlefield for Gaban. Also, as Gaban served under Gol D. Roger, Ace’s biological father, he had a massive personal incentive to protect Roger’s son. His experience from the Roger Pirates’ era would also have helped him understand how to fight through a massive battlefield filled with powerful enemies. He ranks second because his combination of Haki and battle experience could have made him extremely effective in a rescue mission.
1. Rayleigh Could Have Kept the Admirals Away From Ace
Rayleigh from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
Rayleigh may have had exactly the kind of ability needed to change Ace’s fate. The former right-hand man of Gol D. Roger is also extremely skilled at holding off other top-tier opponents. At Sabaody, Rayleigh stopped Kizaru and gave the Straw Hats time to escape. That is exactly what Ace’s rescue needed at Marineford.
If Rayleigh had arrived before Ace’s execution, he could have focused on keeping one of the Admirals busy while Whitebeard’s commanders moved toward the platform. Rayleigh also had the experience to understand when to attack and when to stall an opponent. He would not necessarily need to defeat an Admiral. He simply needed to keep one of Marineford’s strongest fighters away long enough for Ace to escape. That makes Rayleigh a particularly strong fit for this hypothetical scenario.
Now the big question: If one of these five had reached Marineford, who do you think could have changed Ace’s fate the most? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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