In case you missed it, the latest One Piece chapter has fans all abuzz. Chapter 1149 Elbaf’s biggest revelations And perhaps most significantly, dispatches a debate that’s divided the fandom for years: Who’s stronger — Zoro or Sanji?

One Piece is, literally, the most successful manga/anime property in the world —OP, as fans spell it, —that is written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda . It follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young, stretchy pirate whose dream is to be the King of the Pirates. Along for the ride are his equally powerful crewmates, the Straw Hat Pirates that include Zoro, the swordsman and Sanji, the cook and martial artist. These two have been good-natured friendly rivals

Zoro vs Sanji: A legendary rivalry in One PieceZoro and Sanji gain their own arcs and depth, and these two aren’t just side characters—they’re integral to Luffy’s journey. After saving the entire crew numerous times apiece and battling some of the fiercest combatants in the One Piece universe, both have come to be strong successors to their mentor’s duty. As Oda himself once called them the “Wings of the Pirate King,” Luffy cannot achieve his dream without both of them standing with him.

Fans still argue over which one of the two is more powerful. While many believe Zoro’s unmatched swordsmanship skills and overall strength and brute force are what puts him on top, other fans make the case for Sanji citing his speed, strategic logic, and upgraded Vinsmoke genetic enhancements. As far as Chapter 1149 is concerned, they are all equal. Really, truly, equals.

One Piece chapter 1149 confirms: Zoro and Sanji are equal in powerIn this new chapter, viewers are introduced to a new and incredibly mighty ancient pirate, Scopper Gaban , who was one of creator Eiichiro Oda’s original Roger Gol D. 's crew (the first Pirate King). He had fought next to Roger and Silvers Rayleigh, two of the most powerful pirates the world had ever seen.

This configuration is more than just lore. It’s a direct, literal mirror to the current Straw Hat crew. Similar to how Rayleigh and Gaban equally supported Roger, it’s Zoro and Sanji who fully support Luffy. For more evidence, Oda even used dialogue from Jinbe, one of the current day Strawhats, to emphasize that Gaban and Rayleigh were matched. To me, this is Oda’s way of saying that Zoro and Sanji reflect that dynamic and are the same relative level of strength.

Zoro and Sanji’s growth reflects a bigger storyIn addition to his nearly unbeatable sword skill, Zoro has always been defined by his iron will. From enduring hellacious 1v100 battles to learning how to use Advanced Armament Haki, Zoro has always been a character at the bleeding edge of innovation.

That growth is in contrast with the way Sanji has matured. His emotional maturity, as well as his genetic enhancements and speed-based fighting style makes him equally deadly in combat. Though mostly retired, his raid suit demonstrated that he was capable of attaining new heights of power without compromising his fundamental principles.

Thanks to Chapter 1149, this shift means that for fans of the Straw Hats’ first real antagonists — it’s not about who’s better — it’s about how both characters propel each other to greater heights, just like Luffy needs both of them in exactly equal measure.

Zoro and Sanji will stand beside Luffy as equalsNow that One Piece entered its final saga, power levels among characters are more crucial than ever. Big Mom has fought a lot of equally played threats. Right now we’re in the middle of the revelation of her biggest battles to date, with the Straw Hats attempting to topple the Holy Knights on Elbaf — another elite enemy force bent on enslaving the giant race.

Given just how jacked this world is, it heavily increases the odds that the Straw Hats need to go hard and depend on their strongest warriors. Zoro and Sanji being equal in strength cements them both to take on a key role during the final war, much like Rayleigh and Gaban did back during Roger’s era.

Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji are officially all on the same level of power now, and viewers have much to look forward to in seeing these three collectively strong players sweep through the final conflict of the series together.

Zoro and Sanji are both legends in the makingThis final chapter ties up one of the most contentious fan debates in all of anime — Zoro and Sanji are of equal strength, and serve as equally important pieces to the puzzle of the adventures to come. Whether you’re #TeamZoro or #TeamSanji, one thing is now clear — both are future legends, though they take their place shoulder to shoulder as the Pirate King’s wings.