One of the things that has divided the One Piece fans over the years is Eiichiro Oda’s decision to not kill major characters. He has been quite vocal about how he does not like to kill characters in the series because he wants everyone to be involved in the story. While some fans appreciate it, some fans believe that killing some characters is necessary for plot direction.
As the series has entered its final saga, if Oda wants to avoid the backlash that another popular anime: Naruto got for the decision to kill characters, he might have to plot the deaths of some of the characters from One Piece. This would help the series by not only giving it a huge twist but also making it more interesting.
There are 5 fan-favorite characters whom Oda san can kill in the final saga. These five characters have much importance in the story and their deaths would surely bring a big turn in the storyline of One Piece.
1. Monkey D. Garp
The grandfather of the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy, Garp is one of the strongest characters in One Piece and holds a lot of importance to the story as a character. Currently, his status is unknown as last he was seen fighting the Blackbeard Pirates, and was pierced through the chest by Kuzan.
Garp’s death is important to the story of One Piece because it agonizes Luffy to the point that he will get much stronger and will be able to face the upcoming villains. Garp’s death could also work as a plot direction which could introduce the Revolutionary army to the main storyline as Garp’s son Monkey D. Dragon is the chief of the Revolutionary army.
2. Silvers Rayleigh
Silvers Rayleigh or as the One Piece fans know him: Dark King Rayleigh was the first mate of Gol D. Roger, the former King of the Pirates. Currently, Rayleigh works as a coating Mechanic at Sabaody Archipelago with his wife Shakuyaku. Rayleigh was last seen saving Boa Hancock from the Blackbeard Pirates on Amazon Lily.
Rayleigh’s character was brilliantly written by Eiichiro Oda as he trained Luffy during the time skip and made him much stronger than he was. Not only that, Rayleigh became a crucial individual in Luffy’s life and his death could work as a motivation for Luffy to fight the World Government or the Blackbeard Pirates, depending on who kills him.
3. Shanks
Shanks is the most mysterious character in One Piece as despite being a Yonko of the Sea, he still has ties with the Five Elders of the World Government. Serving as the chief of the Red-Haired Pirates, Shanks is the one who inspired Luffy to become a Pirate and live a life of freedom.
When Luffy was a kid, Shanks gave his straw hat to Luffy and asked him to bring it back to him when he became a successful pirate. Shanks holds a lot of importance in Luffy’s life, and he is an extremely crucial character for the storyline too. The perfect way to reveal all the mysterious aspects of Shanks would be after his death by one of his crewmates. This could work as a great conclusion for the story.
4. Smoker
The Vice Admiral and the Commander of the G-5 Marine base, Smoker has been a recurring enemy of Luffy. Smoker is known to have an acute sense of justice and they believe in what he feels is right, rather than blindly following orders. Smoker can hold a big role in the future of One Piece.
While Smoker has not been seen for a long time in the series, he is bound to have a crucial development in the story which could also mean that he might have to die. Smoker’s death could serve as a perfect plot direction for the story.
5. Usopp
The Sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates, Usopp is one of the most important characters of the story. Although he is shown as a coward sometimes in the story, he has done some brave deeds that have earned him the title of God D. Usopp. Just like every other Straw Hat Pirate, Usopp has a dream that he wants to fulfill.
Usopp’s dream is to become a brave warrior of the sea and many fans believe that can only happen if he dies doing something courageous like saving Luffy’s life. This would be the perfect death for him and would help him in achieving his dream.
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