Strawhats vs CP9 (who will fight?)

My guess/hope is that there'll be some team-up battles:

Battle 1:
Sanji, Nami vs. Jyabura (i.e. Tao Pai Pai), Califa
Why:
Nami vs. Califa (Female vs. Female)
Sanji vs. Jyabura (Both Martial Arts (No Weapons) Specialists [Guessing About Jyabura From His Look]???????)
Sanji vs. Califa (Interesting results…)

Battle 2:
Usopp, Zoro, Chopper vs. Kaku, Kumadori (i.e. Kabuki), Fukuro (i.e. Zipper Mouth)
Why:
Usopp vs. Kaku (Battle of the Long Noses; Going Merry Payback)
Usopp vs. Fukuro (Liar vs. Unable To Lie; Also, Fukuro's Big Mouth Is A Perfect Weak Point/Target For Usopp's New Super Sling Shot)
Zoro vs. Kaku (Hinted at on Water 7; Unsettled Fight)
Zoro vs. Kumadori (Sword Duel [Guessing About Kumadori From His Suicide Attempts]?????????)

Battle 3:
Robin, Franky, Luffy vs. Spandam, Blueno, Lucci
Why:

Franky vs. Spandam (old rivalry)
Franky vs. Blueno (Popeye vs. Bluto)
Luffy vs. Lucci (a given)
Luffy vs. Spandam (Leader vs. Leader)
Robin vs. Spandam (symbolism for Robin overcoming her mental hurdles)
Robin vs. Lucci (same as Spandam)
==> this will eventually play out to Luffy mano-a-mano against Lucci, offer resolution on the Luffy/Robin crew dessertion, and allow Luffy & Franky to bond (possibly Lucci betrays Spandam in this sequence? Tom revelation and/or meeting too [will see Franky again and will see Robin whom he was on the "lookout" for many years ago]?)

IMHO, team battles would be really neat and would:
a) speed-up the overall story so that it isn't drawn out too long (8 1-on-1 fights could get a bit tedious…)
b) make the type of fighting different from other arcs
c) work with-in the current storyline since time is supposed to be a huge factor (they need to beat/get past all enemies before Robin & Franky are taken through the gates of justice)
d) allow multiple, not just one, hinted-at matches to occur (i.e. same character in conflict with 1 or more enemies)
e) emphasize the whole "team"/"nakama" aspect of the current arc

Buccaneer

But it'd be pretty messy. Characters lke Luffy, Franky, Zoro, and Usopp need time to shine in battle, and even if they're allowed time outs and tags, 3 group matches would have an odd flow.

Ivotas

Ok after the recent chapter IÂ´m switching SanjiÂ´s and RobinÂ´s opponents. Since Jabura has now been established as a very strong character IÂ´m sure that Sanji will fight him (instead of Blueno). And Robin will get Blueno instead. Would actually also make sense since he was the CP9 member who approached Robin at the beginning of the arc, he was with her at their assault for Galley-la company and because of that Buster Call speech he gave about RobinÂ´s past. Actually he would be the perfect choice for Nico Robin to give payback to.

So my guesses are now:

Luffy vs. Lucci
Zoro vs. Kaku
Nami vs. Califa
Usopp vs. Fukuro
Sanji vs. Jabura
Chopper vs. Kumadori
Robin vs. Blueno
Franky vs. Spandam

wolfwood

ah well might as well give my list.

first of the obvious Luffy vs Luchi,

then im re-instating my trust in the fight betwenn the two top dogs Zoro and Jabura(i came to this conclusion after i realized that Jabura is almost as strong as Kaku normaly and then he can increase his powers many times with his DF whilst Kaku has nothing else to bring)

then id say Sanji vs Kaku not that i like the Idea of them fighting and robbing me of my much sought after long nose fight>=(
but sanji should get a top fighter to.

and franky vs spandam even thought hes weaker than an avarage marineXD

the others i couldnt careless who they fight,

Phlemingo

Has anyone considered that Robin won't fight, since she's the one who's in need of the saving now? I don't know how Oda'll explain it, since Franky and Robin are both held prisoner, but I still don't think she will fight, now that Spandam has been shown to be pathetic in terms of fighting power.

GUTB

Ussop will obviously be fighting Kaku. Story demands trump power levels I'm afraid. Zoro will obvious be fighting Kumadori because he ALWAYS fights the swordsmen. I'm actually pretty suprised anyone who's been into OP for any length of time could come to any other conclusion.

Ivotas

@Phlemingo:

Has anyone considered that Robin won't fight, since she's the one who's in need of the saving now?

Nope, because unlike Nami, Robin is a professional assasin which means that if she wants she can fight back. Unlike Nami who couldnÂ´t have done anything against one of the merman.
And now actually it really makes sense that she fights Blueno because it was always him who was with her. He approached her in Water 7, he guided her to Iceburg and he took her back when Usopp, Sanji and Franky tried to escape with her. Basically Blueno is an impersonification of the chains that we saw of Robin holding back in the color spread of chapter 369. If she breaks free then I think it will be against him. Why couldnÂ´t I see this before?

GUTB

I don't know, I think Robin won't act on her feelings until the final battle. I picture a scenario in which Robin is escorted by Lucci to Impel Down, and the other CP9 members fan out and engage each of the Straw Hats seperately giving Luffy his shot at Lucci. If she acts, it'll be during the final fight where she'll sacrifice herself to save Luffy from the finishing blow.

For that reason I think Calipha vs. Nami will be the only girl action this arc.

Kakaliaha

I actually like the idea of Blueno vs. Robin, it would be very interesting fight… Blueno can make "air doors" to counter Robin's "flowering"

Luffy vs Lucci
Zoro vs Kaku
Sanji vs Jyabura
Robin vs Blueno
Chopper vs Kumadori
Usopp vs Fukuro
Nami vs Califa

Green Hair

@GUTB:

Ussop will obviously be fighting Kaku. Story demands trump power levels I'm afraid. Zoro will obvious be fighting Kumadori because he ALWAYS fights the swordsmen. I'm actually pretty suprised anyone who's been into OP for any length of time could come to any other conclusion.

Well, Kaku is somewhat of a swordsman too. Besides, he gave Zoro a pretty good beating, so it's safe to assume that they'll face of again.

Shinryuu_Ray

I can't see Zoro in a team battle

maybe teaming up in certain situations like in the Foxy arch with Sanji and fighting minor dudes like the lizard in arabasta but if it's a revenge match he has to be fighting solo

after this chapter I'm going to revise my fight list slightly

Luffy vs Spandam LMAO no just kidding

Luffy vs Lucci
Zoro vs Kaku
Sanji vs Jyabura
Chopper vs Blueno
Usopp vs Fukurou
Nami vs Calipha
Franky vs Kumadori

i've eliminated Robin and Spandam because the picture of Spandam ordering the CP9 to deal with the Straw Hats while he takes Robin away is stuck in my head. Spandam will just wave the Buster Call threat infront of Robin's face and she'll have to follow him even if her comrades made it this far to save her. I pictured Franky and Kumadori because first off Franky would want to chase after so he does, thus Kumadori steps in and Franky gets his 'pay back' for what Kumadori did to him while he was tied up. Franky seems like the 'I pay back all my debts' type Kumadori will have it coming

Somehow I think Lucci isn't Luffy's main enemy anymore. Though Lucci is his main target at the moment. The Devil Fruit we saw in 379 is what I am assuming is Spandam's final trumpcard. After the straw hats whoop CP9 Spandam eats the fruit and makes the last fight scene with Luffy, Franky and possiblely Robin. Somewhat like the final fight with Eneru, it'll be somewhat of a team effort to topple Spandam, and Robin will have an assist that leads to spandams demise. So far what we've seen and what Lucci had said, I assume that Devil Fruit Spandam had is a Zoan type. Any ideas? My guess is an elephant xD

changsho

Elephant Fruit? Now that reminds me; Spandam must have some control over his elephant. Not as close to Mohji's level, of course, but enough to make FankFleed/whatever buy him some time.

Buccaneer

@Shinryuu_Ray:

I pictured Franky and Kumadori because first off Franky would want to chase after so he does, thus Kumadori steps in and Franky gets his 'pay back' for what Kumadori did to him while he was tied up. Franky seems like the 'I pay back all my debts' type Kumadori will have it coming

But, well, the main four CP9 got in on him, with Lucci straight beating his ass. He'd have to get them backas as well, then. Kumadori's 2nd string.

I'd love to see Zoro beat Lucci with Luffy taking on a mutant Spandam, but oh well…..

wolfwood

and if he was intent on paying back his debts against people then it would be spandam who to me still tops that list.

Mafioso11

aight, i'll put in my opinion about these fights!

luffy vs lucci (of course) i also thought paulie might join for revenge on lucci but i'm starting to doubt that (would've been cool though).
zoro vs kaku or jyabura (kaku cuz he's also 2nd strongest and uses weapons, but jyabura cuz he might be 2nd strongest with his df powers)
sanji vs blueno or kaku (blueno so he could finish his job from the train lol, but kaku cuz he's also a kicker and sanji owes him from the train)
robin vs blueno (if he doesn't fight sanji)
chopper vs kumadori
usopp vs fukurou (the battle between a man who lies too much and a man who can't keep a secret XD)
nami vs califa (this should be very good wink wink )
franky vs spandam (it's payback time you mofo)!

well it's very messed up cuz i can't make up my mind but whatever XP. also, Shinryuu_Ray, i was actually thinkin that would happen with spandam becoming the main villain in this arc but i don't want that to happen lol. i'd much rather have it the way it is, but spandam will give franky a hard time after he eats the df (i'm sure he will, he's way too weak to fight any of them the way he is now).

Mumbo

Hello, I'm new here.

After Chapter 379 I can finally give some confident predictions:

Luffy vs. Lucci
Zoro vs. Jyabura
SogeKing vs. Kaku
Franky vs. Spandam
Sanji vs. Blueno
Robin (?) vs. Kumadori
Chopper vs. Fukurou
Nami vs. Califa

If Robin doesn't fight in this arc, then I say Paulie will face Kumadori, I mean, the other possible candidate as next crewmember should get a piece in the action

Additionally, Usopp/SogeKing has a beef with Kaku because of the Going Merry being irrepairable. As SogeKing I think Usopp has the confidence to beat such a powerful foe, and it will give SogeKing a huge bounty Jyabura just seems like an opponent Zoro would face to me. As for the others…they just seem to match up right.

Ok sorry this has nothing to do with the fight but after reading the post above this thought just popped in my head.Usopp vs Kaku is'nt something I see but the him having more confidence and his bounty thing made me think.Ok after this arc Usopp will more then likely rejoin but I was thinking would'nt it be funny if everytime he is going to fight he is all scared then he pulls out the Sogeking outfit and gets a hug boost of confidence.Also Luffy and Chopper could be like its Sogeking he came to save us,sorta like a super hero alter personality.

Ivotas

@luteplayerkei:

Ok sorry this has nothing to do with the fight but after reading the post above this thought just popped in my head.Usopp vs Kaku is'nt something I see but the him having more confidence and his bounty thing made me think.Ok after this arc Usopp will more then likely rejoin but I was thinking would'nt it be funny if everytime he is going to fight he is all scared then he pulls out the Sogeking outfit and gets a hug boost of confidence.Also Luffy and Chopper could be like its Sogeking he came to save us,sorta like a super hero alter personality.

Hey, I like that idea. I mean when it gets to shoot with the ships canon then I donÂ´t see no reason why Usopp couldnÂ´t do it, but when it gets to the serious fights then having Sogeking around would also make sense. And it would be funny as hell if Luffy and Chopper still couldnÂ´t see through the disguise. After all, how many people in the real superhero stories couldnÂ´t see through the heroÂ´s disguise for years so why shouldnÂ´t work here. It would just be those two naive guys who wouldnÂ´t get it, so I think that what you say makes much sense and I hope that itÂ´ll be like that.

Yeah I thought it was a real funny Idea Like this is how it could play out.

Luffy:Hey where did Usopp go he was here a minute ago.
Usopp/Sogeking:Fear not Straw Hat pirates for I Sogeking have come to save you.
Luffy and Chopper:Ahhh Sogeking you came(Eyes Sparkling)

*Vivi*

And that would continue… with them three in big sweatdrops XD
Zoro: Don't tell me they haven't realised it's Usopp????
Sanji: Guess not...
Nami: O___O Gee, can they be more dense?

Falcovsleon20

So I'm not the only one who thinks Usopp should keep the Sogeking outfit. XD

As for my match ups:

Luffy vs Lucci: Oh c'mon it's obvious.

Sogeking vs Kaku: Which is a bigger grudge? One based off the loss of a fight or one based off the loss of a ship and close friend? But with the way Kaku kicks, it's almost as if he could fight Sanji as well. Still I'm going with my Sogeking match-up.

Robin vs Bleuno: As with Luffy and Lucci, this is obvious. Bleuno's the one that's been constantly targetting poor Robin. She's gonna bust his head.

Kumidori vs Paulie: Hey initially I was gonna pair Paulie against Hattori but this seems just as weird if not weirder. I can get over it if Oda doesn't want Paulie joining along with Franky but at least give him some major fighting time. Besides, I have trouble pairing Kumidori with a few people.

Frankfried vs Chopper: You probably think I'm nuts but the way I see it, Spandam doesn't keep the elephant for just company. Let's see some berserk elephant against shape-shifting reindeer action.

Zoro vs Jyabura: If we're right about him having a Zoan ability, then this might work.

Kalifa vs Nami: I think this is another "obvious" match-up.

Sanji vs Fukurou: Again, I have trouble pairing Fuku with anyone else and Sogeking is already reserved for Kaku. Besides, Sanji's had an already decent fight against Wanze. Let's let him take on someone a bit more easier. (and power levels be damned, I see this zipper mouthed freak being a push over, plain and simple.)

Franky vs Spandam: You KNOW he's gonna settle that score.

CosmicDebris

I've thought about the idea that Usopp might still keep appearing as Sogeking and Luffy and Chopper never figure it out. It's possible that could happen, but I'm not certain if I like the idea yet or not. But I'm kind of a "whatever Oda decides to do is best" person, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Mumbo

Well, Usopp could appear as SogeKing once in a while, but if he did it too often it would get kind of old. It isn't Oda's style though, to overuse an idea, so I wouldn't worry about it. But I think we can expect a return appearance of SogeKing sometime after Water 7.

Shinryuu_Ray

lol Usopp and Sogeking are alter egos xD that would rock

@wolfwood:

and if he was intent on paying back his debts against people then it would be spandam who to me still tops that list.

yea i know Spandam would be on the top of the list but in my scenario when all the fights break out, Franky will have to get through Kumadori before he can even spit at Spandam

hmmm now that I think about it… the CP9 members didn't destroy Fukurou's tekkai but Sanji came close to breaking it. would that suggest that Sanji can hit harder then even Lucci?! I don't dare make that suggestion but it's possible...

I wonder how high Luffy's douriki(sp?) is?. I picture Fukurou going up to each of the straw hats and playing the roukushi game xD maybe that will determine the match ups

though Usopp has a huge beef with Kaku i can't see him possiblely winning over the 3rd maybe 2nd strongest CP9. Maybe he'll pull out a miracle, but Sanji has to be part of the top 3 since he's one of the main fighters xD.

But it's possible Usopp or should I say SogeKing would see Kaku and 'try' to fight him revealing that the Going Merri was destroyed. Since Zoro was almost always the guard of the ship, he can fullfil SogeKing's vengence xD. I still want to see Chopper vs Blueno!!! The nose damn it! He'll use his nose!!!

Ivotas

@Shinryuu_Ray:

yea i know Spandam would be on the top of the list but in my scenario when all the fights break out, Franky will have to get through Kumadori before he can even spit at Spandam

Well someone has to fight Spandam and someone has to fight Kumadori so I donÂ´t see a problem why anybody should be in FrankyÂ´s way. If everbody has found his opponent then there wonÂ´t be the situation that one CP9er protects Spandam.

Conekiller

Betcha Spandam eats both those devil fruits and we'll finally see what happens to someone who eats more than one. Then him and Franky wil have a falling out like you can't beleive.

I'm sure Sogeking will take on Kaku, poor ol Usopp needs the cred of being able to take out the 2nd strongest CP9 member.

Zoro vs Kumadori
Nami vs Kalifa (how original!)
Chopper vs Fukurou (someone who can calculate power levels, Chopper would need to constantly be shifting between his Rumble Points to stay on top of things)
Robin vs Jabura (apparently he might have a Dog-like ability due to his bickering with Lucci, might be the first time we see a repeat of a DF power, or something like a Wlof or Hyena or something)

changsho

Whew, glad that I'm not the only one rooting for SogeKing vs Kaku. wipes brow You guys rock!

Anyways, the fact that Jabura is a Zoan boosts his power up, above Kaku. Even though Jabura maybe second-in-power after his transformation, I still want Kaku to fight SogeKing. There's an old debt waiting to be settled… Besides, it doesn't make sense for Oda to make SogeKing tackle someone he's never seen before.

But who will fight Jabura, then? It seems kind of overkill for Zoro to take on Kumadori (although he has a spear) when he has only 810 douriki. Before 379 was out, I was positive that he would be Zoro's match, but the numbers confuse me now >.<

Is it possible that Kumadori would be the one to eat the DF aside from Spandam?

Solid

What I want:

Kaku vs. Sogeking
Sanji vs. Jabura

And I would love if Calipha fought against Paulie… Though it will most likely not happend.

Paulie

Jabura is Sanji's.

I think Oda did the "I'm weaker but might be stronger with DF" thing to confuse readers… we never will know exactly whether Jabura or Kaku (who, lets face it, will face Sanji and Zoro respectively) is stronger.

GunMetalReloaded

Yeah, I think Kaku/Zoro and Jyabura/Sanji is almost a given. Sorry Soge King fans! Usopp will prove his worth in some other area during this arc. From that color spread, Soge will have some kind of staff. Maybe he'll take on the Kabuki CP9 Guy with it?

I still think it's highly possible that Robin won't fight, leaving a CP9er without a battle. I'm with Solid. I think a Calipha vs Paulie pairing would be great, especially with her "Everything is Sexual Harrassment" shtick now. He's a prude and he fights with ropes. That would be a funny and interesting battle if it were to happen. Plus, this woman betrayed Iceberg and is one of the Galley-La CP9. If Paulie suprises everyone and does get a fight, it would make sense that he fight one of the original CP9.

Actually, I'd love to see another "tag-team" style match. The last good one we had was Mr. 4/Ms. Merry Christmas vs Usopp/Chopper. I would love to see Blueno/Calipha vs Paulie/Nami. That way, neither Paulie or Nami would face off against the "weakest" CP9 member. We've already seen Blueno/Calipha do a sort of "combo" move on the train with her vines. Paulie and Nami have good chemistry together. I really think that would be a great fight!

Solid

True, Paulie is the only guy that Nami doesnt yell at.. It's Paulie who yell at her instead.

GunMetalReloaded

Well, I think a tag-team style match featuring Calipha would work in that it allows for both the "cat fight" with Nami and the battle of the ropes/whips/vines with Paulie. There's also tension there between Paulie and Calipha/Blueno. And now that we got this damn "power level" crap, it allows for someone to beat Calipha without reducing their status as a Straw Hat fighter. Everyone will say, "Oh… he/she is the weakest Straw Hat because he/she took on the weakest CP9 person." A tag-team battle would eliminate that.

joekido the Second

So you hate the Power Levels? Well I would not worry about it.

Chango, I too rooted for Usopp Vs. Kaku, I want Usopp to beat Kaku and see his worthiness grow again, I want to see Usopp reforge his pride and go back to Luffy so Luffy can shine even more before the fight.

Mog

I think Oda did the "I'm weaker but might be stronger with DF" thing to confuse readers… we never will know exactly whether Jabura or Kaku (who, lets face it, will face Sanji and Zoro respectively) is stronger.

Which is exactly why I think Jabura will be going to Robin, because her stance in the Strawhat crew in terms of strength is equally vague. It fits.

That is, if she'll be fighting at all to begin with. Because let's face it, we've got one too many Strawhats. Unless you count Spandam, who's somewhat unlikely to fight.

Which also why it's possible we'll be having another team battle.

joekido the Second

So you hate the Power Levels? Well I would not worry about it.

Chango, I too rooted for Usopp Vs. Kaku, I want Usopp to beat Kaku and see his worthiness grow again, I want to see Usopp reforge his pride and go back to Luffy so Luffy can shine even more like before their fight.

changsho

@joekido:

Chango, I too rooted for Usopp Vs. Kaku, I want Usopp to beat Kaku and see his worthiness grow again, I want to see Usopp reforge his pride and go back to Luffy so Luffy can shine even more like before their fight.

With that new weapon, a ton of dials and one hell of a costume, he won't just shine. He will OWN :evil:

Paulie

@Mog:

Which is exactly why I think Jabura will be going to Robin, because her stance in the Strawhat crew in terms of strength is equally vague. It fits.

Robin? Ha ha! No.

Just as has always been the case, the top three go to Luffy/Zoro/Sanji. And while Zoro always gets the "top" guy (aside the main one,) we'll get to see Sanji and Zoro get to take on two people about the same level this time around, with possible debates for both sides saying that either Jabura or Kaku was stronger.

EDIT: I never saw her [Robin's] strength as vague. We know Luffy's stronger simply because he's the main character, and Zoro and Sanji have been too well established as the main fighters to be overthrown. Which would place Robin's strength near or below that of those two. Judging by the fact there isn't another CP9 member even in the thousands, I'd say not near now, either.

Not to say she's weak (hell, I wouldn't even call Usopp or Nami weak) but not on the same level, any way.

changsho

@Paulie:

Just as has always been the case, the top three go to Luffy/Zoro/Sanji. And while Zoro always gets the "top" guy (aside the main one,) we'll get to see Sanji and Zoro get to take on two people about the same level this time around, with possible debates for both sides saying that either Jabura or Kaku was stronger.

Well, there will be exceptions, no? In this arc, one of the major themes is Usopp's character development. I think Oda would give him a chance to prove himself by letting him tackle on a foe beyond his level (and winning).

Paulie

@changsho:

Well, there will be exceptions, no? In this arc, one of the major themes is Usopp's character development. I think Oda would give him a chance to prove himself by letting him tackle on a foe beyond his level (and winning).

It's true that a major focus has been on Usopp, but that's true of Robin, Franky, and even Sanji as well. But don't forget that 500 is the difference between human and superhuman, and no matter who he fights, they're all well beyond that level.

But let me ask one thing; if Usopp gets Kaku (as many like to think,) then who gets Jabura? Sanji or Zoro? And better yet, who does the person not fighting Jabura fight? I can't see Sanji or Zoro fighting Blueno or one of the others. Can you honestly say you think they'd fight somebody in the 800's while Usopp takes on the 2200?

If Usopp would fight somebody so powerful, then there'd NEED to be three people at the level of Kaku and Jabura; one for Sanji, one for Zoro, and one for Usopp. Even if Usopp got the head of the three, at least Zoro and Sanji'd also be fighting people of comparable level.

Polygon

@changsho:

Well, there will be exceptions, no? In this arc, one of the major themes is Usopp's character development. I think Oda would give him a chance to prove himself by letting him tackle on a foe beyond his level (and winning).

Actually i think after this arc ussop will be one of the "main fighters." Oh, and I am also rooting fo kaku vs. ussop.

changsho

@Paulie:

If Usopp would fight somebody so powerful, then there'd NEED to be three people at the level of Kaku and Jabura; one for Sanji, one for Zoro, and one for Usopp. Even if Usopp got the head of the three, at least Zoro and Sanji'd also be fighting people of comparable level.

Which comes back to the theory/assumption that one of the DF may go to Kumadori, making him ascend to the level of 2000+ and therefore being a worthy opponent for Zoro.

Besides, who are we to say that Kumadori at 810 is not good enough for Zoro? For all we know, he may utilize a different style of swordfighting that will render Zoro's strength and technique useless, making it a battle of minds (which won't be less awesome).

Solid

@Paulie:

It's true that a major focus has been on Usopp, but that's true of Robin, Franky, and even Sanji as well. But don't forget that 500 is the difference between human and superhuman, and no matter who he fights, they're all well beyond that level.

But let me ask one thing; if Usopp gets Kaku (as many like to think,) then who gets Jabura? Sanji or Zoro? And better yet, who does the person not fighting Jabura fight? I can't see Sanji or Zoro fighting Blueno or one of the others. Can you honestly say you think they'd fight somebody in the 800's while Usopp takes on the 2200?

If Usopp would fight somebody so powerful, then there'd NEED to be three people at the level of Kaku and Jabura; one for Sanji, one for Zoro, and one for Usopp. Even if Usopp got the head of the three, at least Zoro and Sanji'd also be fighting people of comparable level.

Sanji should take Jabura, Zoro can take one of the 800s to begin with later, he may take a strong vice-admiral or someone else… Or maybe Zoro can fight Spandam. Spandam seemed to be quite confident with his sword, maybe he has some special technics...

Paulie

If the numbers don't establish pecking order in terms of strength (such as super special techniques or whatever) then Oda wouldn't have used them.

nihilism

are we sure spandam is just 9 or did fukuro get cut off?

Paulie

It's a 9. That wasn't cut off.

Mog

I never saw her [Robin's] strength as vague. We know Luffy's stronger simply because he's the main character, and Zoro and Sanji have been too well established as the main fighters to be overthrown. Which would place Robin's strength near or below that of those two. Judging by the fact there isn't another CP9 member even in the thousands, I'd say not near now, either.

Okay, here I go…. In Skypiea, she was the only one who fought a major bad guy who had no clear strength position, different from the priests. In fact, from his bossing around the priests, we can even assume he was stronger than them. In Alabasta, everyone pretty much thought her power was god-like. You're saying that dwindled to near nothing simply because she joined the strawhats? I think you're giving Sanji, Zoro and even Luffy a bit too much credit here. It was never established how strong she was in accordance with the rest of the crew, which was exactly why Oda cooked up such a ''vague'' enemy for her in Skypiea. That, and that enemy was huge, which gave way for an excellent handicap. Which was needed, because she'd be way overpowered, otherwise.

I think we're dealing with a similar situation here. Plus, Jabura's also huge, which yet again, fits excellently.

And no, the top three fights have never really gone to Sanji, Luffy and Zoro. On Baratie, Sanji fought but got his ass whooped. In Arlong Park, Usopp beat a guy on the same level as his. In Little Garden and Drum he hardly even fought at all. In Alabasta, Nami beat a higher officer than he did. In Skypiea, all he did was assist in taking down one of the (Weaker) priests, and he severely needed Luffy's help to do it.

Paulie

@Mog:

Okay, here I go…. In Skypiea, she was the only one who fought a major bad guy who had no clear strength position, different from the priests. In fact, from his bossing around the priests, we can even assume he was stronger than them.

That doesn't have to be the case. Being of a higher rank doesn't neccessitate strength. Spandam commands the CP9, doesn't he? I think it's been cleared up by now that HE'S certainly not the strongest.

@Mog:

In Alabasta, everyone pretty much thought her power was god-like. You're saying that dwindled to near nothing simply because she joined the strawhats? I think you're giving Sanji, Zoro and even Luffy a bit too much credit here.

Near nothing? I'm saying she's not as good as the main three, though still above the rest of the crew. Probably around the level Franky will be if and when he joins. As I said earlier with Usopp; if she was meant to be in the top tier, Oda'd make enough top-tier enemies to go around. Not counting Luffy and Lucci, you'd have Kaku and Jabura for Zoro, Sanji, and Robin. That doesn't add up, and one would be placed up against an enemy not befitting them.

@Mog:

It was never established how strong she was in accordance with the rest of the crew, which was exactly why Oda cooked up such a ''vague'' enemy for her in Skypiea.

I doubt it's that vague. Whether the dog-powers make him stronger than Kaku or he's still weaker, I doubt it'll be by a large margin either way. Not really that mysterious at all. And we know beyond a shadow of a doubt he's stronger than anybody aside Lucci and possibly Kaku. I don't see how this leads to a "vague" enemy at all.

@Mog:

And no, the top three fights have never really gone to Sanji, Luffy and Zoro. On Baratie, Sanji fought but got his ass whooped. In Arlong Park, Usopp beat a guy on the same level as his. In Little Garden and Drum he hardly even fought at all. In Alabasta, Nami beat a higher officer than he did. In Skypiea, all he did was assist in taking down one of the (Weaker) priests, and he severely needed Luffy's help to do it.

First, Baratie. Gin vs. Sanji, Mihawk vs. Zoro, and Don Krieg vs. Luffy. How does this not add up to the top three villains agaisnt the top three Straw Hats? Looks that way to me.

Second, except for Luffy, there wasn't a whole lot of fighting to begin with in Little Garden and Drum. There weren't enough enemies to go around. In Little Garden, he needed to be out of it to keep his identity secret (which, as we know, plays a vital role later on.) The were more as prelude to the Alabasta arc anyway.

In Alabasta, Miss Doublefinger is only the top-ranked FEMALE OFFICER. Bon Clay obviously can't be paired with Mr. 1. If he could have been, he probably would have been. I doubt many people will argue that Miss Doublefinger is STRONGER than Bon Clay. Since they are ranked as pairs of genders, even if Mr.s 1-13 were stronger than her, Miss Doublefinger would still be in the top pair. I'm not saying anybody else except Bon Clay is stronger than her, but I will say that Bon Clay is, indeed, stronger.

And finally, for Skypeia, there were various contributing reasons to Sanji not getting a major fight. The other priests needed to fight their various opponents, etc. Plus we got to see some team-battlage. While this goes against the typical strongest-three-villains against strongest-three-Mugiwara setup, a lot was fairly atypical in Skypeia. It's the only real exception.

wolfwood

to me its always been clear that cept for luffy(rubber powers neutralise robins attacks) Robin is the second strongest strawhat,

her abilities are near god-like against anyone who isnt a logia user and she could easily take sanji in a fight Zoro might put up more of a fight but in the end he doesnt stand a realistic chance either,

that said i dont think she will fight Jabura id say more like Blueno.

oh and with his DF i think Jaburas level will be pushed up to about 3000 or so.

Paulie

She said strength is useless against her, not Oda. I don't see why she'd be better than Zoro or Sanji, who have been the main fighters (along wiht Luffy) since the beginning. From what I've seen, it's just an original fighting style involving grappling, just like Zoro and Sanji have unique styles for swords or martial arts.

GUTB

Okay, bringing it home:

Even discouting her bounty, Robin is clearly within the top power ranking under Luffy. She can beat anyone in the crew besides Luffy, but I won't say she's more powerful than Zoro or Sanji. I say that in the same way I would say that Nami isn't the 3rd strongest just because she can beat Sanji. The reason for this is becasue Robin can own any normal human, but she can't do things like cut steel or kick the crap out of giant monsters. Yama was just a 2nd class enemy because, remember, even though OP is pretty progressive for a manga, it's still sexist. Heroines are just not allowed to get into to a fight with strong villians UNLESS that villian is also female.

The female agents were assistants/partners to the numbered agents. They weren't equal; the female agent was specifically selected for her ability to compliment the abilities of the numbered agent. So: Mr.1 cut, Doublefinger pierced. Mr. 3 sculpted, Goldenweek painted. And so on. So just because Nami beat Doublefinger does NOT mean she can beat ANY of the number agents.