One Piece: 8 Characters Who Could Die Before the Final War

Written By: Team Monds Blogs
Category: Anime | Entertainment

Introduction

As One Piece enters its Final Saga, the stakes have never been higher. The world is on the brink of a massive conflict involving the Straw Hat Pirates, the Marines, the Revolutionary Army, the World Government, and the Four Emperors. While fans are eagerly anticipating the Final War, not every major character is guaranteed to survive long enough to witness it.

Eiichiro Oda has shown that important deaths can completely change the direction of the story. Characters like Ace and Whitebeard proved that no one is truly untouchable when the future of the world is at stake. Before the Final War officially begins, several key figures may lose their lives to motivate other characters, reveal long-hidden secrets, or shift the balance of power. Here are eight One Piece characters who could die before the Final War.

Garp May Make the Ultimate Sacrifice

Monkey D. Garp has always stood between justice and family, making him one of the series' most complex characters. After his confrontation with the Blackbeard Pirates on Hachinosu, his fate remains uncertain. Although Garp is one of the strongest Marines in history, he is no longer in his prime, and Blackbeard's crew has already shown that they are willing to use any means necessary to defeat powerful opponents.

If Garp dies before the Final War, the impact would be enormous. His death could become the final catalyst that pushes both Luffy and Koby into direct conflict with Blackbeard. It would also symbolize the end of the old generation, allowing the new era of pirates and Marines to take center stage. Considering Oda's storytelling style, Garp's sacrifice feels like a realistic possibility.

Shanks Could Fall to Blackbeard

Red-Haired Shanks remains one of the biggest mysteries in One Piece. Despite his immense strength and influence, very little is known about his true goals. His long-standing rivalry with Marshall D. Teach has been hinted at for years, especially because of the scar Blackbeard left on Shanks' face long before either became an Emperor.

Many fans believe Shanks may confront Blackbeard before Luffy does. If that battle happens, Shanks could lose his life while protecting the future Pirate King. Such a moment would dramatically raise the stakes of the Final Saga and give Luffy even greater motivation to defeat Blackbeard once and for all.

Trafalgar Law's Immortality Secret Could Cost Him Everything

Trafalgar Law possesses one of the most valuable Devil Fruits in the world—the Ope Ope no Mi. One of its greatest abilities is the Perennial Youth Operation, which grants immortality to another person at the cost of the user's own life. This ability has been mentioned multiple times, suggesting it may eventually become important.

Although Law survived his battle against Blackbeard, his future remains uncertain. If someone crucial to the story requires the Perennial Youth Operation, Law could willingly sacrifice himself. His death would perfectly conclude his journey from a revenge-driven pirate to someone willing to give everything for the future.

Sabo Could Become the World's Biggest Target

Since the Reverie Incident, Sabo has become one of the World Government's greatest enemies. After witnessing secrets connected to the Empty Throne and Imu, he now possesses dangerous knowledge that the Government desperately wants to erase.

Because of this, Sabo may become the primary target before the Final War even begins. If the World Government succeeds in eliminating him, it would ignite the Revolutionary Army and push Dragon into direct action. At the same time, Luffy would once again be forced to confront the pain of losing a brother.

Monkey D. Dragon May Sacrifice Himself

Monkey D. Dragon has spent decades building the Revolutionary Army to challenge the Celestial Dragons and the World Government. Although he has remained in the shadows for much of the story, the Final Saga is expected to reveal his true strength and long-term plans.

Dragon could ultimately sacrifice himself to ensure the next generation succeeds where his own generation struggled. Such a moment would not only fulfill his role as the world's greatest revolutionary but also strengthen Luffy's resolve during the final battle for freedom.

Kuzan's Double Life May End in Tragedy

Former Admiral Kuzan is one of the most unpredictable characters in One Piece. After leaving the Marines, he joined the Blackbeard Pirates, but many fans believe he is secretly pursuing his own mission. His true loyalties remain one of the biggest unanswered questions in the series.

If Kuzan is exposed as a traitor within Blackbeard's crew, his survival would become extremely unlikely. His death could reveal critical information about Blackbeard's plans while proving that he never truly abandoned his sense of justice.

Silvers Rayleigh Could Inspire the Next Generation One Last Time

As the former right-hand man of the Pirate King, Rayleigh has already completed his journey. He has trained Luffy, protected Amazon Lily, and guided the next generation toward the future Roger envisioned.

If the World Government launches an attack against key allies before the Final War, Rayleigh may choose to stand and fight despite his age. A heroic final stand would honor Roger's legacy while buying valuable time for Luffy and his allies.

Marshall D. Teach's Crew May Lose Jesus Burgess

While the Blackbeard Pirates are expected to play a major role in the Final Saga, not every member is guaranteed to survive until the final battle. Jesus Burgess frequently throws himself into dangerous situations and has already suffered major defeats.

His death before the Final War could demonstrate Blackbeard's ruthless nature or highlight the growing danger surrounding the Yonko race for dominance. Losing one of his original crewmates would also add emotional weight to Blackbeard's storyline.

Final Thoughts

As One Piece moves closer to its long-awaited conclusion, fans should expect heartbreaking moments alongside epic battles. The Final Saga has already proven that the world is changing rapidly, and major sacrifices are becoming increasingly likely. Whether through heroic last stands, betrayals, or tragic confrontations, these characters could shape the future of the series even if they never reach the Final War itself.

Whatever happens, Eiichiro Oda has consistently shown that every important death serves a meaningful purpose. If any of these beloved characters fall before the final battle begins, their legacy will continue to influence the next generation that fights to change the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is most likely to die before the Final War in One Piece?

Many fans believe Garp and Shanks are among the most likely candidates because of their current situations and narrative importance.

Could Trafalgar Law sacrifice himself?

Yes. Law's Ope Ope no Mi includes the Perennial Youth Operation, which requires the user's life, making self-sacrifice a real possibility.

Is Sabo in danger during the Final Saga?

Yes. After the events of the Reverie, Sabo became one of the World Government's most wanted enemies.

Will the Final Saga include major character deaths?

While nothing is confirmed, the increasing stakes suggest that several important characters may not survive until the Final War.

Author Bio – Prajwal Khicha

Prajwal Khicha is the Owner and Director of Monds Blogs, where he creates original anime rankings, character analyses, and SEO-focused content for anime fans worldwide.