This article contains spoilers from the One Piece series.
When it comes to the most difficult tasks in the world of One Piece, becoming the Pirate King is most certainly at the top. In the history of the One Piece world, Roger is the only known Pirate King, having earned this title for completing the circumnavigation of the entire world and conquering the Grand Line, becoming the man with wealth, fame, and power. Before Roger, Joy Boy was likely the only person strong enough to be able to pull this feat off.
In the current era, even the likes of the Yonko have not been able to accomplish this feat, yet, according to Oda there exists a Marine who can find the One Piece and become the Pirate King in one year. This isn't an exaggeration from the author of One Piece. It just goes to show how powerful the Marines are, especially the ones at the very top. As some fans might've guessed already, the Marine who can find the One Piece in a year is none other than Akainu. He's the current Fleet Admiral of the Navy and he wields the tremendous powers of the Magu Magu no Mi.
Oda Reveals Akainu Could Become The Pirate King In A Year
When it comes to the Navy, Oda makes it quite clear in his story that they aren't to be underestimated. The Navy are incredibly powerful and their Admirals are strong enough to fight the likes of the Yonko. The Fleet Admiral, however, is the strongest of them all, and they're truly on Yonko level. The current Fleet Admiral of the Navy is none other than Akainu, and fans know very well that he can go on to rival even the likes of Luffy.
Luffy worries me most since he defeats the main villain right away unless I strand him stranded before he arrives at the enemy. So, when you create a protagonist in manga, it is not a good idea to make him too strong. For example, if Akainu became the protagonist, he is so strong that ONE PIECE would come to an end within a year. — Eiichiro Oda
Oda himself confirmed Akainu's immense strength when he stated that if he were the protagonist, he would find the One Piece in a year. That said, there is context that needs to be attached to this statement. According to Oda, a main character doesn't need to be too overpowered. When Oda speaks about Akainu finding the One Piece in a year, he means the current Akainu with his Yonko-level powers, going out to lead a crew like the Straw Hats. In that case, most overpowered characters would be able to find the One Piece in a year.
They're the three Admirals of the Navy. Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu. They're said to be the military powerhouses of the Marines as it is. — Nico Robin about the Three Navy Admirals, Long Ring Long Land Arc
Of course, that doesn't take away from Akainu's strength as well. To find the One Piece, one needs to be strong enough to fight the Four Emperors and Akainu is certainly strong enough to fight some of them.
Akainu Is A Yonko Level Monster
Right now, it goes without saying that Akainu is a Yonko level monster in One Piece. He should be on Luffy's power level, and that alone makes him one of the most powerful on the seas. It also makes sense, given the fact that he leads one of the most important factions in the entire series, just as Dragon leads the Revolutionary Army.
Garp Would Easily Have Become The Pirate King As Well
Another Marine who could easily have become the Pirate King if he wanted to is Garp. Fans know for a fact that Garp is even stronger than Akainu and that he has the Haki of the highest order. Garp was strong enough to rival even Rocks, and he stood shoulder to shoulder with Roger. Had Garp been a pirate, he would most certainly have had it in him to become the Pirate King and, just like Roger, he would've done it quickly.
Listen, Kuzan! Those who hesitate are lost! — Garp to Kuzan, Egghead Arc
Among all the Marines, Garp is, undoubtedly, the strongest of them all, and Oda has specifically given him a lot of love, which is clear to see. Unfortunately, Garp was never interested in being a pirate and he follows his own sense of justice. As such, only Luffy can truly go on to claim Joy Boy's treasure after Roger, and to do that, he must surpass both Akainu and Garp.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1166 is November 23, 2025. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps.