10 One Piece Character Most Likely to Return, Ranked

The vast roster of One Piece characters includes many who have seemingly completed their arcs, yet still hold the potential to make a comeback in the story. With the Final Saga underway, the stakes have never been higher, and fans are eagerly speculating about which familiar faces might make their way back into the narrative. The resurfacing of these characters might change the course of the One Piece story in a major way.

While some might return because their unfinished stories demand a better conclusion, others could reappear due to their ties with the Straw Hat Pirates. As of yet, there are ten potential One Piece characters who are most likely to return, ranging from villains to allies.

10 Enel

Enel, the alleged “God” of Skypiea, was one of the earliest antagonists to show the incredible destructive potential of a Devil Fruit. While he was ultimately defeated and sent flying to the moon, Oda gave him a cover story, where he reached the lunar surface and began interacting with ancient automata. This unique development hinted that Enel’s journey wasn’t over, and he might still make a comeback in One Piece.

His return could tie into the mysteries of the Void Century and the ancient world, making him more than just a One Piece villain. He could play a big role in shaping the future of the One Piece world, and his immense power ensures that if he reappears, he will immediately be a force to reckon with.

9 Smoker

Smoker has long been one of the most persistent Marine characters connected to the Straw Hats. From Loguetown to Punk Hazard, his mission of catching Luffy showed his relentless dedication to justice. However, he has lost his significance in the past few arcs. He hasn’t had much presence during the massive story developments since, but this doesn’t mean that he won’t make a return to the One Piece story.

Smoker’s return seems inevitable, and his personal ideology of justice could align him more with figures like Garp, Koby, and perhaps even the Revolutionary Army. Also, his long history with Luffy suggests that his reappearance in One Piece could also bring a fascinating dynamic to the two characters.

8 Bartolomeo

Bartolomeo, the Straw Hat superfan and captain of the Barto Club, recently suffered defeat at the hands of Red-Haired Pirates in One Piece. He was a significant addition during the Dressrosa arc, and fans loved him for his comedic developments within the story. However, since his defeat, fans are not too sure whether he will return or not.

What actually hints at Bartolomeo’s return in One Piece is his role as the captain of the second ship of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. His status as a Straw Hat fleet captain ties his fate directly to Luffy, and thus, he will be one of the first characters who come to help Luffy in the moment of struggle. His return could also highlight the role of the Grand Fleet in the Final Saga, giving more depth to their importance.

7 Doflamingo

Donquixote Doflamingo remains one of the most memorable villains in the series. His defeat at Dressrosa was a major moment, and even though he is imprisoned in Impel Down, fans believe that he will make a comeback in One Piece. Doflamingo possesses dangerous knowledge about the National Treasure of Mariejois, which he used to blackmail the Celestial Dragons.

This development alone makes him a character with immense narrative potential in One Piece, and thus could mark his return in the final moments of the story. Doflamingo might not fight on the front lines again, but his manipulative nature ensures he’ll be involved one way or the other.

6 Sengoku

Sengoku, the former Fleet Admiral, is a legendary Marine whose presence shaped much of the old era. While he has retired from his post, he still makes rare appearances in One Piece, hinting that he might have a major role to play in the final saga. His wealth of knowledge about past events also positions him as one of the few who can shed light on mysteries like Rocks D. Xebec and the Pirate King’s era.

Plus, there are speculations that the Marines will betray the World Government and adopt the themes of wisdom and truth. Sengoku could play a decisive role in steering the Navy towards justice and motivating the soldiers to make the right choice in the final war.

5 Katakuri

Charlotte Katakuri is widely regarded as one of the most honorable antagonists in One Piece. His duel with Luffy during the Whole Cake Island arc became a defining moment, and ever since then, fans have been hoping for his return in the series. His potential return could hinge on what remains of Big Mom’s crew following her defeat in Wano.

He could very well carry the Big Mom Pirates, and the fact that Pudding still remains an integral part of the story through Blackbeard, it is safe to say that the Big Mom Pirates will return. Plus, Katakuri is too layered and too powerful to just fade away in the background. He is bound to make an appearance sooner or later and prove his worth once again.

4 Yamato

Yamato’s decision to stay in Wano after the events of Onigashima disappointed some fans, as many expected him to join the Straw Hats in One Piece. This would have allowed it to become a significant character within the story, and the crew would have gotten their final member. However, Yamato’s connection to Oden’s will and his admiration for Luffy ensure that his story isn’t over.

Yamato remains perfectly positioned to return when the Straw Hats need allies the most, as his immense strength, Conqueror’s Haki, and mythical Zoan fruit make him one of the most formidable fighters in One Piece. Plus, the fact that Eiichiro Oda has tied together the legacies of Wano and the dawn of the new era suggests that the One Piece mangaka is also planning for his return.

3 Garp

Monkey D. Garp is not only a legendary Marine but also a deeply important figure for Luffy as the two share a familial bond. Garp’s reputation, strength, and complex relationship with both Luffy and Dragon make him one of the most important supporting characters in the series. However, he recently clashed with the Blackbeard Pirates and was completely defeated, which gave the impression that he might not return in One Piece.

While Garp’s fate was left uncertain, it is wrong to assume that he might not return in One Piece. Garp will likely reappear within the story, either to continue his battle against the Blackbeard Pirates or to influence the Marines during the final war of One Piece. Also, his presence in the final war could highlight the sacrifices made by the older generation in paving the way for the new.

2 Eustass Kid

Eustass Kid has been one of the most significant rivals to Luffy among the Worst Generation. His ambition, ruthlessness, and ability to clash with Yonko like Big Mom gave him credibility as one of the most significant characters in One Piece. However, after Wano concluded, Eustass Kid lost a major fight to Shanks, making his status unknown in One Piece.

Still, Kid’s reappearance feels inevitable, especially since the final war will bring together all the major forces of the New World. He might have a new kind of character development that could help him become a more important character to the story, and help Luffy in turning the One Piece world upside down.

1 Law

Trafalgar D. Water Law has been one of the most important allies to Luffy since Punk Hazard, but even he faced defeat at the hands of the Blackbeard Pirates. Just like Kid, his status is also unknown in One Piece. However, it’s highly unlikely that the One Piece manga creator would discard such a significant character without closure.

Plus, the significance of his Ope Ope no Mi Devil Fruit and its ability to grant immortality make his return inevitable. On top of that, Law is one of the few One Piece pirates with deep knowledge of the Void Century’s importance, thus making him a valuable addition to the final war. His return his more or less confirmed by the roles assigned to him by Oda in One Piece.

One Piece is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.