This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf arc.
The Elbaf arc of One Piece has given fans a look at quite a lot of fascinating events of the story, such as the deep history of the three worlds of One Piece, but also some living legends, such as Scopper Gaban. Fans know Gaban to be one of the most powerful characters in One Piece, and Oda himself teased him as a legendary fighter, but the true extent of his powers wasn’t clear to the fans until recently. In One Piece chapter 1148, fans finally saw a glimpse of what Scopper Gaban is capable of, and now, it is clear that this monster was beyond Yonko level in his prime.
How Scopper Gaban Beat Saint Sommers
- Sommers Is Immortal
- Scopper Gaban Can Counter Immortality
One Piece chapter 1148 gave fans the much-awaited battle between Scopper Gaban and the Holy Knights. Although the clash happened right at the very end, it was one that shocked the fans fully. Scopper Gaban completely obliterated Saint Sommers in the latest chapter of One Piece, cutting his arm off and then slicing him across the chest with his axe casually, without even using a named attack. This isn’t because Saint Sommers is weak. It is simply because Gaban is that strong.
It’s been a long time, Sommers! — Gaban before attacking the Holy Knight
Scopper Gaban was able to completely blitz Saint Sommers and then cut him down in one fell swoop, showing his superiority in battle. But, most importantly, Gaban was able to counter the immorality of Sommers, which makes him very special, as he is one of the only two in the world of One Piece to be able to do this.
Why Gaban Was Stronger Than The Yonko In His Prime
Gaban Was Equal To Roger And Rayleigh
Right now, Gaban is old, yet he is strong enough to fight against even the strongest of One Piece characters. It can be said that Gaban is weaker than Blackbeard and Shanks right now, simply based on the fact that Rayleigh openly admitted to the fact that he wouldn’t be able to beat Teach right now. But, that’s only because of his age. In his prime, Gaban and Rayleigh were both monsters. In fact, Oda has confirmed that Gaban, Roger, and Rayleigh were three monsters on par with each other, which means in his prime, Gaban was at least Yonko level, but likely even stronger.
He’s the man who stood on par with Roger and Rayleigh, Scopper Gaban! — Giants
Gaban Possesses A Very Rare Haki Ability
What makes Gaban superior to even some of the Yonko is the fact that he possesses a rare Haki. As seen in One Piece chapter 1148, Gaban can counter immortality and this is clearly an advanced application of Haki. The likes of Kaido and Big Mom never showed this ability. Luffy, despite being a Yonko, cannot do it, and he openly admitted to not being able to beat the Five Elders in Egghead. Gaban, on the other hand, can do something that no other Yonko can. In fact, Gaban is even stronger than the Elders and can even injure Imu permanently, such is his power. This rare Haki, which has only been used by him and Joy Boy so far, and his status as an equal to Roger makes him a character beyond the power level of the Yonko in his prime, and that’s truly frightening.
One Piece chapter 1148 will be out soon. As usual, One Piece is going to drop on Sunday. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday. However, the vast majority of international readers will see the chapter available on May 11. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1148 is May 11, 2025. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus.
