In the vast and intricate world of One Piece, power hierarchies have always fascinated fans. As Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece sails into previously uncharted waters with chapter 1145, a surprising revelation has rekindled discussions about who truly stands as the measuring stick for pirate strength in the series. While many believed Kaido’s defeat at the hands of Monkey D. Luffy marked the end of his relevance as a power benchmark, the recent flashback featuring Loki’s rejection from the Rocks Pirates tells a different story.
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The contrast between how Rocks D. Xebec treated the young accursed prince versus how Kaido was eagerly recruited into the same infamous crew at an even younger age speaks volumes about the ex-Emperor’s innate battle prowess. This subtle yet profound comparison reestablishes Kaido not merely as a fallen antagonist but as an enduring standard against which ambitious pirates are measured. As the series pushes forward with new threats and powers emerging, Kaido’s shadow continues to loom large over the Grand Line, reminding us that the “Strongest Creature” title wasn’t simply hyperbole but a testament to natural-born strength that few in the One Piece world can claim to possess.
One Piece Rocks Pirates: The Breeding Ground for Legends
Chapter 1145 takes us back to a pivotal era in One Piece history, revealing a young Loki’s desperate attempt to join the infamous Rocks Pirates. The raw scans show the accursed prince standing before the legendary captain Rocks D. Xebec, requesting permission to join his crew. What follows is not merely a rejection but a brutal display of power as Xebec pulverizes the young giant, leaving him half-dead with grievous wounds and a sword impaled through his body.
This flashback serves as more than just character development for Loki. It creates a direct parallel to another figure whose origin story intertwines with the Rocks Pirates – Kaido. Unlike Loki, who had to beg for entry and was violently rejected, Kaido was personally recruited into the crew at the tender age of 15, even younger than Loki was during his attempt. More remarkably, his recruitment came at the recommendation of Edward Newgate, better known as Whitebeard, who recognized Kaido’s exceptional strength despite his youth.
The Rocks Pirates, active 44 years before the current timeline and disbanded after the God Valley Incident six years later, represented the pinnacle of pirating power in their era. Their ranks included future Emperors like Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido himself. That Kaido was deemed worthy to join this legendary crew while Loki was dismissed speaks volumes about the natural fighting prowess that would eventually earn him the title of “World’s Strongest Creature.”
Kaido vs. Loki: A Tale of Two Monsters
To fully appreciate why Kaido stands as One Piece’s strength benchmark, we must examine the stark contrast between his and Loki’s early careers. Chapter 1145 reveals Loki at approximately 20 years old (currently 63 in the main timeline) being utterly defeated by Rocks D. Xebec. Despite being an Elbaf giant with the accursed bloodline that grants tremendous power, Loki couldn’t even earn consideration for membership among the Rocks Pirates.
Kaido, however, had already built such a fearsome reputation by age 15 that he was known throughout the Grand Line as “a beast who had once escaped the Marine Corps.” This reputation was so impressive that it prompted Whitebeard himself to advocate for Kaido’s inclusion in their ranks. The implication is clear – even as a teenager, Kaido possessed battle prowess that outstripped a young adult Loki, himself considered one of the strongest giants of Elbaf.
This comparison becomes even more significant when we consider the recent confrontation between an adult Loki and Shanks. While Shanks demonstrated his overwhelming power by defeating the fully-matured Loki with relative ease, we’re left to wonder how this same Loki would fare against Kaido. The narrative seems to suggest that despite his defeat at Luffy’s hands, Kaido remains the yardstick against which other powerful characters are measured.
The Benchmark of Natural Strength
What makes Kaido such an enduring benchmark in the world of One Piece is not just his peak power but the natural, inherent strength he possessed from a young age. Unlike many characters who grow stronger through devil fruits, specialized training, or unique circumstances, Kaido was recognized as a monster of unparalleled physical might from his teenage years.
This natural ability places him in a category few can claim to occupy. While characters like Luffy have surpassed him through combinations of devil fruit awakenings, allies’ assistance, and pushing beyond their limits, Kaido’s base strength remains the standard. It’s worth noting that Luffy’s victory over Kaido came after:
- Multiple rounds of fighting where Kaido faced the Scabbards
- A tag-team battle against the Worst Generation Supernovas
- A confrontation with Yamato
- Luffy’s multiple “deaths” and revivals
- The awakening of the legendary Nika fruit’s powers
The fact that it took this perfect storm of circumstances for Kaido to finally fall reinforces his position as the benchmark. Even in defeat, the narrative treats him as the measuring stick for true strength.
Kaido’s Legacy in Current Storylines
Chapter 1145’s flashback does more than reminisce about the past; it actively reshapes our understanding of the current power dynamics in One Piece. By showing how Rocks valued Kaido’s strength over Loki’s, the manga subtly reminds readers that despite new threats emerging, Kaido’s level of power remains the standard to beat.
This has important implications for how we view current and future antagonists. When evaluating characters like the Gorosei, Imu, or the mysterious Rocks D. Xebec himself (should he return), the question naturally becomes: “How do they compare to Kaido?” His defeat doesn’t diminish this benchmark status but rather cements it – Kaido becomes the hurdle that Luffy has overcome, marking his true ascension to Emperor status.
Moreover, the contrast between Loki’s and Kaido’s treatment by the Rocks Pirates suggests a hierarchy of innate battle prowess that transcends time in the One Piece world. Just as Roger and Whitebeard set the standard for their generation, Kaido appears to be the measuring stick for the current era.
The Comparative Strength Table: Kaido Among Legends
| Character | Age When Recognized | Notable Achievement | Relationship to Rocks Pirates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaido | 15 | Escaped Marine capture, personally recruited to Rocks Pirates | Invited member, recommended by Whitebeard |
| Loki | ~20 | Challenged Rocks, was defeated easily | Rejected applicant, defeated by Rocks |
| Big Mom | Unknown | Already powerful as a child, destroyed Elbaf village | Core member |
| Whitebeard | Young adult | Recognized strength, second-in-command | Core member, often questioned Rocks’ methods |
| Shanks | Unknown | Not associated with Rocks, became Emperor on own merit | None, different generation |
| Luffy | 19 | Defeated Kaido, awakened Nika fruit | None, inspired by Shanks |
Conclusion: The Enduring Shadow of the Strongest Creature
As One Piece continues its journey toward the final saga, chapter 1145’s flashback serves as a powerful reminder of Kaido’s unique position in the series’ power hierarchy. Despite his defeat, he remains the standard against which other powerful figures are measured, a testament to Oda’s careful construction of his world’s power scaling.
The contrast between Loki’s rejection and Kaido’s recruitment by the Rocks Pirates reinforces what made the Beast Pirates’ captain special – not just his peak power as an adult Emperor, but his innate, natural-born strength that was evident even as a teenager. This quality places him in a rare category of characters whose raw power transcends training, devil fruits, or other external enhancements.
As new threats emerge and the story unveils more secrets about the Void Century, the Ancient Weapons, and the final war to come, Kaido’s benchmark status gives readers a valuable reference point. His level of strength becomes the measuring stick by which we can gauge new antagonists and understand just how far Luffy and his allies have come.
In this way, even in apparent defeat, the former Emperor of the Sea continues to cast a long shadow over the world of One Piece, cementing his legacy not just as a fallen villain but as the enduring standard of what it means to be truly strong in the Grand Line. The Beast may have fallen, but his roar echoes on, reminding both characters and readers alike of the mountain that was climbed when Kaido was finally defeated.
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FAQs
Is Kaido still alive after his defeat at Wano?
While not explicitly confirmed, Kaido was last seen being engulfed in magma alongside Big Mom beneath Wano. Given his reputation for durability and previous failed execution attempts, many fans speculate he may have survived, though his current status remains unknown.
Was Kaido stronger than Whitebeard?
Whitebeard was officially recognized as the “World’s Strongest Man” while Kaido held the title of “World’s Strongest Creature.” At their respective peaks, Whitebeard was likely stronger, especially with his Gura Gura no Mi (Tremor-Tremor Fruit) capable of destroying the world. However, by the time of Marineford, the elderly and ill Whitebeard was past his prime.
