The vast world of One Piece has introduced us to hundreds of characters throughout its epic journey, each leaving their unique mark on the story. From fearsomevillainsto steadfast allies, Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece has created personalities so compelling that their absence leaves a noticeable void in the narrative.
As the series races toward its conclusion, many fan-favorite characters have been left behind in previousarcs, their stories seemingly paused while the Straw Hat crew continues their adventure. With the final saga now unfolding, the stage is set for triumphant returns and unfinished business.
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These seven characters have captured our hearts, stirred our emotions, and left us eagerly anticipating their reappearance.
The God Who Fell From Grace
It’s been over 800 episodes since Enel last appeared in the main story, but his presence still echoes in fan conversations. The self-proclaimed “God of Skypiea” wielded the Goro Goro no Mi, a Logia-typefruitthat allowed him to command lightning itself. At the time, he was untouchable, literally. Only Luffy, with his rubber body, could stand a chance.
He believed in divine superiority and ruled Skypiea like a tyrant from the clouds. His eventual defeat felt like divine justice in itself, but instead of dying or being captured, Enel left, flying off to the moon in a cover story that revealed an entire new sci-fi sub-plot involving space robots and an ancient city called Birka.
He remains one of the only major villains to disappear completely from the main storyline, which makes fans all the more eager for a surprise return. With Imu and the ancient weapons now coming into focus, Enel’s alien-like presence might finally make sense.
6Bartolomeo
Fanboy Turned Faithful Ally
No one loves the Straw Hat Pirates more than Bartolomeo, and that includes some of us fans. Introduced during the Dressrosa arc, Bartolomeo started as a chaotic wildcard with a ridiculously powerful Barrier-Barrier Fruit. But what made him memorable wasn’t his strength, it was his unapologetic worship of Luffy.
He cried real tears watching Luffy in action. He built shrines for the Straw Hats. He even went as far as burning down a territory with Shanks' flag and replacing it with Luffy’s, triggering massive speculation about a potential future conflict.
Bartolomeo currently leads the Barto Club and was named one of the captains of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. Fans have been dying to know what happened after he disrespected Shanks’ territory, a reckless move that could either ignite war or comedy gold.
Regardless, a reunion with Luffy is inevitable. And when that happens, expect fireworks, and a lot of screaming.
5Charlotte Katakuri
The Perfect Son Who Found Respect
Katakuri was meant to be Luffy’s brick wall during the Whole Cake Island arc, the unbeatable wall that showed how far the future Pirate King still had to climb. And yet, he ended up becoming something more. With his Future Sight Haki, the awakened powers of the Mochi Mochi no Mi, and a towering reputation in the Big Mom Pirates, Katakuri seemed unstoppable.
But the cracks showed slowly. Beneath his perfect facade was a man who hid his vulnerabilities, literally and emotionally. His sense of honor, allowing Luffy to recover mid-fight after being unfairly interrupted, showed a rare form of integrity in the chaotic world of One Piece villains.
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By the end of their brutal clash, the respect between Katakuri and Luffy had become mutual. And though he was defeated, Katakuri didn’t lose his dignity. With Big Mom’s crew now scattered and weakened, fans are hoping to see Katakuri again, this time not just as an obstacle, but perhaps even as an uneasy ally.
4Donquixote Doflamingo
The Puppet Master Behind The Throne
Few villains in One Piece have delivered the kind of philosophical punch that Doflamingo did. The warlord, underworld broker, and former Celestial Dragon wasn’t just cruel, he was articulate about it. His “Justice will prevail? Of course it will… because the winners decide what’s right” speech still gets quoted in anime circles today.
In the Dressrosa arc, Doflamingo used his Ito Ito no Mi to puppeteer a kingdom into ruin while masking it all under a cheerful facade. He manipulated people, governments, and even the Marines. His fall at Luffy’s hands marked the end of an era in the New World, but it never felt like the end of his influence.
Since his defeat, Doflamingo has remained imprisoned in Impel Down, but he continues to drop cryptic hints about knowing the world’s darkest secrets. If there’s a time bomb in One Piece lore, it’s him.
The Oni Who Chose Freedom
Yamato quickly became a fan favorite when introduced in Wano. The son of Kaido, yet a devoted follower of Kozuki Oden, Yamato embodied the contradictions that make One Piece characters so compelling. He rejected his father’s tyranny and instead adopted Oden’s dream of opening Wano’s borders to the world.
With a mythical Zoan Devil Fruit , the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Okuchi no Makami, Yamato fought alongside the alliance against Kaido, even holding him off one-on-one to protect Momonosuke. His blend of raw power, personal conviction, and emotional connection to the story’s themes of freedom and legacy made many expect he’d join the Straw Hat crew after Wano.
But Oda swerved expectations. Yamato chose to stay in Wano, deciding to first travel the country as Oden once did. It was a surprising move that left fans torn, impressed by his resolve, but longing for more.
The Moonlight Warrior Finding Her Path
Carrot began as a side character from the Mokomo Dukedom, but she leapt into the spotlight during the Whole Cake Island arc. Energetic, curious, and fiercely loyal, she quickly formed a bond with the Straw Hats,especially Luffy and, as she joined them on their mission to retrieve Sanji.
Her most jaw-dropping moment came during the battle against Big Mom’s fleet, where she revealed her Sulong form under the full moon. In that state, Carrot became a lightning-fast beast, decimating enemy ships with agility that left fans stunned. It was a display that suggested she had the potential to fight on the front lines of future arcs.
Despite fan theories and hopes that she would join the Straw Hat crew permanently, Carrot was left behind in Zou, ultimately being named the new leader of the Mink Tribe after the death of Pedro. But many fans still feel her story is unfinished
A Friendship That Transcends Prison Walls
Bentham, better known as Mr. 2 Bon Clay, started as a flamboyant villain in Baroque Works, but by the time he bid farewell to the series (at least for now), he had earned a place in the hearts of fans like few others ever have.
What made him unforgettable wasn’t his strength, though his Mane Mane no Mi, the Clone-Clone Fruit, allowed him to impersonate anyone flawlessly, but rather his unshakable loyalty. During the Impel Down arc, Bentham risked everything to help Luffy break into and escape the underwater prison. That final scene, where he posed dramatically in front of the closing gates of Level 5.5, saluting with a smile as he stayed behind to hold off the Marines, remains one of the series' most gut-wrenching sacrifices.
Fans later found solace in a brief cover story that showed Bentham alive, crowned as the new Queen of Newkama Land. But still, he hasn’t returned to the main story. His reappearance would be more than a nostalgic cameo, it would be the return of one of Luffy’s truest comrades.
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