One Piece Season 3 Exposes How Weak The Straw Hats Really Are

Published Oct 24, 2026, 12:30 PM EDT Craig began contributing to Screen Rant in 2016 and has been ranting ever since, mostly to himself in a darkened room. After previously writing for various outlets, Craig's focus turned to TV and film, where a steady upbringing of science fiction and comic books finally became useful. Craig has previously been published by sites such as Den of Geek. Craig is an approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-elvy-5b31a3381/ The Straw Hat Pirates have enjoyed a relatively easy sail through Netflix's live-action One Piece so far. The heroes have cut through a procession of enemies while barely enduring a scratch: Alvida, Buggy, Axe-Hand Morgan, Captain Kuro, Arlong, Baroque Works, and Wapol. Along the way, Monkey D. Luffy became the East Blue's most-wanted in record time, and earned numerous comparisons to the Pirate King himself. From a no-name rookie, Luffy is now tangling with criminal organizations, high-ranking marines, and kings of the World Government, and he's barely broken a sweat. The only real hurdle between Windmill Village and Alabasta has been the gothic specter of Dracule Mihawk, who decimated Roronoa Zoro in a single move. Having said that, Mihawk ranks as the #1 swordfighter in the entire One Piece world, and one of the strongest characters in the story overall, so Zoro's inability to win is hardly a damning indictment of the Straw Hat Crew's progression. To that point, it wasn't like Mihawk stood in the way of Luffy's progress to the Grand Line, but rather that Zoro couldn't pass up the opportunity for a challenge. The fact that the Straw Hats have only come unstuck against one of the world's strongest individuals perfectly underlines how dominant they've been across One Piece's two seasons on Netflix so far. Unfortunately for Luffy and the gang, season 3 is about to hand them a reality check. Ace's Arrival Puts Luffy's Crew Strength Into Perspective Toei Animation Until now, the only characters demonstrably more powerful than Monkey D. Luffy in Netflix's live-action One Piece have been those at the pinnacle of the world. Mihawk is one, but also Dragon (Luffy's father, so of course he's stronger), Garp (Luffy's grandfather, so of course he's stronger), and Gol D. Roger from flashback scenes. Something would be deeply wrong if such characters weren't far more powerful than the Straw Hats. The game-changer in One Piece season 3 will be Portgas D. Ace, because for the very first time, the live-action series will introduce a character who is closer to Luffy's level of experience, but significantly stronger. With his fire-based Devil Fruit and an extra few years on the seas, Ace will enter One Piece as one of its strongest characters, easily surpassing Luffy, yet he's still at a level well below Mihawk, Dragon, Garp, et al. Ace's arrival proves there are scores of pirates on the Grand Line who could demolish Luffy, and that the Straw Hat captain is a relative minnow, despite his impressive progress during those first two seasons. Because Ace is just one of Whitebeard's commanders, any one of whom could vanquish the Straw Hats in the blink of an eye. And Ace is chasing down Blackbeard, a pirate whose Devil Fruit would make short work of Luffy in a serious fight. Thanks to Ace, it becomes clear that Luffy's experience on the Grand Line thus far has been filled by small-time criminals, and there's actually an entire world of pirates beyond Alabasta that would eat his crew alive (literally, in some cases) at its current level. One Piece Season 3 Includes Luffy's First Real Defeat Even Arlong and Mr. 3 barely tarried Luffy on his journey. The Straw Hat captain's biggest problem until now has been a young girl with a paintbrush. One Piece season 3 will bring a change in fortunes for Iñaki Godoy's character, as he encounters Joe Manganiello's Crocodile for the very first time. Crocodile isn't just a tough opponent that Luffy overcomes through hard work and determination. Their first bout ends in the resounding defeat of One Piece's hero, punctuated by a giant hook through the chest. Luffy's journey doesn't end there, obviously, since there are a thousand more chapters to come, but Crocodile is the first One Piece villain to prove Luffy is not indestructible. It should also be noted that when Luffy ultimately does get the better of Crocodile, he wins only by using a water barrel trick, not by attaining superior power. Previously in Netflix's One Piece adaptation, viewers could almost guarantee Luffy would be the most formidable character on any given island. Crocodile proves that every shadowy corner of the Grand Line contains an enemy with the potential to end Luffy's voyage for good. Crocodile May Be Stronger In Live-Action Than The Anime & Manga On multiple occasions, Netflix's One Piece has taken the opportunity to incorporate elements Eiichiro Oda added to the story later on, but feel like sensible additions nonetheless. Bartolomeo and Sabo being shown at Loguetown, the Laboon flashbacks featuring future Straw Hat member Brook, and the mention of God Valley are all examples of this. The arrival of Crocodile in One Piece season 3 presents a similar opportunity, because for many years, fans have questioned why the sandy schemer wasn't more powerful during his battle against Luffy. Later in One Piece, it becomes apparent that all the top pirates and marines possess a power called haki. Given that Crocodile is a member of the Seven Warlords in season 3, it's inconceivable that he wouldn't wield haki abilities, yet he's never shown using them in the anime and manga. Netflix's version of One Piece now faces the intriguing dilemma of whether to adapt Luffy vs. Crocodile as it happens in the anime and manga, or, as it has done previously, look ahead and include the parts Oda would've if he'd thought of them from the beginning. The prospect of Crocodile using haki in One Piece's third season is tantalizing, and one that would make Manganiello's character even more of a menace. Crocodile using a power Luffy has never even heard of would perfectly demonstrate how the Straw Hats have entered a completely new world in which they're no longer the crew to beat. As an added bonus, getting a first glimpse at haki neatly sets up One Piece season 4, as upcoming main villain Enel is among the first One Piece characters to fight Luffy using haki, even if it wasn't identified as such at the time. Release Date August 31, 2023 Network Netflix Showrunner Matt Owens, Steven Maeda, Joe Tracz Cast Iñaki Godoy Monkey D. Luffy Directors Tim Southam, Marc Jobst, Josef Kubota Wladyka Writers Tiffany Greshler, Diego Gutierrez, Allison Weintraub, Lindsay Gelfand Franchise(s) One Piece Creator(s) Matt Owens, Steven Maeda, Eiichiro Oda