When it comes to the Marineford arc of One Piece, one of the most iconic scenes for fans was when Garp attempted to attack Akainu after he killed Ace. In the anime, Garp even walked towards Akainu before being stopped by Sengoku. It’s clear that Garp’s instincts as a father almost overpowered his sense of duty as a Marine, but if Sengoku hadn’t intervened, who would have won if Garp fought Akainu? Let’s break it down.
1. Don’t Underestimate Akainu
Akainu is arguably the strongest officer in the Marine at the moment. He has insane stamina, as he was able to fight for ten days straight during the Marineford arc. He also possesses the power of the Logia Devil Fruit Magu Magu no Mi, which allowed him to hurt Ace severely without the need for Haki. He even defeated Kuzan, also known as Aokiji, during their ten-day battle. In other words, even if his opponent has Logia and Haki powers, Akainu can still hold his own until he wins the fight.
2. Garp May Be Old, But He’s Still Dangerous
Garp hasn’t been shown in a serious long fight so far, but reputation-wise, he’s likely one of the strongest human characters in One Piece. Even in his old age, Garp was capable of destroying eight mountains, as he claimed before fighting Chinjao. Garp is also known as the Marine hero who fought against the legendary Rocks pirate crew. Moreover, Garp is respected by the pirate King himself, Gol D. Roger, as well as Sengoku, for his strength. In chapter 0 of One Piece, Garp, along with Sengoku, fought against Golden Lion Shiki. Though Marineford was destroyed in the process and some navy ships got stranded, they still emerged victorious. However, Garp admits he’s weaker now than in his prime, so fighting an opponent as strong as Akainu may not be an easy match.
3. Could Akainu Win?
If Garp fought Akainu, the fight between the two would undoubtedly be brutal. Garp has masterful Haki abilities and fighting experience, which might enable him to strike Akainu’s magma body. It’s highly likely that Garp would ignore Akainu’s magma body and continue to strike him, fueled by his anger. After all, if Luffy, Ace, Roger, Yamato, and Kaido possess Haoshoku Haki, it’s possible Garp and Dragon have it too.
However, it’s not guaranteed that Garp would win. The Marineford arc showed that Akainu has incredible stamina and could keep fighting despite taking multiple solid hits from Whitebeard. Akainu’s magma power, combined with Busoshoku Haki, could be potent against Garp, especially in a one-on-one encounter.
In conclusion, it’s difficult to predict who would win between Garp and Akainu in a fight. Garp’s sheer strength and Haki may help him land some blows and deal significant damage to Akainu, who has insane durability and the power of Magu Magu no Mi. If they fought for long enough, it’s possible that Akainu would outlast Garp, just as he defeated Kuzan. Nonetheless, both characters are absolute titans in One Piece, and we’d love to see a battle between them at their prime state.
