4 most relevant One Piece characters in the Final Saga who can really reach Laugh Tale (& 4 who probably won't/can't)

Following the release of chapter 1121, the topic of the One Piece characters included in the closing double spread has been trending in the fandom. This includes Monkey D. Luffy, Shanks, Blackbeard, Buggy the Clown, Akainu, Imu, Sabo, Monkey D. Dragon, Garling Figarland, Kuzan, Koby, and a new mystery character who was silhouetted.

Given Dr. Vegapunk’s dialogue in the buildup to this double spread’s appearance, fans are rightfully taking this to mean that these are the One Piece characters most likely to attain the titular treasure. However, even amongst these characters who are closest to attaining it, there are some who likely can’t or won’t attain it, and others who legitimately may achieve this dream by reaching Laugh Tale.

The Yonko dominate the list of One Piece characters who could reach Laugh Tale

1) Monkey D. Luffy

Unsurprisingly, Monkey D. Luffy is the first entry amongst those One Piece characters who could legitimately reach Laugh Tale by the series’ end. For starters, Luffy and his crew are in possession of three of the four Road Poneglyphs they need to reach Laugh Tale by nature of some rubbings they’ve made to copy the text.

The crew also continues to prove that they are able to overcome nearly any obstacle set in their path, with the latest manga spoilers confirming that they successfully leave Egghead Island. While they did have some assistance in this latest victory, it nevertheless proves that Luffy and his allies truly do have the potential to reach Laugh Tale.

2) Shanks

Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates are the next set of One Piece characters represented in the double spread who could actually reach Laugh Tale. Thanks to their recent victory over Eustass Kid and his crew, they are also now in possession of three of the four Road Poneglyph texts needed to reach Laugh Tale and the titular treasure.

Shanks is also now the longest-reigning Yonko amongst the group’s current members, solidifying his staying power as a pirate in the New World. Combined with how powerful he and his crew have been teased to be throughout the series, there’s little to no doubt that he has the potential to make it to the Grand Line’s true final island.

3) Blackbeard (Marshall D. Teach)

Blackbeard/Marshall D. Teach (Image via Toei Animation)

It’s little surprise that Blackbeard, also known as Marshall D. Teach, is yet another of the Yonko who could reasonably make it to Laugh Tale. Like Shanks and Luffy, he also has three of the four Road Poneglyph rubbings by nature of his victory over Law during the Egghead arc. He also has quite a powerful crew behind him, as do Luffy and Shanks.

However, a key distinguishing factor for Blackbeard amongst the other One Piece characters here is the nature of his Devil Fruit and his body, letting him wield two Devil Fruits and steal Devil Fruits from others. Combined with how inherently powerful his Yami Yami no Mi is in combat, to say Blackbeard is anything other than a major threat in the race to Laugh Tale and the One Piece would be inaccurate.

4) Kuzan

Kuzan’s inclusion amongst those One Piece characters who could reasonably reach Laugh Tale is twofold. For starters, he is a member of the Blackbeard Pirates, and a high-ranking one at that, given his title of Titanic Ship Captain of Blackbeard’s massive fleet. In turn, this means that if Blackbeard can reach Laugh Tale, Kuzan almost certainly will also.

However, there’s also the chance that Kuzan can reach Laugh Tale without Blackbeard’s crew by betraying Teach and stealing the aforementioned Road Poneglyph rubbings for himself. While there’s little evidence for this theory, it’s true that fans still have no confirmed info on what Kuzan’s true motivations are yet, in turn meaning there’s as little evidence against it as there is for it.

Akainu and other One Piece characters either can’t or won’t get involved in the race to Laugh Tale

1) Nerona Imu

While Nerona Imu may be one of many One Piece characters invested in preventing others from reaching Laugh Tale, it’s unlikely he does so by getting involved in the race himself. For starters, it’s unclear if he even knows about the Road Poneglyphs, in turn putting into doubt if he can collect them in time to keep up with those characters who already have them.

There’s also the fact that throughout his appearances in the series so far, he’s been shown as one of the most cautious and secretive One Piece characters introduced yet. With how much exposure he would have by getting directly involved in the race to Laugh Tale, it seems likely that he can’t participate, given this secrecy he likes to maintain.

2) Garling Figarland

Young Garling Figarland (Image via Shueisha)

Garling Figarland, on the other hand, is one of many One Piece characters who reasonably could get involved in the race but likely won’t. The most damning piece of evidence for this assumption is his title as the Captain of the Holy Knights, as well as that of a Celestial Dragon. For the former, he’d likely view participating in pirate activity as a betrayal of his title.

His beliefs as a Celestial Dragon would force him to “fall” from grace by nature of living on the Blue Sea as he tries to make it to Laugh Tale. This would essentially be blasphemy, and may even force him to relinquish his title as both a Celestial Dragon and Captain of the Holy Knights, suggesting he won’t take such a risk.

3) Admiral Akainu

Akainu/Sakazuki (Image via Toei Animation)

Similarly, Fleet Admiral Akainu (also known as Sakazuki) is yet another One Piece character who reasonably could but won’t participate in the race to Laugh Tale. A key factor here is his philosophy and attitude towards pirates, viewing them as the lowest of the low who deserve no rights or freedom whatsoever.

With this in mind, he’d likely view chasing Laugh Tale as stooping to their level, something he’s incredibly unlikely to do, barring a major event that changes his core beliefs and values. With how unlikely this is to happen prior to the series’ titular treasure being discovered, it’s likely that he won’t choose to pursue the One Piece and head to Laugh Tale.

4) Sabo

Sabo is a unique entry in this group of One Piece characters, given that he both can’t and won’t try to make it to Laugh Tale. As for why he can’t, his status as the Revolutionary Army’s second in command is the main factor here. With the Army’s priorities being things which they don’t necessarily need Laugh Tale or the titular treasure, there’s no reason for him to enter the race and be pulled away from these other priorities.

As for why he likely won’t choose to pursue Laugh Tale, his relationship with Luffy as his adoptive brother is the biggest factor. To pursue Laugh Tale would be to infringe on his brother’s dream despite knowing how important it is to Luffy that he become the King of the Pirates. With this in mind, Sabo is much more likely to provide support to Luffy here rather than become his direct competitor.

Final thoughts

While there are countless One Piece characters in the series’ world, the above eight are some of the most relevant and involved in the race to Laugh Tale and the titular treasure.

However, some of these One Piece characters are much more likely to pursue it seriously than others are, despite all having some sort of connection to it.