The Final War Matchups: Who Will the Straw Hat Pirates Fight in the End?

Oda has promised us that the final war of One Piece will make Marineford look "cute." As the Straw Hat fleet sails towards the inevitable clash for the One Piece, the big question remains: Who are their final opponents?

Will it be a battle for the pirate throne against the Blackbeard Pirates? or a war for freedom against the World Government (Marines/Gorosei)?

Here are the most likely 1v1 matchups for the Monster Trio based on current lore.

Luffy vs. Blackbeard (The Battle for Dreams)

This is the fated battle. Marshall D. Teach is the antithesis of Monkey D. Luffy.

• The Clash: Sun God Nika (Freedom) vs. The Darkness (Void).
• The Stakes: The title of Pirate King. While Luffy might fight Akainu or Imu later for the sake of the world, Blackbeard is his true pirate rival.

Zoro vs. Shiryu of the Rain

While everyone waits for Zoro vs. Mihawk, the war against Blackbeard will likely pit him against Shiryu.

• The Challenge: Shiryu now holds the Clear-Clear Fruit (Invisibility). This will force Zoro to master his Observation Haki to the absolute limit, seeing what cannot be seen—a theme teased since his fight with Mr. 1.

Sanji vs. Avalo Pizarro or Burgess?

Sanji usually fights the third strongest or the "martial artist."

• The Theory: Many bet on Lafitte (hypnosis/flight vs Sky Walk) or Avalo Pizarro (The Corrupt King). Since Sanji is a Prince of Germa, fighting a corrupt King fits his narrative perfectly. His Ifrit Jambe will need to burn hotter than ever.