The Final Saga in One Piece is underway and so far we have seen only a couple of arcs. Eiichiro Oda has clearly been holding back a number of major players. These characters have the kind of power that can change the map, so it makes sense they are being saved for key moments. Below I run down who is still mostly on the sidelines and what they might bring when they finally show up.

Shanks

Captain of the Red Hair Pirates

  • Has extremely advanced Haki

Shanks has barely taken part in the Final Saga so far. Aside from a short encounter with Eustass Kid where he easily won and then seized the Road Poneglyphs, he has been mostly watching events unfold. Shanks is widely regarded as among the most powerful figures in the series. He has all three kinds of Haki and their advanced forms. He can even use Conqueror's Haki in a way that interferes with an opponent's future sight, which is a big advantage. Given his level, it is sensible that Oda is holding him back for a major moment.

Sakazuki

Fleet Admiral of the Marines

  • Wields the Magu Magu no Mi, a Logia-type Devil Fruit

Since rising to Fleet Admiral, Sakazuki has been based at Marine Headquarters and in Marijoa. As the top Marine, he can issue commands to Admirals and the rest of the force. He also controls the Magu Magu no Mi, a Devil Fruit that grants full mastery over magma. That fruit is known for massive offensive power, which makes Sakazuki extremely dangerous in a fight. He has not been on the frontlines of the Final Saga yet, but if Marine forces begin to suffer heavy losses he will likely have to step into major battles.

Sabo

Dragon's right-hand man

  • Combines Ryusoken with the Mera Mera no Mi

Sabo has grown into one of the franchise favorites after reappearing. Years of training with Revolutionary Army officers have turned him into an Armament Haki master who can coat parts of his body to increase impact. He uses Ryusoken, a technique that targets central points to break objects or defenses. Sabo also holds the Mera Mera no Mi, which lets him create and control fire. When last seen, he was still developing full command over that Devil Fruit. He has not yet gone all out in the Final Saga, so his next appearance could be significant.

Dracule Mihawk

Strongest swordsman in the world

  • Master swordfighter using the Yoru, a Saijo O-Wazamono blade

Mihawk is the definitive top swordsman in One Piece and co-founded the Cross Guild with Crocodile. He lost his Shichibukai title when that system was abolished, then partnered with Crocodile to pursue new goals. Mihawk wields Yoru, one of the highest-grade swords, and his skill with a blade is unmatched. He carries a very high bounty and is currently traveling with Cross Guild forces as they search for the One Piece.

Monkey D. Dragon

Leader of the Revolutionary Army

  • Level of personal strength largely unknown

Dragon is the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army and is the world’s most wanted man. He formed his movement after learning about the darker practices of the World Government and has worked to topple its abuses. Dragon stays away from the frontlines and focuses on strategy and leadership. Based on his position and reputation, many expect him to rank among the strongest characters, though his exact power set remains unconfirmed. The Final Saga is the likely place for more of his abilities to be revealed.

Fujitora

One of the Navy's strongest weapons

  • Has a devastating Devil Fruit that controls gravity

Fujitora rose to Admiral through the World Military Draft and took a stand against abuses like the Dressrosa cover-up. He intervened in Marijoa events and helped free enslaved people. Fujitora possesses the Zushi Zushi no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that gives him control over gravity. He can summon huge meteors and crush opponents with gravitational force. He also carries one of the Saijo O-Wazamono grade blades, which indicates serious sword skill. He has not been a major player in the Final Saga so far but his powers make him a natural contender for big fights.

These figures are powerful and their appearances can shift the balance of the story. Oda seems to be pacing them carefully, keeping their full impact for later chapters. Fans are waiting to see who will enter the fray and when the big clashes will finally happen.