Kaido remains one of the most powerful characters in One Piece. As a former Yonko, he possesses extraordinary durability, all three types of Haki and their advanced applications.
His Dragon form can destroy entire mountains, while his hybrid form makes him a formidable opponent. However, several pirates could potentially surpass him before Eiichiro Oda's manga concludes.
Many of these contenders already have bounties exceeding one billion berries and the ability to challenge Emperors or their commanders. While some have demonstrated remarkable strength, others still need to unlock their full potential.
Kaido remains one of One Piece’s strongest pirates, but several contenders could surpass him before the series ends:
Trafalgar D. Water Law, a former Warlord of the Sea, has a bounty of 3 billion berries, matching Luffy's. Although he defeated Big Mom alongside Eustass Kid, Law later lost to Blackbeard on Winner Island.
His Op-Op Fruit allows him to manipulate space within a spherical area, while its awakening extends these abilities to his weapons. At 26, Law has yet to reach his prime. Further training in Haki and his Devil Fruit could help him challenge Kaido independently, particularly if he unlocks Conqueror's Haki.
Crocodile's Sand-Sand Fruit allows him to create, control and transform into sand. His Logia abilities make him difficult to hit, while his powers can turn entire islands into deserts.
If Crocodile awakens his Devil Fruit, he could potentially drain moisture from living beings over a wider area. Combined with advanced Haki, his sand-based attacks could become powerful enough to threaten Kaido.
Kuzan was among the Marines' strongest fighters before joining the Blackbeard Pirates. His Ice-Ice Fruit gives him control over ice, and his combat record includes fighting Vice-Admiral Garp and countering Whitebeard's attack at Marineford.
If Kuzan possesses Conqueror's Haki and awakens his Devil Fruit, he could potentially freeze even an opponent as durable as Kaido.
Sanji's genetic enhancements awakened during his fight against the Queen in Wano, granting him superhuman strength, speed, durability and regeneration. His Ifrit Jambe further strengthens his attacks.
Although his Armament Haki has not been enough to hurt Kaido, unlocking advanced Conqueror's Haki could significantly increase his offensive power.
Zoro unlocked advanced Conqueror's Haki during the Onigashima Raid and defeated King. He has continued to demonstrate his strength during the Final Saga.
Kaido once dodged one of Zoro's attacks because it threatened to cause serious damage. If Zoro surpasses Dracule Mihawk and further develops his Haki, he could become capable of cutting through Kaido's formidable defences.
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Marshall D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard, is the only known person to wield two Devil Fruits. The Dark-Dark Fruit allows him to nullify other Devil Fruit powers, while the Tremor-Tremor Fruit can unleash earthquakes powerful enough to threaten the world.
Mastering both abilities alongside advanced Haki could make Teach stronger than Kaido. If he also possesses the strength associated with his father, the legendary pirate Davy D. Xebec, Blackbeard could become one of the most dangerous figures in the series.
As the Final Saga progresses, these pirates have different paths towards reaching Kaido's level. Whether they ultimately surpass him will depend on their development and the battles still ahead