Did Luffy’s victory in One Piece’s most controversial fight actually earned or was it simply plot armor?
Luffy has faced many enemies throughout the more than 1,000 chapters of One Piece. Each has distinct combat styles and skills. Some of his foes were easy to defeat while others posed a bigger threat. The fight he waged against Charlotte Katakuri (one of Big Mom’s numerous children) remains an issue in the present.
Katakuri was Luffy’s most formidable opponent and was able to match Luffy virtually blow-for-blow. The Mochi Mochi no Mi powers enabled him to duplicate Luffy’s attack, like Luffy’s Elephant Gun. Although he was a paramecia-type Devil Fruit Mochi Mochi no Mi, Katakuri was capable of transforming his body into a mochi, similar to the ability of Logia. What was the method by which Luffy overcome this formidable foe?
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Luffy and Katakuri were involved in a few fights at Pudding’s wedding and then their escape. However, the main battle would take place at the Thousand Sunny deck in Chapter 878 (Episode 85 of the anime) following the time that Pedro surrendered. Katakuri was able to escape from the ship using Brulee’s ability to traverse mirrors and was waiting to see their return.
Katakuri attempted to stop the group while they were preparing their escape plan. But, Luffy was able to drag Katakuri into the Mirro-World to let his companions finish their escape plan. Luffy cut the mirror to stop Katakuri and his crew from returning to the Thousand Sunny. They would engage in their first major battle with each other here.
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Luffy and Katakuri traded punches, with Katakuri having the advantage for the bulk of the battle. This was due to Luffy having Luffy’s Devil Fruit powers awakened. Luffy was unable to keep up with Katakuri and eventually had to pull back to let his Haki recharge. After a few rounds, and some interference from Charlotte Flampe both were on the same level. Luffy was able to anticipate movement using the Color of Observation Haki. Katakuri hurt himself in the same way that he injured Luffy by shooting Luffy with a needle. They unleashed the supreme King Haki and then started to fight again. Katakuri was defeated, and Luffy was left in the middle.
Luffy’s victory appears to be the result of a mix. It is possible that Katakuri ate his food and could not regain his energy. In one of his panels, Katakuri declared that sugar was the primary reason for his power. He was already in a hurry for his meal and was unable to finish it, therefore he may not be able to refuel his strength to the max. Flampe also disrupted the timing of his snack, and the man attacked himself in his abdomen. This is an extremely serious injury.
Even if he’s not getting injured as frequently it is a constant battle injury like this that could impact his health. Luffy is constantly injured and has learned to deal with it. Katakuri utilized her observation haki to avoid and anticipate attacks with his mochi abilities. It is also possible to get tired. Luffy might have also been able to win due to luck or even plot armor.
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Are Luffy and Katakuri going to meet one another again? What happens if Luffy and Katakuri were to meet again? Based on the possibility that Katakuri wants an even fight with Luffy and where none one of his siblings is involved (despite Luffy’s assertion that fighting in a dirty way with pirates isn’t possible) another stretchy-men fight may occur. Luffy has gotten better at his skills and strength since their first row. Fighting Luffy again might be an opportunity to show the extent to which he’s come. Katakuri has likely put in a lot of effort to prepare for a second fight. They have a lot of respect for each other and a fair match is a good idea.