10 Old Generation Characters Likely to Return in One Piece’s

The original era of One Piece featured some of the most formidable pirates and marines ever to sail the seas, with legendary figures from both sides of the law leaving indelible marks on the world's history. While many of these iconic characters have either died or retired, the fanbase remains convinced that numerous old-generation powerhouses will resurface to influence the story's conclusion.

Rocks D. Xebec stands as perhaps the most enigmatic figure from this bygone era. As captain of the strongest pirate crew of his time, Xebec earned his legendary status through numerous fearsome exploits, most notably the God Valley Incident. During that climactic confrontation, he faced off against both Garp and Roger simultaneously, resulting in all three combatants becoming severely weakened. His apparent defeat at Garling's hands remains shrouded in mystery, leading some theorists to speculate he may still be alive somewhere, possibly even hidden within Elbaf's legendary realm.

Sengoku, the former Fleet Admiral, represents one of the old generation's most underrated warriors. Regarded as Garp's equal and one of only two marines whom Roger himself viewed as a true rival, Sengoku possessed immense strength despite his limited on-screen combat displays. Though still alive and maintaining ties to the World Government, his involvement in the Final Saga appears unlikely as a combatant, given his current administrative role and retirement from active fighting. However, his character suggests he may eventually shift his allegiances, though probably without playing a major fighting role.

Golden Lion Shiki remains one of the most powerful figures still unaccounted for. A prominent member of the Rocks Pirates, Shiki demonstrated extraordinary strength by simultaneously battling both Garp and Sengoku in a confrontation that devastated Marineford itself. After escaping Impel Down using his flight-granting Devil Fruit, his current whereabouts remain unknown. A popular theory identifies him as the mysterious Man Marked by Flames, suggesting he could emerge as a crucial character in the franchise's endgame.

Big Mom and Kaido present intriguing possibilities based on the fandom's unofficial rule that characters remain alive unless explicitly confirmed dead. Both were last seen being defeated in Wano, with Big Mom thrust into Mt. Fuji's volcano and Kaido pushed into the mountain by Luffy, Law, and Kid. Neither received explicit death confirmations, and their extraordinary durability raises questions about their survival. A prevailing theory suggests both may resurface during the Final War, potentially commanding the legendary Ancient Weapon Pluton, which supposedly rests beneath Wano since the Void Century.

Rayleigh, the Dark King, stands among the most likely returnees. As the Right Hand of the Pirate King and one of history's greatest Haki masters, Rayleigh served as Luffy's mentor during the two-year training period. Despite his advanced age and diminished physical capabilities, his knowledge of the world's secrets and his recognition of Luffy as the person his former captain awaited make him essential to the Final Saga. He will almost certainly fight alongside Luffy and the Straw Hats in their final confrontation.

Scopper has already begun playing an active role in the current Elbaf Arc. As one of the old generation's most significant figures and a master of Haki, Scopper demonstrated his formidable abilities by inflicting damage on Imu despite his advanced age and frail appearance. During recent events, he lost an arm while battling Imu, potentially limiting his future combat effectiveness. Nevertheless, his crucial knowledge and his role in providing the Monster Trio with necessary power enhancements make him indispensable to the story's conclusion.

St. Figarland Garling, the long-time Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, represented the World Government's strongest force during the old generation, second only to Garp. His prominence during the God Valley Incident established him as a major player in that era's conflicts. Since then, his elevation to Warrior God of Science and Defense among the Five Elders has granted him tremendous power increases through Imu's enhancements, likely including a Yokai transformation. This makes Garling one of the primary antagonists the heroes must ultimately defeat.

Garp, despite his advanced age of 78, remains a formidable force. As one of the few marines considered equal to the old generation's greatest pirates, Garp mastered Conqueror's Haki at legendary levels. His recent capture by the Blackbeard Pirates will almost certainly lead to his liberation during the Final Saga, after which he will undoubtedly unleash devastating attacks against major villains. His strength continues to inspire respect throughout the world.

Finally, Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King himself, represents the most speculative possibility. Though publicly executed and famously deceased, most fans theorize he will return in some form—whether as a spirit, essence, or through unexplained means—to complete his narrative arc and guide Luffy toward fulfilling the ancient plan of Joyboy. His return would represent a fitting conclusion to the legacy he initiated when he sparked the Golden Age of Pirates from his execution platform.