Who is Sabo in One Piece?

Sabo was born into a noble family in the Goa Kingdom, but his parents cared more about status than him. His father, Outlook III, dismissed his interests, even tearing up a picture Sabo drew. After getting hurt in a fight with a royal boy, Sabo's mother ignored his injuries and focused on apologizing to the other family. Realizing he was just a tool for their ambitions, Sabo ran away to the Gray Terminal, where his parents assumed he had died.

There, he met Portgas D. Ace, and they bonded over their shared dream of becoming pirates. To fund their future adventures, they stole from people in Gray Terminal. Ace also told Sabo about Monkey D. Luffy, a persistent boy trying to befriend him. Sabo suggested Ace move to Gray Terminal to avoid Luffy, but Ace refused. One day, while Sabo and Ace were counting their money, Luffy stumbled upon them and overheard their conversation about becoming pirates.

Ace and Sabo decided to get rid of Luffy to keep their secret safe but couldn’t go through with it. Before they could decide what to do next, they heard pirates approaching and set Luffy free.

The Bluejam Pirates, led by Porchemy, were searching for Ace to reclaim stolen money. They spotted Luffy, captured him, and took him away for interrogation. Fearing their treasure would be discovered, Ace and Sabo quickly moved it to a new hiding place.

Later, Sabo checked on Luffy and saw that he hadn’t revealed anything. He informed Ace, and together they stormed the pirates’ hideout. Porchemy grabbed Ace, but Sabo struck him with his staff and used a stolen knife to free Luffy. Ace chose to fight Porchemy, and Sabo joined him. Together, they managed to defeat the pirate.

After talking with Luffy, Ace agreed to let Sabo stay with them at Curly Dadan’s place. The three spent their days exploring the island, fighting animals, hoodlums, and pirates while building a reputation that spread across the kingdom.

One day, they snuck into the Goa Kingdom, ate at a restaurant, and ran off without paying. While escaping, Sabo’s father spotted him and called out, but Sabo ignored him. Later, back in Gray Terminal, when Ace and Luffy asked him about the man who called for him, Sabo admitted the truth about his past.

They continued their adventures and eventually moved out of Dadan’s hideout to live in a treehouse. At some point, Sabo asked Ace and Luffy about the 'D' in their names, but neither of them thought much about it.

One day, Sabo was captured by his father and the Bluejam Pirates. Outlook III allowed Bluejam to do whatever he wanted with Ace and Luffy, but Sabo agreed to return home without resistance if his brothers were spared. He was taken back to the Elite District of Goa.

At a checkpoint, Sabo was forced to blame Ace and Luffy for their crimes to protect his family's reputation. When he refused, his father bribed the official. Back home, he reunited with his mother and met his adopted brother, Sterry.

After being cleaned up, Sterry revealed that the nobles planned to burn down Gray Terminal the next night. Realizing they intended to kill everyone there, Sabo was furious and jumped out of a window. He later eavesdropped on a meeting, confirming the details of the plan.

The next morning, Sabo met with his tutor but was disturbed that no one seemed to care about the upcoming massacre. He ran away and spoke to two men who casually acknowledged the plan. Before he could react, police officers spotted him, forcing him to flee.

As night fell, Sabo reached the gate to Gray Terminal, which was already burning. He shouted for Ace and Luffy to escape, but guards spotted him. While running, he fell onto the road in front of Monkey D. Dragon. Sabo told Dragon that the nobles were worse than the trash in Gray Terminal and that he was ashamed to be one of them. Dragon took his words to heart.

However, he soon encountered the massive ship of World Noble Saint Jalmack. Offended that Sabo had crossed his path, Jalmack fired a bazooka at him. Sabo tried to put out the flames but was hit by a second shot, which destroyed his boat. Badly injured and drowning, Sabo was rescued by Dragon, who carried him to the Revolutionary Army's ship. There, the crew treated his injuries.

When Sabo woke up, he had amnesia and couldn’t even remember his name. Dragon revealed that he was a noble’s son, and a Revolutionary suggested returning him to his family, but Sabo refused, instinctively knowing he could never go back. Though he survived, everyone who knew him—including Ace and Luffy—believed he was dead.

Sabo stayed with the Revolutionary Army and eventually embraced their cause. He trained with the fish-man Hack, but was already so strong that Hack had little to teach him. At thirteen, he trained under Dragon and later with Bartholomew Kuma.

A year later, Koala joined the army, and she, Sabo, and Hack began working on missions together. Over time, Sabo rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Revolutionary Army’s Chief of Staff, the second-highest position in the organization.

Three and a half years before the present, Sabo, Hack, and Koala were shocked to learn that Kuma had joined the Seven Warlords of the Sea, effectively becoming a servant of the World Government. Later, Sabo heard that Kuma had saved some Revolutionaries but disappeared without saying anything. When Luffy’s first bounty poster was published, Dragon asked Sabo about Loguetown’s authority, to which he replied that Smoker was in charge.

Because of his amnesia, Sabo did not remember Ace or Luffy and did not participate in the Marineford War. However, after reading about Ace’s death in the newspaper and seeing his photo, his memories returned. Overcome with grief and guilt, Sabo collapsed with a high fever and remained unconscious for three days.

Once he recovered, Sabo was relieved to learn that Luffy had survived. He vowed to protect Luffy at all costs, determined never to lose another brother. Since Ace’s death, he had constantly wondered about his final thoughts.

Before heading to Dressrosa, Sabo visited Ace’s grave, leaving a bottle of sake with three cups as a tribute to their brotherhood. He also pinned a newspaper article about the Straw Hats’ return to the gravestone. Later, Sabo requested permission to obtain the Mera Mera no Mi, wanting to inherit Ace’s power.

Episode of Sabo (Non-Canon)

Later, he arrived in Dressrosa in disguise, ordering a feast while Koala updated him on the situation. Since the Royal Palace and Corrida Colosseum were the last places left to check for the underground weapons trade, he decided to investigate the Colosseum. There, he was shocked to learn the tournament’s prize was the Mera Mera no Mi, Ace’s former Devil Fruit.

After briefly meeting Hack, Sabo witnessed a toy slave being abused and vowed to expose Dressrosa’s corruption. While watching the tournament, Sabo immediately recognized "Lucy" as Luffy and thought about their childhood. Realizing he had to win the Mera Mera no Mi himself after Hack’s loss, he finally revealed himself to Luffy. When Luffy insisted that his "other brother" was dead, he quickly realized the truth—Sabo was alive. Overjoyed, Sabo took Luffy’s disguise to fight in his place.

In the waiting room, Rebecca noticed he wasn’t the same Lucy, but Sabo reassured her he meant no harm. Entering the final round, he clashed with Jesus Burgess using his Dragon Claw.

As chaos erupted when the toys returned to normal, Sabo destroyed the arena and seized the Mera Mera no Mi. After eating it, he saved Rebecca and revealed his identity. Honoring Ace’s legacy, he unleashed "Hiken," blasting a hole in the stadium floor.

Dressrosa Arc

Sabo, Koala, and Hack arrived in Dressrosa to stop a weapons trade run by the Donquixote Family. During the Block D fight, Sabo managed to enter the Corrida Colosseum. He interrupted Bartolomeo and Luffy’s conversation, saying the Mera Mera no Mi couldn’t go to Luffy. Bartolomeo was angry, saying Sabo had no right to talk like that to Ace’s brother and the future Pirate King. Sabo replied that he already knew who Luffy was.

Pushing Bartolomeo aside, Sabo revealed himself to Luffy. When Luffy asked how he recognized him, Sabo said he could never forget his little brother’s face. Realizing it was truly Sabo, Luffy burst into tears and hugged him in joy. Sabo was relieved Luffy was alive and asked for permission to eat the Mera Mera no Mi, which Luffy happily granted.

After Luffy left the colosseum, Sabo contacted Koala and told her about their reunion. She reassured him that even if he had been at Marineford, he wouldn’t have been able to change what happened. Disguising himself in Luffy’s former gladiator clothes, Sabo took on the identity of "Lucy" and told Koala to keep him updated on any underground activity. He then headed toward the arena, determined to claim Ace’s fruit.

Standing with Bartolomeo at the observation deck, Sabo watched as Block D’s strongest fighters were quickly defeated. He recognized the work of Cavendish’s alter-ego, Hakuba. When Rebecca was the last one standing and declared the winner, Sabo praised her skill but made it clear that he wouldn’t let her have the Mera Mera no Mi.

After leaving the arena, Sabo met Rebecca, who noticed he wasn’t the same Lucy she knew. He spoke to her briefly and walked away, realizing how similar Dressrosa was to his and Luffy’s home.

When the finals began, Sabo was the first to enter, asking Ace to watch over him. He took note of Burgess and listened as Diamante explained the rules. As the battle started, Sabo easily dodged attacks, including one from a Fighting Fish.

When the fish carrying the Mera Mera no Mi approached, Sabo jumped onto it. Diamante attacked, but Sabo broke his weapon. Burgess then tried to strike them both, but Sabo countered with his Dragon Talon, breaking Burgess’s armored arm. He knew winning the fruit wouldn’t be easy.

When Rebecca was hit by Diamante, Sabo asked Bartolomeo to protect her. He continued fighting Burgess, their battle causing more damage to the colosseum. As the toys in the audience returned to their original forms, Sabo destroyed the fighting platform.

After saving Rebecca, Koala returned his clothes, and Sabo struggled to control his new power. He revealed to Rebecca that Lucy was actually Luffy and that he and Koala were from the Revolutionary Army. He explained they were in Dressrosa to stop the production of weapons fueling wars and planned to find their source as a gift for Dragon.

Later, he and Koala reunited with Robin and met Usopp. They watched in shock as Doflamingo activated the "bird cage" and forced the citizens into a deadly game in which either they could kill him or kill the people he put a hit list on.

After Doflamingo announced his hit list, Sabo was surprised to see his name alongside Rebecca, Robin, and Usopp. As the former toys turned against them, Sabo and his group fled. He then split from them while escaping.

Meanwhile, as Luffy and his allies charged toward Doflamingo, Sabo blocked Fujitora and the Marines from pursuing them. When Fujitora asked if this was his revolutionary duty, Sabo replied that he was acting as a brother.

Sabo easily took down several Marines and shattered Bastille’s sword before defeating him. He then revealed his connection to Luffy and Ace before clashing with Fujitora. As their battle intensified, Fujitora used his gravity powers to destroy buildings, forcing Sabo to fight through the flames. Fujitora admitted he was willing to gamble his life on the fight.

Later, Sabo saved Dressrosa citizens from falling debris and freed the prisoners at the colosseum. Koala then called him to the palace, warning that Luffy’s life was in danger. Without hesitation, Sabo rushed to the palace, noticing that the Birdcage was shrinking.

When Burgess tried to kill Luffy and steal his Devil Fruit, Koala alerted Sabo. Before Burgess could land his attack, Sabo intervened, kicking him away and smiling at Luffy.

Sabo then revealed he was Luffy’s brother, shocking Burgess, who recognized him as "Lucy" from the colosseum. As Luffy promised to defeat Doflamingo, Sabo entrusted Gatz to him. Burgess, wanting Sabo’s Devil Fruit, attacked, but Sabo countered with a powerful strike, sending Burgess crashing through buildings.

By the time Luffy defeated Doflamingo, Sabo had also beaten Burgess. When Burgess asked if Sabo would kill him, Sabo said he had no reason to. However, Burgess taunted him with Ace’s last words, enraging Sabo. He grabbed Burgess by the face, and when Burgess attempted to stab him, Sabo blasted him away with Hiken. Koala then contacted him about a list, but Sabo quickly hung up.

Later that night, Sabo visited Luffy while he rested at Kyros' house. He told Robin he was leaving because CP0 was returning for the revolutionaries. After explaining his past to Zoro, Franky, and Robin, he gave Zoro a Vivre Card for Luffy and kept a piece for himself. He then entrusted Luffy’s safety to the Straw Hats, which Zoro found amusing since Ace had done the same.

Sabo contacted Hack before heading to the harbor on a flock of birds. The revolutionaries then left Dressrosa, taking all evidence of the Donquixote Family’s smuggling operation before CP0 could recover it.

One Piece Film: Gold (Non-Canon)

Sabo and Koala sailed to Gran Tesoro to rescue Raise Max. The next night, when the Marines attacked, Sabo stopped Rob Lucci from attacking Luffy. They fought briefly until Gild Tesoro’s defeated body fell between them, prompting Lucci to leave. Sabo then returned to the Revolutionary ship, and he, Koala, and Raise Max escaped safely.

Zou Arc

After returning to Baltigo with the stolen weapons, Sabo reported to Dragon and then trained with his new flame powers.

From the Decks of the World: The 500,000,000 Man Arc

Sabo, Dragon, and Koala read about the Straw Hats' new bounties as news of their victory at Dressrosa spread worldwide.

Whole Cake Island Arc

Later, a newspaper reported that Blackbeard had attacked Baltigo. By the time the Marines and Cipher Pol arrived, the island was already destroyed.

Levely Arc

Sabo later infiltrated Mary Geoise with Lindbergh, Morley, and Karasu, disguising himself as a guard. While on a bondola with Sterry and the Neptune Family, he calmed Sterry, who was scared of some crows. Hiding underground with the revolutionaries, Sabo vowed to rescue Kuma from slavery.

One Piece: Stampede (Non-Canon)

Sabo arrived at Delta Island for the Pirates Festival hosted by Buena Festa. When Douglas Bullet went on a rampage, Sabo briefly fought Smoker to a draw before Trafalgar Law proposed a plan to defeat Bullet. Luffy, Hancock, and Crocodile attacked Bullet, allowing Law to weaken his Haki.

Sabo and Smoker then landed a combined attack, destroying Bullet’s right arm. Luffy delivered the final blow, and the group took down Bullet’s colossus.

Afterward, Sabo confronted Buena Festa, who mourned Bullet’s failure. When Festa tried to shoot him, Sabo defeated him with Hiken and captured him. As the Marines launched a Buster Call, Sabo asked Ann to create an illusion of Ace.

He then used his fire powers to shield the pirates from Kizaru’s attacks, creating a firewall to help them escape. Luffy saw Sabo and the Ace illusion working together to protect everyone.

Wano Country Arc

On the fourth day of the Levely, Sabo rescued Kuma while Karasu and Morley fought Fujitora and Ryokugyu, and Lindbergh freed the slaves. Sneaking into the castle, Sabo defeated the guards holding Kuma’s keys. He was surprised to find Jewelry Bonney there and learn she was Kuma’s daughter.

After giving her the keys, he told her to escape and asked about her plans. She mentioned heading to Egghead for information from Vegapunk. After saving her from guards and overhearing talk of a “Lost Chamber,” he directed her to an escape route before heading back inside.

Sabo and his team successfully escaped Mary Geoise. While there, he entered Pangaea Castle’s throne room and saw the Five Elders and Imu preparing to execute Nefertari Cobra. He attacked, but they fought back.

When Cobra asked why he was helping, Sabo stated the Revolutionary Army’s goal was to take down the World Nobles. As they tried to escape, Cobra revealed the Nefertari Family carried the Will of D., making Sabo think of his sworn brothers.

The two were struck down, but Cobra sacrificed himself, using his last words to tell Sabo to deliver a message to Luffy and Vivi. Sabo later escaped but was framed for Cobra’s assassination.

Egghead Arc

Due to his injuries from saving Cobra, Sabo was separated from the other commanders and hid in Lulusia Kingdom, one of the eight nations that revolted against the World Government. His alleged assassination of Cobra made him even more famous than Dragon.

Sabo managed to contact the Revolutionary Army, but without a White Den Den Mushi to jam signals, the Marines intercepted his call and traced his location. However, he had already escaped with several Lulusia citizens who had taken up arms against the government.

He assured the Revolutionaries that he did not kill Cobra, but before he could reveal what he saw in the Empty Throne Room, Imu destroyed Lulusia. The Five Elders then ordered the event to be erased from history.

Forced into radio silence, Sabo later sent a signal to confirm his safety. He eventually reached Momoiro Island with the Lulusia survivors and held a private meeting with Dragon and Ivankov, fearing that what he had witnessed at the Levely was too dangerous for others to know.

During the meeting, Sabo confirmed to Dragon and Ivankov that the mission was a success. The Revolutionary Army declared war by destroying the World Nobles' symbol, rescued Kuma and the slaves, and cut off the nobles' food supply. When Dragon mentioned that Cobra’s death made Sabo a public hero, Sabo acknowledged the impact but accepted the burden for the rebellion’s sake.

Ivankov then showed Sabo the article blaming him for Cobra’s assassination, prompting him to recount the events of the Levely. He also described witnessing Lulusia’s destruction and revealed that he had seen Imu. Ivankov speculated that Imu could be Nerona Imu from the First Twenty, who may have achieved eternal youth.

Later, Sabo and the Revolutionaries watched Vegapunk’s broadcast about the Void Century. While others were shocked to learn the ancient world sank into the ocean, Sabo remained silent. He became particularly interested when Vegapunk mentioned those with the initial "D.," thinking of Ace and Luffy. As the message ended, Sabo realized the World Nobles’ choice to live on the Red Line made sense due to rising sea levels.

Since he was a child, Sabo always had high physical capabilities. It was due to the harsh training he had as a child. He was able to fight a massive man and beat Luffy and Ace in matches too. He was also a skilled thief and he was able to rob a lot of people. He was very fast and agile too and was skilled in the art of stealth.

After joining the Revolutionary Army and personally being trained under Monkey D. Dragon he attained immense physical strength as an adult. His level of agility had also increased by a lot. He is very skillful in hand-to-hand combat too. He excelled in the rigorous training that was done in the Revolutionary Army.

As an adult, he was able to shoot down a master fighter with extreme physical strength with a single punch. He could fight at the same level as Fujitora, a Marine Admiral, and is a skilled swordsman. He single-handedly defeated Burgess, a very powerful member of the Blackbeard Pirates. He uses a metal pipe as his fighting weapon.

Some of Sabo's special abilities included:

Devil Fruit

Sabo ate the Mera Mera fruit (the previous user was Ace) which gave him the ability to control and transform his body into fire at will. At first, he was unable to control the powers but he eventually got a hang of it. Although he hasn't fully grown accustomed to his new abilities, he adapted as he underwent practice and training. He can use Ace's signature technique 'Hiken' which allows him to transform his arm into a large, powerful fire blast. He can also use these flames to augment his Ryusoken style as well as imbue his weapons with fire.

Haki

Sabo can use the Busoshoku Haki. It is the form of Haki that allows the user to use their spiritual energy to create an invisible armor around themselves which gives them amazing offensive and defensive skills. He can imbue this haki into his weapons. He can even use the Kenbunshoku Haki. It is a form of Haki that grants the user a sixth sense that allows them to sense the presence, strength and emotions of others as well as gain precognitive abilities. He is quite skillful in the usage of this Haki.

Ryusoken

Ryusoken is a fighting style that revolves around the use of grips. Sabo mastered this technique and his grips are so strong that they can break armor, swords, and even artillery. He claims that his fingers are like claws and he uses his haki to strengthen his fingers.

Sabo vs Burgess

This battle took place during the Dressrosa arc when Luffy was fighting with Doflamingo.

Sabo vs Admiral Fujitora

This battle took place during the Dressrosa Arc too.

Sabo vs Vice Admiral Bastille

This battle took place during the great Marineford battle.

• "Everything will be decided here."

• "My fingers are the Dragon's Claw! They are meant to shred arrogant forces!"

• "Everything has a "core". Consider it... you'll see it is true!

• "Victory is mine! However, one cannot be careless."

• "Run away before these claws crush your skull!"

• "My goal requires you to disappear!"

• "So you have that much power. What should you do? Decide the future!"

• "These claws will crush those who follow the World Government."