As of where I am in One Piece (episode 972), this is still my favorite fight in the series. Bar none. The sheer intensity, speed and tension this fight had is unmatched, and the ending to this fight is legit one of my favorite endings to a fight... EVER.
Even with the use of the Eight Gates, which greatly enhances one's physical abilities, it may not be enough to fully defeat Pain during his attack on Konoha. Pain, also known as Nagato, possessed immense power and was the leader of the Akatsuki organization. He had the ability to manipulate multiple bodies using the Rinnegan, an incredibly powerful dojutsu. Even if Might Guy, who is known for his mastery of the Eight Gates, were to join the battle, Pain's abilities and the sheer number of bodies he can control would make it incredibly difficult to defeat him. Additionally, Pain had access to a range of powerful jutsu, including the Almighty Push and the Almighty Pull, which could easily overpower even the strongest opponents. In conclusion, while the Eight Gates can provide a significant boost in power, it may not be enough to overcome Pain's overwhelming abilities and the sheer numbers he can command.
I might even say rob lucci was maybe a bit *stronger* than Luffy in this fight. But Luffy is just so damn determined and stubborn his willpower got him through anyways. Just one of those fights in One Piece where you really get to see Luffy’s determination.
What I always will love about part one is how unpowered Luffy is compared to all his opponents, but the very fact that his will is so strong-it leads him to win! He doesn’t even know about his haki yet, all he knows is that he can’t give up or he’ll grow weaker and lose. Which is why when he lost Ace, I believe he lost his will to fight and his strength. So recovering from that must’ve been difficult.
