Is One Piece repeating the mistakes that led to Naruto's controversy?

As One Piece enters its climactic stages, with major mysteries unraveling, a growing number of fans express concern that the narrative is mirroring issues that once sparked controversy in Naruto. The core of the debate lies in the perceived rapid escalation of power levels and the introduction of characters with seemingly god-like or near-immortal abilities.

Following their victory over Kaido in the Wano arc, the Straw Hat Pirates have consistently faced adversaries representing the world's most formidable powers. The current Elbaph arc continues this trend, introducing characters like Imu, speculated to be the world's supreme ruler, and mythical figures such as the Rain God Zaza. These entities are portrayed as possessing power far beyond previous established benchmarks, leading to discussions about the series' power scaling.

Many fans draw parallels to the later stages of Naruto, where the narrative shifted focus from ninja tactics to conflicts involving divine beings like Kaguya Otsutsuki. This shift was criticized for overshadowing tactical battles and diminishing the roles of supporting characters. A similar concern is now being voiced for One Piece: that the escalating power of antagonists might sideline the strategic elements and reduce the relevance of many characters.

Furthermore, the disparity in power among the Straw Hat Pirates themselves is becoming increasingly apparent. While Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Jinbe form the primary combat force, other members like Usopp, Nami, Chopper, Brook, and Franky have had fewer opportunities to showcase significant power growth. This imbalance raises questions about their roles in the final arcs and whether they will receive narrative focus to bridge the widening power gap.