Pickle in Baki – Could He Be the Most Powerful Non-Hanma Fighter?
In Baki by Keisuke Itagaki, Pickle stands out as a truly unique character — a prehistoric warrior perfectly preserved in stone for millions of years. With primal strength and animalistic battle instincts, Pickle’s presence raises a compelling question: Is he the strongest character outside the Hanma family? Let’s break down his power and compare him to other fighters across the series to find out.
Pickle – The Prehistoric Powerhouse
Origin and Characteristics
- Backstory: Pickle was discovered in a salt mine in Colorado, essentially a living fossil from the dinosaur era (Chapter 161). He once hunted a Tyrannosaurus Rex, proving strength far beyond any modern human.
- Physical Build: Standing over 8 feet tall and weighing roughly 200 kg of pure muscle, Pickle has monstrous raw strength, incredible speed, and near-inhuman endurance. He doesn’t use martial arts — he fights purely on instinct (Chapter 165).
- Personality: Though non-verbal and beast-like, Pickle displays flashes of emotion, even shedding tears after a hard-fought battle (Chapter 192).
Notable Feats
- Dominating Fighters: Pickle defeats Retsu Kaioh, a Chinese martial arts master, with sheer brute force — even biting through his leg (Chapter 181). He also takes down Katsumi Orochi and overwhelms Jack Hanma (Chapter 187).
- Battle with Baki: In a near-fatal bout, Pickle nearly strangles Baki to death, forcing Baki to activate his “Demon Back” and rely on mental techniques to escape (Chapter 192).
Comparing Pickle to Other Characters
Pickle vs. The Hanma Family
- Yujiro Hanma: Known as “The Strongest Creature on Earth,” Yujiro completely overpowers Pickle in their first meeting (Chapter 198). A single punch from Yujiro knocks Pickle out cold — clearly showing the power gap.
- Baki Hanma: Though outmatched physically, Baki defeats Pickle through technique and determination (Chapter 192). At that time, Pickle is physically superior, but Baki later surpasses him (Chapter 287).
- Jack Hanma: Despite enhanced size and steroid-powered strength, Jack struggles against Pickle and ultimately loses due to his lack of flexibility (Chapter 187).
Pickle vs. Other Fighters
- Retsu Kaioh: Completely outmatched by Pickle’s raw strength, losing without Pickle needing any martial skill (Chapter 181).
- Kaku Kaioh: A 100-year-old Tai Chi master known for redirecting force. While they never fight directly, Kaku’s technique could potentially neutralize Pickle’s raw power (Chapter 235). Still, Pickle’s stamina is likely superior.
- Musashi Miyamoto: The legendary swordsman, brought back to life, is physically overpowered by Pickle (Chapter 267). Though Musashi excels in swordsmanship, Pickle’s primal force holds its own.
Pickle vs. Superhuman Characters
- Oliva Biscuit: The “Unchained” man boasts insane strength but never fights Pickle directly. Based on their feats, Pickle may surpass him in durability and instinct (Chapter 150).
- Spec: A death-row convict with terrifying strength, but Pickle’s speed and savagery would likely outmatch him (based on Chapter 165). Pickle is a true beast in comparison.
Is Pickle the Strongest Fighter Outside the Hanma Clan?
Strengths
- Primal Power: Pickle relies solely on muscle and instinct — enough to defeat most fighters in the Baki universe (Chapter 181).
- Incredible Endurance: He withstands hits from both Jack and Baki without falling, and even survives millions of years frozen in ice (Chapter 161).
- Adaptive Mind: Pickle learns quickly, imitating Baki’s fighting stances mid-battle (Chapter 192), hinting at his growth potential.
Weaknesses
- Lack of Technique: Compared to masters like Kaku Kaioh or Musashi, Pickle’s lack of refined martial arts leaves him vulnerable to strategic fighters (Chapter 267).
- Defeated by Yujiro: His loss to Yujiro proves that he’s not the absolute strongest — not even among non-Hanma characters (Chapter 198).
Strength Comparison Table
| Character | Raw Strength | Technique | Willpower | Result vs. Pickle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickle | Supreme | Low | High | – |
| Yujiro Hanma | Ultimate | High | Ultimate | Easy Win |
| Baki Hanma | High | Ultimate | Ultimate | Win via Technique |
| Retsu Kaioh | Medium | High | High | Loss |
| Kaku Kaioh | Low | Ultimate | High | No Match (Possible Win) |
What Pickle Represents in Baki
- Symbol of Primal Power: Pickle embodies untamed, natural strength — forcing modern fighters to push their limits.
- A True Benchmark: While not the strongest, Pickle serves as a measuring stick for elite fighters and the Hanma lineage.
Conclusion
Pickle is undeniably one of the strongest characters outside the Hanma family — thanks to his prehistoric power, immense durability, and fearsome instincts. He has defeated fighters like Retsu, Jack, and even rivaled Baki in physical might. However, he’s not the strongest overall. Yujiro defeats him effortlessly, and Baki surpasses him through technique. Pickle is a terrifying relic of the past, but he stands just below the peak of the Hanma bloodline.
