My Hero Academia Author Horikoshi Reveals Which One Piece Arc Inspired Him The Most

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This article contains spoilers for One Piece and My Hero Academia

Although *My Hero Academia* and *One Piece* have very different styles, settings, and characters, author Kohei Horikoshi has openly acknowledged drawing inspiration from *One Piece* when creating his popular series. Horikoshi grew up a big fan of *One Piece*, and while he developed his own distinctive art style, he admits the story of *One Piece* significantly influenced his own work.

Fans of *One Piece* know the series is full of captivating story arcs, and while everyone has their own preference, the creator, Horikoshi, has always considered one arc to be the most important. Let’s explore which *One Piece* arc Horikoshi favors and how it inspired him when he began creating *My Hero Academia*.

Horikoshi Loves Arlong Park

An Intense Story Arc Packed Full Of Emotional Moments

In an interview, manga authors Horikoshi and Oda discussed what they appreciated about each other’s work. The conversation had a mentor-student dynamic, with Horikoshi explaining how much he admired Oda and how motivated he was to reach the same level of success. When asked about Oda’s influence, Horikoshi mentioned Oda’s artistic style, particularly his eye drawings, but focused more on the impact of *One Piece*’s storytelling, specifically one particular story arc.

Horikoshi has stated that the Arlong Park arc is a particular favorite of his, and it actually inspired him to create a protagonist like Luffy. Because Arlong Park was the first arc in *One Piece* where the consequences felt truly significant, it’s a very impactful and memorable part of the story. It’s understandable why Horikoshi, having read it when he was younger, found it so inspiring.

Many *One Piece* fans say the Arlong Park arc is what truly got them invested in the series, as it’s where the characters face a seemingly unbeatable foe and are pushed to their limits. While the arc is full of memorable scenes, creator Kohei Horikoshi has specifically mentioned one particular moment that he often remembered while creating *My Hero Academia*.

“Help Me…”

Nami’s Emotional Plea Had A Big Impact On Horikoshi

Every fan of *One Piece* remembers the incredibly emotional scene where Nami cries after Arlong breaks his promise to free her village. Even though Arlong had stolen from her friends and appeared to leave them, Nami realized she needed help and turned to Luffy, the only person she felt she could rely on. The creator of *One Piece*, Eiichiro Oda, has even highlighted this as a particularly impactful moment from the Arlong arc, and it’s easy to understand why.

Kohei Horikoshi said he really enjoyed the Arlong arc, particularly the conversation between Luffy and Nami, which he found to be a standout moment.

Luffy isn’t someone to be underestimated, but he’s fiercely loyal to his friends, even those who’ve wronged him. A perfect example of this is when he entrusted his treasured Straw Hat to Nami before facing Arlong, showing how deeply he cares about protecting people from injustice and selfishness. This is just one instance that highlights his genuine strength and dedication as a pirate captain.

When Horikoshi and Oda had this conversation, *One Piece* was already a long-running series. The fact that Horikoshi remembered this specific early moment shows how much it resonated with him. Considering this, it’s clear how this moment, and the entire Arlong Park arc, later inspired elements and characters in *My Hero Academia*.

Arlong’s Influence On My Hero Academia

Horikoshi Took A Few Notes From Oda’s Early Story Arc

The Overhaul arc in *My Hero Academia* shares strong similarities with the Arlong arc from other anime. Both feature a helpless character – Eri in one case, Nami in the other – who is abused by a seemingly unstoppable villain. Just as Luffy is driven to defeat Arlong for the harm he caused Nami and her village, Deku feels the same urgency to take down Overhaul. He’s so determined to stop Overhaul’s exploitation of Eri’s Quirk that he pushes himself to his absolute limit, using one hundred percent of his power.

Similar to Nami, Eri was incredibly vulnerable and emotionally overwhelmed at this time. This pushed Deku to do everything he could to save her and ensure she could have a free and happy life after the fighting ended.

“Eri, you’re the one who saved me” – Deku

Horikoshi appears to have echoed the dynamic between Luffy and Nami with the relationship between Deku and Bakugo. Though Bakugo frequently bullies Deku, having known him since childhood, Deku still sees him as a friend. This creates a complex bond similar to the one seen in One Piece.

The dynamic between Deku and Bakugo in *My Hero Academia* echoes a similar relationship seen between Luffy and Nami in *One Piece*. Even though Nami initially betrayed her crew, Luffy stuck by her and ultimately understood her true character. While it took longer for Deku to see past Bakugo’s tough exterior, Bakugo eventually reveals he’s secretly admired Deku for years, but struggled to show it. Kohei Horikoshi, the author of *My Hero Academia*, has created a truly unique shonen manga, but a clear influence from *One Piece*, particularly the Arlong Park arc, is visible in his work.

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2025-09-20 13:35