Ranked: Luffy's Unbreakable Bonds in One Piece

Summary

Luffy has formed close bonds and unique relationships with many different characters.
Dadan acts as Luffy’s adoptive mother, Sabo is a beloved older brother, and Sanji is a trusted friend and chef.
Luffy shares strong connections with Nami, Zoro, Usopp, and Shanks that shaped his journey and redefined his character.

One Piece‘s Monkey D. Luffy stands out as an intriguing and lovable lead character due to several factors such as his amiable demeanor, humorous exploits, exaggerated combat methods, and above all, his unique talent for forming deep connections with others very swiftly.

Due to various circumstances, there are several significant bonds in Luffy’s life that he cherishes deeply, and he has demonstrated time and again his readiness to surpass boundaries for his friends, kin, and comrades. However, it is these eight relationships, forged during his numerous escapades, that stand out as the most crucial ones in Luffy’s life.

8. Curly Dadan

She’s Basically His Adoptive Mother

First Appearance: Chapter 440 (Manga) Episode 324 (Anime)

From an outside perspective, it’s yet unveiled who Luffy’s biological mother is, but truth be told, it doesn’t seem to matter much because he already has a significant maternal figure in his life. Curly Dadan, the leader of a mountain bandit gang, was compelled by Monkey D. Garp to look after both Luffy and Portgas D. Ace for an extended period of time.

Although initially hesitant due to her lack of experience in child-rearing, Dadan eventually developed a profound love for her adopted sons and was ready to sacrifice herself to keep them safe. Just before embarking on his pirate voyage, Luffy thanked her for all the care he received and expressed his affection for her. In response, she became keenly interested in tracking his progress and rejoiced in every one of his achievements, embodying the proud mother she truly was.

7. Sabo

His Beloved Older Brother That Came Back From The Death

First Appearance: Chapter 583 (Manga) Episode 494 (Anime)

Sabo is one of Luffy’s childhood friends, who took on a role similar to an older brother for him. After fleeing from his cruel home, Sabo chose to live with the mountain bandits. Unlike Ace, Sabo was more patient and gentle with Luffy, and Luffy learned much from this relationship.

overjoyed that his cherished elder brother had returned to him, especially following Ace’s demise during the Marineford War. From then on, they supported each other as much as possible, despite their paths diverging.

6. Sanji

The Best Chef In The World Is Also One Of His Closest Friends

First Appearance: Chapter 43 (Manga) Episode 20 (Anime)

It’s worth noting that Luffy cherishes his crewmates almost equally, having developed significant bonds with each one. However, it’s clear that he has stronger ties with some than others. For instance, Sanji holds a unique position in Luffy’s heart because he often provides him with meals, which might seem like a jest, but to Luffy, those who nourish him are particularly important.

Absolutely, it’s clear that Sanji’s bond with Luffy extends beyond their shared love for food. Sanji is not just a friend who enjoys meals, but also a robust, intelligent, and reliable companion. His distinctive abilities have rescued the Straw Hat Pirates numerous times. It’s no surprise then, that when it came to rescuing Sanji during the Whole Cake Island Arc, Luffy didn’t think twice. This act of bravery ranks among the most touching moments in the story for the main character.

5. Usopp

A Friend His Age That He Can Goof Around With

First Appearance: Chapter 23 (Manga) Episode 8 (Anime)

The heartwarming bond between Luffy and Usopp is equally charming and significant. Throughout most of his life, the series’ protagonist primarily associated with individuals who were older (such as Ace, Sabo, Garp, or Dadan). However, upon meeting Usopp, he found a rare opportunity to forge a connection with another youngster around his own age.

Together, they’ve lived through countless adventures – from playful antics on board their ship to battling a mutual foe – and it’s truly heartwarming to witness Luffy’s unwavering trust in Usopp’s specialized marksmanship skills whenever the situation calls for it. Despite Usopp’s vulnerabilities, their bond remains strong. However, their temporary separation during the Water 7 Arc was deeply affecting, not just for them but also for viewers, as it served to strengthen their relationship even further upon Usopp’s return to the crew.

4. Nami

The Most Important Woman In His Life

First Appearance: Chapter 8 (Manga) Episode 1 (Anime)

Given that Curly Dadan was one of Luffy’s rare positive female role models during his upbringing, it’s no wonder he eventually formed a friendship with a woman who shared similar traits as her. To put it simply, the unique bond between Luffy and Nami, marked by cuteness, humor, and something extraordinary, stands out among all relationships within their crew.

From the start, I noticed Luffy’s immediate pull towards Nami. Despite her initial act of deception, he swiftly aided her in defeating Arlong, a feat accomplished under her name, unaware of her past. This decisive moment forged an indelible bond between them, transforming her into one of Luffy’s most trusted and devoted companions. Time and again, they have demonstrated their profound affection for each other, a connection that runs deeper than blood — although Nami often serves as the voice of wisdom, reminding him to exercise caution when his actions veer towards recklessness.

3. Roronoa Zoro

His Closest And Most Loyal Friend

First Appearance: Chapter 3 (Manga) Episode 1 (Anime)

One captivating friendship that stands out in the world of One Piece is the bond between Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro. From their very first encounter, they displayed an exceptional connection, and Zoro, initially respecting Luffy as his new captain, soon grew to admire him deeply. Regardless of their contrasting personalities, they have consistently strengthened each other across various storylines. Together, they strive relentlessly towards their individual aspirations.

Through their friendship, Zoro has evolved into Luffy’s trusted deputy and closest ally. This role necessitates a touch of gravity from time to time, as he occasionally reminds Luffy of his duties. Yet, this role has turned out to be indispensable for the captain, further solidifying their bond. The heartwarming scene when they reunited during the Wano Country arc beautifully demonstrated Luffy’s affection towards Zoro – a sentiment that makes him feel uneasy embarking on adventures without his reliable companion, Zoro.

2. Shanks

The Mentor That Inspired Him To Become A Great Pirate

First Appearance: Chapter 1 (Manga) Episode 1 (Anime)

Due to being largely ignored or neglected by much of his family during his early years, Luffy found a strong connection with pirate Shanks at a young age, an association that ultimately had a profound impact on his life and character. Shanks and his crew were known for their warmth, humor, and kindness, qualities that quickly earned the admiration of the young boy, setting him on a path of respect and emulation.

However, when Shanks rescued Luffy from the Lord of the Coast by giving up his own arm, it was the point at which the main character truly understood what being a pirate really meant – a concept that was further emphasized when Shanks presented him with his treasured straw hat and instructed him to return after he had become a great pirate on his own. Although they haven’t met in quite some time, it is evident that Luffy still admires Shanks deeply, not only due to their upcoming reunion but also because he has no qualms about confronting anyone who speaks ill of his mentor, as readers saw just recently during the Elbaf Arc when he attacked Loki.

1. Portgas D. Ace

He Was Willing To Go To War With The World For His Older Brother

First Appearance: Chapter 154 (Manga) Episode 91 (Anime)

Monkey D. Luffy and Portgas D. Ace shared a childhood bond, and despite their distinct personalities, they forged an unshakeable friendship that significantly impacted their life journeys. In the Arabasta Arc, when they reconnected, it became clear that Ace continued to view Luffy as his cherished little brother. Consequently, he asked the Straw Hat crew to look after him and safeguard him from Smoker and the other Marines.

During his upbringing, Ace served as one of Luffy’s significant role models, and his affection for him was evident, leading him to bravely venture into Impel Down alone to free him after the World Government captured him. When this plan fell through, he intervened in the conflict at Marineford, a war unrelated to him, solely for the purpose of rescuing Ace. However, the tragic and emotional death of Luffy’s older brother was a profound shock. Though it left Luffy heartbroken, it also served as a catalyst for growth, reminding him that he needed to become stronger in order to protect all his valuable relationships. Ace’s legacy lies in this lesson, and if he were still alive, he would undoubtedly be proud of Luffy’s progress.

2025-03-29 08:06

Ranked: Luffy’s Unbreakable Bonds in One Piece