Luffy, the protagonist of the popular anime and manga series One Piece, is loved by many characters throughout the story thanks to his kind hearted nature and unwavering determination. In this article, we will explore the different characters who have shown affection or admiration for Luffy and discuss why he is so beloved.
Luffy’s Crew
As the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy has gathered a crew of trusted friends who would follow him to the ends of the earth. Each member of the crew loves Luffy in their own way.
Roronoa Zoro
The first to join Luffy’s crew, Zoro is extremely loyal to his captain. Though he often acts stern, Zoro deeply respects Luffy’s resolve and commitment to becoming the Pirate King. He is willing to lay down his life if it means helping Luffy achieve his dream.
Nami
While Nami is often exasperated by Luffy’s carefree attitude and recklessness, she cares for him greatly. She knows that despite his childish behavior, Luffy has a wisdom when it comes to understanding people’s suffering. He saved her hometown and freed her from the tyranny of Arlong. For that, she is eternally grateful to him.
Usopp
As a notorious liar and scaredy-cat, Usopp relies on Luffy’s courage to give him strength. He strives to become as brave as his captain one day. Though he quarreled with Luffy at one point and left the crew, he regretted it immediately and admired Luffy even more after being accepted back.
Sanji
The chivalrous chef of the crew, Sanji often gets into petty arguments with Luffy over food. However, he respects Luffy immensely for his determination and kindness. He knows that Luffy judges people based on their character, not background. Luffy’s acceptance of anyone into his circle has allowed Sanji to grow.
Tony Tony Chopper
Chopper, the crew’s doctor, views Luffy as a role model. Luffy was the first human besides Dr. Hiriluk to accept Chopper for who he was. Since joining the crew, Chopper strives to become stronger like the captain he adores. He even mimics Luffy’s mannerisms at times.
Nico Robin
Robin has suffered betrayal and discrimination her whole life. But Luffy accepted her unconditionally and declared war on the entire world just to get her back. His actions showed Robin that she deserved to live. She admires Luffy’s compassion and his resolve to never abandon a friend.
Franky
The cyborg shipwright is a tough, macho man. But even he can’t help tearing up from time to time over Luffy’s sentimental moments. Franky respects Luffy’s determination and how he brings out the goodness in others. He’s proud to help Luffy by building and maintaining the Thousand Sunny.
Brook
After being alone for decades, Brook found a new lease on life thanks to Luffy’s invitation into the crew. He is endlessly grateful to Luffy for giving him the chance to fulfill his old crew’s promise. Like the others, Brook admires Luffy’s unwavering dedication to his dream and his friends.
Allies
In addition to his crew, Luffy has made many powerful allies during his journey who have grown to love him and his adventurous spirit.
Jinbe
The honorable fishman was ready to lay down his life for Luffy during the war at Marineford. He respects Luffy deeply for being willing to challenge the social status quo and bring fishman and humans together as friends. To Jinbe, Luffy represents the future where all people are equal.
Trafalgar Law
Though Law began as just an ally of convenience, he grew to admire Luffy’s reckless charisma and sincerity. Law had given up hope on making it to the end of the Grand Line, but Luffy’s determination reignited his dreams. He is grateful to Luffy for giving him purpose again.
Mr. 2 Bon Clay
Okama queen Emporio Ivankov and his follower Bon Clay helped Luffy escape from prison during the war to save Ace. Bon Clay sacrificed himself to enable Luffy’s escape. He tearfully declared that he had no regrets, for he had known the pleasure of friendship thanks to Luffy.
Boa Hancock
The beautiful Shichibukai and queen of Amazon Lily fell madly in love with Luffy after he saw past her beauty and showed her kindness. She remains infatuated and even declared Luffy to be her husband. She helped him many times during the war out of her devotion.
Bartolomeo
The crazed pirate fanboy saw Luffy compete in the Colosseum tournament and immediately declared his undying loyalty. He was so devoted that he even willingly took a point blank explosion to protect Luffy. Bartolomeo proudly views his connection to Luffy as his greatest accomplishment.
Common Citizens
Regular people throughout the world who Luffy has helped along his journey also love and admire the future Pirate King.
Tama
A little girl from the Wano Country who gave Luffy her last rice ball even when she was starving. Luffy later saved her from Beast Pirates who were going to kill her for information. Tama hoped she could join his crew one day to thank him.
Koby
Luffy’s first friend in the navy remains eternally grateful to him for saving his life and helping him become stronger. Koby knows he only made it this far thanks to Luffy’s influence early on when Luffy saved him from a villainous crew.
Makino
The kind woman who cared for Luffy and Ace as children back in Luffy’s hometown. She loves Luffy like a son and proudly follows all his daring exploits through the news. She prays for his safety and success in achieving his dream.
Sabo
Luffy’s sworn brother admired Luffy’s courage to be free. After spending years repressing his emotions to survive in a noble family, Luffy reminded Sabo of his true desire to go out to sea and live freely. He remains devoted to protecting Luffy’s dream.
Enemies
Remarkably, even some villains who started out as Luffy’s enemies developed a grudging respect for his determination and strength of character.
Smoker
The determined marine chased Luffy across the first half of the Grand Line, but grew to respect him as a worthy opponent. He recognizes that Luffy follows his own principles and is willing to save lives. Though he will not stop trying to catch Luffy, he does not view him as evil.
Crocodile
After initially dismissing Luffy as a weak rookie, Crocodile was surprised by Luffy’s ability to defeat him. In the war at Marineford, Crocodile stepped in to save Luffy’s life multiple times, indicating he respects his former enemy’s resolve. He wants to see if Luffy can really become the Pirate King.
Bellamy
This pirate initially mocked Luffy’s dreams and assaulted his crew. Yet after being beaten by Luffy, Bellamy’s perspective changed. He realized Luffy truly had the strength of will to achieve the impossible. During the Dressrosa arc, Bellamy voluntarily fought to protect Luffy.
Fujitora
Despite being an admiral for the navy, Fujitora respects Luffy’s goal and actions. He understands that the World Government is not always righteous. After battling Luffy, he agreed to keep his presence in Dressrosa secret to give him time to escape, acknowledging him as an honorable man.
Katakuri
The strongest warrior of the Big Mom Pirates fought against Luffy during the Whole Cake Island arc. At first Katakuri saw Luffy as just an impudent rookie. But fighting him made Katakuri realize Luffy had the potential to surpass him. He gained respect for his opponent’s determination.
Why Luffy is so Loved
What is it about Luffy that makes him so beloved by friend and foe alike? Here are some of the key reasons this humble, carefree pirate earns such admiration.
He sees the good in everyone
Luffy is able to look past people’s appearances and backgrounds to see the good in their hearts. He recruits crewmates from unlikely places and earns support from reformed enemies. Luffy judges people by their character alone.
He never abandons his friends
Once you become Luffy’s friend, he will stop at nothing to help you in your time of need. He always forgives past mistakes and faces down any odds to rescue a friend or protect them from harm.
He brings out people’s dreams
Luffy inspires others to believe in their own hidden potentials and big dreams. His bold vision makes people want to strive for more than they thought possible. Luffy pushes people to their limits to achieve greatness.
He stands up for the weak
Like all good-hearted pirates, Luffy hates when the strong abuse their power to hurt others. He steps in to defend the downtrodden and give them hope. Luffy’s desire for justice earns people’s love worldwide.
He never gives up
No matter the odds, Luffy will always rise to fight again for what he believes in. His tenacity both reassures allies and earns enemies’ begrudging respect. You can always count on Luffy to come through thanks to his endurance.
Conclusion
Monkey D. Luffy has earned a reputation not just as a formidable pirate, but as a kind-hearted man who inspires others constantly. Friends, rivals, civilians, and even former villains all grow to love his honest nature, his resolve to do right, and his ability to make people go beyond their limits. Though his quest to become Pirate King continues, Luffy will no doubt make many more allies, admirers, and loved ones as his adventures progress. His one-of-a-kind spirit and willpower make him a character that is easy to fall in love with for readers and characters alike.