If you’re an avid anime fan, then you definitely know about One Piece. It’s by far one of the longest reigning Anime series lasting a total of 909 episodes. If you’re in fact new to One Piece, this story revolves around a young boy, Luffy with the superpower of elasticity.
Monkey D Luffy is known sets sails from the East Blue Sea in search for the coveted treasure of One Piece and be called the King of the Pirates. Along the way, he invites characters to be allies in his ultimate quest (many of whom are quoted in this article). Luffy often times rescues people in danger such as Roronoa Zoa, a swordsman. Other characters who’ve joined aboard are Nami, the navigator; Usopp, a snipel; Vinsmoke Sanji, a chef and others.
With any anime series, there are common themes that play a role in the series. We’ll share the 10 most memorable quotes when it comes to comerady and sticking up for your friends.
1. Unbreakable Bond
“Our bond can’t be broken even if anyone tries.” – Sabo
Sabo is a great example of a former villain turned hero. Sabo met Luffy after stealing money and expensive jewelry. He originally tried to kill Luffy, however he ended up saving Luffy due to the fact he’ll reveal his hideout. Through their fighting encounter with the Bluejam Pirates, Sabo formed a new connection with Luffy and joined allies with him.
Friends may come and go. Bonds can’t be broken. Once you’ve experienced deep emotions together, there will always be a bond. For example, even if you’re miles away from your parents, you still have a bond that keeps you together.
2. Fight for your comrades and protect what you love
“If I can’t even protect my captain’s dream, then whatever ambition I have is nothing but talk! Luffy must be the man who becomes the Pirate King!” – Roronoa Zoro
Zoro had many reasons to leave Luffy and in fact kill him at first. However, Luffy saved him from Zoro from execution. This allowed Zoro to continue his dream of becoming the greatest swordsman in the world. And Zoro in turn supports Luffy to become the pirate king. This created a strong bond where Zoro is the first to join Luffy’s crew.
Having someone you are living everyday for allows you to define a purpose. For example, if your parents are your heroes, you should fight everyday to make them proud. If you have a child you want to protect, you should fight everyday to make your child happy.
3. See the good in others
“Old man, everyone! And you.. Luffy. Even though I’ve been good for nothing my whole life, even though I have the blood of a demon within me. You guys still loved me! Thank you so much!” – Portgas D. Ace
Portgas D Ace was a true companion of Luffy and even sacrificed himself to protect Luffy. This became the catalyst for Luffy to train for two years in order to protect his comrades. Luffy wanted to ensure that none of his friends would die again.
It’s important to see people for who they really are rather than what people would judge them for. Learn to see the strengths in people.
4. Stand Up for your friends
“You can spill drinks on me, even spit on me. I’ll just laugh about it. But if you dare to hurt my friends… I won’t forgive you!” – Shanks
Although Shanks doesn’t appear much in the series, he is known for inspiring Luffy to go on his adventures to becoming a pirate. Shanks gave his straw hat to Luffy and serves as a symbol to achieve his dream. One could denote that Shanks is a hero to Luffy and Luffy learned to treat his friends well partly because of Shanks.
Loyal friends are hard to find. If you find one, make sure to cherish and protect it. If someone is taking advantage of your friend, it’s your job to step in.l
5. Keep your friends close and enemies closer
“It’s not some sort of special power. He has the ability to make allies of everyone he meets. And that is the most fearsome ability on the high seas.” – Mihawk Hawk-Eyes Dracule
Dracule Mihawk plays a huge role in the skill development of both Luffy and Zoro. Mihawk is crowned as the best swordsman in the world and easily defeats Zoro. With the opportunity to kill Zoro after the duel, he spares him. Later, he ends up mentoring Zoro and takes an interest in helping both Zoro and Luffy achieve their lofty dreams.
The people who can make new friends and turn them into faithful allies are extremely dangerous. Think about the biggest cults ever made such as Hitler. Or think of the movie Fight Club. Cults are formed when you create a mission so powerful that everyone is willing to die to accomplish the mission.
6. Don’t let fear of judgment affect you
“I don’t care now. I wanted to look like a human because I wanted friends. Now I want to be a monster who’s helpful to Luffy.” – Tony Chopper
Tony Chopper is the 5th member to join Luffy’s crew and is a very trusting individual. Chopper is on a journey to find himself and tries to attach himself to characters in the crew. To him, his destiny is to play an important role in helping Luffy become Pirate King.
Having a friend who is willing to bend over backwards for you is someone worth cherishing. On the flip side, you don’t want to change who you are for the sake of acquiring new friendships. Only the real friends will accept you and highlight your uniqueness.
7. Help a friend in need
“If you kill yourself, I’ll kill you!” – Zoro Roronoa
Once Luffy helped Zoro, he was forever indebted to Luffy. In fact, he often made statements saying he’ll do whatever it takes for his captain. Having an ally like that is more than just a friend, but a brotherhood.
A true friend is someone who knows your best interest. They wouldn’t let you put yourself in harms way. For example, if you see a friend addicted to drugs, it’s your duty as a friend to help them.
8. You’re never alone
“Loneliness is no longer part of my vocabulary.” – Brook
Brook joined Luffy’s crew as the 8th member. Previously, he had been lonely and longing to reunite with his old friend Laboon. Once ignited with Luffy, he wants to be the coveted musician of the ship that Luffy has been looking for.
Out of all human sufferings, loneliness might be the worse. It’s why prison is one of the harshest punishments. You’re forced to be alone. Learn to remove lonely from your vocabulary and you’ll begin to see your life change.
9. Humans bond together
“Protecting what we cherish most as men is the reason why we formed this pirate crew!” – Usopp
Similar to the other crew members, joining Luffy’s ship gave Usopp new meaning into his life. Usopp is mainly known for being a coward, however this journey gives him an opportunity to become a brave warrior of the sea like his father.
Often times, humans bond together over common ground. For example, if two people both suffered tragedy, typically they form a brotherhood. Another example is going through rigorous training such as the military. The armed forces develop a brotherhood that can never be broken due to all of the experiences you have together.
10. Nothing is worse than loneliness
“Being alone is more painful than getting hurt.” – Monkey D Luffy
Luffy’s dream to become a pirate king was never a selfish dream. In fact, he wanted to prove he had the best team in the seas, “the straw hat pirates.” Luffy is very reckless, but this is why he formed a unified team with characters that unique individual strengths.
When it comes to galvanizing and connecting people, nobody does it better than Luffy. Since Luffy was abandoned by his father, he always felt empty inside. And this pain drove him to want to help others.
There’s a famous saying that goes, “two heads are better than one.” Never think you need to do it alone.