Summary
The Straw Hats are the central protagonists of the entireOne Pieceseries. This pirate crew is comprised of some of the best-written and most important characters in the entire story, and they are undoubtedly some of the biggest players in the world due to being an Emperor’s crew who have had a hand in some of the most significant moments in the wider setting of the franchise.
However, for all the heights that they have reached now and as much as their legend has grown to its current state, they were all once just regular people. But, due to the direct influence of one specific person in their lives,their journey was kick-started, and they were set down the path to becoming the heroes they are now. So, let’s go over the most important person in the lives of each Straw Hat inOne Piece.
The Man Who Made Luffy Into A Pirate
Shanks' First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 1, “Romance Dawn - The Dawn of Adventure”
Luffy’s First Appearance
Luffy is perhaps the most difficult person to pin down in terms of who the person that led him to become the man that he is today could be, due to the influence of major characters like Ace, Sabo, and even Garp to an extent. However, none have had as major of a role inmaking Luffy a pirate as the notorious ‘Red Haired’ Shanks. When Luffy was young, Shanks was one of the most important people in his life. Luffy always expressed a desire to join his crew but was always refuted, though Shanks would later entrust his iconic Straw Hat to Luffy to hold onto until they met again, once Luffy became a pirate who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his idol.
The One Who Motivated Him To Become The World’s Strongest Swordsman
Kuina’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 5, “The Pirate King and the Great Swordsman”
Zoro’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 3, “Introducing Pirate Hunter Zoro”
When he was a child studying swordsmanship from the Isshin Dojo, Zoro proved to be a prodigy who was far stronger and more skilled than all of his contemporaries, except for Kuina. However, Kuina had always been upset at the fact that women aren’t generally considered to bethe world’s strongest swordsman, a concept that Zoro outright rejected. From here, the two would promise to work hard together in order to eventually become the greatest swordsmen in the world. However, Kuina died in a tragic accident, but even in death, continued to inspire Zoro’s dream of achieving these heights, which he still follows to this day by still considering her his best friend.
Sanji’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 43, “Introducing Sanji”
Chef Zeff fulfilled the role of a father in Sanji’s life better than his real one. Upon being stranded with the boy for months on a deserted island, Zeff gave Sanji all the food they had in store while severing and eating his own leg, just so Sanji had enough to survive. This was one of the most courageous acts in the entire series, and from here, Sanji would go on to becomeone of the cooks on Baratie, where Zeff would instill within him some of the most important values that still ring true to Sanji to this day, specifically about the value of good food and how none should be left hungry, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Nami’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 8, “Introducing Nami”
In Nami’s backstory, the truth of Arlong and his evil actions was shown, when he first invaded Cocoyasi Village and proceeded to rob the locals of a lot of money. Bell-mere was Nami’s adoptive mother and only had enough money for either one adult or 2 children, so she ended up sacrificing herself in order to save Nami and Nojiko, anevent that traumatized the young Nami. However, as harrowing as this experience was, Nami then sought to work for Arlong so she could eventually make enough money to free the village from Arlong’s clutches, mirroring what her mother did for her.
Robin’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 114, “The Course”
When it comes to bleak backstories, Robin’s is one of the most traumatizing in the entire series. Due to her Devil Fruit abilities and the absence of any close family, she was always ostracized and made fun of when she was a kid. However,when Saul arrived on the island of Ohara, he became Robin’s only real friend and even played a pivotal role in inspiring her to set out to sea to become an archaeologist. It was his immortal words that inspired her to always keep laughing, never lose hope, and always keep going because she will eventually come across those who will accept her.
Usopp’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 23, “Captain Usopp Appears”
Usopp’s journey began in Syrup Village, where he was essentially known as the boy who cried wolf. However, his tall tales would gain a little bit of a following, particularly from Kaya, the only daughter of a rich family who perpetually remained sick.Usopp would always tell her his fantastical storiesto keep her happy since much of her life was spent in discomfort, something that she greatly appreciated. So much so that, upon defeating Kuro, she gifted Usopp and the Straw Hats with the Going Merry.
Chopper’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 134, “Dr. Kureha”
Just like most other Straw Hats, Chopper’s backstory is incredibly sad, with many fans considering it the saddest of them all. Although he was cast out and rejected by both his original reindeer family as well as the humans of Drum Island, he eventually came across Dr. Hiriluk,a crazy doctor who treated his wounds. Hiriluk had a policy of helping anyone that he could, regardless of background, eventually adopting Chopper as a son and instilling the values of a doctor into him. To this day, these values remain within the Straw Hat’s doctor, who credits Hiriluk as his greatest inspiration.
Franky’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 329, “My Name Is Franky”
Tom was a Fishman who lived in Water 7 and was renowned far and wide as the greatest shipwright in the world, making incredible inventions such as the Sea Train and the legendaryship of the Roger Pirates, the Oro Jackson. Similar to some other Straw Hats, Franky was abandoned by his family and was brought up by Tom, whom he looked up to as a mentor and father figure. Not only did Tom teach Franky everything he currently knows, but he also taught him the value of a ship and how he must love everything that he creates.
Jimbei’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 528, “Jimbei, Knight of the Sea”
Fisher Tiger is perhaps the greatest hero of the Fishmen. Just like every other race, the Fishmen were treated like animals by the Celestial Dragons, and Fisher Tiger was eventually imprisoned and branded by them. However, he managed to escape Marijoa, freeing many slaves in the process. Eventually,he formed the Sun Pirateswith other Fishmen, of which Jimbei was the second-in-command. Seeing the tragic passing of his friend and captain instilled a resolve within Jimbei to help the oppressed, which he chooses to do with the Straw Hats.
Brook’s First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 442, “Adventure in the Demonic Sea”
Brook is the beloved musician of the Straw Hat Pirates who was introduced in Thriller Bark, so it was amazing to see that he and Laboon used to be inseparable. Back when Brook was alive as the musician of the Rumbar Pirates, they took in a baby Island Whale who had been abandoned by its pod, who they eventually named Laboon. However, asthe journey forward was to become far more perilous, they had to reluctantly leave him behind. So, once Brook joined the crew, he was excited to learn that, with them, he would meet Laboon once again, which he had wanted for decades.
One Piececan be streamed onCrunchyroll.
One Piece
One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The series follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew as they explore the Grand Line to find the King of the Pirates' ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the next king. The manga’s popularity helped it spin off into a larger media franchise, including an anime with more than 1,000 episodes.
