Monkey D. Luffy

Monkey D. Luffy (モンキー･D･ルフィ) is a pirate and the main protagonist of One Piece. He is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. He is the first member that makes up the crew. He is currently one of eleven pirates who have been referred to as "The Eleven Supernovas". He has gathered up a notorious reputation, even among the Three Great Powers, committing actions that were considered crimes by the World Government. Starting with the incident of Enies Lobby, Luffy has commited "crimes" back to back in every major arc, against the World Government. This, in addition to his heritage, causes Sengoku to consider Luffy to be a "dangerous future element."

Crew
To find such loyal companions... your son is indeed amazing... Dragon.

-Bartholomew Kuma, commenting on Luffy and his crew Because he is the captain and recruited all the crew mates, Luffy cares tremendously for his crew. As far as captaincy to Luffy is concerned, he sees his other crewmates as equals in contrast to other pirate captains, who mostly sees theirs as subordinate underlings (his crew mostly calls him by name, rather than with an honorific or "Captain"). Much like his idol, Shanks, Luffy is the kind of benevolent pirate captain who doesn't seek to actively harm others unless they give him and his crew (or anyone he cares about) a very good reason to. Though during the Jaya arc he was willing to start a fight with Blackbeard over a difference in taste. Luffy also has the rare ability to cheer up just about anyone with his idiotic antics, even pulling a smile every now and then from the serious Zoro and Robin. Usopp and Chopper, as the youngest of the crew, often join him in singing and fooling around. Brook, the newest member, also joins in with the three because of his fun-loving personality. Though she respects him as a captain, Nami often scolds Luffy's airheaded-ness, but he never gets angry at her, even when she manipulates him. As the first crewmate to join The Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro and Luffy have a very close bond which is underlined by their tremendous amount of trust and respect for one another, to the point where Zoro is willing to die for Luffy's dream to become Pirate King and sacrifice his own dream of becoming the world's greatest swordsman. Robin is especially grateful to him for taking her in despite the risks it involved as well as for pursuing her all the way to Enies Lobby. He adores Sanji's cooking, especially meat, dropping anything he's doing for a meal and liking it despite Sanji's claim that he puts considerably less effort into his food than for the women's meals.

He likes to make fun of others imperfections and character traits, such as Zoro's bad sense of direction (though he is barely better). Luffy also likes to comically imitate his crew members, and sometimes even himself; despite nearly dying from being frozen by Aokiji, he covered himself in flour and hopped while frozen in a pose to imitate the experience.

Friends
It's not some sort of special power, but he has the ability to make allies of everyone he meets. And that is the most fearsome ability on the high seas...

-Hawkeye Mihawk, commenting on Luffy at the Battle of Marineford

Luffy shares a strong relationship with Shanks, the pirate who saved his life ten years ago in his hometown, and looks up to him as his role model of an ideal pirate. Shanks and his crew are the ones Luffy proclaimed he would beat as they were leaving Luffy's hometown. Luffy will often defend his friend when others insult him and was relieved to hear from his grandfather that Shanks and his crew were okay. Part of Luffy's dream is to return the hat Shanks gave him when he becomes a great pirate.

Luffy has since worked diligently on keeping that promise and is known famously as "Monkey D. Luffy", or simply "Straw Hat Luffy". Most people don't take his goal seriously, until they see his absurd strength. Mihawk, Blackbeard, and Kidd are the only ones who truly acknowledged his dream right at the start.

Luffy befriends most of the civilians he meets on his journey, who normally fear him for being a pirate but hold him in admiration by the time he moves on to the next adventure. He is especially quick to befriend people, often calling people whom he has known less then a day his friends and being willing to go as far as necessary for them.

While Koby, the first person Luffy met on his journey, acknowledges that as he is a Marine, they will inevitably have to fight, they consider each other friends, as Luffy helped Koby muster the courage necessary to become a Marine.

Luffy has made a friendly rival in the whale Laboon. And, after painting the Straw Hat's jolly roger on Laboon's forehead, promised the two will finish their fight with each other the next time they meet.

Luffy is good friends with Vivi, who was with them all throughout the Arabasta arc, and he even considers her an honorary nakama and Straw Hat crew member.

Luffy is also good friends with Bon Kurei (even to the extent of him asking if in the future if he could to join the Straw Hats) after Bon Kurei apologized for causing them trouble in Arabasta, and distracted the Marines so the Straw Hats could escape. Bon Kurei went as far as to give his life away to save Luffy and other prisoners by posing as Magellan and ordering the opening of the Gates of Justice during the Impel Down Arc.

As of recently, Luffy has also managed to befriend the Gorgon Sisters, despite their previous attempts to kill him for seeing the mark on Shichibukai Boa Hancock's back, which the other two sisters also have. The mark was of the Tenryuubito, proof that they were once a slave to them, and they would have rather die than show the mark to anyone. During a fight with Hancock's sisters, when Sandersonia's mark was about to be revealed, Luffy served in preventing everyone present from viewing it as a form of respect to his opponents, claiming that their secrets have nothing to do with their fight. This sparked up past memories in Hancock, and revoking her decision to eliminate him. Upon further testing his selflessness, she reveals their past to him, and Luffy forgives them, showing that he only hates the Tenryuubito who did all of them wrong, earning their friendship and (without his knowledge) Hancock's love. He has come to greatly appreciate Hancock in return, as she helped him in the two major instances of helping him break into Impel Down and giving him the key to Ace's seastone handcuffs.

He also has a very friendly relationship with the entire population of Amazon Lily, as it seems every single Kuja practically worships him, as they have never seen a man before, and for the fact that he is a friend of the empress. They even went as far as selling "touches and pokes" of Luffy for 20 gold pieces each. Most of them affectionately refer to him as "Luffy-sama".

In Impel Down he also befriended Ivankov and Inazuma the former of whom is currently helping Luffy to save Ace due to the fact that he is one of Dragon's closest nakama and feels that it is his duty to help Luffy. Before directly encountering him, however, Ivankov and all of his Okama followers were already aware of Luffy's status as not only a pirate but Impel Down's first-ever intruder through the Den Den Mushi surveillance systems within the Great Gaol, and he unintentionally achieved a celebrity status within New Kama Land as a result.

It's notable as well that Luffy has connections to the some of the most powerful organizations or people, mostly through his extensive and famous family. His known family alone, has him connected to powerful members in the Revolutionary Army, Marines, and Whitebeard. Besides his family, he has Shanks, Rayleigh, Boa Hancock, Jinbei, Coby, and Helmeppo, who connect him to another Yonkou, the Shichibukai, and again the Marines. As The Kingdom of Arabasta is an affiliate Nation of the World Government, through Vivi (and by extension, Cobra) he may also possess some influence there. Therefore in the reigning World Powers, he only doesn't have connections in the Gourousei.

He has gained the assistance and admiration of all of the Whitebeard Pirates and allies, namely Whitebeard himself, in his quest to save Ace. After seeing the lengths to which Luffy would go to save Ace, Whitebeard even remarked that he wouldn't forgive Marco if he let Luffy die.

Enemies
Even the Marines started to take him more seriously after he defeated the villainous Marine Captain "Axe-Hand" Morgan and several known pirates such as Captain Buggy the Clown, "Pirate Admiral" Don Krieg, and Arlong the Fishman. A 30,000,000 bounty was placed on his head after he had beaten Arlong and the Marines were cautious about Arlong's defeat because it had brought to question the worth of their units. This reward eventually becomes 100,000,000 after he defeated Crocodile, when the World Government deemed him a serious threat for beating one of their Shichibukai. After the invasion of Enies Lobby, where they declare war on the world government itself, the government raised the bounties of the entire crew; Luffy's was raised to 300,000,000.

His personality has left an imprint on a few of his rivals, with both Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid being left with respect for him after he boasted he will be the one to find One Piece. They departed on good terms and all three agreed to meet up again in the New World. Other rivals among the Eleven Supernovas are not so happy with Luffy, with Bonney claiming that she will finish them off herself if she ever meets them in the New World, upset with Luffy causing trouble for her and the others by forcing Kizaru to arrive.

During his voyage, Luffy has had a few meetings with the Marines, from the not too serious looking return of Ironfist Fullbody (whom Luffy met first by the Baratie) and Commodore Smoker of Loguetown, to Admiral Aokiji. While some are easy to defeat, Luffy has been unable to defeat Smoker or Aokiji due to their powerful Logia abilities, and has resorted to running away from Smoker when he encounters him.

Luffy has passed several islands on his way to and along The Grand Line, including Drum Island, Little Garden, Arabasta, and Skypiea. He has met many new allies, as well as making several powerful enemies, such as Crocodile, Enel, Rob Lucci, and Gecko Moria, often inadvertently becoming an obstacle to their schemes, befriending one of their enemies, or being targeted by them, and then proceeding to fight against and defeat them. Some of Luffy's enemies, such as Alvida and Buggy the Clown seek revenge on him for defeating them, though currently Buggy is helping (un-willingly) Luffy rescue Ace.

After being completely defeated in the Sabaody Archipelago and failing to save a single crewmate from Bartholomew Kuma's repeling abilities, Luffy has sworn to defeat him, Sentoumaru and Admiral Kizaru.

Luffy also has a friendly to enemy relationship with Marshall D. Teach. When they first met in the Wild Cherry, they were rivals over some petty things over favorite foods. Blackbeard then gave Luffy a friendly speech over not to forfeit on dreams, despite Blackbeard's later attempt to capture Luffy for his high bounty. However, during the mass breakout attempt in Impel Down, when Luffy learned that the man is Blackbeard, the one responsible for Ace's capture and impending execution, Luffy flew into a rage and attacked. Though this led to them becoming enemies, Blackbeard continued to encourage Luffy to follow dreams, and he tried to hold off Magellan (if only for his own reasons).

Monkey D. Garp
Though the two of them get along fine, Luffy is utterly terrified of his grandfather Garp. This is due to the extreme training he was put through in his younger years in his bid to make Luffy a Marine, as well as Garp's tendency to punch Luffy to discipline him. Garp has high expectations for Luffy, but to Garp's dismay, Luffy does not share his grandfather's ideas on his future. . However, Garp respects Luffy as a great person, even if he is a pirate. He often brags about Luffy to his superior Sengoku, laughing whenever Luffy does something audacious and is prone to saying "That's my grandson after all." much to Sengoku's exasperation. When Sengoku is talking with Garp and Kuma, Garp says that Luffy isn't the type of person that brags about defeating someone of Moria's caliber, arguing that Bartholomew Kuma did not need to kill Luffy to keep Moria's defeat a secret. When Luffy entered the battle of Marineford, Garp recognized him and looked shocked and horrified at the sight of his grandson entering the fearsome battle. Later, as the battle rages on, Garp merely looks resigned as his grandson furiously makes his way to the execution platform.

Monkey D. Dragon
Luffy has only just recently discovered that Dragon the Revolutionary is his father, so the two have yet to talk to each other. In fact, their only meeting is where Dragon rescues Luffy from being captured by Smoker, and the only thing Luffy says to him is when he asks "who's there?" while being pinned headfirst into the ground by Smoker. It is unclear whether he cares for his son's life, however Dragon saved Luffy in Loguetown and seems to expect great things from him, much like his grandfather. However, unlike Garp, Dragon seems content with letting him find his own place in the world, although he believes they will meet someday.

Portgas D. Ace
Ace and Luffy are very close to each other. They grew up together back in their hometown and from time to time fought, with Ace always winning even after Luffy acquired his powers. Luffy displayed no grudge against Ace for always winning, but instead boasted that he could win now (though he appears to still acknowledge that Ace is still the stronger of the two). Despite the battles they fought Ace was protective of Luffy from Garp's abusive nature even going as so far to insult him to stop abusing Luffy. However, while they are loving brothers to each other, Luffy always makes Ace angry and worried by doing something reckless. As such, Ace readily believed Boa Hancock when she told him that Luffy broke in to the prison. Even near his death, Ace grew angry with Luffy's reckless infiltration into Impel Down, while the endangered Luffy was worried about Ace's safety so much he has even snuck in the world's greatest prison, lost 10 years of his life, and even risked his arms to attack Magellan.

While Ace regards Luffy as his brother and even acts like him, it is revealed, moments before his execution that Ace was a child of Gol D. Roger, and that he chose his mother, Portgas D. Rouge's surname, which makes them brothers through adoption. A flashback shows Luffy and Ace first meeting as young children, which means that Luffy is aware of this fact. When this happened, Luffy had already have his signature straw hat and his scar under his left eye, which means this was after Shanks left the Fuschia Village and gave his straw hat to Luffy and he has gained his devil fruit powers, who for that time was 7 years old. Sometime after meeting Ace he managed to find out that he was the son of Gol D. Roger.

Other
Though neither his mother nor his grandmother have been shown, in the Grand Line Times a "?" was left in the place of both Dragon and Garp's wives. Though Oda may not decide to ever state who the women in Luffy's family are this leaves the spot open to suggest they may be mentioned later. It is unknown how they may be related, but anyone carrying the Will of D may also be related to Luffy, such as Jaguar D. Saul, Marshall D. Teach and Gol D. Roger.

Abilities and Powers
As the top fighter of the Straw Hats, Monkey D. Luffy has extraordinarily inhuman strength, enough to break through stone and shatter steel with his bare hands, and can move at extreme speeds, eventually catching up to even the speed of weaker CP9 agents without the use of his Gears. Luffy's sheer physical strength and dexterity is a result of his grandfather's unorthodox training methods and he claimed he had a punch as powerful as a pistol even at seven years of age. He is also at around a Shichibukai level of strength due to defeating enemies of that caliber (though it is unknown how strong each of the Shichibukai are in comparison to each other). However, it should be also noted that all of the known members of Luffy's family have superhuman strength. Luffy's greatest feat of strength is seen when he is trapped between two enormous buildings and escapes by pushing them away. He is also capable of amazing feats of agility and possesses great endurance and reflexes to match his strength and speed. In fact, on more than one occasion, Luffy was able to anticipate and counter attacks that would normally be beyond his field of vision due to his sharp reflexes. His strength is only exceeded by his enormous willpower, as demonstrated on several occasions throughout the series, most noted of all in the Thriller Bark Arc when he manages to take in 100 shadows without passing out, compared to normal humans, who can only take in 2 or 3. This willpower even lets him survive far beyond what normal people are capable of, as demonstrated recently when he was poisoned very far beyond what a human is capable of surviving, only living on despite his critical condition through sheer willpower, and also shown when he survived through Emporio Ivankov's "Healing Hormones" ability, which even with a slim chance of surviving had not only survived the endeavor, but made a recovery in twenty hours when the healing procedure for those that do survive is two days.

Unlike Zoro or Sanji, Luffy's fighting style is freestyle and improvised; it follows no particular code of honor, and so if necessary he will attack women or animals, hit below the belt, attack even if enemies have their backs turned on him or are otherwise unprepared or unsuspecting, use enemies as human shields or even bite his opponents. While fighting, Luffy can also think on the spot, and come up with creative counterattacks against his enemies. This however leads both enemies and allies alike to wonder if Luffy is taking the fight seriously, especially when he comes up with ridiculous moves (like Crocodile when Luffy became Mizu Luffy), which prompts Luffy to respond that he's always serious. He also appears to be intelligent enough to at least understand fundamental concepts, such as rubber being a natural insulator, which might be why he did not bother ducking out of the way of Enel's lightning attacks as it would have been pointless to do so since he is immune to such attacks. He also is heavily susceptible to any form of hypnotism and doesn't have the sense to turn away, such as Jango's hypnotism powers or Miss Goldenweek's Colors trap. He is also easly distracted when he sees someone that's just too cool, like seeing Chopper's transformations for the first time,the Sunny go's goan cannon, a energy beam from a Pacifista or recently his new fighting form made from Mr 3's Wax-Wax fruit powers, he ignores everything around him. Regardless, while easily noticeable as the least strategic member of his own crew, due to his tendency to simply barge in head-first into battle (often without any kind of battle plan or even any knowledge of his opponent's abilities), Luffy is a highly adaptive combatant. He is constantly coming up with ways to keep ahead of his foes, either by taking advantage of his own strength and Devil Fruit powers or utilizing the opponent's own strengths(along with their weaknesses) against them. This causes even warriors long considered unbeatable to have trouble keeping up.

Luffy also has the mysterious and uncanny ability to, while completely asleep, eat as if he were awake, even able to know when more food has been placed on the table. This is probably purely based on muscle memory since all Luffy does best is fighting and eating. Another running gag in the series is about Luffy is his inability to draw. In the start of the Arlong arc, imagining how a Fishman would be Luffy drew a fish with tentacle-like paws and an anthropomorphic fish with arms, legs and hair. Before the Straw Hats arrived at Water Seven, Luffy drew a childish picture of what he wanted the future shipwright to look like. This inability also extends to Jolly Rogers: the first Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates was a bad drawing designed by Luffy himself (he later used a similarly bad drawn version of his Jolly Roger as a promise marker on the face of Laboon) while also drawing a bad version of Foxy's flag after taking it from him in the Davy Back Fight arc. He also possess extraordinary jaw strength, as seen in the Buggy arc in the manga, where he had almost chewed through the metal bars of the cage Buggy put him in. He also managed to give Rob Lucci a small bite wound. He was also given incredibly dangerous training from his grandfather (thrown into a bottomless ravine, tied to a balloon, thrown into a forest at night, etc.) when he was a kid which supposedly led to his amazing ability to pull through anything.

According to Mihawk, Luffy has the most dangerous ability in the world; that of turning anyone around him into his allies, including former enemies.

Devil Fruit


Luffy has gained extraordinary stretching powers from eating the Gomu Gomu no Mi (lit. Rubber Rubber Fruit, Gum-Gum Fruit in the English dub), which is one of the rare and legendary Devil Fruits. After consuming the Gomu Gomu no Mi, Luffy's body becomes like rubber, giving him the ability to stretch long distances. Having trained hard for ten years, Luffy is able to supplement his stretching powers with immense strength, agility, and creativity in combat. His fighting style is largely improvised, and heavily reliant on his Devil Fruit. It should be noted, Luffy can't automatically stretch his limbs (like superheroes with stretching powers, i.e: Mr. Fantastic or Plastic Man) since his body acts more like a rubber band, thus has to throw some force into it in order for his limbs to stretch out. However, he can hold his limbs outstretched for a long time, as seen when he reaches his arm out about half a mile to retrieve Usopp from Water Seven.

Luffy uses his stretching power in ingenious ways. He is able to use the malleable stretchiness of his limbs to gain tremendous velocity and hit enemies with devastating impact. His rubber body is also extremely durable and virtually immune to blunt objects such as bullets (in One Piece, bullets are still round pellets), punches and electricity, either reflecting off his body harmlessly or being absorbed into him. It's even become a running gag that people find out the hard way Luffy is made of rubber when they shoot at him, only to have the bullets bounce right back. Another running joke is that whenever Luffy's body is in peril that would kill a normal human, he says that he's made of rubber, so its okay. However, he is still normally susceptible to sharp objects such as swords and knives. He can not only use his ability to increase the range and strength of his attacks, but he can also use it to restrain and even control foes like puppets.

Like all Devil Fruit users, Luffy cannot swim, however unlike other Devil Fruit users he doesn't avoid water sports. Even though blunt objects do little damage to him, sharp blades or points can harm him, as well as nonphysical attacks like flames, explosions, poison, freezing and dehydration.

Gears
Gear Second is where Luffy uses his legs to pump up his heartrate to levels that are normally impossible. His veins are able to withstand this, thanks to the Gomu Gomu no Mi. During the Enies Lobby Arc, Rob Lucci mentions that this is just like steroids because his muscles are receiving enough blood to do things otherwise impossible. Rob Lucci also noted that Gear Second does damage to Luffy's own body and in turn reduces his lifespan.

Gear Third is where Luffy pumps air through his bones to make them literally gigantic. Obviously, only Luffy can do such a thing by using the Gomu Gomu no Mi. The aftereffects of this, however, is that Luffy is reduced to a child-sized proportions, the duration of which is equal to the time he spent in Gear Third.

Haoushoku Haki
Luffy has also begun to awaken a "Haki" ability, similar to one used by his hero Shanks. He has a variety of Haki called "Haoushoku", a style of Haki possessed in one in a million people, and is said to be the "The King's Disposition". This power first manifested itself when Luffy scared off Motobaro, Duval's bison steed, and made it faint. The first time that Luffy's possession of "Haōshoku" was recognized by others was when he made the warriors of Kuja tribe faint just by yelling "I SAID STOP!". It was here that Boa Hancock, another user of "Haōshoku ", commented on how he had this level of Haki, but not the ability to control it.

Luffy's usage of Haki was also seen when he used it against the wolves of Level Five of Impel Down. This was when Luffy was at the point of his own death from being poisoned by Magellan, and Bon Kurei was being attacked by the wolves. Luffy used his Haki in his attack when he was enraged when Blackbeard provoked him over Portgas D. Ace's imminent execution at Impel Down. After receiving an attack from Luffy, Blackbeard states, "...his Haki has improved as well..." Thus far he has displayed limited to no control over this ability, and does not seem to realize he has it, but will use it on instinct whenever it seems to be most needed, and can still use it even when extremely injured. He mostly uses it when his friends are in danger or when he truly can't use his own power to win. He appears to have recently developed the ability to predict his opponent, by instinct, during his skirmish with Mihawk. This is most likely because of his Haki. Luffy also appears to be able to direct his Haki to a certain point, as when Bon Kurei was being attacked by by the wolves. Luffy's Haki surge succesfully affected all the wolves, but Bon Kurei himself seemed unhurt by it (his fainting a moment later was mostly likely due to exhaustion from his injuries). His increasing control over Haki seems to progress, as seen during the battle of Marineford, where he rendered Ace' executioners unconsious from a distance, and while at the same time, showed no effects of affecting Emporio Ivankov (who was in close proximity of himself). It's also debatable that Luffy first unintentional use of Haki was in Water Seven where the waves exploded with Luffy's anger.

During Luffy's fight with Mihawk, Luffy stops his Gomu Gomu no Jet Bazooka mid strike when he has a vision of his arm being cut off by Mihawk. It is unknown if this is due to simple experience or a prediction of an attack similar to what Boa Sandersonia did when she read Luffy's movements while they fought. Mihawk remarks that the move showed that Luffy was "suprisingly clear-headed".

Luffy uses another burst of Haōshoku Haki, when he sees Ace about to be killed, and it's clear that he's knocked out quite a number of both the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates.

Romance Dawn
Master Rayleigh, I was really surprised!! Over in the East Blue...! There was a kid who said the same things as Captain Roger...! Those words, that the captain once said...!

— Shanks to Rayleigh, talking about Luffy.

When Luffy was young he met a band of pirates led by a kindly pirate captain named Red-Haired Shanks. Luffy befriended that band of pirates and from that moment on wanted to become a pirate as well. Luffy stabbed himself under his eye to show that he was tough enough to join Shanks's crew. During a scene with Shanks and Higuma the Bear, a local mountain bandit that insulted Shanks and his crew, Luffy accidentally ate a Devil Fruit known as the Gomu Gomu no Mi and unwittingly turned himself into a rubber man/boy. Initially this situation affected Luffy badly as it meant he could never be able to swim again. This was a great weakness to anyone who would journey the seas as a pirate or otherwise. This however didn't deter Luffy's dream and Luffy was once again determined to become a pirate.

Later Luffy stood up to Higuma on behalf of Shanks. He was easily defeated, however, and got caught up in a hostage situation. His captors were defeated by the Red-Haired Pirates, but the bandit leader Higuma had fled out to sea with Luffy. While out at sea, Higuma threw Luffy in the ocean, only to be attacked by a Sea King moments later while he was laughing at Luffy. Higuma was eaten, but Shanks managed to save Luffy, however the incident cost Shanks his left arm.. Shortly after, Shanks set sail along with his crew, but before leaving, he and Luffy promised each other that one day Luffy would surpass Shanks and become the Pirate King. Then Shanks left Luffy his straw hat as a parting gift, telling him to return it once he surpassed him.

Sometime later, Garp took Luffy into the care of Dadan. This was the first time Luffy met Ace. Luffy and Ace would fight, but Luffy could never beat him (despite having the Devil Fruit's abilities)

After ten years of training, Luffy left his village on a small boat. He then waited out upon the open sea for the Lord of the Coast. With a rubber fist, he punched the Sea King in the face. With plans to create his own Jolly Roger and to get at least ten crew members, he then decided to begin his journey as a pirate and sailed on.

Luffy's First Battles and Nakama
While sailing across the ocean, Luffy accidentally came across a whirlpool. To escape from it, Luffy hid inside a barrel as the whirlpool sucked his boat in. He and his barrel were recovered some time later by some pirates who were in service of Alvida. Luffy then came out from his barrel much to their surprise and met up with Koby. After defeating Alvida, Luffy was able to free Koby from his servitude and acquire a small boat. As he and Koby were sailing to the next island so that Koby can enlist in the Marines, Luffy decided to seek a bounty hunter who was imprisoned there. Luffy decided to ask the infamous pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro, to become the first of his crew.

Upon arrival in Shell Town, Luffy and Koby learned the truth about Zoro through Rika. With this in mind, Luffy decided to free Zoro from Captain Morgan and Helmeppo. With the promise of giving Zoro's swords back if he'd join Luffy's crew, Luffy went into the Marine Base and caught Morgan's wrath. After witnessing Zoro's unique fighting style, Luffy fought with Morgan in which he defeated the captain. The Marines seeing their corrupt leader finally defeated rejoiced and allowed Luffy and Zoro to go free. However as Luffy and Zoro were pirates, the Marines asked them to leave the island. As they were leaving, Commander Ripper asked about Koby's past. To help Koby fulfill his dream, Luffy pretended that they weren't friends and provoked koby into starting a brief fight between them. After Luffy beat Koby, Luffy and Zoro upon leaving were saluted by Koby and the Marines for their efforts. Luffy and Zoro then sailed onto their next destination.

While sailing, Luffy realized that neither he or Zoro knew how to navigate. With this, they decided to get a navigator for their crew. While pondering on this, Luffy decided to get them some food. Luffy spotted a bird named Pinky flying above and decided to catch it. Unfortunately, the bird instead caught him and flew away with Luffy in his beak. Luckily, the bird was shot at and Luffy was dropped in the middle of Orange Town. While in Orange Town, Luffy met up with Nami and asked her to become the navigator of his crew when he learned of her abilities. Nami was initially not thrilled at first at Luffy's offer and instead tricked him into being captured. Luffy was then sent before the captain of the pirates that had taken over the town, Buggy. Through some luck where in Zoro came to Luffy's rescue, Luffy and his companions were able to escape from Buggy. Unfortunately, Luffy had been locked in a cage and the three had learned that Buggy had eaten the Bara Bara no Mi, as well as zoro gaining a not-quite-lethal stab wound.

After escaping from the cage during some incidents with Shushu and Mohji, Luffy decided to battle against Buggy and his crew. Using one of Buggy's cannonballs against him, Luffy was able to take out most of Buggy's crew. With most of Buggy's crew defeated, Luffy and Zoro battled against Buggy and his second mate, Cabaji, respectively. During the battle, Luffy's hat got torn and Luffy learned of Buggy and Shanks serving together on the same pirate ship, later revealed to be gold roger's ship. With fierce determination for his treasure, Buggy decided to attack Nami also. Luckily during the fray however, Nami was able tie Buggy's body parts up so that Luffy could deliver the final blow.

After defeating Buggy, Luffy and his companions found themselves in a situation. Due to Luffy knocking out the village chief, Boodle, the villagers got mad at them and decided to chase them. Luckily for Luffy and his companions, Shushu decided to repay his debt with Luffy by stopping the angry villagers. As Luffy and his companions decided to sail on to the next island, they were thanked by Boodle for all their hard work. Luffy, with his new navigator, Nami, then sailed on to the next destination.

Of Forest Guardians and Liars
After sailing for awhile and getting his hat restitched thanks to Nami, Luffy and his crew then went to an island in hopes of finding some food and possibly a new crew member. The island they came however was deserted and was apparently filled with all sorts of strange animals. As Luffy and Nami explored the forest, a mysterious voice called out to them. This voice threatened them with forest judgment unless they left the island. Luffy was then shot but was luckily saved thanks to his powers. Nami and Luffy then found that the shot came from a man with a large green afro in a box, Gaimon. After sorting out the misunderstandings, Gaimon, Luffy, and Nami talked about One Piece and the Grand Line. Gaimon then explained his predicament and his past. Luffy, learning about this, decided to help Gaimon. Luffy, with his powers, scaled the hill where Gaimon's treasure was supposedly located. However when he found the treasure boxes, Luffy revealed that they were unfortunately empty. Gaimon however, was grateful that he was able to learn the truth before he died. Afterwards, Luffy then decided to continue on his journey. As Luffy and his crew were leaving, Luffy asked Gaimon if could come along too. Gaimon replied however that couldn't join them as he had some responsibility for the animals on the island. With some thanks from Gaimon, Luffy then sailed off to the next island. In the anime, these series of events happened after Luffy and crew defeated Kuro.

Luffy and his crew then came upon Gecko Island. Upon landing, they met Usopp, the local troublemaker of Syrup Village. After some misunderstanding about coming to the island, Usopp told Luffy and his crew that they could get a ship from the owner of the large mansion in town. Luffy and his crew, following Usopp, then learned of Usopp's father and his relationship with the mansion's owner, Kaya. Later while talking with Usopp about his father on a cliff, Luffy and Usopp overheard a scheme to both kill kaya and steal her fortunes being discussed by the caretaker, Kurahadol, and Jango. They learned that the caretaker was actually Captain Kuro and he had planned for the past three years for this. Luffy, not liking this, revealed himself to Kuro and Jango, and accidentally got hypnotized by Jango. Luffy then fell off the cliff. Luckily, because of his rubber body, Luffy was able to survive.

Later upon learning that no one would believe Usopp, Luffy and his crew decided to help Usopp defend his village. They then set a trap for Kuro's crew at the coast where Kuro and Jango discussed their plans. Early the next day however, they suddenly realized that the pirates would attack from the other coast. Luffy realizing this, asked Usopp for directions and dashed ahead. Unfortunately, Luffy misinterpreted on where to go and ended up going back to the village. Luffy, along with Zoro, were then luckily able to find the right coast and give Nami and Usopp a hand.

In the midst of the battle, Luffy accidentally got hypnotized by Jango again. Luckily, this was a good thing as Luffy was able to beat most of the pirates. Just as Luffy was about to crush the pirates with the figurehead of Kuro's ship, he was hypnotized once again and fell asleep. Luffy was then awoken by Nami and got one of Jango's rings lodged at the back of his head. In the anime, this scene was altered so Luffy instead caught it in his mouth. Luffy then seeing Usopp's determination to save Kaya and his village, decided to fight Kuro who gotten there. In the midst of the fight with Kuro, he and the caretaker discussed briefly on what a pirate was. With firm belief, Luffy boldly told Kuro that Usopp was better than him. After witnessing Kuro's ability and the slaughter of some of Kuro's own crew, Luffy defeated Kuro. Luffy then threw an unconscious Kuro back to his crew and told them to remember him.

Later, after everything settled down, Luffy and his crew were given a ship for helping save Kaya. The ship, the Going Merry, impressed Luffy a lot. Luffy and his crew then saw Usopp rolling down the hill with a large backpack. They then offered Usopp a place on the crew for which Usopp accepted. Luffy, his crew, and his new crewmate, Usopp, then sailed off on their new ship.

Battle for the Baratie
While sailing on the Going Merry, Luffy decided to draw his Jolly Roger. His drawing however was bad which everyone aboard commented about. Usopp fortunately drew a better version of Luffy's design. With this, Luffy's crew decided to paint it on the sails. After painting, Luffy decided to try practicing cannon firing. Usopp helped Luffy with this and they were able to shoot a nearby island. Later, as Luffy and his crew were discussing who they should get next, somebody had climbed aboard the ship and called out to them.

After a brief bout with Luffy, Johnny, the one who had climbed aboard, revealed that he came aboard to get at people who fired at him and Yosaku while they were on the nearby island. Luffy and Usopp, realizing their mistake, asked for forgiveness. As they were talking, Nami explained that Yosaku was suffering from scurvy. Luffy and Usopp luckily helped Yosaku gain some strength back by giving him some lime juice. Seeing this, it was mutually agreed amongst Luffy's crew that they need a chef to supply them during their long voyage. Johnny, grateful for their help, told Luffy where he could get a chef. With this info, Luffy and crew then sailed to the sailing restaurant, Baratie.

Upon arrival in Baratie, Luffy and his crew unfortunately met up with the Marine Lieutenant, Ironfist Fullbody. With orders from Fullbody, his men shot a cannonball at Luffy and his crew. Luffy luckily diverted it away with his Fuusen technique. Unfortunately, he redirected the shot to the restaurant ship. For damaging the ship, Luffy was brought before the restaurant's owner, Zeff. Since Luffy had no money at the time to repay for the damages done, Zeff asked Luffy to repay by working in the restaurant for one year.

Luffy, not wanting to wait for one year, tried to negotiate with Zeff. Unfortunately the negotiations didn't go so well and the two of them ended up creating and falling through a hole in the restaurant. The two then landed in between an argument between the second head chef, Sanji, and Fullbody. Luffy then watched as Gin, one of Fullbody's prisoners demanded food, but was instead denied and kicked out. After witnissing Sanji give the pirate some food despite having no money, Luffy declared that he had found a good chef for his crew.

As Luffy argued with Sanji about the latter joining the former's crew, Gin interrupted and warned Luffy not to go to the Grand Line. Later, after Gin left, Luffy was put to work. Only making things more difficult in the kitchen, Luffy was told to take some orders from the customers. Upon encountering the rest of his crew relaxing in the restaurant, he tried to dirty Zoro's drink with his booger. This scheme however failed as Zoro easily saw through this plow and shoved the tainted water down Luffy's throat.

Two days of work later, the Dreadnaught Sabre, the flagship of Don Krieg, the most feared East Blue Pirate and Gin's captain, came to the Baratie. Its owner demanded food and, after he was fed by Sanji, claimed that he would take over the restaurant ship.

After witnessing a fight between Zoro and Mihawk, who had chased after Krieg and destroyed his ship, Luffy told Usopp, Johnny, Yosaku, and Zoro to try to catch up with Nami, who had taken the Going Merry. Luffy then decided to repay his debt to Zeff by fighting off Krieg's pirates.

While receiving an attack from Don Krieg, Luffy accidentally hit Pearl. Scared at the sight of his own blood, Pearl then threatened to burn everyone including Luffy due to fear. Luckily, with the help of Sanji and one of Don Krieg's attacks redirected by Luffy's Gomu Gomu Bazooka, Pearl was knocked out.

Gin, who had taken Zeff hostage, tried to reason with everyone to back down from the fight. After hearing Sanji's explanation for why he would die for Zeff's restaurant, Luffy tried to destroy the Baratie in order to stop the pirates from attacking. Luffy then explained to Sanji that he wasn't repaying Zeff at all by letting himself die.

As Gin and Sanji battled, Don Krieg decided to fight Luffy. As Krieg prepared to launch his poison bomb, MH5, Luffy stole two gas masks from two of Krieg's men for Sanji and Gin. Unable to find one for himself, Luffy found a gas mask laying beside him. After the bomb was fired and the gas subsided, it was revealed that Gin had given his mask to Luffy. Enraged by Krieg's act, Luffy then charged at Krieg and resumed their fight.

Although Krieg revealed another secret weapon, a spear with an explosive tip, Luffy still managed to press on, shattering the tip of the spear. He finally managed to crack Krieg's armor with a Gomu Gomu no Bazooka. However, Krieg had one last trick up his sleeve. With a net, Krieg attempted to drag Luffy with him into the ocean. In retaliation, Luffy grabbed Kreig's face with his legs and slammed him onto the porch of the Baratie. With this, Luffy finally defeated Don Krieg. However, despite Luffy defeating Krieg, he still fell into the ocean, making it more of a stalemate. Luckily, Sanji then dove in after Luffy and thus saved him from drowning.

After awakening from being knocked out conscious by falling into the ocean, Luffy was told by Sanji of Gin's final words to Luffy. Seeing as his debt to Zeff was finally repaid, Luffy then once again tried to convince Sanji to join his crew. Though rejected once again by the chef, Luffy and Sanji talk about Sanji's dream of finding All Blue. After discussing about Sanji's dream for awhile, Luffy and Sanji decide to join the other chefs for a meal. During the meal, Zeff and the other chefs angered Sanji by saying the soup he made was bad. Luffy on the other hand, thought the soup was good and asked them why they acted as such. Zeff and the others then explained themselves to Luffy and asked him to take Sanji along with him. Luffy however, refused to take Sanji along unless he agreed to go by his own free will. Just as Luffy and the chefs were discussing, a half eaten Yosaku came barging into the restaurant.

After Luffy got Yosaku out from the Panda Shark, Yosaku explained to Luffy that the others needed his abilities to deal with the situation with Nami. Just as Luffy and Yosaku were about to leave, Sanji decided to join Luffy's crew. After making some preparations, acquiring the Shimashima Shopping to travel on, and witnessing Sanji's farewell to Zeff and the other chefs, Luffy, Yosaku, and Luffy's new chef, Sanji, sailed on to where Nami was.

Destruction of Arlong Park
As Luffy and those with him sailed off to where Nami was, Luffy was informed by Yosaku that Nami had headed to a place called Arlong Park, which was ruled by a Fishman named Arlong, who, due to originally being under Jinbei, a Fishman Shichibukai, was very strong compared to Don Krieg. Luffy however didn't pay much attention to what Yosaku was saying and instead attempted to draw some interpretations of what a Fishman would look like. Being unable to grasp the situation fully any further, Luffy then simply just stated that they'll understand it when they get there. With that, Luffy decided to join in a meal prepared by Sanji. As Luffy and company were enjoying the meal, a giant sea cow called Mohmoo appeared before them and attacked them. The monster however was beaten off easily by Luffy and Sanji. With the monster subdued, Luffy and company decided to continue their meal. After finishing their meal, they hooked Mohmoo up to the ship and used him to travel on further to Arlong Park.

Eventually Luffy and company reached Commi Island where Arlong Park was located. However, due to some unfortunate events, the Shimashima Shopping was hurled further into the island, through a forest, and onto Zoro. After recovering from the wreckage, Luffy was then informed by Zoro and further by Johnny about the current situation, that Usopp had been captured and then killed by Nami. Nami then suddenly showed up where Luffy and company were. With her on the scene, Luffy tried to reason with Nami to come back to his crew. Nami however refused Luffy's pleas and told him and the rest of his crew to get out before it is too late. Unable to reason any further, Luffy simply then decided to fall asleep in the middle of the road with the intention of not leaving the island without Nami. After a while, Luffy woke up to find out that Usopp was alive and in actuality saved by Nami. Luffy and crew were then greeted by Nami's sister, Nojiko, who decided to tell them why Nami was with Arlong's crew. This she hoped would explain things to them so they could then leave. Luffy however refused to listen to Nami's past as it would mean that he would then have to leave. With that in mind, Luffy alone left as Nojiko told about Nami's past to the rest of his crew.

As Luffy wandered into Cocoyashi Village, he noticed a pinwheel on top of Genzo, a town officer. After a while, Luffy noticed a commotion in town. Seeing Nami amongst the other people, Luffy offered to help. However much to his confusion, she once again told at him to leave and hurriedly left out of town leaving Luffy to ponder what exactly was happening. Later Luffy witnessed Nami stabbing herself where her tattoo on her shoulder was. He stopped her and was once again told to leave by a crying Nami. After much attempts however, Nami gave in and asked Luffy for help. With that Luffy placed his Straw Hat on her head and agreed to help her. With the rest of his crew, Luffy then barged into Arlong Park and called out for Arlong.

Within Arlong Park, Luffy and his crew began fighting against Arlong and the rest of his Fishmen. In the midst of the battle, the Octopus Fishman, Hatchan, called out for Mohmoo to aid in the fight. As the monster came forward, Luffy embedded his feet in the ground and twisted his body. He then grabbed onto Mohmoo's horns and spun the monster off far away. As Luffy spun the creature, the majority of Arlong's Fishmen were all completely knocked out. While the attack was able to take out most of the Fishmen, it however left Luffy unable to move due to his feet being stuck in the ground, making him vulnerable to Arlong and the remaining Fishmen. As Luffy's crew attempted to protect him from any of the Fishmen's attacks, Arlong came towards Luffy. The Fishman then suddenly pulled up the cement block that Luffy embedded himself in and decided to throw Luffy into the pool nearby, knowing full well that Luffy would be completely trapped underwater. Luffy immediately tried to stop Arlong before the Fishman could throw him in. His efforts were in vain however and Luffy was thrown into the water with the cement block encasing his feet by Arlong.

Unable to do anything but hold his breath, Luffy sank to the bottom of the pool as the rest of his crew were forced to deal with their Fishman opponents. Fortunately, however, Genzo and Nojiko decided to dive in after Luffy in order to rescue him. Initially, they couldn't do anything to help Luffy because of the cement block. However through quick thinking, they were able to at least keep Luffy from drowning by pulling his head up to the surface. This way they could get the water out of Luffy's system as they figured out a way to free him from the block. After several incidental events with Luffy's crew, Sanji then dove into the water and broke the block encasing Luffy's feet. With his feet freed, Luffy's neck snapped back to normal and his body was catapulted into the air. With himself saved, Luffy immediately saved Zoro from Arlong and began pummeling the Fishman with several of his attacks. Arlong however merely got back up from the attacks and the battle between Luffy and Arlong began.

Arlong, as he attacked, explained to Luffy that humans are completely inferior to Fishmen due to what they are incapable of doing. Luffy however countered by stating that he himself is incapable of doing certain things but he has friends who he can depend on for such problems. As the argument continued, Luffy was able to smash Arlong in the face and broke the Fishman's teeth. Arlong however rectified the situation by pulling out his broken set of teeth and grew a new one. The Fishman then pulled out two sets of his teeth and started attacking Luffy with them. Luffy fortunately managed to grab a nearby Fishman and use him as a shield. As Luffy witnessed this, he came up with a good idea. The next moment that Luffy got an opportunity, he kicked a set of teeth out of Arlong's mouth and began fighting with them in his mouth like Arlong. While Luffy then got a good shot and bit Arlong with his own teeth, the attack however didn't do much damage and Arlong countered instead by biting Luffy's arm. Fortunately, however, Luffy slammed Arlong onto the ground before he could do any real damage.

As Luffy stood up to recover from that last attack from Arlong, he noticed that Arlong had dove into the pool nearby. Luffy then found himself dodging Arlong's high speed attacks using his nose like a spear. After several attacks, the Fishman dove back to the water to repeat his barrage of attacks on Luffy. Luffy however countered Arlong's attacks by catching him with his hands positioned like a net and kicked the Fishman in the chest onto the ground. This attack however angered the Fishman and Arlong began to attack Luffy more viciously. With Kiribachi, a massive sword with a saw for a blade, Arlong then chased Luffy up across Arlong Tower. The two then ended up in the highest room of the tower, the room where Nami was forced to draw maps for Arlong.

Within the room, Luffy was then explained by Arlong what the room was used for, and how Nami had been used for the last eight years to fulfill the Fishman's desires. Luffy remained relatively calm, until Arlong said that Luffy couldn't "use" Nami like he could, which enraged Luffy. With this, Luffy broke Arlong's Kiribachi and started wrecking the room. Arlong, angered by this, grabbed Luffy and bit him. Luffy however then countered by breaking Arlong's nose, stating that he didn't care if the Fishmen are so great or about charts, but that he now knew how to help Nami. Luffy then said that she hated being in the room and he was gonna destroy it for her. Although Arlong lunged at Luffy with a spinning bite attack and bit deep into Luffy, he managed to swing his outstretched leg down and send him straight to the bottom of the tower through several floors of concrete. With that, Luffy had defeated Arlong. That last attack however broke the stability of the entire tower and the whole thing collapsed with Luffy still inside it.

With Arlong and his gang defeated, and Arlong Park completely destroyed, Luffy rose from the wreckage and proclaimed Nami as one of his nakama. Before they could celebrate for long, the Marine Captain Nezumi decided to take everything that Arlong had stolen. Although the Marine was beaten up and sent packing away with his men, he took out his vengeance by reporting Luffy in to his higher ups.

After the whole commotion at Arlong Park, Luffy was sent to Dr. Nako to heal his wounds along with the others who were injured. As Luffy watched the doctor restitch Zoro's wounds, the doctor gave Luffy the idea that his crew should have a doctor. For the next several days, Luffy and his crew then celebrated alongside the people of Commi Island over being finally freed from Arlong. As Luffy was looking for some more meat to eat in the party, he came across Genzo at Bellemere's grave. There, Luffy promised to Genzo that he would take care of Nami and not hurt her feelings.

After all the partying, Luffy and crew were ready to set sail once again. They thus bid their farewell to the villagers of Cocoyashi Village as well as Johnny and Yosaku. Nami came running towards the Going Merry and told them to immediately raise the anchor. As Nami went through the villagers and jumped on board the Going Merry, Luffy and the rest immediately realized that she had stolen the wallets of the villagers as she passed through. After this final hilarious incident, Luffy and his crew then set sail once again with Nami.

Arrival at Loguetown
As Luffy and crew sailed towards the Grand Line, they were startled by a wanted poster included within a newspaper bought by Nami. The wanted poster was of Luffy and included his first bounty of 30,000,000. Luffy had become the most wanted pirate in all of the East Blue. As Luffy's crew sailed on, the island where Loguetown was located came into sight. Wanting to see the place where Gold Roger was born and executed, and also to refresh the crew's supplies for the voyage ahead, Luffy and crew decided to dock in the place. Upon arriving there, Luffy decided to visit the scaffold where Gold Roger was executed.

As Luffy explored the scaffold, he was ambushed by Buggy and his crew, and a now skinny Alvida. Luffy was then all of a sudden trapped in a wooden restraint by Cabaji and sentenced to death by Buggy. With the execution being publicly shown atop the scaffold before all of the people of Loguetown, Luffy was asked by Buggy if he had any last words. To this Luffy shouted out that he will become the next Pirate King. As he stated this, Zoro and Sanji came to Luffy's rescue. However despite their efforts to get to their captain through Buggy's crew, they weren't fast enough. Considering his inescapable situation, Luffy merely smiled and said he was sorry as Buggy's sword came down. However just as Buggy's sword was about to decapitate Luffy, a lightning bolt suddenly struck the platform, shocking Buggy and freeing Luffy. As Luffy escaped with his crew, Smoker, a Marine Captain who was watching the whole spectacle, noted that the way Luffy was smiling was very similar to the way Gold Roger smiled before his death. As Luffy ran to his ship through the raging storm that appeared in Loguetown all of a sudden, Luffy met up with the very Marine, Smoker. Despite all his efforts Luffy was unable to fend off Smoker and was caught by the Marine. Just as Smoker was about to gain the upper hand on Luffy, Dragon, Luffy's father, stopped Smoker. A big gust of wind then came by and freed Luffy from Smoker.

Not knowing exactly what happened, Luffy continued escaping towards his ship. Back onboard the Going Merry with the rest of his crew, Luffy and his crew decided to enact a ritual before going into the Grand Line despite the ongoing storm. With their dreams proclaimed out loud, Luffy and crew smashed a barrel with their feet and sailed off to the Grand Line. As Luffy and his crew sailed through the storm, they were explained by Nami that they needed to enter the Grand Line through an entrance in the Reverse Mountain. This rather indirect route puzzled most of Luffy's crew. Their questions however were soon answered when they found out that the Going Merry had accidentally veered into the Calm Belt. Having fortunately escaped from the Sea Kings dwelling there, Luffy and crew continued sailing through the storm and towards the Reverse Mountain.

Luffy and crew soon came upon the mountain and headed into the canal that was the entrance. Despite some tough maneuvering which was helped by Luffy using his Gomu Gomu no Fuusen technique to bounce the Going Merry away from the gate, the ship was able to go into the canal. Within the canal, Luffy and crew then rode it up to the top of the mountain. Reaching the top, Luffy and crew saw and entered into the Grand Line.

Traversing Reverse Mountain and Meeting Laboon
As Luffy and his crew sailed down Reverse Mountain, they came to an unexpected surprise, a gigantic whale was in their way. Fortunately, Luffy was able to slow down the Going Merry before it could hit the whale by firing a cannon. However in the process, Luffy's favorite seat, the Going Merry's figurehead, was broken. Angered by this, Luffy punched the whale's eye to the shock of the rest of Luffy's crew. The whale in response to Luffy's attack swallowed the Going Merry. Fortunately Luffy was able to grab the whale's tooth and jump on to it's back before it could swallow him along with his ship and his crew. As Luffy desperately tried to persuade the whale to spit out his ship and his crew while on it's back, Luffy found a hatch on the whale's back leading into the very whale itself.

Unable to do anything else from the outside, Luffy entered the whale from the hatch. While inside the whale, Luffy accidentally bumped into two strangely dressed characters and into the whale's stomach as the whale began thrashing at the Red Line from the outside. Within the whale's stomach, Luffy was reunited with his crew and witnessed a scene between the two characters he bumped into earlier and an old man living in the whale. From the scene, Luffy learned that two characters, Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9, were planning to kill the whale for food and not even allow the old man, Crocus, to stand in their way. Seeing this and Crocus' attempts to save the whale, Luffy took out the two trouble makers. For doing this, Luffy and his crew were led out of the whale by Crocus.

As Luffy's crew and ship were led out through a canal in the whale and outside to nearby cape, Luffy and his crew were told about the whale's, Laboon, tale. From it, Luffy learned that Laboon had been waiting for over fifty years for some pirate friends of his who left him behind in the cape to circle the Grand Line. Luffy also learned that after Laboon heard in disbelief that the pirates might have abandon him, the whale was ramming the mountain itself in a futile attempt to reunite with them. Seeing Laboon's loyalty, Luffy decided to ease the whale's lonely pain, by ramming the Going Merry's mast into an open wound. Having caught the whale's attention, Luffy and the whale began to battle. In the middle of it however, Luffy told Laboon that they'd have to put on hold since he's planning to circle the Grand Line. With this statement, Luffy touched Laboon's feelings and the whale in response agreed. Having given hope once again to Laboon, Luffy painted a crudely drawn painting of his Jolly Roger on Laboon's scars as symbol of their pact to meet once again.

After rekindling Laboon's hopes once again, Luffy and the rest of his crew suddenly realized that their compass doesn't work. With that matter at hand, Luffy and the rest were then taught by Crocus about how the Grand Line works and how they needed a special compass called a Log Pose. Having discovered one of these compasses earlier after beating the two characters earlier, Luffy presented it to Nami but unfortunately broke while in a small scuffle with Sanji. Fortunately, Crocus had an extra one for Luffy and his crew to use. In the midst of what was happening, Luffy and his crew also encountered again the two characters who tried to kill Laboon. Learning that these two needed to report back to the company they working for, Luffy and the rest were requested by them to give them a ride back to their island of Whiskey Peak. Though a bit suspicious, upon learning that Whiskey Peak is on one of the paths that the Straw Hats needed to follow to travel the Grand Line anyway, Luffy and his crew took the two aboard and sailed towards Whiskey Peak, leaving Laboon with the promise of returning once again.

Pirate-Loving Town of Whiskey Peak
Upon arriving in Whiskey Peak, Luffy and his crew were in for a surprise. Though the two characters that they took aboard left before they could land, Luffy and his crew were welcomed graciously by the townspeople of Whiskey Peak. There, Luffy and his crew were treated as gods with a grand party. Luffy even ate more then the cooks could put out. Eventually, Luffy passed out from all the excitement of such a celebratory day. However when he awoke later that night, Luffy came to a shocking sight. Scattered everywhere before Luffy, were the beaten up bodies of the townspeople that served him and his crew.

Upon learning from one of them that they were defeated by Zoro, Luffy thought that Zoro beat had beat them up as an act of ungratefulness. Confronting Zoro, Luffy and his first crew mate collided into a battle that apparently nothing could deter them from. The two were so immersed in their battle against one another that they completely ignored and defeated two other characters in same scene, Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, who were apparently distracting them for some reason. It was only however when Nami stepped in and interrupted their fight that the two calmed down to listen to reason.

Having been subdued, Luffy learned everything that happened while he was asleep. He also learned that one of the two strangely dressed characters that tried to kill Laboon before, Miss Wednesday, was actually Princess Nefertari Vivi of the kingdom of Arabasta in disguise. From her, Luffy learned that she, along with her pet duck Carue and loyal retainer Igaram, had infiltrated a secret criminal organization known as Baroque Works in order to learn the organization's reasons for meddling in their country's affairs. From Vivi also, Luffy and his crew not only learned of Baroque Works' scheme to take over Arabasta but also that the criminal organization was led by none other than the Royal Shichibukai, Crocodile. Having gotten involved in all this, Luffy and his crew decided to help Vivi by taking her and Carue to Arabasta while Igaram distracted Baroque Works with a disguise. However in the midst of this plan, Luffy and the rest witnessed Igaram's ship blow up and met the perpetrator of the crime, Miss All Sunday, Crocodile's partner and vice president of Baroque Works. Fortunately, apart from some tense formalities between them and her, Luffy and his crew didn't have to fight her as she let them go for her own reasons. Luffy and his crew were also warned by her of their next destination and even offered them an alternate route. Luffy however declined her offer despite protests from the rest of his crew.

Having survived from the ordeals of Whiskey Peak, and gaining a mission to help a princess, Luffy and his crew sailed forth Whiskey Peak to their next destination, Little Garden.

Adventure in a Prehistoric Land
Luffy and his crew eventually arrive in Little Garden. The jungle island fascinated Luffy not only because of the adventure it could provide, but also because it contained all sorts of prehistoric animals, which ranged from saber toothed lions to dinosaurs. From Vivi, who decided to travel with Luffy as he explored the place, Luffy learned about the reason the island was like this. The reason being that because of the Grand Line's unique environmental conditions, the islands within in develop much more differently than they normally would, and the very island they were on was still in the dinosaur era. As Luffy ventured around the island with Vivi and Carue, the three soon discovered something much larger than the dinosaurs on the island. In the midst of Luffy messing around with a Brontosaurus, he and his accompanying companions met a giant.

Meeting Dorry, Luffy and his companions were invited over to the giant's place. There, Luffy was treated to some dinosaur meat and got acquainted with Dorry. From the giant, Luffy learned that he was staying on Little Garden in order to settle an argument with another fellow giant, Brogy, in battle. As the matter was being discussed, the island's volcano erupted, signaling the next match between the giants. With it, Luffy saw a gigantic clash between two giant warriors that awed him. Eventually the match ended in a tie and thus Luffy continued talking with Dorry. Learning further about Little Garden's magnetic field from Dorry, Luffy also learned about two of his crew staying with Brogy. Just as things seemed going well at the moment, something suddenly shocked Luffy and those with him. A barrel of rum that Dorry was drinking exploded. Since the rum was taken from Luffy's ship and given to Dorry by Brogy, Luffy and his crew were suspected of sabotaging the barrel. With this, Luffy and Dorry got into a fight. Fortunately, Luffy was able to knock Dorry down during their fight. However with this sudden turn of events, Luffy started to suspect that his crew weren't the only ones in the island as neither they nor Brogy would do such a thing. But before Luffy and those with him could do anything else, the volcano erupted again and Dorry in response got up.

With the next match being signaled and knowing that the giants' fight was tainted by someone else, Luffy tried to convince Dorry to not go. Luffy's words however did not reach Dorry's ears due to the giant's pride and instead Luffy was pinned down by Dorry with the giant's home. Unable to get out of this predicament to help Dorry, Luffy suddenly encountered Usopp, who had wandered into Dorry's home. Reunited with his crew mate, Luffy and Vivi recounted what had just happened and were likewise filled in by Usopp. As Luffy was and his companions were figuring out what to do next, they heard the awful scream of Dorry being defeated by Brogy due to the tainted fight. Angered even more by this, Luffy was filled with more determination to find out who blasphemed the giants' fight. Luffy fortunately didn't have to wait long though to find out who it was, as two of the perpetrators of the crime, Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, suddenly came before Luffy and his companions, bringing a beaten up Carue. Because of his current predicament, Luffy was unable to aid his companions and was hit with an explosive kick caused by Mr. 5's Bomu Bomu no Mi powers. Unable to protect Vivi from these Baroque Works agents, Luffy and the other two with him were left for dead.

As Luffy and the two with him were lying, they decided to get revenge for the atrocity caused by the Baroque Works agents. They eventually got back on their feet and charged immediately to where the Baroque Works agents were holding their friends. Seeing that their friends were being made into candles by Mr. 3's Doru Doru no Mi powers, Luffy engaged in a battle with the artist while his comrades battled with the the rest of the agents. Despite some complications from Mr. 3 and his partner, Miss Goldenweek, Luffy was able to free his captured friends with a little help from Usopp.

After finishing off Mr. 3, Luffy rejoined the rest of his crew to the marvelous relief. Due to the giants' weapons being worn out from one hundred years worth of fighting, Dorry was actually okay and had instead passed out from the wound inflicted. With everything done, Luffy and the rest went back to Dorry's place to treat his wounds. As Luffy and everyone were resting from the ordeal and wondering how to deal with the island's magnetic field, they were rejoined by Sanji, who brought with him some great news and stuff while everything else was happening. From Sanji, Luffy and the rest learned that not only did Sanji trick Crocodile into thinking they were all dead by pretending to be Mr. 3 via a Den Den Mushi call, but the cook also brought with him the solution to their current problem, an Eternal Pose to Arabasta. With the Eternal Pose, Luffy and crew bid their farewells to the giants and set off.

As Luffy and crew sailed off from Little Garden, they were provided by the giants with an act of gratitude. With help from the giants' strength, Luffy and crew were able to pass through a giant goldfish and sail on.

Adventure in a Doctorless Kingdom
The crew eventually comes to a snow-covered land called Drum Island, which is renowned for their advances in medicine. This is fortunate as Nami had suddenly come down with a terrible sickness. There the current inhabitants try to scare away the crew until Vivi lowers her head with Luffy. The "leader" of the islanders, Dalton tells the villagers to take the crew to the nearest town. (However, Zoro and Carue were left behind) At the village, Dalton tells the crew about the "witch" of the island, Dr. Kureha, who is the only doctor left on the island. To make matters worse, there is no way to contact her as she lives on top of the mountain in the castle previously occupied by King Wapol. Hearing this, Luffy, along with Sanji, decides to carry Nami up the mountain to the castle.

On the way up, Sanji, Luffy, and Nami run into some Lapahn, which are man-eating rabbits. Sanji fights off the Lapahns as Luffy, carrying Nami, cannot attack or be hit at the risk of Nami being injured as well. Later, the Lapahns cause an avalanche, forcing Luffy and Sanji to escape downhill. Unfortunately, the group is about to run into a sharp and rocky cliff when Sanji rescues them by kicking them out of the way, but in the process Sanji is knocked unconscious. In the aftermath of the avalanche the village Usopp and Vivi are at is buried along with Wapol and his crew. Wapol survives and sets up the mountain with Chess and Kuromarimo. Back at the mountain, Luffy, now carrying Nami and Sanji, saves a buried Lapahn. Soon, Wapol catches up to Luffy, and attacks him after Luffy shows his back to them. Luffy unable to attack, runs away. However Chess and Kuromarimo catch up and are about to strike Luffy, when a large group Lapahns save him in repayment for Luffy saving one of them earlier.

When Luffy climbs the mountain and reaches the top, he nearly falls and is rescued by Chopper and taken in by Dr. Kureha. Later, Luffy and Sanji awaken and see Chopper for the first time, they try to cook and eat Chopper until Chopper transforms and punches them into the ground and flees. Later, Luffy asks Dr. Kureha to join them receiving a kick in the face from her and then they go through a series of shenanigans like being chased by Dr. Kureha. Suddenly, when Luffy and Sanji attempt to close a door, Chopper stops them because there is a bird's nest on it showing Luffy that Chopper is a good person, beginning Luffy mission to get Chopper on the crew.

Finally, Wapol arrives at the castle and begins arguing with Dr. Kureha when suddenly Luffy punches him. Luffy then chooses to go back inside and grab a coat before fighting. He borrows Nami's coat.(Later, Nami being Nami, charges him for ruining it.) Luffy coming back, uses Sanji's leg for extra force and rams into Wapol causing him to spit out Chopper and send Wapol flying into Robson sending the White Walkie flying. Wapol then uses his Baku Baku no Mi powers to turn into a house with cannons and fuse Chess and Kuromarimo into Chessmarimo.(which amazes Luffy) Wapol then shoots Dr. Hiluluk's fHiruluk LuffHirulukit and lectures Wapol on pirates which inspires Chopper. Wapol shoots once again but Luffy protects the flag once more. Finally the fight begins and Chopper begins fighting Chessmarimo and Luffy fights Wapol. However, Luffy is distracted by Choppers fight(because of Choper's abilty to traabilityy into seven different forms thanks to the Rumble Ball

) letting Wapol escape into the castle.After Chopper wins, Luffy goes in and kicks a now thin Wapol who was harassing Nami. Wapol decides to open the weapons room and eat the weapons but Nami had stolen his one-of-a-kind key. Wapol is chased up to the top of the castle where he tries to attack using his special cannon, but fails due to the snow birds living in there. Wapol then tries to eat Luffy but is stopped so Wapol turns his tongue into a cannon for one final attack but Luffy dodges it and sends him flying getting him stuck in the roof. Luffy then, ignoring Wapol's pleas for mercy and empty promises and send him flying far away.

The Straw Hats regroup at the summit and Dalton thanks Luffy and Chopper. After some confusing talk, and a very dangerous chase, Chopper decides to go with Luffy and his crew. As Chopper leaves, Dr. Kureha initiates Hiluluk's finished research, a powder that makes pink colored snow fall. Chopper seeing it, starts crying.

The Straw Hats formally welcome Chopper to the crew and head to their planned destination, Arabasta.

An Okama, Ace, and A Desert Crossing
With his new doctor on board, Luffy and his crew journeyed onward to Arabasta with Vivi and Carue. A few days later, while fishing with Usopp and Carue, Luffy and crew picked up something strange as they passed through the steam of an undersea. The thing they accidentally picked up was the okama, Mr. 2 Bon Kurei. Having passed the steam the same time as Mr. 2's ship was passing through, Luffy and his fellow fishermen accidentally hooked the Baroque Works agent.

Not initially knowing who this was, Luffy and along with some of his crew immediately became friends with this flamboyant man as he put on a show for them with his Mane Mane no Mi. However when Mr. 2's crew came to pick him up, only then did Luffy and his crew realize that this was an enemy. Fortunately, since Mr. 2 didn't likewise knew who they were, Luffy and his crew were sparred at the time. However, since they were fortunate to met such an opponent ahead of time, Luffy and his crew decided to take measures to protect themselves from his powers. Taking advice from Zoro, Luffy along with his crew and traveling companions wrapped bandages covering an X on their left wrists. This was so they could tell whether the person before them was the okama in disguise or not.

Upon arriving at the port of Nanohana in Arabasta, Luffy immediately ran off ahead of his crew in search in food. Not caring for the recklessness of his actions, his search for food leads him to a restaurant. In his haste to get to the restaurant, Luffy accidentally knocked two men straight through the back of the restaurant and through several houses. To his surprise, one of the men he knocked was Smoker. Recognizing the Marine, Luffy instantly ran away and was soon being chased by Smoker and his Marines all over the town. In the midst of the commotion, Luffy was saved by the other man he knocked over, his brother Ace.

Regrouping with his crew back on the Going Merry, Luffy explained things to them about Ace. As Luffy was talking, Ace appeared and momentarily asked Luffy and his crew to join the crew he was under, the Whitebeard Pirates. Though Luffy bluntly refused the offer and even stated that he would fight against Ace's captain, Edward Newgate, for the position of Pirate King, the brothers departed ways on friendly terms. Before sailing off however, Luffy received a a strange piece of paper from his brother so that they can meet again, and got a little more aid with Ace obliterating some Baroque Works Billions and their ships.

After sailing across the Sandora river and reaching the other side, Luffy and his crew began their journey to Yuba where Vivi hopes to persuade the rebel leader, Kohza, and his troops there to stop the senseless violence. Upon landing, there was a little incident wherein Luffy defeated and acquired 100 Kung-Fu Dugong apprentices. Though he couldn't bring such a large group along with him, he had formed an everlasting deep bond with the creatures. As Luffy and his crew were further explained by Vivi about the Dugongs, they passed through the once green town of Erumalu and were further explained about the whole problem in Arabasta.

After traversing across the huge desert of Arabasta and acquiring a new companion, Eyelashes the camel, Luffy and his fellow travelers reached Yuba. There however, they discover that town was plagued by sandstorms and deserted except for one old man. This old man, Toto, was an old acquaintance of Vivi, and from him Luffy and the others learned that the rebellion had transferred bases due to the drought and sandstorms in Yuba. Though Toto was initially hostile to Luffy's group thinking that they were people wanting to join in the rebellion, he changed his hostilities towards them once he recognized Vivi and offered them shelter for the night.

As the rest took up Toto's offer, Luffy however decided to help Toto in his desperate search for water to restore the oasis of Yuba. Though slightly incapable of digging and falling asleep midway in digging, Luffy's efforts however helped Toto dig up some water. The next day as Luffy and the others prepared to travel to the rebel's new base, Luffy was given some of the water he dug up as present from Toto. With this Luffy and the others departed Yuba. Just as they were beginning their journey to Katorea, the rebel's new base, Luffy did something that surprised the rest of them. He announced to all of them that he "quits".

As Luffy's comrades asked him to stopped with this seemingly childish act, he explained to them his reasons. He explained to them that even if they stopped the rebels, Crocodile won't be stopped. To completely solve the matter, Luffy explained that Crocodile himself must be defeated. As Luffy surprised everyone in his insight over the entire situation, Luffy told Vivi that her desire to save everyone was naive as people die. This little statement started an argument between the two of them which escalated in small battle. As Vivi explained herself and told Luffy that risking her life to save everyone was the only thing she could risk, Luffy asked her why she won't risk the Straw Hats' lives as well since they were her friends. Having stated this, Luffy moved Vivi to tears by his statement of trust and friendship. Seeing her in this state and seeing how she was the one who wanted Crocodile to be beat up, Luffy asked her where they could find him.

Meeting Crocodile at Rainbase
Having understood each other, Vivi tells Luffy and his crew where to find Crocodile, Rainbase. Regardless of the fact that Officer Agents would be awaiting there, Luffy and his group pressed forward to confront the Shichibukai. Upon arriving at Rainbase, Luffy and Usopp were sent by the rest to ask for some much needed water after much journeying in the desert island. However, upon finding water in a bar, the two accidentally encountered Smoker and Tashigi. Soon enough, another large commotion was caused with Luffy and his crew being chased all around by the Marines. Regardless of the commotion however, Luffy and some of his crew managed to escape from the pursuing Marines and headed into Crocodile's casino, Rain Dinners.

Though Luffy and his crewmates with him managed to get into the casino, they however entered without Vivi to help them identify what Crocodile really looked like. To make matters worse, Smoker had caught up with them and started chasing them all around the casino. As they were running around, Luffy and those with him were tricked into falling through a trap door by the casino. Having fallen for the trick, Luffy and the others, including Smoker, found themselves trapped in a seastone cage. As they were pondering their current predicament, they were greeted by Crocodile.

Having finally met the one who orchestrated the whole mess in Arabasta, Luffy and the others with him were unable to do get at Crocodile because of the cage they were in. As the situation developed with Vivi being brought before Crocodile by Miss All Sunday and the powers of the Devil Fruit Crocodile ate, the Suna Suna no Mi, were revealed, Luffy and the rest learned of Crocodile's awful master plan as he mockingly explained it before them. As it went further, Luffy and the others found themselves being placed in a little game the Shichibukai decided to challenge Vivi in.

The Shichibukai explained before Luffy and the rest that due to events being carried out, they needed to get to Alubarna, the capital of Arabasta, fast in order to stop the upcoming war. However, due to the situation Luffy and those encaged with him, Vivi would have to get a key that Crocodile presented and threw into a pit, where it was eaten by a Bananawani. Explaining further that he deciding to self destruct the room they were in, Crocodile presented before Vivi in front of Luffy and the rest, the choice between getting to Alubarna in time or saving Luffy and those with him before the room completely floods. As Crocodile was explaining this challenge to Vivi, Luffy overheard Toto being mentioned by the Shichbukai and soon learned that it was Crocodile that was causing the sandstorms that plagued Yuba.

Angered by Crocodile's cruelty, Luffy urged Vivi to get the key so that he and the rest can beat Crocodile. Despite Luffy's encouragement, a single Bananawani proved too much for Vivi as it and the rest of group entered the slowly flooding room. Though all seems lost, amidst the ensuing chaos, Luffy and everyone heard a Den Den Mushi ring.

Recognizing Sanji's voice calling from the Den Den Mushi, Luffy and the others realized that there was still hope as Sanji and Chopper weren't captured. As events unfolded with this new development, Luffy and the rest found themselves depending on Vivi finding someone from the outside to get them out. In an attempt to free themselves, Luffy and the others tried to coax one of the Bananawani into biting open the cage. Though their attempt at breaking the cage through this failed, their hopes were however revived as Sanji finally showed up at the scene. With him, the key that Crocodile was found alongside a familiar foe, Mr. 3. Though the Baroque Works agent that came out of the Bananawani threw the key, Luffy and the others with him were however still able to escape the cage via Mr. 3's wax powers. Escaping just in the nick of time, Luffy and the others were able to get out. As the room flooded and they escaped, Luffy told Zoro to grab Smoker along with them.

Having saved the Marine, Luffy and his companions were allowed to go free to get Alubarna. As they were thinking of a way to get to Alubarna fast they were greeted by Chopper who brought Scissors, a giant crab friend of Eyelashes whom they can ride on. However just as they were getting aboard, Vivi was literally hooked by Crocodile. Fortunately, Luffy freed her just in time as she was taken away. With Vivi safe, Luffy told his crew to go on as he faced off the Shichibukai by himself.

As Luffy prepared to face Crocodile, he was told that the Shichibukai would humor him for three minutes. After that, Crocodile would leave for Alubarna to complete his scheme. With the time limit in mind, Luffy fought ferociously against his opponent. Though he attacked the best he could, it was however apparent that no matter how much Luffy attacked, he could not damage Crocodile. As they continued to fight one another, Luffy's arm was dehydrated by Crocodile. Using the water given by Toto however, Luffy was able to restore himself. Remembering the old man, Luffy declares that no matter how much Crocodile attacks Yuba with sandstorms, it will never be destroyed. As Luffy declared this, his three minutes were up.

As the three minutes ended, Luffy witnessed Crocodile decide to do something horrible. Spurred on by Luffy, Crocodile created a massive sandstorm and sent it towards Yuba. Seeing this new development, Luffy desperately tried to stop Crocodile. Unfortunately in midst of all this, Luffy was impaled by the Shichibukai and left for dead in the sand. Despite being heavily wounded and buried in the sand however, Luffy still struggled with the will to fight. As he struggled, in a surprise turn of events Luffy was suddenly pulled out by Miss All Sunday. Having been pulled out from his sandy grave, Luffy was left in the care of Pell, the hero of Arabasta that the Baroque Works agent defeated awhile back.

Battling Crocodile for the 2nd and 3rd time
With Pell's help, Luffy was able to recover from his wounds and get a ride to Alubarna via Pell's Devil Fruit, the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Falcon. Through various events that happened in the city, by the time that the two arrived at Alubarna, a great battle was being waged by the rebels and the royal army in the city square with a sandstorm covering the place. As they arrived, they got just in time to save Vivi, who was dropped by Crocodile from the palace walls. With Vivi safe, Luffy flung himself up the walls to face Crocodile again.

During his previous fight, Luffy noticed that water made Crocodile unable to to turn into sand as he and the water barrel that Toto gave were pierced by Crocodile's hook. Realizing this, he brought a huge barrel of water to aid him in his rematch against the Shichibukai. As Luffy thus fought Crocodile again, he soon realized that his barrel of water could easily be jeopardized. Figuring this out, Luffy decided to switch tactics by drinking all of his water and storing it within himself, essentially become what he dubbed "Mizu Luffy". While this new tactic infuriated his opponent, it however proved effective for Luffy. Though Luffy was aided greatly by water this time around, the fight however just made his opponent really mad.

Having landed some good hits on Crocodile and angering the Shichibukai as well, Luffy had incurred the Shichibukai to use his most powerful technique. Though Luffy was able to evade Crocodile's devastating powers of erosion, he unfortunately got caught by his opponent. As Crocodile's hand held Luffy, he was severely dehydrated and was once again left for dead. Fortunately however, some water bubbles that Luffy misfired earlier revived him from his near death state. Rejuvenated once again, Luffy set off in search of his foe. Learning from Tashigi while on his search, Luffy headed to royal Arabasta tomb.

As he ran, the wound from his chest unfortunately opened, and Luffy, feeling unusually faint, briefly fell unconscious. Recovering himself, Luffy noticed a passageway and ran down into the tomb. Eventually Luffy caught up with his foe once again in the collapsing ruins. Encountering each other, the two fought each other again, however having been severely wounded from his previous matches with Crocodile, Luffy unintentionally used his own bloody body to negate Crocodile's powers this time around.

As the climatic battle between Luffy and Crocodile commenced, Luffy was struck by Crocodile's poison hook. This however did not deter Luffy's resolve against his opponent. As the battle continued, Luffy kicked Crocodile into the air. Upon doing so, Luffy was blasted with one of Crocodile's powerful techniques. Luffy however withstood the attack and prepared to retaliate. Using a series of moves, Luffy propelled himself up to Crocodile to deliver the final blow. As a last resort, Crocodile tried to stop Luffy by turning his hand into blades. This however did not stop Luffy as he broke through the sand created weapons with his bare fist and delivered a flurry of punches onto his opponent.

Delivering the punches, Luffy attacked Crocodile with such force that it penetrated the layer of pure bedrock and sent Crocodile flying, defeating the Shichibukai finally. Falling back into the ruins, Luffy was thanked by Nefertari Cobra for all he had done. After being given the vial of antidote to Crocodile's poison from Miss All Sunday, Luffy mustered what was left of his strength to carry both the king and the Baroque Works agent out of the ruins. Having used the last of his strength, Luffy was then carried by the king to his crew.

Farewell to Arabasta and Vivi
For their valiant heroism in saving Arabasta, Luffy and his crew were treated secretly as VIPs by the royalty for three days. Having fully recovered from his wounds from the battle with Crocodile on the third day, Luffy and his crew decided to leave before the awaiting Marines could catch them. Just as they were heading back to the Going Merry which was secured by Mr. 2 Bon Kurei before the Marines could find it, Luffy and the others offered Vivi the choice of joining the crew. They gave her until noon the next day.

Setting sail with the reformed Bon Kurei and his men the next day, Luffy and his crew encountered the blockade the Marines set up to capture them. Through a tearful sacrifice by Mr. 2, Luffy and his crew were able to escape the blockade to go to the rendezvous point to pick up Vivi. Arriving there, they found that Vivi had come as promised. However to their disappointment, she told them that she still had responsibilities as Arabasta's princess and couldn't come along. Despite this, Vivi asked them that if they ever meet again, would she be accepted to come along again.

While Luffy and the others wanted to reply out loud to Vivi that she would still be accepted, they couldn't out of fear that the nearby Marines would implicate her as a criminal. Instead however, they quietly showed her the mark that they used to protect themselves if Mr. 2 impersonated one of them, a sign of their friendship. Having delivered their silent response to their friend, Luffy and his crew set sail away from Arabasta and onto their next adventure.

A Sunken Ship and a Lawless Town
Though depressed about about not having Vivi on the crew, Luffy and the other came across a new development. Nico Robin, a.k.a. Miss All-Sunday from Baroque Works, had stowed away on the Going Merry and demanded Luffy take responsibility of saving her by letting her join his crew. Without much hesitation, Luffy agreed much to everyone's surprise. Not long afterwards, a massive ship fell from the sky and into the sea. From Nico Robin and a brief search of the sinking ship which wielded a map, Luffy and his crew learned that the ship fell from an island in the sky called Skypiea.

Needing more info on the matter, Luffy and his crew decided to explore more of the ship. Using special diving suits created by Usopp, Luffy, along with Zoro and Sanji, explored the sunken ship. As they explored the ship and found few things, their search was cut short as the ship was suddenly clamped and filled with air, and a bunch of other people appeared. After taking care of the intruders within the newly created air pocket, the three encountered a monkey-like person bursting into the room. Although Luffy and the stranger initially got along, they unfortunately got on bad terms when they found out that they were after the same thing.

Fortunately with thanks from his two crew mates, Luffy escaped from Masira and a giant turtle that ate the ship at the same time. As Luffy and the others were about to deal with this new foe, they suddenly witnessed something that completely scared them, the shadowy silhouettes of creatures several times larger than regular giants. After escaping from the creatures and getting rid of Masira who accidentally tagged along, Luffy and his crew learned of Jaya from an Eternal Pose that Robin stole from the guy. Needing info on how to get to Skypiea, Luffy and his crew sailed for Jaya.

Arriving at Jaya at the port of Mock Town, Luffy and his crew found that the place they landed on was a lawless town filled with pirates. Wanting to explore the town as well as get information, Luffy, along with Zoro and Nami, went offshore into town. With a promise not to fight while in Mock Town to Nami, the three explored the place and encountered several of the inhabitants. They eventually end up in a bar wherein Luffy has a small argument with another customer. Though the incident ended without a hitch, Luffy and his companions encountered a much more serious one.

Luffy and his companions soon encountered in the bar Bellamy and his crew with the intention of seeing if Luffy was worthy of joining his "New Age" of pirates. However upon learning that Luffy and his crew wanted to go to a Sky Island, Bellamy along with the rest of the bar started ridiculing them and the notion of dreams such as a Sky Island. Though the situation got worse with Luffy and Zoro taking hits from Bellamy's crew, they however refused to fight. As the two were dragged out by a frustrated Nami, the three were congratulated and encouraged by the pirate that Luffy had a brief argument earlier. Though the man assured them that dreams would never die, Luffy and Zoro however sense something up with him and the people that are apparently associated with him.

Returning to the Going Merry, Luffy and the others soon learn that while their search was unproductive, Robin's was successful. Learning that a man by the name of Montblanc Cricket might know something, they headed off to the other side of Jaya.

The Saruyama Alliance and Knock Up Stream
After escaping a brief encounter with Masira's brother, Shoujou, Luffy and his crew reached Cricket's home. There they had a brief misunderstanding with Cricket who they found out apparently suffered from decompression sickness. However upon helping Cricket and clearing things with him, Luffy and his crew were able to get better acquainted with the former pirate. For helping Cricket, they were also able to reconcile with Cricket's proteges, Masira and Shoujou.

As they explained their problem and got acquainted with Cricket and his proteges, Luffy and his crew learned of Cricket's past and his ancestor. Showing interest with Cricket's dream, Luffy and his crew convinced Cricket to help them out in getting to Skypiea. While having acquired help from someone who could aid them in getting to Skypiea, Luffy and his crew however found out that they needed an important thing to aid them, the South Bird. This bird as explained to them by Cricket, was needed to find a Knock Up Stream needed to help them get to Skypiea. Having been told this, Luffy and his crew quickly went in search for the bird.

Splitting into various groups, Luffy and his crew searched the nearby forest for one of these elusive birds. Though they encountered all sorts of obstacles and antics while searching for the bird, they were able to catch one in the end thanks to Nico Robin. With the captured bird, they went back to Cricket's. Upon returning however, they discovered the horrid aftermath of an incident that happened while they were away, Cricket and his proteges were defeated and had been robbed by Bellamy and his crew.

Spurred on by this, Luffy decided to go after Bellamy and get his wounded friends' gold back. At Mock Town, Luffy was engaged by Bellamy who wanted to prove once and for all to those around him that Luffy and Cricket's dreams were nothing. Despite Bellamy's over the top display of his Devil Fruit powers, Luffy however defeated the boastful pirate with a single normal punch. Having completely obliterated Bellamy in front of his crew and the other pirates, Luffy was able to retrieve Cricket's gold without any further trouble.

As the morning of the next day came, Luffy arrived back to Cricket's house. There he saw the newly modified Going Merry as he gave Cricket's gold back. With the new modifications for the trip up to Skypiea and the South Bird, Luffy and crew set sail with the ships of Masira and Shoujou escorting them. As they were leaving, Luffy and his crew were cheered on by Cricket's final words of encouragement. With that, Luffy and crew sailed off to where they could ride a Knock up Stream.

After a long wait out on sea, the weather and the sea started to show signs of a Knock Up Stream. As Luffy and his crew were preparing themselves for the journey to Skypiea, they suddenly encountered the ship and crew of the pirate that Luffy fought with in the bar. From this encounter, Luffy and his crew learned of his and Zoro's new bounties for which the pirate planned on collecting. The encounter however was brief as the Knock Up Stream started. With the Knock Up Stream shooting the Going Merry into the sky, Luffy and his crew set forth to new adventure as well inadvertently escaping from the pursuing pirate.

Arrival and many Adventures
Thanks to the Knock Up Stream, Luffy and his friends arrived at Skypiea. But as soon as they arrived, they are attacked by a mysterious masked warrior who even gives Luffy a hard time. But, luckily, they were saved by a knight named Gan Fall. After he rescued them, Gan Fall decided to go.

Luffy and his friends pass through Heaven's Gate and arrived at the shore of Angel Island in which they meet Conis, an inhabitant of this island. While having fun, Luffy discovers, the hard way, that the White Sea has the same effect on him just like the Blue Sea.

After hearing that Nami has ventured into Upper Yard, a forbidden sacred place in which reside the god Enel and his priests, Luffy decided to head out to "rescue Nami", but he makes it obvious that he simply wants to go to Upper Yard to explore and have an adventure. Unfortunately, he was stopped in his track by the White Berets, who tried to arrest them for illegally entering Angel Island. But Luffy easily defeated them.

After that, Luffy, Usopp and Sanji discovers that a giant shrimp has kidnapped the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates to Upper Yard. The 3 pirates decided to rescue them. After finding a ship that they can take them to Upper Yard, the Karasumaru, Luffy, Usopp and Sanji learned that Conis was responsible for calling the White Berets. She was about to be killed by Enel's lightning, but she was saved by Gan Fall. Despite this show of Enel's power, Luffy, Usopp and Sanji started their travel to Upper Yard.

Luffy, Usopp and Sanji travel through the Milky Road in which they avoided several deadly traps. After that, they entered the Ordeal of Balls, in which they encountered Satori, one of Enel's priests. Satori gave them a hard time, especially since Satori possess an ability called Mantra. But, despite this, Luffy and his friends managed to defeat him.

After the battle, Luffy, Usopp and Sanji managed to rejoin their friends at the Sacrificial Altar along with Gan Fall, who came there to save Chopper from Shura. Later that night, Luffy and his friends had a great party along with the company of a pack of wolves. In the morning, the crew decided to split into 2 groups; one group will go search for the city of gold in Upper Yard, which revealed to be part of Jaya 400 years, while the other group will go out of Upper Yard. Luffy is part of the group to search for the city of gold.

Inside the stomach of a giant snake
Luffy, Zoro, Chopper, and Robin were searching for the city of gold in Upper Yard, until they are pursued by a gigantic snake, which force them to split up.

After that, Luffy encountered Wiper, the man who attacked him and his friends on their arrival in Skypiea, and the two began to fight. During their fight, the giant snake appears, interrupted their fight and eats Luffy. In the snake's stomach, Luffy sees tons of gold and ruins, but can't seem to find his way out, under the assumption that he's in a cave. Later, Gan Fall, his horse Pierre, Nami and Aisa joined Luffy inside the snake's stomach. Nami finds out from Luffy that his attacks within the snake are responsible for the snake's errastic behavior and comically beats him up in anger. After Enel blasts the surface that the snake, Zoro and Wiper were on, the three were falling towards the hidden ruins of Shandora. During that time, Gan Fall and Nami managed to escape the snake, but accidentally left Luffy, Aisa, and Pierre behind. With the snake remembering the city from long ago from which she came and gave a trimphant roar, Enel silencing it with a thunderbolt powerful enough to knock it out. Later that day, Luffy, Aisa and Pierre managed to escape the unconscious snake. But, at the moment they escaped the snake, they noticed the destruction that Enel has created. After a barely conscious Robin explains the situation, and Enel's intentions to eradicate Skypeia, Aisa explains to Luffy that she can use her mantra to lead him to Enel. Following Aisa's direction, Luffy decided to stop Enel.

Facing up against the God Of Skypeia
Luffy finally reaches Enel and challenges him. As Luffy charges Enel fires electrical attacks at him only to find that they have no effect on Luffy, to his, as well as Nami's and Aisa's suprise. Not only that, but Luffy can neutralise the invulnerability from his Logia fruit power and did so by kicking him in the stomach. Nami realises that it is Luffy's ruber property that alows him to do so. After calming down, Enel switches to a different mode of attack by reforming his staff into a trident, and piercing his skin, teleporting around and using his Mantra to predict his moves, avoiding his Gomu Gomu no Yari, heating his trident knowing that Luffy will grab onto it to avoid his next attack. Although he got hit by Luffy's Gomu Gomu no Ono and came crashing to the floor, he caught his Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun, before slamming him into the floor. as Luffy recovers, and Nami panics as the Maxim rises into the sky from Enel powering it, Luffy tells her to stop doing so as it is unworthy of the future Pirate King's nakama. Enel asks him what the Pirate King rules exactly, to which Luffy replies the entire ocean, as they begin round two of the duel.

Before doing so, Enel activates Maxim's secret function: Deathpeia to produce thunderclouds into the atmosphere allowing him to attack the island from an island-scale range, and gave a small demonstration to humor himself as they continue their fight. Luffy realises that with Enel's mantra and him constantly heating his staff to halt Luffy's counterattacks, he's going nowhere so he tries shutting down his brain with Gomu Gomu no Baka..., and moves only by instinct. While the ability does allow him to dodge all of Enel's attacks, he returns to normal, realizing he can't attack doing this, to Nami's annoyance. However, Luffy's tries Gomu Gomu no Tako to loosen his limbs and inflate himself, before finding a surface to make his next move. As Enel charges, Luffy uses the elastic surface of the Maxim's wall, firing his Gomu Gomu no Tako Hanabi, while not knowing where they will attack but also using Enel's charge to his advantage by hitting him mulitple times, and charging at him with Gomu Gomu no Bazooka before he has time to recover, and Gomu Gomu no Rifle momentarily incapacitating him. Enel regains consiousness, angered by his humiliation, anticipates Luffy's attack by heating his golden statue with elecrticity and attaching a large ball of gold to his arm as it rapidly cools around it and knocks him off the ship back onto Upper Yard. Aisa with Pierre tries to rescue them but Enel strikes them with El Thor, with Pierre taking the brunt of the damage. Aisa helps Luffy get the golden ball off him as the two try to give chase to Enel and his rising ship Maxim.

Luffy manages to recover in the ruins of Shandora and, along with Aisa and Pierre, runs towards the beanstalk with the golden ball still attached to his arm. Seeing Robin made it with the others on Giant Jack, Luffy tosses Aisa and Pierre onto them to look after the two as he chases Enel. Luffy makes it to the top of the beanstalk and grabs onto the Maxim, only for Enel to kick him off, and destroy the top of the benstalk refore using the thunderclouds to form a giant sphere with his power called Raigou to annihilate another Sky Island. Luffy is eventually met by Nami, who tried to convince him to leave, but he replies that he has to ring the bell so Montblanc Cricket and everyone else will know that the city of gold is in the sky. Using the Waver's full power, Nami and Luffy blast up the plant and are sent flying towards Enel. However, Luffy pushes Nami onto a cloud and makes a detour into Enel's attack's, the Raigou.

Luffy swings the gold ball around with Gomu Gomu no Hanabi Ougan Botan to draw the electricity from the Raigou into him and eventually destabilizes it clearing the sky. Despite Enel unleashing his full power, Luffy manages to kick him, only falling back when the weight of the golden ball allows Enel to pierce him with the tridents. Luffy jumps back using the cloud Nami was on and fire Gomu Gomu no Ougan Rifle at Enel, with such such speed that he can't dodge it and sends him crashing into the Shandorian Golden Belfry Bell sending a ring that could be heard everywhere, thus ending the war between Skypeians and Shandians, and informing Cricket that the bell was always in the sky. In Jaya, Luffy's shadow in the sky is seen by Cricket, Masira and Shoujou, which let them conclude that the city of gold is in the sky.

After Enel's defeat, Luffy, his crew and the rest of the inhabitants of Skypiea had an enormous party at night. After the party, Luffy decided to take several bags full of gold, thinking that as pirates they should simply take them not knowing that the natives already allowed them to take them in the first place. Once that was done, Luffy and his crew boarded the Going Merry and go out of Skypiea using the Clouds End door, thanks to Conis and her father Pagaya who thanked them for saving Skypiea from the tyranny of Enel. link title

Davy Back Fight and Admiral Aokiji
Upon returning from Skypiea to the Blue Sea, Luffy and his crew had no time to rest as they encountered a giant wave created by some Sea Monkeys. After the brief incident, Luffy and his crew rested and assessed the good wealth they obtained from their Sky Island adventure. As Luffy discussed with his crew, they all agreed that they would use the treasure to help fix the travel-worn Going Merry and get a shipwright to help maintain it. After encountering the Sea Monkeys once again and a curious pirate ship with no sails or crew, Luffy and his crew reached the next island in their journey. As Luffy, along with Usopp and Chopper, decided to explore the island, they noticed that the animals and plant life were all very long in appearance.

As Luffy and his two companions explored the island more, they encountered a nomad named Tonjit who had been stuck on his stilts for 10 long years. After getting acquainted with the old man and reuniting him with his hoooooorse, Sherry, Luffy and his companions felt that they had done small accomplishment. However, in the midst of their enjoyment, Sherry was suddenly shot. Learning immediately that the shot was fired by the pirate, Foxy, who was nearby, Luffy momentarily engaged at this foe. Before Luffy could fight Foxy however, he was suddenly challenged to an official Davy Back Fight.

From Usopp, Luffy learned that this sudden challenge was a set of three games between pirate crews in which the crew members were at stake. Despite Usopp's warnings however and much to the dismay of the rest of his crew, Luffy accepted the challenge from Foxy and his crew to hold a Davy Back Fight on Longring Longland. What happened next was a festival-like event set up by Foxy's pirates in lieu of the Davy Back games. After the formalities of the beginning of the games, Luffy and his crew decided who would participate in which game. Taking the final and most climatic game, Combat, Luffy awaited for his turn as he watched the rest of his crew participate in the other games.

The first two games of the Davy Back Fight proved to be both surprising and emotional for Luffy and his crew. In the first game, Donut Race, they witnessed Foxy and his crew's cheating tricks, and Foxy's exploit of his Devil Fruit powers of the Noro Noro no Mi. Due to these, Luffy lost Chopper to Foxy. Fortunately, Luffy was able to win Chopper back as his crew won the second game, Groggy Ring, despite the gigantic odds stacked against them. After watching these two grueling games, Luffy was pumped up for his turn in the final game.

With the third game approaching, Luffy with the help from Usopp, decided to dress appropriately for the match. Donning an afro and boxing outfit, Luffy was ready to face against the sly Foxy aboard his ship, the Sexy Foxy. Throughout the whole match, Luffy was constantly tricked by his smarter opponent as they battled all around the ship. With Foxy's tricks and Devil Fruit powers, it seemed like Luffy would lose. Despite this, Luffy persevered to not lose one of his crew forever. In the climax of the battle, Luffy was able to thwart Foxy by using a mirror shard obtained from the battle to reflect Foxy's powers back to himself. Having slowed Foxy down, Luffy delivered the final blow and won the game.

After a lot of rest, Luffy wakes up being told he indeed did win the fight. Foxy comes to congratulate Luffy on how he fought in the match, giving a handshake gesture, then attempting to throw him overhead, forgetting his arm is rubber. As Luffy won, he gets to choose a crew member from the Foxy Pirates, but instead choose their flag, but as the sail is their flag, Luffy opts to "redesign" the flag, then give it back. Luffy's poorly drawn Jolly Roger is given to them, officially ending the Davy Back Fight. Although obviously grateful, Foxy vows revenge on Luffy for losing the match. The Straw Hats return to Tonjit giving him the Foxy Pirates' old flag as a sign of their defeat. Chopper uses it as a bandage for Sherry, the horse.

Just as Luffy and his crew were done with the dealing with the matter with Foxy and his pirates, they soon came across another one. Sleeping beside Tonjit's house was the Marine Admiral, Aokiji. Initially Aokiji was non-hostile to Luffy and his crew, despite him being a Marine and causing Luffy some fear when he told him that he knew his grandfather. Aokiji even helped Tonjit in finding a way to get back to the rest of the old man's nomad clan with his Hie Hie no Mi. However when hostilities began between Aokiji and Nico Robin, Luffy and crew faced off against this new foe. Despite their best efforts, Luffy and those who fought alongside him against Aokiji, were utterly defeated. Fortunately however, the Marine Admiral simply left a frozen Luffy in defeat but with a warning to be wary with Nico Robin.

Water 7: A Breaking Ship, a Breaking Crew


After sailing for a short while, they witness a frog doing a freestyle swim trying to stall a train moving in the ocean, with an odd girl and even odder elderly woman, who was always drinking. The girl introduced herself as Chimney with her pet rabbit (which she and it think it's a cat), Gonbe and her grandmother Kokoro.]Luffy told them who he is and declared he'll be the next Pirate King, which Kokoro liked. They explain that the train is called the Puffing Tom, and is a Sea Train, and also the frog, named Yokozuna is alive, but trains itself by constantly standing in the train's way, being a nuisance. Luffy then decided not to eat him, because he's a high-spirited animal, who works hard, and is determined. Kokoro tells them that they are approaching Water 7, where they can easily repair their ship, as it is home to the world's best shipwrights and carpenters, and to look for a man named Iceburg.

The Straw Hats were amazed at the architecture of Water 7, and found out that even the houses float. Luffy, with Nami and Usopp go in a group and Luffy carries the gold from their last raid in Skypiea. After going to a boat shop, they find out about Yagara Bulls, and travel on one to the market. After entering Zousen-jima, they find out that the gold is worth at least 300,000,000, and trade it in for cash in a merchant shop. They meet a man with a long rectangular nose named Kaku of the Galley-La Company. Despite his manner of speech, he reveals he's 23 years of age. To help the Straw Hats find Iceburg...by leaping off the cliff. They soon visited by Iceburg himself assisted by Kalifa, who both turns out to be the mayor of Water-7 and aware of who they are. He is also quite childish, even taking in a pet mouse he named Tyrannosaurus. Iceburg agreed to help them, even canceling all his meetings to do so. In between their meetings, they almost got robbed by a gang, were it not for Paulie of Galley-La Company. Paulie himself tried to take the money for himself.Rob Lucci prevented him from doing so. Kalifa tells them they are a gang of dismantlers known as the Franky Family, led by Franky himself, who's another story. Lucci's pet Hattori apparently spoke. Lucci berated Paulie for trying to steal their money due to his gambling debts, provoking a fight. Iceburg informs them they always duel other. After they stop fighting, Hattori "introduces" himself, and Nami figures Lucci is a ventriloquist. Paulie reveals he can never speak for himself as he mocks him. But he himself seems to be shy around women who wear skimpy clothing, and berates Nami for this, referring to her as a "shameless woman".

Luffy, Usopp and Nami are taken to the Shipyard. Kalifa tells them that Iceburg not only is the mayor of Water-7, but the leader of the Galley-La Company, and its greatest carpenter. He united the greatest shipwrights and carpenters into one group five years before. Luffy asks Iceburg to join his crew, to which he declines. Kaku returned from his diagnosis to tell Luffy and Nami that the Going Merry is irreparable. Luffy pleaded to repair the ship, and they have plenty of money to spend, but Paulie explained that the Merry has suffered a broken keel. As the keel is the most vital part of the ship, as the foundation to build everything around it, how it even made it to Water 7 through the Grand Line is amazing enough, he explained. Once the keel is broken, it cannot be replaced, otherwise it would be an entirely "new" ship. Thus, they cannot fix their ship. Luffy and Nami were upset about this, with Luffy pleading to remake the Going Merry. However, Lucci through Hattori explained that Merry cannot be remade if they had the blueprints or not, because it would use the wood it technically wasn't made from, the result would not be 'exactly the same ship as the one they traveled in. In fact doing so, will not make them feel that they are traveling in the same Going Merry. Iceburg said that the type of ship the Going Merry was wouldn't have lasted further on even if it wasn't broken. Luffy refused that Merry was truly irreparable, but Iceburg coldly stated with that sort of stubborness, he might as well sink with it. He also told them to return once they've decided on getting a new ship, and with the 300,000,000 they have, they easily buy the best they have to offer. As a scheming Government agent has a private conversation with Iceburg, Luffy and Nami discover they've been robbed and their bags of cash replaced. Luffy ran off and jumped off the cliff like Kaku did, but didn't reach as far as him, knocked his head and fell into the canal. Luckily, Zoro, Sanji and Chopper were searching for Usopp at the time, and Sanji brought him out. They are looking for the whereabouts of the Franky Family's base, and find a severely beaten up Usopp outside it. So Luffy, Zoro, Sanji and Chopper enter the Franky House. After the four beat them up, severely for attacking Usopp, and destroy the house they contemplate what their next course of action is, as Franky took the money anyway, and the ship cannot be fixed. Luffy makes the difficult decision to abandon the Going Merry and get a new one.

As Usopp recovered back at the Going Merry, he is glad to see his friends around him, and lamented to Luffy that he couldn't get the money back to fix the ship. However, Luffy tells him that the ship is irreparable, so they just have to get a new one. Usopp didn't take the news too well, and initially thought Luffy was joking but saw he really meant to replace Merry, and Usopp became very angry at Luffy for his seemingly carefree attitude of what he was saying, as a large quarrel ensued between the two. To Usopp, the ship is a nakama as well, and not only shouldn't Luffy have taken the Galley-La advice to abandon it, he should be a better captain. However, Luffy replied to Usopp that the ship cannot ever be repaired or set sail, as it will sink, and although they're all taking the news hard, a ship is not worth them drowning. Usopp refused to believe the ship is broken, and persisted to fix it himself, despite his carpentry being poor. Luffy pointed out that that if the best carpenters in the world can't fix Merry, what makes him think that he can. Luffy pushed him to the ground to remind Usopp they're all having a hard time with the decision, and says if Usopp doesn't like it he can leave. Sanji kicked Luffy in the face, and knocked him across the room, to remind him not to say such harsh things, and Luffy tried to apologize, but Usopp felt that he meant it, then explained his feelings of inadequacy to the crew, and especially Luffy, and compared it with his decision to leave the Going Merry. Usopp concluded by announcing he's leaving the crew. Leaving the ship, he also announced he will duel with Luffy for the Going Merry.

Nami tried to reason with Luffy not to fight, and that Usopp didn't mean any of what was said, but Luffy replied it wouldn't get as far as it did if it wasn't serious. When Usopp arrived at the appointed time, Luffy ordered the crew not to come down, and let the two of them settle it. Luffy told Usopp that whatever happens next, he should be prepared, but Usopp simply replied that most of his opponents didn't know who he is, however, he himself has been with Luffy longer them and knows how he fights. Usopp surprisingly manages to give Luffy a hard time, like he said, and gains the upper hand, using eggs, spicy sauce, shuriken, and a Breath Dial he used without Luffy noticing due to the eggs, and fires his "Flame Star" to ignite an explosion. However, all the while, Luffy is thinking about their former friendship. As Luffy lies on the ground, he thinks of the good times he and Usopp had together. Luffy tries attack Usopp with Gomu Gomu no Gatling but Usopp fired his Sakuretsu Saboten Boshi to repel Luffy. Luffy manages to hit Usopp with Gomu Gomu no Pistol and tries to finish him with Bazooka but Usopp absorbs the attack with his Impact Dial, and fires it back at him, dislocating his own shoulder. It wasn't enough to stun Luffy for too long and the captain finished Usopp off with Gomu Gomu no Bullet, ending the duel. Luffy has won, and told Usopp he couldn't have won anyway, however, out of pity and respect to their former friendship, he told Usopp that he can have the Going Merry and orders everyone out by the following morning as they take their stuff. Luffy returns to the Going Merry, but realizes it was a Pyrrhic victory for him: In winning the duel, he had lost a valuable friend. While all the others were saddened by the loss of Usopp in their crew, Zoro said to Luffy he did the right thing. As the captain, he has to be decisive and stern. Luffy's tears start to roll down his eyes, with two Straw Hats gone (Robin is missing), and the ship broken.

Soon afterward, Nami tells Luffy and Sanji that an attempt on Iceburg's life was made. Luffy and Nami decide to head to Iceburg for him to tell them what happened, and use a Yagara Bull to travel across the canal. However, there is a lot of traffic, and Luffy is also challenged by the boss of the Franky Family, Franky who wants revenge for beating his "brothers and sisters" up in his absence and trashing their house. After quarreling for a short time with each other, Franky starts things by spitting fire out of his mouth. Luffy and Nami first thought he had a Devil Fruit ability, until he jumped into the water swam and attacked them by punching their boat. When Franky fires a Strong Right knocking Luffy back on a wall on the Dock 1 shipyard, he reveals he is a cyborg. Meanwhile, news spreads blaming the Straw Hat Pirates for the attempted assassination of Iceburg, when he reveals that Nico Robin was one of the assailants. The battle continues between Luffy and Franky, and the cyborg fires at the Straw Hat with Weapons Left, Luffy retaliates with Gomu Gomu no Muchi, but the Galley-La foremen interrupt the fight, convinced that the Straw Hats tried to kill Iceburg, and stepped in to exact revenge. Luffy tries to explain that the Straw Hats weren't involved in what happened to Iceburg but Paulie attacks him by putting him in a choke-hold with his rope. Lulu fires bullets at Luffy, but upon learning he has a Devil fruit ability, he kicks him away. Franky tries to attack them for interrupting his fight but he is quickly dispatched by Tilestone. Lucci also comes after Luffy and knocks him away onto the ship parts. Luffy asks why they are attacking him, and they explain that Iceburg identified Nico Robin as one of the assailants and blame them for trying to kill him. News spreads around the crowd, and they now hate them. Luffy tries to explain things them as they fight but they fall on deaf ears. Finally, Franky decides to fire his Coup de Vent blast, which Luffy evades and escapes the battle with Nami.

They escape to a building near Galley-La HQ, and Nami notes that the atmosphere has dropped, and the typography appears different. Luffy immediately attempts to ask Iceburg what happened and stretches towards the building. After evading those trying to capture him, he makes it to Iceburg's room. The mayor notes he is not here to kill him in the midst of all the chaos, and asks Luffy to see her one more time, and the Straw Hat replies it's impossible as they don't know where she is and leaves the room before the pursuers appear. After informing Nami that Iceburg said he definitely saw Robin, he still refuses to believe it. After they meet up with Zoro, they are forced to hide until Chopper and tells them that Robin has left them, and was involved with an attempt on Iceburg's life. Zoro decides that by nighttime, they need to find out after all the time they spent whether Robin is their friend or foe. Zoro deducts that Robin sounded like she is attempting to make their lives more difficult, and will return to Galley-La HQ to assassinate Iceburg. After much thinking, Luffy decides that they should return to the crime scene to find out what the truth about Nico Robin really is.

Luffy, Nami, Zoro and Chopper wait for Robin to arrive sitting on a tree branch while observing what is happening. Galley-La HQ is heavily guarded with carpenters, as Chopper watches through binoculars. Suddenly, chaos erupts within the building and Luffy escapes into the HQ. After getting stuck, he smashes into the third floor, getting stuck again, and seeing Paulie on the ground bleeding with two masked assailants in front of him. The two use a powerful kick called Rankyaku and subdue Luffy with metal hoops, and do the same with Paulie before taking off. As the two are trapped, Paulie admits a misunderstanding with Luffy and decides he needs his help to beat the assailants, who are really a team of secret agents known as Cipher Pol No. 9. Luffy uses his rubber ability to free himself and frees Paulie as well, after charging into the wrong room, Paulie shows him the right way, and he bursts through a wall, reuniting with the others, as Lucci, Kalifa, Blueno, and Kaku all now revealed to be CP9 members notice him, as well as Robin.

Luffy pleads with Robin to tell him whats going on, but she states she can't as she has darkness in her heart and prepares to escape. Luffy tries to go after her but is held back by Blueno who withstands his attacks using Tekkai, dodges them with his Kami-e, Soru and Geppou techniques, while Kaku and Kalifa both attack him with Rankyaku, slicing thorough the building. As Robin declares they will not see her again, and escapes through the window, despite the Straw Hats' plea, Luffy gives chase behind her, but Lucci grabs him by the head, preventing him from running after her, and resists his attacks with Tekkai, before throwing him to the side. He informs the Straw Hats that CP9 are secret agents dedicated to serving the World Government, and have trained their bodies from young ages to superhuman levels, and says for this reason they cannot compare to their strength. With the time set to burn the house down, Lucci decides to reveal his Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Leopard fruit, turning into a gigantic half-human, half leopard. Chopper tells the crew that out of the Zoan-type Devil Fruits, ones of carnivorous animals are the most bloodthristy, with Lucci reiterating that Zoan fruits are the greatest type for close combat. With the shipwrights arrivving to save Iceburg, Lucci uses his Rankyaku technique to slice the ceiling. Paulie puts Iceburg on his back and prepares to fight Lucci, but Luffy attacks him first, but Lucci defeats Luffy with a single Shigan piercing right through his abdomen, grabs his head and flings him out of the building.

Later, after Nami recovers and finds that Sanji managed to sneak aboard the Sea Train bound for Enies Lobby. She goes in search of Luffy in the old ruins of Water 7, with some help from Chimney, Nami finds Luffy wedged between two buildings. She calls him an idiot for messing around there, and goes on to tell the real reason Robin left (which Nami learned from Iceburg); That she left to save them from being targeted by the World Government, and give herself up to them. Upon hear hearing this, Luffy says he's glad to hear that and in a tremendous show of strength, pushes the buildings aside then jumps to Nami just as Aqua Laguna about to hit. The two along with Chopper and Zoro just barely avoid getting caught in the first wave though the second nearly catches them. Luckily they're rescued by Paulie and pulled to higher ground.

After recovering from nearly being drowned, Luffy asks for a boat to chase after Robin but Kokoro tells him its impossible due to the Aqua Laguna storm. However seeing that he is determined to rescue Robin no matter what, she leads him to a hidden area where a second prototype Sea Train is kept. Iceburg is already there, having anticipated what Luffy was going to do and readied the train for departure. Luffy stocks up on provisions before heading out but is confronted by the Franky Family who beg Luffy to take them along as their leader Franky was captured by the CP9 as well. Luffy agrees to let them come before boarding the Sea Train with the remaining Straw Hats and Kokoro and setting off. As they leave, the Franky Family hook their ship up to the train just as it about to connect to the tracks, which Kokoro reveals she won't be able to stop once that happens. Indeed the train grains tremendous speed once it hits the tracks but is enough to plow on through the storm. Later on it shown that more passengers, Chimney, her rabbit Gonbe, and the remnants of Galley-La (Paulie, Tilestone and Peeply Lulu) managed to stow away on the train as well. Once the latter learn the truth about CP9, Luffy forms an alliance with the Franky Family and Galley-La to defeat their common enemy.

After which Luffy mostly sits at the front of the train for most of the trip. At one point they come upon a wave that threatens to derail the train. Luffy and Zoro combine their attacks together to blow a hole through it to allow safe passage for everyone. Later on they come across a detached compartment from Puffing Tom (the first train) which was due to the actions of Franky, Sanji and Usopp (going by his Sogeking persona). Luffy slingshots himself onto it and checks to see if his friends are inside. But finding only Government agents, jumps back on board the Rocketman as Zoro cuts the compartment in half to allow the train to continue.

Soon the group pick up Sanji and Usopp after their failed attempt to rescue Robin and Franky. Luffy assures Sani they will rescue her then gushes after he meets Sogeking not realizing who he really is (everyone save for Chopper realize though). After which Enies Lobby is in sight and the last ditch rescue of Robin begins.

Taking it to the Next Gear: Rescuing a Nakama from Enies Lobby
When they reached the Enies Lobby, Luffy (before hearing any plans the others can come up with) rushes on ahead straight into Enies Lobby and begins a rampage across the island, taking out any Marines and Government agents in his path. Eventually he reaches the Courthouse of Justice where Blueno of the CP9 comes out to confront him. Unlike the battle on Water 7 however, Luffy is a completely different fighter. He is able to keep up and avoid most of Blueno's Rankyaku attacks and even manage to break through his Tekkai defense. After a pause during the battle Luffy reveals he is thankful for meeting the CP9 as he now learnt a few new techniques to keep his crew safe. He then reveals the new technique, which he calls Gear 2nd, a transformation that makes him invisible to the human eye and his attacks much more devastating. Blueno is eventually overwhelmed by Luffy's new power, leaving Luffy free to call out to Robin. These turn of events force the other CP9 members to come out and confront him. The Straw Hat captain is soon joined by his fellow crew and the group prepare to face off against the rest of CP9.

It is here the dramatic confrontation takes place and they learn of Robin's true situation. Luffy demands that he hear that Robin wishes to live from her own mouth, She declares that she does indeed want to live and with those words set the following events in motion. After declaring war on the world government by means of Luffy issuing the order for Sogeking (Usopp) to set fire to the World Governments flag, Luffy grabbed his crew and jumped together into the waiting Rocketman train below; Franky fell down, pushed by Spandam and fell together with the Straw Hats.



Each of them started to search for the key to Robin's Seastone handcuffs which is in the possession of one of the CP9. After defeating the other members of CP9 and successfully releasing Robin, Luffy was the only one remaining to have yet defeated his opponent, Rob Lucci. They are all surrounded by Battleships because of the Buster Call which was accidentally declared on the island. When Luffy defeats Rob Lucci by using Gear Second and Gear Third (in which luffy blows air into his limbs and enlarges thier size and power), their main problem was how to escape the now destroyed island surrounded by battleships. This was solved when the Going Merry appears in the sea below them without a navigator.

Aftermath of Enies Lobby
With the Going Merry, everyone has managed to escape Enies Lobby safely. However, after escaping, Iceburg arrives in a Galley-La just in time to pick up the Straw Hat Pirates as the Merry suddenly breaks apart. Luffy then gives the Going Merry a viking funeral by burning it as the crew tearfully says goodbye. While the ship is burning however, the Merry appears to speak to everyone present, apologizing for not being able to take them to the end of the world, but it was happy.

As everyone relaxes at Water 7, Franky decides to build a ship for the crew out of the special wood called Adam Wood. However, at that point, Marines led by Garp break into Iceburg's mansion, where everyone is staying, and punches the still-asleep Luffy to wake him up. At this point, Luffy reveals that Garp is his grandfather. Sanji reveals to the Straw Hats that Usopp is planning to rejoin the crew. While Luffy, Nami and Chopper want to join and invite him back, Zoro insists that Luffy should be a firm captain on his position, Usopp shouldn't return full of pride, and should return on their terms, not his. Zoro even threatened to leave the crew, if Usopp was allowed to rejoin without asking for forgiveness for his behavior. Luffy got the message, and agreed with Zoro's view of the situation.

With the help of the rest of the Franky Family, he is holding Franky's pants hostage as a bargaining chip to get him to join his crew. Franky simply poses naked and he says "I'm still a man naked". Meanwhile, Sanji comes running with Zoro to tell that Vice-Admiral Garp, has sailed on the opposite shore in attack position. Luffy then throws Franky's speedo back and tells him to sail with them. Franky then says he does want to see his dream ship. Franky then agrees to join.

In chapter 438, Luffy is trying to battle his grandfather with his new ship. At this moment Usopp tries to rejoin the crew, however because of Zoro's speech, he is ignored until he apologizes. During the struggle between Garp and the Straw Hats, Usopp finally apologizes and admits he wants to rejoin, and with that note, Luffy tearfully accepts him back into the crew.

Meeting Brook and Exploring the Thriller Bark
After sailing for some time on the Thousand Sunny, Luffy and the rest of the crew came across a mysterious barrel floating on the ocean. Upon opening it, a flash shot up from it. After braving a storm that mysteriously came afterwards thanks to Nami and Franky, Luffy and the rest of the crew found themselves in the presence of a ghost ship.

Wanting to explore the ship, Luffy along with Sanji and Nami climbed aboard. There they met a skeleton named Brook whose being interested Luffy. Luffy then asked Brook to join his crew which in turn the skeleton accepted. Luffy then brought Brook back to Thousand Sunny to show to the rest of the crew, to their dismay; especially Usopp, who wore a lot of Anti-Spirit clothing and charms, and Zoro, who quickly scolded Nami and Sanji for not stopping him from doing this. Over dinner, Brook explained his past and later explained that he really can't join Luffy due to his current condition of having his shadow stolen.

Luffy really wanting to have Brook as a member, promised to get Brook's shadow back no matter what. This pleased Brook so much that the skeleton decided to perform before the crew with his violin, revealing he is a musician. Just as Brook was about to perform before an even more determined Luffy (who had wanted a musician for his crew nearly since the beginning of his journey) and the rest of the crew after dinner, a ghost appeared and some clanking sounds were heard. These sounds were caused by the gates of the island that suddenly appeared, Thriller Bark, closing. These events prompted Brook to head to the island before Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats' eyes.

With Luffy's resolve to go to the island to get his long awaited musician and to explore the island, Franky and Robin decided to join him also. After witnessing Franky's present to the Straw Hats, Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats decided to look for Nami, Usopp, and Chopper who had not returned. However before Luffy and the rest could go to the island, they were stopped by an invisible thing. This thing tried to stab Luffy with one of Zoro's swords. Luckily, Franky kicked Luffy away before the sword found it's mark. The thing later left Luffy and the rest baffled.

After the Thousand Sunny got caught in what was apparently a spider web, Luffy and the rest descended to the island. There they met the Cerberus which Luffy thought of eating. Luffy decided to tame the beast seeing as it was a big dog. The creature bit Luffy and in retaliation slammed the creature to a nearby wall. After Luffy tamed the beast, Luffy and the rest met two more of the island's creatures. Luffy caught the "Geezer Tree" while Franky caught the unicorn. Luffy then tried to get the tree to join his crew. He was fortunately stopped by Zoro and Sanji.

Later as Sanji was scolding Luffy, they then came across some ghosts, one of which Luffy tried to catch. The ghost was unaffected and instead passed through Luffy and temporarily drained his will to go on. After Luffy and the rest who also affected by the ghosts recovered, they pressed forward. Luffy and the rest later met with some Zombies which Luffy mistook one for an old man with a big wound after he tried to shove it back into it's grave as it was climbing out. He and the rest defeated the zombies with a combo technique. Luffy then asked the zombies about his three friends that came by earlier. The zombies inadvertently revealed that they attack them earlier with one of them selling out the other. For this, Luffy and the rest shoved the zombies back into their graves head first.

The group then met with an actual real old man with a big wound who looked like a Zombie, Spoil. The old man asked them to defeat Gecko Moria who had stolen his shadow and the shadows of others like him. Robin then explained that Moria was a Shichibukai with a former bounty higher than Luffy. With plans to actually beat Moria, Luffy agreed to help the old man and the others who had their shadows stolen by the Shichibukai. As it began to rain, Luffy and the others discovered that Thriller Bark was a actually a ship. With their goal in mind, they ventured into Moria's mansion.

Inside the mansion, Luffy and the others fought against the Zombies in the dining hall. One of them, a Bear's Skin Rug fascinated Luffy as he fought against it. Luffy was so fascinated with the bear that he commented that he would've liked to have it join his crew if only they weren't enemies. After the battle, he and the others noticed that Sanji was missing. With nothing else to do in the room, Luffy and the others decided to take Buhichuck, the leader of the Zombies in the room, along in order to have him guide them to the rest of their friends. As Luffy left the room, the Zombies told him to be scared of Moria's wrath for what Luffy and his friends did in the dining hall. Luffy in response, merely replied that he will "kick Moria's ass."

After walking awhile with Buhichuck as their hostage, Luffy, Robin, and Franky suddenly noticed that Zoro too was missing. The situation was beginning to become suspicious. Later, Luffy found a suit of armor and decided to don it. Franky questioning Luffy, asked why he put it on. Luffy then explained to Franky that it is a man's romance to don armor even if he is made of steel. After a performance by Franky, the three came upon an arena like area. There, Luffy and Robin witnessed a bout between Franky and a General Zombie. After witnessing it for while, Luffy's group were suddenly trapped in the room by Buhichuck. There they were forced to fight a large group of General Zombies. In the middle of the battle, Luffy found himself face to face with General Zombie with three swords like Zoro. Before Luffy could get a clear answer from Jigorou, he was caught off guard by some Spider Mice Zombies. Luffy was then sealed in a coffin by the Spider Mice with their webbing and then sent to the main mast of Thriller Bark.

Luffy was then brought before Gecko Moria. While Luffy was able to escape for a bit by eating through the cage he was in, he was unfortunately subdued by some ghosts that were emitted by Perona. After being stripped off of his armor, Luffy had his shadow stolen by Moria through the use of powers of the Devil Fruit Moria ate, the Kage Kage no Mi. Upon being separated from his shadow, Luffy fell into a coma. With Luffy's shadow in Moria's hands, Moria decided to put in the 900th Zombie, Oars. Having his shadow finished being extracted, Luffy was then brought back to the Thousand Sunny by some Spider Mice.

Counter attack against Moria
After being placed in the Thousand Sunny's kitchen along with Sanji and Zoro, Franky tried to wake them by hitting them in the head but failed but by their own stupidity Usopp woke them up by telling them that a hottie with a sword showed up with meat. Upon awakening, Luffy's first immediate thought was kicking Moria's butt. After calming down, Luffy and the others were briefed on what happened while he, Zoro, and Sanji were out. With Nami and three of their shadows taken, Luffy and the others planned to take them back. Luffy was then informed by Franky of Brook's relationship with Laboon. Ever more excited by this information, Luffy then decided that he would make Brook join their crew, even if he had to drag the skeleton onto the ship himself. With this, Luffy and his crew decided to take back from Moria what he stole from them and their friends.

With the determination to get everything back before dawn arrives, Luffy and his crew split into two teams. With part of his team headed to save Nami and himself headed to defeat Moria, Luffy's team purified several zombies with some salt from Usopp on their way to their goals. As they rampaged through and purified Moria's zombie hoard, Luffy and Sanji unfortunately got subdued by more of Perona's ghosts. Fortunately however, they were saved by the rest of the team before the zombies could get to them. Just as things were getting chaotic enough, Oars, the zombie with Luffy's shadow, came crashing into the part of the building Luffy's team was in and separated part of the building as well as part of Luffy's team. With only Robin and Chopper left with him, Luffy and the two decided to continue towards Moria, seeing that the others wouldn't be beaten so easily. As the three continued onwards, they were stopped in Moria's dance hall by Hogback and Cindry. Fortunately, however, Robin and Chopper were able to hold those two off long enough for Luffy to slip pass them and continue onwards to Moria. After running through a long hallway and into the freezer that contained Oars' corpse, Luffy finally reached Moria.

After a short conversation between the two, Luffy immediately started attacking Moria. However, as soon as Luffy threw a punch, Moria used his own shadow, Doppelman, to fight in his stead. Undeterred by this seemingly invincible being, Luffy was still able to land a hit on Moria himself by attacking the Shichibukai from an indirect place. However despite using this tactic for some time, Luffy was still unable to land a direct clean hit on Moria. This continued until Oars came back to the freezer and started obeying Moria's orders fully. Once Moria gave Oars the order to completely annihilate all of the Straw Hats, the zombie began to attack Luffy. Luffy dodged the blow and started to chase after Moria, who had decided to run away from the chaos that was about to ensue.

As Luffy chased after Moria, he was led deep within the forest of Thriller Bark. However, as Luffy was chasing Moria, the Shichibukai tricked Luffy into chasing Doppelman. Upon realizing what happened, Luffy was left stranded in the middle of forest. Seeing that dawn was fast approaching, Luffy immediately tried to find his way back to the Mast Mansion. However while running around lost in forest, Luffy encountered the group that the old man, Spoil, was head of, the Thriller Bark Victim's Association. With some convincing by members of the association, the Risky Bros. of the Rolling Pirates, Luffy was told that they knew a way to beat Moria.

Through some explanations by the Risky Bros.'s captain Lola, who tried to but failed to ask Luffy's hand in marriage, Luffy was told of the process of using captured shadows to power oneself up for ten minutes. Luffy was implanted with one hundred shadows that the Thriller Bark Victim's Association had collected over the years and became a vastly larger blue being that was dubbed "Nightmare Luffy". With his newfound strength and skills bestowed by the shadows, Luffy rushed off to Mast Mansion, where Oars and Moria were battling against his crew and Brook.

Arriving just in the nick of time to save both Nami and Usopp from Oars, Luffy immediately started battling against the zombie. He easily overpowered him with his devastating attacks, wounding Moria as a result as well. With the execution of his final move, Gomu Gomu no Storm, Luffy's ten minute limit was up. However, Luffy had inflicted so much damage onto Oars that the behemoth completely toppled over onto the Mast Mansion.

Though Luffy was exhausted by having so many shadows implanted within him, the battle was still not over, for Oars rose back up to continue battling on. Despite their wounds, Luffy, his crew, and Brook rose back up as well and started one last combined attack against the zombie. While the rest of his crew began to restrict Oars' movements, Luffy was brought to top of Thriller Bark with help from Brook's high jumps and Robin's ability. At the top, Luffy was then thrown down towards a restricted Oars. As Luffy fell, he activated Gear Third and landed a crippling blow to Oars, shattering the zombie's spine and rendering him incapable of moving anymore.

Despite Luffy's strong will within him, Oars was no longer able to move due. However, while Oars was indeed finally defeated, Luffy and the other shadowless victims still had to get Moria to return all of their shadows before the rising dawn incinerated them. This was a task made more urgent by the fact that not only was time was running out but due to some actions caused by Oars earlier, Thriller Bark was no longer covered by the dark fog of the Florian Triangle. As Luffy and the others decided to find a way to finally solve this problem, they were startled by one last sight. Despite also receiving the blunt of Luffy's attack while he was powered up by one hundred shadows, the cause of the entire nightmare that was Thriller Bark, Gecko Moria, rose back up.

Though Luffy and the others threatened Moria to give back their shadows else he be beaten up more, the Shichibukai instead replied to them with his horrifying technique, Shadow's Asgard. Despite Moria's transformation into a giant monstrosity, time getting dangerously over before dawn, and all the fatigue and wounds from earlier, however, Luffy readied himself to fight Moria one last time. As Luffy battled against Moria to the limit with Gear Second techniques that made Moria spew out some shadows, dawn was quickly approaching. Eventually, with time practically almost over, Luffy decided to stack his Gear transformations on top of one another in order to perform a reckless move, Gomu Gomu no Gigant Jet Shell, to use against Moria. As Luffy attacked Moria with this move and just as the first signs of dawn started to incinerate both Luffy and the others, Luffy asked his own shadow to come back to him if it wanted to become Pirate King. Then with one last use of Gomu Gomu no Gigant Jet Shell on Moria, Luffy was able to topple down both Moria and the Main Mast of Thriller Bark. With the latter falling on top of the former, Moria's hold on all of his stolen shadows was broken and he spewed out every last one of them out. With this, Luffy's shadow and all of the other shadows of those on Thriller Bark returned to their original just in time to save them just in time as dawn finally arrived.

Just escaping the Tyrant's Clutches and Finally getting a Musician
With everyone's shadows finally returned and Moria finally defeated, Luffy collapsed from all the fatigue and pain he experienced from the night beforehand. While things seemed finally over, the celebration was however cut short with the arrival of Bartholomew Kuma in the scene. The second Shichibukai, having seen and reported the whole event to the World Government, was ordered to take out Luffy as well eliminate everyone else on the island who witnessed Luffy's victory over Moria. A battle for an unconscious Luffy thus then ensued between the second Shichibukai and everyone else left standing willing to protect Luffy. In the end, Zoro asked if he could exchange his life for Luffy's. Impressed by Zoro's loyalty, Kuma pushed all of the pain from the battle from Luffy's body with his ability and implanted it into Zoro, to make him feel Luffy's pain.

After Kuma left and a day of rest went by, an energetic Luffy decided to celebrate their victory with everyone. As party went on, Luffy noticed Brook playing a familiar song on a piano. Remembering that this was a song that Shanks and his crew used to sing all the time, Luffy got into a conversation with Brook. As Brook played and the conversation went on, Luffy once again asked Brook to join his crew. Brook once again, turned down Luffy's offer since the skeleton had still some things to do. Knowing what he was talking about, Luffy revealed to Brook that not only did he learn about the skeleton's relationship with Laboon, but also told him that Laboon was alive and well. Having told Brook this, Luffy touched Brook's heart and made the skeleton burst into tears of joy.

As the party got more joyous with Brook bringing out a Tone Dial with the last musical performance of the Rumbar Pirates on it, Luffy was asked by Brook if he could join his crew. For this, Luffy casually agreed, much to the shock to most of his crew. With this very casual acceptance, Luffy finally got the musician he so longed for since his journey as a pirate began.

After two days of recuperation, Luffy and his crew decided to leave Thriller Bark for Fishman Island. As they were about to leave, they were introduced to the concept of the Biblicard by Lola. Remembering the piece of paper that Ace gave to him, Luffy took out the Biblicard that his brother gave to him. Upon taking it out however, Luffy noticed that Ace's Biblicard was burning a little and becoming smaller. With this, Luffy was explained that Ace's life was slowly vanishing. Dismissing the Biblicard's state as Ace having his own adventure, Luffy and his crew sailed away from Thriller Bark and onto Fishman Island.

An Old Nemesis and the Man in the Iron Mask
After sailing off from Thriller Bark and encountering several more phenomenon of the Grand Line, Luffy and his crew finally reached the Red Line again and the location directly above Fishman Island. Deciding to look for the island, Luffy, along with Robin and Brook, took the Shark Submerge to investigate the depths below. However due to the submarine's limits, they couldn't dive deeper than five thousand meters. As they decided to resurface, a giant sea rabbit followed them up to the surface. Luffy however made short work of the beast as he punched it away. As he punched the beast, two figures were spat out of it and onto the deck of the Thousand Sunny. To Luffy's and everyone else's amazement, the two figures were a mermaid, Keimi, and a talking starfish, Pappag.

Thankful for having being saved, Keimi decided to reward Luffy and his crew with some Takoyaki. However before Luffy and his crew could get their reward, they then suddenly learned that Keimi's friend who provides the Takoyaki had been kidnapped by the Macro Fishman Pirates with help from the Flying Fish Riders. He, "Hachin", was then being held in the Flying Fish Riders base five kilometers east of Grove 44 of the Sabaody Archipelago. Seeing that in order to get their reward of Takoyaki Keimi's friend has to be rescued, Luffy gladly accepted to help rescue her friend. Luffy jumped to Keimi's aid by this reasoning despite a more practical request by Nami that Keimi would led the crew to Fishman Island if they helped.

After following an arrow made by Keimi's fish friends leading to the Flying Fish Riders' base, Luffy and his crew found themselves under attack from the Flying Fish Riders. Despite this attack, the Riders however retreated under orders from their boss, Duval, upon recognizing a certain person amongst Luffy's crew. After this attack, Luffy and his crew continued towards the base with Luffy all the while amazed by the Flying Fish Rider's steads.

Upon reaching the Flying Fish Riders' base, Luffy and crew found out that it was a floating town of sorts. As they entered the place, they found the place to be completely empty except for a suspended cage in the middle containing Keimi's friend, "Hachin". Though he was completely covered in ink in a sad attempt to fool the Straw Hats from recognizing him, Keimi's friend was revealed, to Luffy and his crew to be Hatchan through some clever questioning by Sanji. Realizing that the one he agreed to save was actually a former member of Arlong's crew, Luffy was slightly torn between not rescuing him due to past crimes, and rescuing him for some Takoyaki. Hatchan's past crimes also affected the rest of Luffy's crew's judgment that Keimi and Pappag decided to rescue Hatchan by themselves and in the process got themselves captured by Macro and his crew. Seeing those two captured and despite the dilemma, Luffy and his crew decided to save them and Hatchan for a way to Fishman Island and some Takoyaki. With a leap from the Thousand Sunny to the deck of the floating town, Luffy rescued both Keimi and Pappag with outstretched hands as well as told Zoro to free Hatchan. Upon landing, Luffy and his crew readied themselves for the fight against the incoming Flying Fish Riders. Upon facing them, their leader, Duval reveals why he held such a long-held grudge against the Straw Hats: His face looks remarkably like Sanji's ugly wanted poster. First, Duval attempted drowning Sanji by ordering his men into throwing an iron net. Luffy and Zoro attempt to rescue him,Hatchan says he'll save him as he is a Fishman, but Duval warns that Sanji will sink too fast for their attempts. Keimi later rescues Sanji. When she surfaces, she ends up holding his head to her chest giving Sanji a nosebleed making Keimi concerned for him. Duval attempts to sink the Thousand Sunny, but Franky and Usopp activated its latest weapon: the "Gaon Cannon", obliterating the Flying Fish Riders' base. Duval finally tried charging his bison, Motobaro but Luffy's "aura" calmed the beast down, like Shanks did to the Sea King ten years earlier. Sanji finally reached the surface and gave a Parrage Shot on Duval's face destroying the one thing he can't stand: The face his horrible wanted poster. The kick made Duval very handsome, and his feeling towards the Straw Hats, specifically Sanji, changed from bitter to joyful. He thanked them and promised to be an aid to them whenever needed by givng his number on the Den Den Mushi before setting off to return to his country life.

An Incident on Sabaody Archipelago
On their further journeys through the Sabaody Archipelago. The Straw Hats meet Shakuyaku aka Shakky in her bar. She said she had quit being a pirate fourty years ago and Luffy asked her how old is she. She then warns the Straw Hats of nine other pirates that are on the island as well as the Straw Hats. Shakuyaku tells the Straw Hats that Luffy, as well as Zoro, along with the other pirates are the Eleven Supernovas: rookie pirates worth more than 100,000,000. Keimi is then kidnapped and Sanji calls the Flying Fish Raiders for help. After they arrive and meet up with the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates they start looking for Keimi. Meanwhile Keimi is being mistreated by Disco, the manager of the slave auction, "Silvers" Rayleigh helps her in a way and is revealed to be Gol D. Roger's first mate.



Luffy breaks into the auction house in an attempt to free Keimi, Hatchan is shot by Saint Charloss, causing a furious Luffy to punch him in the face. After several guards appear which the rest of the Straw Hats defeat but Saint Shalulia tries to kill Keimi while they were fighting but was stopped by Silvers Rayleigh who proceeds to knock out all the guards with a burst of spirit energy and claiming that he's been waiting to meet Luffy. In all the pandemonium, while Eustass Kid doesn't like the idea of facing a Marine Admiral, Luffy and Trafalgar Law insist they move forward to the challenge as they move further. Along with the two other captains, Luffy was the first to demonstrate his Devil Fruit Abilities to repel the incoming cannonballs fired at them by the marine's mortars. He later activates Gear Third to summon up a massive left arm while Kid uses his own powers to create a massive right arm of his own after drawing in all the metallic weapons within the vicinity while Law causes more havoc using his own powers to switch the marine's body parts with each other. Together, the three captains ultimately brought down the opposing formation. With the three Supernovas finally clearing the way, Kid vows to meet Luffy at the New World but as rivals, instead of allies. Luffy accepts saying he's going to be the Pirate King, Kid replies that it's an odd and laughable ambition in this day and age, but he's never allowed to anyone to laugh at himself and get away with it. The Kid and Heart Pirates depart, while Duval's Rosy Life Riders meet up with the Straw Hats to make a getaway.

Duval and his crew take the Straw Hats back to Shakky's Rip Off Bar to rest and find out more about Silvers Rayleigh. As they arrive Shakuyaku is shocked to find Hatchan wounded, and takes him inside to recover. As Silvers Rayleigh explained, Hatchan knows him so well because at one point 20 years ago, he was shipwrecked in the ocean until Hatchan saved his life when he was just a kid, and have been good friends ever since, even up to when he joined Jimbei's crew.

Rayleigh then revealed to Straw Hats that he was Gold Roger's first mate. When Sanji questioned why he wasn't executed, Rayleigh explained that the group was never captured. Rather, Roger gave himself up. Roger contracted an incurable illness, and with the help of Crocus (whom Brook recognizes), he fought off the illness for four years, while finally conquering the Grand Line, gaining the title "Pirate King". In three of those years, the Gold Roger Pirates disbanded, with its members never heard from again, and in his final year gave himself up to the Marines. Amazingly, he told Rayleigh on last meeting him he isn't going to die. The Marines claimed to have captured him, and used his public execution in his home town as a warning to all pirates. However, Roger's last words started the very "Great Pirate Age". Although Rayleigh never saw Roger's execution, he knew Shanks and Buggy, two former members of Roger's crew were present.

Rayleigh got to know of Luffy when Shanks reunited with him explaining how he lost his left arm, and told him of Luffy's remarkable personality. Rayleigh congratulates Luffy and his crew for finishing the first half of the Grand Line, and says that Shanks is waiting for him in the New World. Luffy is excited at the idea of meeting Shanks again, as Rayleigh agrees to coat the Thousand Sunny, and even with no charge to the crew. However, since Rayleigh had experienced the end of the Grand Line, Robin and Usopp asked about secrets at the end of the Grand Line, the latter asking of considerable importance to many pirates: the location of One Piece. Luffy admonished Usopp for asking that question, saying until he's not sure if there even is treasure there, and wants to find out for himself. As many risked their lives searching for One Piece, it wouldn't be fair if Rayleigh revealed where it is. He also threatened to quit pirating if any of his crew asked Rayleigh where One Piece is, not wanting a boring adventure.

Rayleigh asked if he was sure he doesn't want to know, due to the New World being beyond his imagination, and incredibly strong rivals there, and asked if he wanted to conquer the Grand Line. Luffy replied he had no wish no conquer the Grand Line, but believes the person with the most freedom in the sea is the Pirate King. Unfortunately, Rayleigh will take three days at least to coat the ship, and with an Admiral currently on the archipelago, Rayleigh will move the ship as the Straw Hats plan to split up, and will rejoin at Rayleigh's location, and with the Biblicard they'll be able to find him. As the Straw Hats say their goodbyes to, Shakky, Hatchan, Keimi and Pappug, they are about to split up but are confronted an unknown figure.

This figure turned out to be the Shichibukai Bartholomew Kuma. As Luffy was unconscious during his Thriller Bark, the other members warned him that he was immensely strong, and of his ability. However, he demonstrated was wasn't only able to shoot "paw prints" out of his hands and shot a laser beam. Luffy was fascinated by this. Despite the danger, the Straw Hats were confident about being able to defeat him, as while they were exhausted when they first faced him, they were now at full strength. Luffy realizes the strength of his opponent and activates Gear Second. The battle continues between the Straw Hats and Kuma, as the cyborg continues to blast beams out of his hands and mouth. However, Luffy, Zoro and Sanji make a successful counter-attack as they give Kuma a combo named Gomu Gomu no Diable Mouton Jet 600 Pound Hou. While "Kuma" is successfully repelled, Zoro points out it may not be the real Kuma as thus far he hasn't demonstrated any of his Nikyu Nikyu no Mi abilities. However, this presented a problem, as it means there's one or several more clones on par with the real Kuma.

The Straw Hats, after a fierce battle, manage to severely damage the Pacifista when Usopp fires gunpowder into its mouth. After then the Straw Hats deliver powerful attacks to weaken the Kuma clone in its weak spots and when its wide open. To deliver the final blow, Luffy activates Gear Third and uses Gomu Gomu no Gigant Rifle to finish off the Pacifista.

After the fight, Luffy shrank to chibi size due to the side effect of using Gear Third as the rest of his crew contemplate having such a powerful opponent so early in their three-day period. Luffy returned to normal and as soon as as they caught their breath, a warrior with a broadaxe named Sentōmaru appeared with yet another Pacifista, referring to the defeated cyborg as "PX-4". Worn out and with another Pacifista appearing, The Straw Hats decide to separate and go in different teams to escape them and Luffy ordered them to meet up at the Thousand Sunny's location in three days. However, Sentōmaru then ordered Pacifista "PX-1" to stop the escaping pirates and the cyborg caught up to Robin's group. While Luffy grew worried about his nakama from the Pacifista's attack, Sentōmaru confronted the captain as he was escaping and successfully countered his Gomu Gomu no Gatling attack. He also revealed he is not a Devil Fruit user. To make things worse, Sentōmaru's superior, Admiral Kizaru finally appeared and attacked Zoro. With no-one able to stop him from finishing the already worn-out Zoro off, Silvers Rayleigh finally appears and successfully counters Kizaru's light-blasting kick warning him not to interfere with the "new era" of the Straw Hats. He thanks Silvers and orders everyone to escape but he is repelled again by Sentōmaru and Chopper is forced to transform into his Monster Point form, going on a rampage. Luckily Robin manages to carry him away in time. However, Zoro wasn't so lucky as the real Bartholomew Kuma made his appearance and teleported him to another location. After Zoro's disappearance Luffy orders the crew to escape but all of the crew, one by one, was teleported to different and unknown locations by Kuma. Luffy, desperate for being unable to help any of his nakama, is the last to be teleported by Kuma and with his disappearance the Straw Hats were defeated.

Adventure on the Isle of Women
After being flying sent by Kuma's powers for three nights and days, Luffy landed onto a jungle island. Remembering Rayleigh's biblicard, Luffy decided to follow it in hopes of reuniting with his crew. After some unsuccessful trekking through the jungle and a meal, Luffy found some mushrooms which upon eating changed his moods. Unfortunately one of the mushrooms he ate knocked him out and caused other mushrooms to start growing out of his body. As he laid unconscious, three Kuja amazons found him in the state he was. Not knowing he was a man, they took him to their village to get the mushrooms off. While washing his wounds after getting the mushrooms off, they noticed that Luffy had still one mushroom left between his legs and attempted to pull it off. Their elder however realized what it really was and pointed it out to the rest of the Kuja much to their shock.

Later, after waking up naked in a cell, Luffy found himself surrounded by the curious amazons and had a little misunderstanding about his "treasure". After another little misunderstanding with his reaction towards his newly sewn clothes, Luffy then found himself being chased by the same amazons. As he ran all over the place, he learned that one of the amazons that saved him, Marguerite had taken Rayleigh's biblicard while fixing his clothes. Due to the situation, Luffy took Marguerite and jumped over the mountain walls surrounding the village into the jungle. There, Luffy was able to talk things out with Marguerite and get the biblecard back. From her he also learned that the island he was on, Amazon Lily, was ruled by the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock and her two sisters.

After having the frills taken off his clothes and a poor attempt in making a raft to escape from the Calm Belt island, Luffy found himself at odds again with Marguerite and some other amazons that arrived at the scene. Upon successfully evading his pursuers, Luffy figured from Marguerite's explanation about the Kuja having no other boats than the one used by Hancock, he would need to ask her help in getting off the island. In his search for Hancock, Luffy accidentally crash landed into the middle of her taking a bath. Upon her back, he saw something that looked familiar.

Having seen Hancock's secret, Luffy was captured and sentenced to be executed in the battle arena before Hancock and the rest of the Kuja. Marguerite and the two other amazons that originally saved him desperately tried to reason with Hancock to spare his life. Instead however, the three were turned to stone by Hancock before Luffy's eyes. As the sight surprised Luffy, a large black panther called Bacura was sent to execute him. Disregarding the panther, Luffy punched him away, much to amazement of the onlooking amazons, and asked how Hancock and the rest could do such things to their own. Insulting Hancock with his impudence and his resistance to her charms, Hancock's sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold, were sent to deal with Luffy themselves. As they came to face him, Luffy noticed that they were Zoan Devil Fruit users as they turned into large snake hybrids.

Fighting against these two, Luffy found that they were more than just simple Devil Fruit users as they displayed techniques that seemingly nullified his own rubber body among other things. As the fight raged on, the two sisters decided to torment Luffy by breaking Marguerite's petrified stone body. Angered by this, Luffy shouted with all his might for them to stop, an act that not only stunned both the sisters but also knocked out several of the amazons in audience in a manner similar to what Rayleigh did. Having saved Marguerite's body for the moment, Luffy decided to take it up at notch and went into Gear Second. Powered up, Luffy was able to best the two sisters. In the midst of the battle however, Luffy saw that Sandersonia caught on fire from one of her sister's technique. Though Sandersonia was able to survive the flames, Luffy noticed that her clothes were burnt and her back was exposed. Knowing that what was on Hancock's and her sisters' was something that they didn't want others to see, Luffy covered Sandersonia's back before the audience in the stands could see it. With Luffy showing his true character to Hancock and her sisters, the amazons in the audience were dismissed and Luffy was approached by Hancock herself.

Approached by Hancock, Luffy was told that he would be rewarded for his valiant act in protecting her sister. However, Luffy was offered one of two choices, getting a ride on the Kuja's pirate ship, or having Marguerite and her friends returned to normal. Without a moment's hesitation, Luffy asked for the three amazons to be returned to normal. After Marguerite and her friends were returned to normal, Luffy was invited to Hancock's castle to reexamine what was on her back. Seeing it more clearly, Luffy realized that despite looking like the mark on Hatchan's forehead, it was something completely different. With that realization, Elder Nyon came before Luffy and Hancock and revealed to Hancock Luffy's actions against the Tenryuubito in Sabaody. Having been told of his actions, Hancock promptly revealed to Luffy her and her sisters' past, the meaning of the mark on their backs, and why it resembled the mark on Hatchan and other Fishman. Moving Hancock with his actions and his hate for the Tenryuubito, Luffy was promised her ship to use.

Having been promised with a ship to travel on, Luffy enjoyed a party courtesy of the amazons. Despite all the festivities, he however learned from Elder Nyon that Ace was to be soon publicly executed. Finding this out and seeing the almost burnt out state of Ace's biblicard, Luffy decided to put reuniting with his crew on hold to save his brother who was then being held at Impel Down. Despite Luffy's want to reunite with his crew and the gigantic war that is going to happen between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines over this whole matter, Luffy desperately asked Nyon for a way to get there.

With this he learned that the fastest way to the great prison was to sail there using a Marine battleship through the current beyond the Gates of Justice. Finding out also that his only way to use such a ship was to stow away with Hancock if she answered the Shichibukai summons to protect Marineford, he and Nyon sought her out to ask her of such a favor. Before Luffy could ask Hancock of such a thing, he learned that she had contracted an unknown disease. Despite her condition, Luffy was still approached by Hancock to hear his pleas. Telling her his case, Hancock surprisingly agreed to help Luffy in his endeavor. Though this delighted Luffy, unknown to him was that Hancock's disease was in reality her falling madly in love with him.

After some fond farewells with his new friends from the island, Luffy secretly boarded Vice-Admiral Momonga's ship with Hancock and her snake and sailed for Impel Down.

On the Loose in the World Government's Greatest Prison
As Boa Hancock came on board, hundreds of women demonstrated their admiration of her beauty, and yet when she saw Luffy on her ship, her own infatuation for him, made her blush and not look at his eyes directly, showing shyness. As the two left, Marigold and Sandersonia were left in charge of the island in Hancock's absence, as her ship met that of Vice-Admiral Momonga's Marine ship. Hancock requests she is taken to Impel Down to the Vice-Admiral, and at his wishes, she reverts the petrification placed on the Marine sailors during their first meeting, before Momonga complies. Luffy is shown to be stowing away on the Marine ship by hiding under the large robe Hancock is wearing. On the ship, Hancock makes seemingly outrageous demands to the Marines, such as 100kg of food a meal, for five meals a day, and threatens the Marines to turn them into stone again if they do not comply. When the food is taken in to the room she's staying in, it is shown it is simply needed to feed Luffy. Hancock also forbids anyone from peeking into her room (lest they find Luffy). Hancock daydreams about a relationship between her and Luffy, and when the later has finished his meal, he makes a loud outburst about how good the food was, Hancock fools the suspicious Marines by (embarrassingly) claiming it was her as she brings the tray out. Luffy is later shown looking at what's left of Ace's biblicard as he gets ever closer to Impel Down. When Luffy arrives at Impel Down he hides under Hancock's robe once more. However, Hancock warns him that she will be searched. Luffy merely tells her to press on, saying he'll think of something when the time comes.

Luffy has managed to sneak into Impel Down by hiding under Hancock's robe. Before Hancock receives a full-body check by the Vice Jail Head, Domino, Hancock immediately petrifies her and the vigilant den-den mushi. Luffy comes out from under the robe after realizing that it's safe, but Hancock explains that she cannot accompany him further into the prison. She begs him to promise not to make a ruckus inside Impel Down because it will be nearly impossible to save Ace and escape as is, without alerting security. Luffy promises her and calls her by name, "Hancock". Hancock is shocked and nearly faints. Luffy then climbs up to the ceiling and prepares to leave after the room is opened by Impel Down's Vice-Chief Hannyabal for Hancock to leave. After the check up, Hancock is accompanied by Vice-Admiral Momonga along with Hannyabal and Domino to an elevator. Hancock prays for Luffy's success. Luffy decides to say thanks by using lip sync, but Hancock mistakes his "thank you" (Arigatou) as "I love you" (Ashiteru) and faints from thinking that Luffy actually loves her. Meanwhile, Luffy navigates his way through Impel Down by following Ace's biblicard and going through any open doors. After he enters Level 1 of the prison (Ace is on Level 6, further down), he sees a prisoner running from monsters that appear to have no face - the Blugori - and the prisoner is sliced in half by their large axes. When the prisoner continues to run and come back together, Luffy realizes it's Buggy. Buggy is shocked when he realizes that Luffy entered Impel Down on his own accord. They then decide to team up in order to defeat the Blugori.



Luffy manages to defeat all of the guards in an instant, much to Buggy's surprise as his special combo didn't even faze them. Buggy explained to Luffy that he met Ace, and he was his drinking buddy, and he himself was upset when the news of Ace's capture got to him. Buggy also said he finds Ace more tolerable than Luffy. After hearing Luffy wants to go to Level 5 where Ace is kept, Buggy initially decides to leave him and escape until hearing Luffy tells him about the battleships outside, he decides to stay. Buggy suddenly spots the arm band that Luffy is wearing and immediately identified it as the map to Captain John's treasure. Although Luffy insists he goes to Level 5, Buggy states he has to go down each level, which houses more dangerous criminals the lower they go. Buggy explains that he himself has only reached Level 4. He also heard of a rumor of lower level than Level 5 where they keep the most terrible monsters hidden from history, but mentions it should be simply a rumor. He makes a deal with Luffy, he will escort him to Level 4 of Impel Down but in return, Luffy has to give him the treasure. Without hesitation, Luffy agrees and even decides to give him the arm band in advance for helping him. Buggy feels guilty for lying to Luffy but nonetheless, decides to escape from Luffy but crashes into the Prisoner's room and towards the Crimson Hell. Luffy grabs hold onto Buggy as they fall. Luffy throws Buggy's feet into the ground as told and they fly towards a giant hole. Buggy explains that the hole leads to Level 2. Luffy immediately jumps down and heads towards Level 2.

Upon reaching Level 2, Luffy and Buggy (who fell into the hole as well) are chased by a giant monster chicken called a Basilisk. Finally, Luffy gets fed up and activates Gear Third to defeat the Basilisk and the other guards chasing them. Buggy decides to release the prisoners to start a riot inside, and told Luffy that he lied about knowing where the other floors are to make an escape, angering Luffy. However, when the prisoners shut themselves back into their cells, for fear of encountering the boss of the floor, Buggy then say's he'll show Luffy to Level 3, infuriating Luffy even more because of his prior statement. Luffy also finds out that one of the prisoners released is Mr. 3. Luffy, Buggy, and Mr. 3 are defeating and been chased by the bizarre wild beasts of "Level 2", before confronting the Sphinx. Buggy and Mr. 3 knowing that there's a staircase plan to ditch Luffy as he goes down "Level 3", while they go up to escape. However, Luffy jumps up and gives a Sphinx a Gomu Gomu no Bazooka, which only serves to infuriate it, and Luffy climbs on top of its head and places himself between the Sphinx's hair. The Sphinx tries to attack Mr. 3 but is easily confused by his wax statues of himself (despite them not being painted by Miss Goldenweek) and tries to smash them with his paw. Both Buggy and Mr. 3 try to reach for the staircase, but one sweep from the Sphinx was so powerful that it smashed through the floor, making it, Luffy, Buggy, and Mr. 3 collapse through to Level 3.

After falling to Level 3 Luffy is told by Buggy that they're in the "Starvation Hell". With the Sphinx knocked out, Luffy wants to head to Level 4, but he and Buggy, who wants to get out of Impel Down, argue about where to go. Before they can separate though, a net made of steel reinforced with Seastone captures Luffy, Buggy, and Mr. 3. The guard and commander of the Blugori: Saldeath walks up and claims there's no escape, and they should be glad they were captured by him as where they to continue to Level 4, they will face the Demon Guards. However, the Sphinx wakes up and breaks the net. Luffy looks up to see Buggy and Mr 3 climbed to the rafters as they tell him that they're betraying him. Luffy however merely thanks them for taking him so far, much to Buggy and Mr 3's shock. Luffy then begins to beat up several Blugori and guards in his way as he heads to Level 4. As Luffy continues to head on, the Sphinx is still chasing him, but a man in a prison outfit looking like Zoro kicks the Sphinx off Luffy. It turns out to be Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, and they are both pleased to see each other. They team up to beat up the Sphinx and Saldeath orders a large number of Blue Gorillas to capture them.



Bon Kurei tells Luffy he knows he wants to head to Level 5 and decides to team up with Luffy to help him get there, as there is someone Bon Kurei would like to see as well.

After defeating the army of Blugori, Mr. 2 and Luffy meet a Minotaur, the demon guard Minotaur gives two a good fight, almost killing Mr. 2, until Luffy goes into Gear Second and his Gomu Gomu no Jet Bazooka, knocking him out. They then climb up a wall and are literally standing above Level 4. Mr. 2 Bon Kurei warns Luffy that Level 4 is the "Blazing Hell", and on the lower parts of the floor, is a vat of boiling blood and blazing fire, so they must be careful they don't land in the wrong spot. However they meet up with Mr. 3 and Buggy who are being chased by the same demon guard which was sent flying and coincidentally landed on them while they were hiding. The four decide to team up together and Buggy starts off by throwing an upgraded miniature Buggy Ball (or Muggy Ball as he now calls it) at the minotaur and Mr. 2 gives it a powerful twirling kick named Fuyu Sora no Memoir. Finally, Luffy gets Mr. 3 to wax over his arm to make a candle for the short time it takes to deliver the finishing blow. Luffy fires the Gomu Gomu no Tonkachi Rifle finally knocking it out. The four celebrate as they make their way to Level 4.

The four of them fall through to Level 4 because the floor collapsed beneath them thanks to their fight with the Minotaur. At first they did not notice it but soon they came to realize about the danger of falling into the boiling pot. However, the falling debris allowed them to jump off it before they landed in the boiling pot. Luffy begins charging at a random direction. As soon as he smells food he runs towards the kitchen on Level 4, knowing that his strength increases a lot once he has eaten something. On the way he takes out a large amount of guards using Gomu Gomu no Hanabi, when he charges, he notices a blob of poison, as Chief Warden Magellan leaps towards the group and confronts them to deal with them personally. Mr. 2 Bon Kurei warns him that the man that is in front of them is Chief Warden Magellan, who has eaten the Doku Doku no Mi, and thus his entire body is poison. Magellan tells Luffy he knows he broke within Impel Down to rescue Portgas D. Ace, and demands to know exactly how he did this.

A Near-Death Experience
Thinking of Hancock, Luffy refuses to tell Magellan anything. The chief warden explains that if they were to keep going to Level 5, the Demon Guards would be waiting for them, and immediately starts the battle off by using his Hydra technique. As Luffy dodges the dragon-shaped poison and witnesses what it does when his own guards get caught in it, Bon Clay explains that the Hydra is made of a paralyzing poison which corrodes the body until the person dies. Luffy manages to swing across a ledge with fire below and melts one of the Hydra heads. Magellan fires a poison bubble from his mouth he calls Chloro Ball, giving off CS gas, then uses his Venom Road technique to create a road of poison (using his Hydra as a sort of jet stream) to get into range of Luffy. He then detaches his horns to try and stab Luffy with them, but he dodges them in time. The horns are so corrosive they melt through the wall. Luffy then kicks Magellan's hand away, and delivers Gomu Gomu no Stamp to the wall, knocking him back on to floor below. Magellan asks him how long is he going to keep this up before he defeats him, but Luffy activates Gear Second, and explains that there's no way he's going to die before finding Ace, and if the fact that Magellan's body is poison, so he can't touch is going to make him lose, then he better use his hands to score at least one hit than let Ace suffer the ultimate price for his failure, and delivers a Gomu Gomu no Jet Bazooka to Magellan, as he starts to feel the poison.

Despite Luffy's determination and managing to give Magellan a few good hits, the warden covers the whole room with a poisonous cloud, weakening Luffy's senses and slowly enveloping him with poison. Luffy tries to remove the poison with fire, but he finds it too hot as he rolls on the ground, where Magellan sees an opportunity to envelop him with his poison Hydra. Luffy lies defeated as Magellan declares that this was punishment for breaking into Impel Down and sentences him to death in Level 5: The Freezing Hell, where he will die in 24 hours, claiming that he has been dosed with so much poison there is no cure for it now. Before passing out from the intense pain of the poison, Luffy's last words were "Ace". He is later seen incarcerated in a Level 5 cell, where despite dying, is still determined to rescue Ace, and is only living on despite the poison through sheer willpower. His other cellmates mock him for his determination when he can't save himself from Magellan's poison, they also warn him to think for him first. Fortunately, he was later released by Bon Kurei, who returned to help Luffy and hopes to get rid of the poison slowly killing him by bringing him to Iva, the King/Queen of Kamabakka Kingdom. With his body being dragged by Bon, the two wandered through out Level 5, but later encountered a pack of wolves intent on eating them; Bon managed to fight off a few but was later overwhelmed by their numbers. To his surprise, Luffy suddenly got up and, after biting off one of the wolves attacking Bon, lets out a surge of Haki that repelled the wolves away. He is shown afterward to have passed out along with Bon Kurei, where they are approached by Inazuma. Luffy and Bon Kurei are revealed to have been saved by the Okama prisoners who've managed to create a small refuge in between Levels 5 and 6. The former Queen of Kamabakka Kingdom, now King of New Kama Land on Level 5.5, Emporio Ivankov, took Bon Clay and Luffy in after being impressed by Luffy's selflessness in begging him/her to save Bon Clay when he was himself dying. Iva placed him in a locked room and chained him to a slab to help heal him. However, he warned Luffy that the process will cost him ten years of his life, if he does survive and the procedure does not guarantee his survival and would only boost his chances by 1-2%. Luffy decided to go through it anyway, and Iva injected some of his Healing Hormones into Luffy to boost his immune system to counteract the poison, giving Luffy such intense pain that he screamed non-stop even when Bon Clay came to ten hours later. Iva expected the healing to take two days, in which he will surely miss Ace's execution. Bon Clay decided to cheer him on through the hours, along with Iva and the natives of "New Kama Land". However, twenty hours later, the room grew quiet with blood leaking from the room, until a loud bang from it was heard with Luffy yelling "Fooooooooooooooooooooooood!!!" indicating he was cured, to Iva's surprise and just two hours before Ace's transport from Impel Down.

After eating massive amounts of food, enough to feed New Kama land for days, Luffy finally emerges from the room, bloody but recovered. He thanks Bon Clay and Iva for helping him heal, and immediately tries to set out to save Ace, whose transport is minutes away. However, in an ensuing conversation with Iva, he states that Dragon is his father, much to Iva's surprise. Iva, being a former nakama of Dragon's, realizes that both Luffy and Ace are Dragon's "sons." After injecting Luffy with Vigour Hormones (acting as a temporary adrenaline rush), Iva sets out with Luffy and Inazuma to Level Six, to save Ace.

Escape from the Great Gaol
Luffy does not make it in time and is cut off from Level 1 due to the elevator shaft being flooded with sleeping gas. Luffy then resolves to go to Marineford to rescue Ace, despite Iva's protests. Crocodile becomes interested and offers to help Luffy escape. After he is convinced by Ivankov to free Crocodile, Jinbei begs Luffy to free him as well. He states that he knew Ace since before he joined the Whitebeard pirates and that Ace had often told him of Luffy. He explains that he was locked up because he objected to the war between the World Government and Whitebeard and that he wants to save Ace as well. Luffy is convinced, despite Inazuma's objection that he doesn't know if they can trust Jinbei, and allows Jinbei to join as well. Now with Crocodile and Jinbei joining them, Iva states that it's time to break out of Impel Down. Inazuma notes that they now have two Shichibukai to which Luffy blankly asks who the other Shichibukai is.

Luffy, along with Jinbei and Crocodile are heading up Impel Down, and realized that they only have five hours before Ace's execution. While Ivankov, Inazuma, Mr. 2 Bon Clay and other dwellers of Impel Down Level 5.5 catch up, Luffy, Crocodile and Jinbei, defeat the guards there, and Crocodile with his Suna Suna no Mi powers, turns the gate into dust and pass through to Level 4. Crocodile frees his former subordinate Mr. 1 from his cell, while the others catch up. Luffy notes Mr. 2 was also implanted with Vigour Hormones by Iva, and he explains the man Crocodile released was the one who fought Zoro in Arabasta, but Luffy still hasn't an idea of who he is. With Iva and the New Kama natives caught up, Iva implants Face Hormones into himself and makes his head larger as the army gathered with Luffy burst through guards in their attempt to escape Impel Down and head to Marine Headquarters. Luffy and the army of prisoners continue to blast through the goalers. Iva tells Luffy to keep going through as it is his goal to save Ace. Jinbei says to Luffy that he will assisst him as much as he can despite his strength being limited on surface as he is a Fishman.

Sadi-chan then appears with her Demon Guards, Minorhinoceros, Minokoala and Minozebra. With the three beasts brutalizing the army from New Kama Land, Luffy, Crocodile and Jinbei decide to blast through, as Luffy activates Gear Third and uses Gomu Gomu no Gigant Pistol on Minokoala, while Crocodile uses Sables to blast Minozebra away and Jinbei delivers a Gosenmai-Gawara Seiken on Minorhinoceros; all defeating the Demon Guards with a single blow, to the shock of Sadi-chan and the goalers.

Sadi-chan uses her Koufun no Geki Akamauchi attack on several prisoner and cuts the bridge in half as well. Luffy charges at her, but is thrown by a now female Ivankov. As Luffy makes his way towards the stairs, he is stopped by Hannyabal telling Luffy that the stairs are blocked by the Bazooka Troops. Luffy tells him to move to which Hannyabal refuses. Hannyabal then uses his Shounetsu Jigoku Guruma to try and defeat Luffy. He is unsuccessful and is defeated by Luffy's Gomu Gomu no Jet Gatling. However, he quickly gets up and continues his attack on Luffy, being beaten every time.

The guards beg Hannyabal to stop, saying he will die if he keeps it up. Their words fall on deaf ears as he calls Luffy and his companions scum. Hannyabal then begins to talk of how Impel Down is hell for evildoers to keep the world safe, to which Luffy replies that Ace's life is precious to him and tells Hannyabal to move once again, but Hannyabal yet again refuses. Hannyabal then sees that the Bazooka troops have been taken out by Blackbeard, who also crushes Hannyabal,greatly shocking everyone and angering Jinbei. Blackbeard remembers that Jinbei was Ace's friend but states that Jinbei has no reason to fight him. Luffy recognizes Blackbeard from Jaya and is shocked to discover that he is Blackbeard. Luffy remembers that Ace was looking for him, while also remembering the encouragement Blackbeard gave him on Jaya and Nyon informing him that Blackbeard had captured Ace and turned him over to the World Government. Blackbeard also notes that he never told Luffy his name when they met in Jaya. Blackbeard then asks Luffy if he wants to be here, seeing as how Ace's execution is staring soon.He then further enrages Luffy by laughing at the fact that Ace will be killed soon.

As Luffy found out that Blackbeard was initially planning to defeat Luffy, but was forced to defeat Ace, knowing that he would not simply allow him to go on ahead escepially when he's after his younger brother, handing him to the World Government and becoming a Shichibukai. Luffy could not hold back anymore and activating Gear Second attacking Bleackbeard straight away causing a significant damage on him during the fight, with the latter countering with Kurozu to prevent Luffy's next attack, and slam him to the ground. The fight was stopped by Jinbei who reminded him about the rescue of Ace which should be his priority. As Luffy then made his way to Level 3, Blackbeard told him that he's certain that One Piece is really out there. Luffy who was surprised by what Blackbeard told him had no time to waste and headed to the upper levels along with the prisoners. Magellan reaches Level 1 and quickly poisons the entire Blackbeard Pirates with Hydra, closing gaing ground on Luffy and the prison escapees. .

As they realized that Magellan was following them, Luffy became worried about Iva and Inazuma who tried to stop Magellan, while the rest of them can escape. However as soon as they united with the bunch of prisoners lead by Buggy, Magellan confronted them again. As Magellan used his Hydra on Luffy and the other prisoners, they were saved by Mr. 3's candle wall. Luffy then has Jinbei go on ahead to secure a Marine ship while he stays to fight Magellan to keep him from coming after them any further, mentioning he has an idea on how to fight the warden. Mr. 3 then fits Luffy with wax boxing gloves and shoes (similar to Candle Champion Technique) which of course Luffy is amazed by so much so that he starts to cry, though Mr. 3 shouts at him to focus on Magellan who sends a Hydra their way. Mr. 3 blocks it before Luffy attacks with a Gomu Gomu no Champion Rifle, managing to knock Magellan back without any effects on Luffy. Thus allowing Luffy to fight without fear of getting poisoned. Unforunately, Magellan switches to a new posion called Kinjite which acts like an infection and spread to anything it touches as Luffy find out when his armor starts to become poisoned after an attack though luckily Mr. 3 cancels out the wax armor. Luffy and the other are forced to continue to run for it when Magellan reveals his ultimate attack Hell Judgement, a skulled being made entirely of the new posion. Eventually the group make it to the entrance where Bon Clay and the others wait for Jinbei, Crocodile, Mr. 1 and Buggy to procure a ship (which Magellan had sent on ahead to prevent their escape).



However, Magellan is closing in fast on the bunch and with no where left to the run, the escapees are trapped. Iva suddenly comes crashing through the floor, having used his Face Growth Hormones and Hell Wink to propel himself and Inazuma (whom he grabbed) up to the entrance, though briefly knocked since he hit his head in the process. Jinbei then calls Luffy informing him that they've captured a ship, but due to the distance won't make it in time before Magellan reaches them. Instead Jinbei tell Luffy and the other to jump into the sea. Despite the other inmates against the idea (as the Calm Belt is home to Sea Kings) Luffy trusts Jinbei since he a friend of Ace. Luffy then goes Gear Third while Mr. 3 sets up a Candle Wall. Luffy then uses Gomu Gomu no Gigant Stamp onto it and pushes into Magellan knocking him back. With the brief reprieve they have, Luffy wakes up Iva and tell him to do his Wink move while ordering the others to grab onto his big head. The group are propelled just in time away from Magellan out into the sea. Just as their about to land Whale Sharks (having come to their aid via Jinbei) catch them and take the bunch to the captured marine ship.



Luffy escaped Impel Down with the help of the whale sharks Jimbei called out to and was on his way to with the 241 other prisoners who had escaped with him when he realized that the Gates of Justice were still closed. Suddenly, for an unknown reason, they opened: it turned out that Bon Clay had disguised himself as Magellan using his Devil Fruit power, and told the men in the communications room to order the gates to be opened by using Magellan's face. When Luffy realized what Bon Clay had done, he wanted to turn back to rescue him, but Jinbei told him that by going back, he would be giving up what Mr. 2 had sacrificed himself for. And so, on the Baby Den Den Mushi, Luffy and all of the prisoners who had come to appreciate Bon Clay and realized what he had done for them, all said a tearful goodbye.

An Ant in a Storm: Chasing Ace to Marineford
After their escape, their ship was contacted by a Marine officer from Marine HQ, who informed them that they were trapped inside the Tarai Current and that Luffy and Buggy were considered the masterminds behind the jailbreak. Luffy defiantly proclaimed that he was going to rescue Ace no matter what before hanging up.

When Luffy arrived before the Gates of Justice, he was excited that they had reached their destination so quickly while Jinbei stated that they were a little late and was more concerned with how to open the doors. Later, when Whitebeard's fleet arrived, the Gates of Justice inexplicably opened on their own.

When Ivankov asked Luffy if Dragon would come to save his other son, Luffy revealed that he knew that Ace's dad was Gol D. Roger.

As the battle in Marineford began, Luffy and the Impel Down escapees found themselves trapped atop one of the frozen tsunami waves created by Whitebeard and Aokiji's powers. Luffy tried to talk the others into pushing the boat so that it would slide down the back of the wave. Before they could, though, the Den Den Mushi on board intercepted the order to ignore the schedule and execute Ace prematurely. Panicking, Luffy told the others that they need to hurry. Ivankov performed Hell Wink in hopes of shoving the battleship off of the wave, but instead of sliding down, it was knocked forward, flipping upside down and sending all of the inmates plummeting towards the sea.

Through an act of pure fortune, the battleship landed in one of the few spots of ocean that remained unfrozen. Although the impact split the boat in two, Luffy and the others on board fell into the ocean unharmed. Jinbei doves underwater to rescue Luffy and the other fruit users, tossing him onto the wreckage. As Luffy made his way out of the water, he and Ace spotted each other. Ace called out to Luffy, who happily responded that he was happy to see Ace again.

Before the two could talk any longer, though, Crocodile decided to attack Whitebeard. Luffy instantly activated Gear Second and intercepted the blow, soaking his leg in water and knocking Crocodile away. Crocodile reminded Luffy that they had a deal, to which Luffy responded that because Whitebeard was important to Ace, he wouldn't let Crocodile touch him. Luffy's act caused Marco to remark that he wasn't half bad.

As Whitebeard observed Luffy, he recognized the Straw Hat as the one that Shanks used to wear. When he tolds Luffy that he had seen the hat with "Red Hair", Luffy said that Shanks had let him borrow it.

Whitebeard told Luffy that he had no chance in the battle, apparently to deter him, Luffy snapped back at Whitebeard, saying that he would definitely save Ace. He even went so far as to challenge Whitebeard outright to the title of Pirate King, stunning everyone within earshot. Amused by and in admiration of Luffy's tenacity, Whitebeard cracked a grin before telling Luffy not to get in his way. Luffy snapped back again, saying that he would do as he damn well pleased.

Before charging into the battle, Luffy informs Whitebeard that he had heard the Marines' plan to execute Ace early. As Whitebeard thanks Luffy for the information, Luffy bolts towards Ace; however, Kizaru attempts to stop him by launching a kick of light at him. The attack is stopped, though, by Ivankov's Death Wink, causing the two forces to collide in a massive explosion. When Luffy thanks him, Ivankov states that it is his duty to make sure Luffy doesn't go and kill himself. Kuma then fires one of his beams from his mouth, hoping to incinerate Luffy and Ivankov; the two dodge the blow, though, as Ivankov grabs onto Luffy and rolls out of the way. Hina reappears to capture Luffy, transforming her arms into long iron fences. Luffy manages to jump out of the ring using Gear Second before it ensnares around Hina's marine allies.

Ace suddenly cries out to Luffy to stay away, berating his brother for getting involved with his own affairs. He states that he would be too humiliated if a weakling like Luffy were to rescue him, but his true reason for wanting to keep Luffy at bay was so that he would not drag his brother down with him. Luffy replies by shouting out that they are brothers, and that he doesn't care about any rules about pirates. As Moria sends zombies that he produced from the earth after Luffy, they are drowned and purified in a burst of seawater fired by Jinbei.

Much to the shock of the Marines as well as Luffy's and Whitebeard's allies, Sengoku reveals that Luffy's father is none other than Revolutionary Dragon. Not even fazed by the fact that his lineage was revealed to everyone at Marineford (as well as the whole world, due to the reporters watching on), Luffy smashes his way through more of the Marines with Gear Third, including a giant, claiming that he doesn't care if Ace objected, and that he would rescue Ace even if it killed him. He presses forward, only to be attacked and subdued by Commodore Smoker. However, Boa Hancock intervenes on his behalf, angrily threatening Smoker for attacking Luffy. She then gives him the key to Ace's handcuffs to which Luffy hugs her in gratitude. He stops his advance when he sees Ivankov fighting Kuma as Doflamingo explains that Kuma has been fully converted into a cyborg, making him little more than a killing machine. Ivankov keeps Kuma busy and tells Luffy to press forward. Luffy, however, then meets Mihawk who is drawing his sword, contemplating whether or not fate will keep Luffy safe from his blade.

Although Mihawk stands before him, Luffy knows he has no time to fight Mihawk, and bursts past him with his Super-Human Speed. However, Hawk-Eyes, peering through the crowd, manages to point out Luffy, and swings his blade forward, slashing Luffy, as well as all those between the two. After sending Luffy careening into a wall, Mihawk pursues after him, attempting to impale him. However, two Newkama soldiers get in the way of Mihawk, who brushes them aside with little effort. Luffy attempts to attack Mihawk again, but realizing that the Shichibukai would slice his arm off, halts his attack at the last moment, instead choosing to run away. Mihawk comments that Luffy was unusually composed as he slices horizontally at the rubber man. Although Luffy dodges it, the attack slices the remaining frozen wave in two, causing the upper half to come crashing down on Marineford.

As Luffy and Mihawk continue their battle, the latter notes on how Luffy is moving away from the execution platform. In a move of desperation, Luffy grabs onto Buggy and uses him as a shield against Mihawk's attack. Although Buggy is angry at Luffy, Luffy continues to use him as a shield. Seeing as Luffy is in trouble, Marco calls on 5th division commander Vista to help him. Having finally gotten a break, Luffy dashes back towards the platform. Mihawk comments on how Luffy has the strange ability to make anyone around him an ally, an ability that is the most dangerous in the world.

As more battleships begin to appear from behind, Luffy recognizes the nine Pacifista on board, as well as Sentoumaru. As Luffy keeps moving toward the plateform, Kizaru attacks him and is sent flying. Fortunately Jinbei catches him and Luffy complains how strong Kizaru was to which Jinbei replied that no matter how strong their enemy seemed, they expected that from the beginning. Then the squad captains, who Jinbei said was as strong as 100 men, come to break though Kizaru, asking Luffy if lost all his strength and Luffy said that they could handle it. Luffy is seen looking in shock as Whitebeard is stabbed.

Luffy is later seen joining the charge to the execution platform after Whitebeard finally entered the battle himself. While he was charging he got hit by one of Whitebeard's attacks, asking if Whitebeard knew his friends from foes, which Jinbei just stated that his crew knew to stay back. He attempted to make his way to the platform, but the wall that formed around the bay interfered and he is currently trapped with the rest of the invading force of pirates as the Admirals unleash their powers to destroy them.

Luffy attempts to charge in through the gap in the wall made by Oars Jr., though is blasted back by cannon fire. He then has Jinbei launch him through a jet of water, where he lands right in front of the execution platform, with the three Admirals standing before him, all commenting on his boldness. True to their comment, Luffy shows no sign of fear and yells that he's going to save Ace, and then tries to attack with a mast he had carried with him, but it is frozen by Aokiji; but this was part of his plan, and broke off his hold on the mast a split-second right before he himself gets frozen along. He then uses Gomu Gomu no Stamp Gatling to shatter the frozen mast, and sending the chunks of frozen debris at the three Admirals, who only passively used their respective powers to nullify the attack. Luffy then activates Gear Second and attempts to speed past the three admirals, but is quickly intercepted and kicked away by Kizaru. Luffy expresses great shock and horror as Ace is nearly executed, but is then surprised by the fact that Crocodile saved Ace. Aokiji later appears before him and stabs him with an ice saber, and says that while he owes a favour to Garp, Luffy chose the "path of death" for himself and proceeds to kill him, only to be kicked across the island by Marco of the Whitebeard Pirates. Luffy would rather attempts to charge at the plaza again, but this time, Vice Admiral Momonga intercepts him, as he slashes him with his sword, Luffy tries to counterattack but Momonga's speed allows him to evade his attacks, and attack him again. As Luffy activates Gear Second another Marine Vice Admiral, a Zoan user in human-dalmatian hybrid form, attacks him with Shigan with all his fingers, criticaly injuring him, followed by a light beam from Kizaru, who descends and tell him his willpower alone will not be enough to save him as he delivers a light-speed kick to him, and is caught by Whitebeard leaving him unconscious. Kizaru derides Whitebeard, saying that it was a poor choice to have "trash" like Luffy to lead the charge. Whitebeard seems to silently agree, while Luffy gains consciousness yells for him to let go of him. Whitebeard merely toss him to the side, and says he's done his part, and asks for a doctor to take care of him. Luffy gets up and says he doesn't want one and yells at Whitebeard's crew that Ace is he only brother he has and has to save him. However, he succumbs to his injuries and collapses again. Whitebeard says guys like him are stubborn and are "all talk", but has spirit like Luffy as he re-enters battle. A little later, he asked Ivankov to give him more Vigour Hormones by saying he would rather die fighting and do nothing which will make him want to die anyway and after getting the Vigour Hormones, he gets up and screams.

After his second wind, he briefly faces off against Coby, whom he beats with a single punch. When Sengoku orders that Ace be executed, Luffy screams at the executioners to stop and releases a burst of Haōshoku Haki at Marineford, incidentally knocking out a number of both the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines, including Jango. Aokiji, Whitebeard, Ace and especially Sengoku, are visibly stunned to learn that Luffy had such an ability. Ivankov then comments on this recent development, and Luffy then replies to continue where he left off - and that is saving Ace

Early One Piece
When drawing One Piece, Eiichiro Oda was heavily influenced by the manga Dragon Ball, and had the series in mind when designing his characters. Oda has said that when he was creating Luffy, he was thinking about "manliness", because Dragon Ball had already done all the things that a child could possibly be happy about. .

Luffy was first featured as the main protagonist in the first pilot of One Piece Romance Dawn V.1 in the Shonen Jump specials showcasting upcoming artists, about a year and a half before One Piece began. He would remain as the main protagonist in the second release of Romance Dawn, Romance Dawn V.2 (featured in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine itself) and the final version Romance Dawn V.3.

Luffy's character changed throughout all three versions of Romance Dawn. Starting from Romance Dawn version 1, Luffy was much smarter than his final incarnation and while he had the power of the Devil Fruit he did not seem to have any named attacks. He claimed to be a candidate for pirate and a Peace Maine type of pirate. His background story was near enough identical to the final story released with Romance Dawn version 3, with a number of note worthy differences. The major difference being that Higuma the Bear was absent from the story in this version. Another minor difference was that Shanks' arm was bitten off by a shark instead of a Sea King. In Romance Dawn V.1 there was also a panel that featured a Luffy as captain of his own crew. This is the only time a older version of Luffy has been drawn by Oda in regards to One Piece storyline.

Version 2 of Romance Dawn feature a Luffy closer to the final version then Romance Dawn version 1. He now had a named attack (though it featured a different naming scheme to the final version) and lacked the intelligence he displayed in Romance Dawn version 1, however, it is arguable that he was less intelligent than his final design overall. His story, though still featured him eating the Devil Fruit, did not feature Shanks and instead Luffy got both his hat and the Devil fruit he ate from his grandfather. Luffy remained a Peace Maine type of pirate in this version and was still promoting himself as a candidate for a pirate while seeking to join up with a crew.

In both versions, Luffy was missing the scar under his left eye. Apart from this the only difference in Luffy's overall appearance was the adaptation to suit the drawing style of each Romance Dawn. The most note worthy change from each version was of Young Luffy, whose head and body shape, though remained roughly the same, was different enough to notice.

Anime and Manga Differences
In the anime, Luffy's past did not include the scene where he stabbed himself under the eye to prove to Shanks he was a man. The anime also skipped over all the scenes before Shanks gave Luffy juice, these scenes showed Shanks making fun of Luffy for being a child as well as some of the interaction between Shanks, Luffy and the rest of Shanks' crew. Also in the manga Luffy couldn't swim, even before he ate the devil fruit, which was why Shanks called him "Anchor," hence the shirt Luffy wore; while in the anime, Yasopp told Luffy that being a good swimmer doesn't make him a pirate.

Translation and Dub Issues
In the Viz English manga, 4Kids and FUNimation dubs, the most common alteration seen to Luffy is the reference to his devil fruit, the Gomu Gomu no Mi, as the "Gum-Gum Fruit". The correct term would be the "Rubber Rubber Fruit", which has not been used outside the Odex version of the series (For example, Gomu Gomu no Fuusen is translated as "Rubber Balloon").

Other alterations in the 4Kids dub are mainly directed around the renaming of most of his attacks, most away from references to guns (such as the Gomu Gomu no Pistol, which becomes Gum-Gum Blast), but not traditional weapons (Gomu Gomu no Ono/Gum-Gum Axe). Other than attacks, Luffy is constantly the center of attention for the removal of blood in battles against foes. All of these are common censorship edits made for American TV. With the recent changeover of the dubbing company, FUNimation took a more relaxed approach to editing, and retained the firearm references, as well as a gratuitous level of blood shown. By episode 177, the anime appears to be fully uncut.

In the book The Anime Encyclopedia - A guide to Japanese animation since 1917(2001), there was a short article about One Piece. In it there were 3 mistakes concerning Luffy; his age was written as 16, his name was spelt Rufy and he was written to have saved Shanks' life instead of the other way round.

Crossovers

 * Luffy appeared in a Shonen Jump special, where Enel attacks Tokyo and Odaiba. Goku arrives to fight Enel and Luffy appears to help him. Luffy and Goku make an attack called "Gomu Gomu No Kamehameha" and they destroy Enel.
 * Luffy and other characters also appeared in Cross Epoch with Dragon Ball characters. In this story, after Luffy falls from a cliff Goku orders the Kinto'un to save Luffy from the fall and then he rides the Kinto'un until they arrive in the tea party. Being able to ride the Kinto'un, in the universe of Dragon Ball, means that Luffy is pure of heart.
 * Luffy has appeared in the games Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars for the DS. He also appeared in Battle Stadium D.O.N on the GameCube and PlayStation 2.

Cultural References

 * Luffy's Devil Fruit the Gomu Gomu no Mi was referenced in the Japanese TV Drama show Trick and in the manga Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01.
 * Luffy had a small mention in the PS2 game Ape Escape 3, where it is revealed that Pink Monkey is angry over Luffy's popularity, and seems to believe he is a real monkey.
 * In Yakitate!! Japan, episode 56, there is a parody of One Piece where Kuroyanagi turns into a "Tenobi Man" as a reaction from trying Azuma's Japanese-Style Ja-pan dumpling. To this effect, he dons a straw hat and starts stretching his arms like rubber to unbelievable lengths like Monkey D. Luffy.
 * In a fake movie preview during an episode of Gintama, Isao Kondo (playing a lookalike of Crocodile) is seen charging towards heroine Tae Shimura. Tae defeats him with a "Gomu Gomu" move. Similar enemies and attacks are also performed connected to Dragon Ball and Bleach in the same film.
 * In To Love-Ru, Ren Elsie Jewelria is reading a copy of Weekly Shonen Jump where Luffy's head can be seen as the picture on the binding.
 * In one chapter of the manga Eyeshield 21, a Luffy-like character was seen.
 * In an online RPG called Dragonfable there was an enemy pirate monkey dressed up like Luffy, and was called L.D.MONKEE which is backwards for Monkey.D.L.
 * In a episode of Inuyasha while there at school you can see a kid dressed like Monkey D. Luffy and Shinichi Kudo from Detective Conan.

Merchandise
As the main protagonist, Luffy has been the choice character in many forms of merchandise and is arguably only out produced by Chopper. He has been featured in the series of models Portrait of Pirates. He was released in the One Piece DX Figure - Swim Suit Style set which included him and Nami. When the Wii game One Piece: Unlimited Adventure was released Luffy was one of the crew produced as a figure in the One Piece Locations Trading Figures series. He has also appeared as a plushie in a number of sets such as the One Piece Fishing Plushies pair.

He has featured in One Piece Gashapon sets on numerous occasions and he also featured in the 5 piece One Piece VS Figure Gashapon set. Another Gashapon set he featured in was the One Piece Full Color R Gashapon, of what he was featured twice. He was issued alongside Shanks and Lord of the Coast in a One Piece Block Figures set featuring the Straw Hats and their past mentors/loved ones. He has featured in trading figure sets such as One-Piece Motion Figure box and the One Piece Styling Figures.

Luffy has also featured on many Keychains/cellphone Straps sets including the One Piece Desert Kingdom Mascot Keychain/Cellphone Strap collection, alongside his brother Ace. He is part of the One Piece Sky Island Mascot Keychain collection. Another set he featured in was the One Piece Monkey Island Mascot Keychain/Cellphone strap series. In the Keychain pairing, he was released alongside Nami, however in the Cellphone strap series he was released alongside Shoujou.

Songs

 * Wanted!
 * We Are HERE!
 * Every-One Peace!
 * Holy Holiday (with Zoro)
 * Akuma no Mi (Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Sanji)
 * Hi! Ho! Ready Go! (Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Sanji)
 * Family (with other crew members)
 * We Are! (with other crew members)
 * Utae! Jingle Bell (with other crew members)
 * You Are the One (with other crew members)
 * Jungle Fever (with other crew members)
 * Respect! (Luffy, Zoro and Sanji)
 * Doctor Tony Tony Chopper (as backup to Chopper)
 * A Thousand Dreamers (With other crew members)

Trivia

 * Luffy is described as being like the fourth son of the Straw Hats family.
 * Due to the nature of the One Piece timeline against the real world timeline, Luffy does not age, remaining 17 no matter what the year is in real life. However, technically in One Piece time one year has yet to pass.
 * Monkey D. Luffy is the second character that carries the initial D., however he is the first D. to be named in the story. He is also the youngest D shown thus far in One Piece.
 * Luffy's favorite food is meat.
 * Oda has claimed that at the time of naming Luffy, he did so because he felt the name "Luffy" was right for his main character. Later Oda found out there is a Maritime term called a "Luff" and has insisted this is pure coincidence but one he was delighted by.
 * One of Oda's SBS questions asked if Luffy's penis could stretch, to which Oda replied that it could. It actually does stretch (though it is never actually shown) in chapter 514.
 * Luffy during the Jaya arc displayed a fascination for Hercules and Atlas beetles to the point where he became distracted from everything else. Both species are highly prized in Japan and are used for fighting.
 * Luffy has a tendency to suck his lips in and turn his head to the side when an attack or technique fails to affect him, such as Enel's various electrical attacks or Boa Hancock's Mero Mero Merrow.
 * In an SBS, Oda stated that the reason Luffy acted in an aroused manner when Nami stripped, yet remained neutral when Hancock did so, was that he was with Usopp at the time Nami did so, as Usopp is his age and a bad influence on his behavior.
 * Although Luffy has no skill in swordsmanship, he has used sword(s) on three occasions: Once against Arlong, the second time while in Thriller Bark with a shadow implanted in him (from a swordsman) cutting a tree and the third time against Oars.
 * Out of all the Straw hat members to be separated by Kuma, Luffy is the only one not to have a cover story due to the fact that he's the main character of the main story of One Piece.
 * In addition to crushing the strongest antagonist in each arc, Luffy sometimes defeats or helps defeat one of their subordinates, like Mohji in the Buggy the Clown Arc, Satori in the Skypiea Arc, and Blueno in the Enies Lobby Arc.
 * He is so far the only person to have taken on all three Admirals at once.
 * If Luffy lived in the real world, then his nationality would be Brazilian. This might be a refernce to the real-world pirate Roche Braziliano.

Related Articles

 * Nami
 * Straw Hat Pirates
 * Shanks
 * Nico Robin
 * Monkey D. Dragon
 * Monkey D. Garp
 * Portgas D. Ace
 * Boa Hancock

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