User blog comment:GrilloSama/Jinbe For 1st Mate/@comment-30127592-20170925220243

I wouldn't say Jinbe and Luffy have a closer bond than Luffy and Zoro. I won't deny that luffy's friendship with Jinbe is a lot more outspoken than his bond with Zoro, but that's sort of the point of his bond with Zoro: It's more of an unspoken thing, a deep respect they have for each other in regards of goals and ability. True, you won't see them really hanging out or having fun together but i don't think that anyone doubts they understand each other completely, and will have each others back no matter what. A good example is when neither fought back against the pirates harassing them on Jaya because "they're not worth the effort", while Nami couldn't understand why they did so until Blackbeard explained it.

The only way i'd see that changing is if Luffy did something that dishonoured him or the crew, which may be the case considering the beatdown Luffy allowed himself to receive from Sanji earlier in the arc. Should he leave the crew, i can see Luffy and Zoro parting on good terms, with both agreeing that their next meeting will likely be as respected enemies.