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Monkey D. Luffy is a fascinating member of the Shonen Jump hero pantheon, representing the charm and spirit that has won over millions of One Piece fans worldwide. His beliefs would never exactly load up a verbose manifesto, but instead driven by idealism and a strong, straightforward conviction. Seeking to become the King of the Pirates, Luffy's words win over allies all along the Grand Line on his search for the ultimate treasure.
However, beyond key moments like Luffy's yet-untold secret dream, there's still plenty of meaning to be found in the Straw Hats' captain's greatest quotes in One Piece. Luffy is just about as unassuming as a shonen protagonist can be, straightforward and approachable with his beliefs, and unwavering against those who would stand to silence him and his friends. Luffy's best quotes in One Piece often speak to his ideals, but also the heart of an adventurer who wants everyone to experience the freedom he feels at sea.
"I don't care if you're a king or not. There are things that matter more than power."
Chapter 150 "Royal Drum Crown 7-Shot Tin Tyrant Cannon"
While fans mostly remember Dr. Hiruluk's final words as one of the most iconic quotes from the Drum Island Arc, one excellent quote by Luffy often flies under the radar. During his battle against Wapol, Luffy notably tells Wapol that there are things that are much more important than power before sending Wapol flying and ending his tyranny over Drum Kingdom. The quote beautifully encapsulates Luffy's values, who, despite wanting to be the Pirate King, a position synonymous with wealth, fame, and power, values dreams and ambition above all else.
“If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future.”
One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure
Though fans have mixed opinions about the first few One Piece films, One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure has produced one of Luffy's most iconic and inspiring quotes. As Luffy puts it, being able to move forward depends on being able to take risks and this sentiment holds true in every sphere of life.
Luffy's own journey in One Piece embodies this bold spirit. Be it riding up a knock-up stream, breaking into an underwater prison, or challenging thee strongest pirates in the world, Luffy has never been afraid of taking risks and this is precisely why he has made it this far in One Piece.
"I'll become the King of the Pirates!"
Chapter 1 "Romance Dawn - The Dawn of the Adventure"
Luffy's declaration is one of the most iconic catchphrases in anime, a constant announcement that he'll achieve the status as King of the Pirates and find the One Piece. This has been something he's said since the first chapter of One Piece which beautifully lined out his character.
The first chapter immediately gives fans the reasoning as to why Luffy sets out on his mission to become the Pirate King with his meeting with Shanks and how the Pirate Emperor saved his life. To different people being the Pirate King means different things but for Luffy, he simply wants to be free.
"Say that you want to live."
Chapter 398 "Declaration of War"
One fact about Luffy that has become increasingly clear as the story has progressed is that Luffy will not help someone unless they ask. After all, as Luffy constantly claims, he isn't a hero. While he certainly is kind to a fault, Luffy only helps those who display the resolve to want to save themselves. From Nami at Arlong Park, to Robin at Enies Lobby, and most recently Momonosuke, Luffy has had many such interactions in One Piece which prove he is always willing to lend a hand to those he considers his friends, but only if they truly want to be saved.
"I'll make a world where my friends can eat as much food as they want!"
Chapter 1049 "The World That Should Be"
In the conclusion to one of the best fights in One Piece's Wano arc was Luffy's declaration of the kind of world he wanted to make. This scene perfectly captures the type of character Luffy is and how the answers to such serious questions can sometimes come off as somewhat goofy. However, this is a serious answer and shows just how different Luffy is from most of the other pirates. He doesn't desire to conquer, control, or hold any sort of power over others. He wishes to have complete freedom and peace for his friends and himself to live however they wish.
"I like heroes a lot, but I don't want to be one!"
Chapter 634 "100,000 vs. 10"
Luffy's quote on the difference between heroes and pirates puts into perspective how he sees himself as a pirate. While fans will know that he holds to a certain moral code first and foremost he is about himself and his friends. Luffy doesn't want to be a hero, because that means sharing with everyone. If he's going to share, he'd rather keep it to a select few. This is a perfect representation of his journey and why he possesses such a small crew. He doesn't choose the members lightly.
"Sniper King... Shoot down that flag."
Chapter 398 "Declaration of War"
What preceded one of the Straw Hat's most emotional quotes from Nico Robin was Luffy ordering Usopp (guised as Sniper King) to shoot and burn down the World Government flag at Enies Lobby. This scene held incredible significance and showed the lengths Luffy would go to for a crewmate in danger. He was willing to make himself an enemy of the World Government and declare war upon them. Even ready to take on the Marines that came with the Buster Call if it came to it. It's also emblematic of One Piece's counter-cultural appeal, brazenly confronting oppressive leadership, and affirming the notion that no symbol of order is too sacred for pirates if it unjustly takes away their friends.
"I'm not going on a boring adventure!"
Chapter 507 "Kizaru Arrives"
Chapter 507 was an epic chapter that gave One Piece fans exactly how Luffy would respond if he could find out then and there what the One Piece was. Before Rayleigh could get even a hint of a reply out after Usopp's question, Luffy interrupts.
Luffy doesn't want to know the slightest thing about the One Piece. Not whether it's on the last island or if it's even real. He is far more concerned with the adventure and journey building up to something. Even if it turns out to be something, he will be the one to find out what and he doesn't want any clue as to what it is before then.
"The Pirate King is just the freest man on the sea!"
Chapter 507 "Kizaru Arrives"
Rayleigh tries to gauge just what kind of man Luffy was by asking him if he could control and conquer the seas. But to Luffy, that isn't his goal at all and that being the King of the Pirates simply meant to be the freest man on the sea. Many fans are still trying to wrap their heads around what the One Piece is and what kind of conclusion the series could get. Many believe it will pertain to Luffy's goal and dream to have ultimate freedom. There are many possibilities of what this could be but fans will just have to wait and see for themselves.
"I still have my friends!"
Chapter 590 "My Little Brother"
The loss Luffy experienced is still with him, but the initial reactions to the death of his brother are still hard to watch or read. However, Luffy's realization that he still had his crew mates was a huge turning point in the series. From here on out, these are the people that Luffy needs to protect and vice versa. The loss of his brother was terrible, but it also helped him stay closer to those he loved. Ultimately, One Pieceis a story about friendship and companionship as much as it's about anything else, making Luffy's declaration that he has friends his best quote.
