Monkey D. Luffy's love for his "nakama" is the driving force behind his strength and success, aside from his dream of becoming the Pirate King, of course. Still, without his crew's love and support, Luffy would not have gotten as far as he has in his journey to actualize his life's dream.

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The Straw Hat Pirates are more than just a pirate crew – they're a family. Luffy set the tone for the dedication and care his crew must have for one another, and he exemplified this with each one of their inductions. Luffy has given himself to save each one of his crew members from their personal hardships, and in return they're willing to fight just as hard for him. To be clear, all of Luffy's crew mates are close to him, but there are a few special relationships that stand out.

10 When Nami Finally Let Her Guard Down She Saw How Close She And Luffy Have Become

Nami blushing with Luffy grinning behind her

Nami has become the mother figure of the Straw Hat Pirates. She is their navigator, and without her Luffy's pirate crew would be lost at sea, literally. However, she wasn't always the responsible yet fun-loving figure she is known to be today. Nami pretended to join Luffy's crew in order to satisfy a debt that was keeping her family in danger.

Nami was attempting to solve her problems on her own when Luffy stepped in. She broke down and asked for his help, to which he replied "Of course I will!" while giving her his straw hat, which he never lets out of his sight. Since that moment, Nami has guided her friend towards his dream of becoming pirate king.

9 Luffy Helped Robin Realize She Has A New Home

Robin Smiling

Robin has one of the saddest backstories seen in One Piece: after her hometown was destroyed and her family slaughtered, she was left alone at the age of eight. She spent the rest of her childhood running, as she had a false reputation of being the "devil child" that wanted to destroy the world. She was alone for twenty years until she made herself at home aboard the Straw Hats' ship without anyone knowing.

When Robin's tragic history was revealed, the Straw Hats didn't hesitate to venture into the government controlled Enies Lobby to save her. Luffy wanted Robin to value her own life, so before he made a move, he wanted her to say she wanted to live. In that beautiful moment, Luffy let Robin know she officially had a home.

8 Luffy's Selfless Nature Caused Boa Hancock To Fall In Love With Him And Become One Of His Greatest Allies

Hancock blushes over Luffy

As the Snake Princess of Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock is hardwired to hate all men. However, when Luffy made a selfless decision and sacrificed his release from Amazon Lily in order to save three of the women that showed him kindness on their island, it changed her perception of him.

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Due to her experiences, Boa believed that men were selfish and cruel, but Luffy's kindness took her by complete surprise and eventually made her come down with "love sickness." Her falling in love with Luffy became the start of their beautiful friendship. Though Luffy has expressed his disinterest in romance, they are completely loyal to each other.

7 Sanji's Attempt To Leave His Friends Behind Failed

sanji crying one piece

Luffy is a lover of food, and Sanji is an amazing cook; it's a friendship match made in heaven. However, their relationship goes beyond chef and captain. The depth of Luffy's dedication was shown when Sanji returned to his family and tried to make Luffy believe he no longer wanted to be a part of his crew. After a heartbreaking battle between the two, Luffy showed how much he cared for Sanji by vowing not to eat anything until Sanji made him a meal. Luffy nearly starved himself to death waiting for Sanji. They eventually reconciled when Sanji revealed that he was trying to save him and the rest of the Straw Hat crew. Luffy's willingness to starve in the rain for the sake of his friend is a testament to the relationship they have.

6 Zoro And Luffy's Dedication To One Another Has Created An Unbreakable Bond

Zoro and Luffy

Zoro is perceived as the vice captain of the Straw Hats. He is arguably Luffy's most loyal crewmate. He has displayed the most respect and dedication to Luffy by following his orders, proclaiming promises, and being the most vocal about Luffy achieving his dream of becoming the Pirate King. Zoro maintains the order of command among the crew members and consistently asserts that Luffy must be respected as their captain. Zoro's dedication prompted him to risk his life for Luffy by taking his pain. They share a deep and strong bond.

5 Jinbe And Luffy Became Fast Close Friends

Jinbei saving Luffy in One Piece by giving him his blood.

Jinbe is a respectable pirate that showed immediate adoration for Luffy upon seeing him risk everything to save his brother, Ace. Their friendship progressed very quickly with Jinbe saving Luffy and fighting to protect him on several occasions. He has donated blood to Luffy and brought him back from a mental breakdown when he was ready to give up after losing his brother. Even though Jinbe was already a member of one of the most feared pirate crews in the New World, the Big Mom Pirates, he made a promise to leave and join the Straw Hats, a promise he would soon keep.

4 Bon-Chan Went From Enemy To Cherished Friend

bon clay

This friendship had a rocky start: when Bon Clay and Luffy met, Bon Clay was an adversary. However, in Alabasta, Bon Clay felt bad about the trouble he caused the Straw Hats and decided to help them. After they left, Bon Clay spent time on their ship singing, dancing, and joking around. His playful nature matched up perfectly with Luffy's childlike personality. After they separated, they would later meet in Impel Down.

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When Luffy was poisoned, Bon Clay stayed up all night encouraging Luffy to live and cheering until his throat bled. In the end, Bon Clay sacrificed himself and stayed behind in order to make sure Luffy got away. This tearful separation deepened their friendship.

3 Shanks Has Always Been Someone Luffy Admires

Shanks Gives Luffy His Hat

Shanks is more than a friend to Luffy, he is a father figure and mentor. Luffy started out admiring Shanks from the time he was a toddler. He would later take the lessons he learned from Shanks and apply them to his role as captain. Shanks lost his arm saving Luffy from a Sea King. He is a noble and strong man that Luffy aspires to resemble. The straw hat Shanks gives Luffy is not only Luffy's most sacred possession, it's the inspiration for the name of his crew.

2 Sabo Has Looked Out For Luffy Since Their First Meeting

Luffy Sabo Ace

Sabo ran away from his privileged family daily in search of adventure and a deeper meaning to life. While out in the grey terminal, he found Ace and Luffy, then followed them around and eventually earned an invitation into their group. Sabo was always kinder to Luffy, constantly praising and encouraging him.

After they performed their saki ritual and became brothers, Sabo was clearly the kinder older brother and advised Ace to be nicer to their younger brother. This made their Dressrosa reunion beautiful, as Luffy cried tears of joy because he believed his brother died when they were young. They are now closer than ever; even Sabo's amnesia couldn't erase the memories of his brother Luffy.

1 Ace Will Always Be Luffy's Beloved Older Brother

Ace Luffy As Young Kids

Ace was definitely annoyed by Luffy at first. When they were kids, Luffy followed him everywhere and Ace hated it, but Luffy eventually grew on him and they soon became brothers. Luffy's grandfather, Monkey D. Garp, considered Ace his grandson as well. Ace and Luffy were destined to be family. As they grew older, they pursued their pirate dreams separately, but Ace remained protective of his younger brother.

When he met up with Luffy and his pirate crew out at sea, Ace asked that they keep an eye on him. When Ace was brought into custody, Luffy risked everything and fought as hard as he could to save him. After Ace was killed, Luffy suffered a mental breakdown and nearly gave up. Thankfully, he remembered his crew and decided to continue fighting, honoring his brother's memory.

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