The most defining characteristic of One Piece is when a character seeks more than what they are. This is seen in heroes like Luffy to villains such as Akainu, given their quests to become Pirate King and enforce absolute justice, respectively.
Amid their ambition, it's easy to take what one has for granted. Nonetheless, many grateful characters remind the series' characters about what they have and how every day is special regardless of whether they fulfill their dream. Such individuals impart valuable life lessons and are inspirational to those who consider their dispositions.
10 Jimbei Reminded Luffy To Practice Gratitude
After the battle for Marineford, Luffy was worse for wear. Having witnessed his brother's death firsthand, he threw a tantrum and braced to give up on his dream.
Jimbei would not abide his friend's suffering. He sternly grabbed Luffy and reminded him that he still had something to live for. When they were ready to return to the New World, his friends would be waiting for him. Jimbei's message of gratitude was a success, helping Luffy out of his malaise so that he could begin training with Rayleigh.
9 Doflamingo Was Thankful For His Family
Despite being a villain who wanted to destroy the world, Doflamingo was grateful for his family. They had as much significance to him as Luffy's Straw Hats, and he spent even more time with them than his heroic counterpart.
Doflamingo's gratitude was proven during Punk Hazard when comforting Vergo in his last moments. Unlike other antagonists, he did not denigrate his friend for failing. Instead, he thanked him for all that he had done and wished he could have helped more. Vergo's demise gave Doflamingo a personal grudge against Trafalgar Law, as he previously overlooked him.
8 Yasuie Never Stopped Smiling
Yasuie was an older man who once served Oden. Having watched helplessly as Wano fell to ruin, he accidentally ate a S.M.I.L.E Fruit to stave his hunger. This made him grin and laugh inappropriately, much to the vexation of those around him. Despite being forced into poverty, Yasuie relished what little he and the other villagers shared.
Despite the fact that Yasuie was forced to smile, the two-decade time skip transformed him into a genuinely pleasant person. He balanced Zoro's grittiness, gladly helped the heroes in their mission, and even taunted Orochi seconds before his death.
7 Kid Was Grateful For His Comrade, Killer
Eustass Kid was a brash member of the Worst Generation. Although gruff and unapproachable to Luffy, he was extremely grateful for Killer's loyalty and vowed to avenge him after realizing the influence of the S.M.I.L.E Fruit.
To Kid's credit, he earned most of what he had. For example, he'd already previously escaped from Udon, meaning that Luffy didn't deserve a significant amount of credit. Although Kid could have been more grateful for the samurai's assistance in the battle for Onigashima, he genuinely believed that he would perform just as well on his own.
6 Whitebeard Loved His Crew
As the world's strongest man and a former rival to Roger himself, Whitebeard easily could have found Laugh Tale. However, he saw more value in his family than in pursuing treasure and didn't want to put them in danger.
Since leaving the Rocks Pirates Whitebeard's longing for family was his lifelong mission. During the battle for Marineford, he gave his life so that his crew could escape. The old hero acknowledged his time was nearly over and wanted to make the most of the strength he had left.
5 Shirahoshi Was Thankful For Luffy Saving Her
Shirahoshi spent most of her childhood within the walls of Neptune's palace. Vander Decken had stalked her for years in his futile and creepy hopes of making her his bride.
When Luffy came along, he proved capable of repelling Decken's projectiles so that Shirahoshi could explore the world with him. She deeply appreciated his assistance to such an extent that it moved her to tears. Between Luffy's aid in her personal life and his actions against Hody Jones, he made firm allies with the people of Fish-Man Island.
4 King Riku Loved The Humble Nation Of Dressrosa
Under King Riku's reign, Dressrosa was a happy and humble nation. Although lacking the wealth Doflamingo imparted, they were free and appreciated a strong sense of community.
Riku himself was a decent man who significantly enriched Kyros' life. He attempted to see the best in people and take them at their word, which was why the country trusted him so dearly. Unfortunately, Riku made a series of poor decisions when threatened by the Donquixote Family, which disgraced the family name. It also forced Rebecca to participate in brutal gladiatorial matches just to stay alive.
3 Tom Gave Everything For His Adopted Sons
Tom was Gol D. Roger's former shipwright and one of the finest builders in history. When the World Government caught up with him at Water Seven, they demanded that he build a sea train in exchange for being pardoned.
Although Tom agreed, he never forgot to spend time with his two treasured adoptive sons, Franky and Iceburg. Grateful for their presence in his life, he never complained about his circumstances, even when getting arrested on Franky's behalf. Tom may likely be dead, yet his impact on Water Seven wasn't soon forgotten.
2 Saint Mjosgard Was Thankful For Otohime's Aid
When Celestial Dragon Mjosgard crashed on Fish-Man Island, he was badly injured. Remembering Fisher Tiger's persecution, many of the locals wanted to make an example of him.
However, Otohime placed herself in their way, saving Mjosgard in an effort to mend the relationship between fish-men and humans. Despite his corrupt upbringing, Mjosgard was so deeply grateful for Otohime's rescue that he saved Shirahoshi in the Reverie. Given his rank, he was the only person capable of punching Charloss without facing Lucci's immediate and brutal retribution.
1 Jaguar D. Saul Taught Robin The Value Of Laughter
After washing ashore in Ohara, Jaguar D. Saul encountered Nico Robin. He kept her company and taught her that when she suffered life's harshest realities, the only thing to do was smile and laugh.
When the Buster Call destroyed Ohara, Saul sacrificed himself so that Robin had a better chance of escape. She heeded his lessons of gratitude, forcing herself to grin in spite of her best friend's loss. Since Saul was recently reportedly alive, their reunion will give them yet another thing to be thankful for, especially with how Robin has matured as a person.