Highlights
- In
One Piece,
loyalty and dedication among crew members are central themes, setting certain members apart from scheming pirates. - Zoro’s ambition to become the world’s greatest swordsman is intertwined with his loyalty to Luffy, forming a strong brotherhood.
- Characters like Laboon, Ace, King, and Marco showcase deep loyalty, endurance, and sacrifice for their respective captains in the series.
In the treacherous sea of One Piece, the bond among crew members is usually forged by a shared dream, or a belief in the captain’s dream. Among the myriad of crews that sail the Grand Line, certain crew members stand out not just for their strength or skill, but for their loyalty to their fellow crew members, especially the captains.
These crewmates exemplify the ideals of trust, loyalty, and dedication, while often risking their lives to aid their crewmates when danger strikes. The actions of these loyal members, as their ambitions and loyalty drive them, are one of the central themes in the One Piece series, and their loyalty sets them apart from the many scheming pirates that patrol the sea.
5 Zoro
The Swordsman Of The Straw Hat Pirates
Zoro is currently a member of the Straw Hat pirates. He joined after Luffy saved him from execution at the Marine Base at the beginning of the series. Zoro, who was once a pirate hunter, was enthralled by Luffy’s determination and act of defiance. When Luffy saved Zoro from execution, he saw it as repaying a life debt. Zoro’s ambition to become the world’s greatest swordsman parallels Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King. His loyalty is intertwined with his dreams, as he understands that achieving his goal is part of fulfilling Luffy’s larger vision.
This alignment of dreams fortifies his dedication, making their bond not just one of captain and crewmate, but of mutual aspiration and a strong brotherhood. Unlike the other crew members, who sometimes question Luffy’s unorthodox strategies, Zoro trusts his captain implicitly. Zoro has portrayed his deep loyalty and brotherly bond to Luffy many times, with one of the most memorable occurenced being the event of Thriller Bark. In a bid to save Luffy from Bartholomeo Kuma’s wrath, Zoro took in all the pain their captain suffered on the Island. Zoro never told Luffy about his sacrifice to take in his pain to this date, simply seeing it as part of his debt.
4 Laboon
The Forgotten One
The Rumbar Pirates, a boisterous crew known for their music, formed a unique bond with Laboon. They promised to return after venturing into the Grand Line, leaving their Jolly Roger painted on his head as a symbol of their pact. Laboon, unable to understand the complexities of the human world, took this promise literally. Despite the passing years and the increasing improbability of their return, Laboon never gave up hope. In his desperate attempts to reunite with the Rumbar Pirates, Laboon endured pain as he repeatedly rammed his head against the Red Line.
Laboon’s self-destructive behavior portrays the intensity of his longing and his refusal to accept that his friends might never return. In this view, Laboon’s story profoundly affects the Straw Hat Pirates, particularly Luffy, who promises to return and see Laboon again after they complete their journey. This promise instills a sense of continuity and hope in Laboon as he patiently waits for his crew to return, and stops the continuous pain he inflicts on himself.
3 Ace
The Whitebeard’s Second Division Commander
In One Piece, Ace’s past was marred by the burden of his lineage. He carried the weight of being Gol D. Roger’s son, a name that brought fear and scorn to people and the World Government alike. Whitebeard, however, accepted him unconditionally. Whitebeard’s acceptance solidified Ace’s loyalty, making him fiercely protective of the man who gave him a second chance at life and family. Ace’s loyalty to Whitebeard is evident in his decision to abandon his pursuit of becoming Pirate King and serve under Whitebeard.
Despite his initial ambition and the strength to potentially achieve it, Ace recognized Whitebeard’s greatness, and chose to support him. Ace was captured while pursuing Blackbeard for treacherous crimes against the Whitebeard family. Hence, as Ace faced execution, Whitebeard also showed his love for him as a surrogate father would move mountains for his safety. The love the Whitebeard family has for Ace was vividly portrayed in the Marineford War. In the end, father and son, Whitebeard and Ace, are buried side by side after the events of the Paramount War.
2 King
The Last Lunarian
A member of the Beast Pirates, King is the second-strongest member next to Kaido. He is a descendant of the Lunarian lineage in the series, and Kaido saved him from the World Government’s experimental facility. This pivotal moment forged a bond between them, with King pledging his life to Kaido. Hence, he sees Kaido as a father figure, and together they embark on a reign of terror and destruction in a bid to conquer the sea. King devotes himself to his captain’s cause to become the Pirate King, believing no one can surpass his captain.
King’s loyalty is further highlighted by his readiness to endure pain and sacrifice for Kaido. His resilience and endurance in the face of adversity reflect a deep loyalty that goes beyond personal gain or glory. King’s actions during the Onigashima raid, especially his fight against Zoro to defend Kaido’s stronghold, demonstrate his willingness to sacrifice his well-being for his captain’s vision.
1 Marco
The Phoenix Of The Whitebeard Pirates
As the first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco held a position of great responsibility and trust. Whitebeard’s crew was not just a pirate gang, but a big family, with Whitebeard as the paternal figure who cared deeply for their well-being. Marco’s protective nature was vividly portrayed during the Battle of Marineford, where he fiercely fought to protect the Whitebeard Pirates. Marco showcases his phoenix power during the war, and constantly rallies his crewmates to protect their “father” during battle.
After Whitebeard’s death, Marco took on the mantle of leadership, guiding and protecting his scattered crewmates in One Piece. Also, Whitebeard orders his crew to ensure Ace’s brother, Luffy, is protected at all costs, and Marco fulfills his wishes. Marco helped the Straw Hats during the Wano War against the Beast Pirates. One of the most significant acts of loyalty after Whitebeard’s death was Marco’s commitment to defending Whitebeard’s hometown, Sphinx Island. Recognizing Whitebeard’s desire to protect his homeland, Marco assumed responsibility for its safety, ensuring that the people lived peacefully and were not subjected to exploitation or danger. This act of guardianship is a testament to Marco’s loyalty and respect for Whitebeard’s wishes, even after his death.
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