Always optimistic and full of hope in every hardship in One Piece, Luffy not only brings humor but also awakens the willpower of many formidable characters, helping them rise up to change their lives and act when the world needs them most.
1. Bartolomeo
First appearance: Episode 636
When the Straw Hat crew arrived at Dressrosa, they unexpectedly attracted a huge fanbase, but none were as eccentric and passionate as Bartolomeo. At first glance, he seemed dangerous, but he was actually Luffy’s number one fanboy.
With the Bari Bari no Mi Devil Fruit power that creates indestructible barriers, Bartolomeo is ready to take the fiercest attacks to protect his idol. Though he admits to being a defensive fighter, he ruthlessly attacks anyone who dares threaten the Straw Hats. Joining the Straw Hat Grand Fleet was the perfect reward for his loyalty.
2. Kouzuki Momonosuke
First appearance: Episode 611
Momonosuke, son of the legendary samurai Kouzuki Oden, is destined to become Wano’s next Shogun. However, Kaido’s cruelty plunged him into tragedy. After being sent to the future, Momonosuke was a timid child barely able to hold a sword, let alone liberate his homeland.
Fortunately, Luffy appeared at Punk Hazard. Recognizing Momonosuke’s fragile yet proud spirit, Luffy’s straightforwardness gave him the confidence of a true leader. Inspired, Momonosuke bravely faced the Kaido-Orochi alliance, carrying the future of his country on his shoulders.
3. Koby
First appearance: Episode 1
Today, Koby is a formidable Marine force, but in the first episode, he was a skinny, timid boy forced to do menial tasks on Alvida’s ship. What truly pushed him to step out of his comfort zone and chase his dreams was Luffy’s unwavering determination to become Pirate King.
Not wanting to be left behind, Koby trained relentlessly under Vice Admiral Garp’s strict guidance and quickly rose through the ranks, joining the secretive SWORD unit. From a boy who couldn’t speak up, Koby is now skilled enough to be sent to capture former Warlord Boa Hancock.
4. Emporio Ivankov
First appearance: Episode 438
To be a leader in the Revolutionary Army, one needs strength and iron will. Emporio Ivankov had these qualities but found his true passion after meeting Luffy in Impel Down prison.
Witnessing Luffy’s fearless determination to save his brother Ace, the “Okama King” was fully convinced and risked his life to escort him. Using the Horu Horu no Mi Devil Fruit, Ivankov repeatedly injected hormones to save Luffy from Magellan’s poison.
5. Shirahoshi
First appearance: Episode 531
Though she is the princess of Fish-Man Island, Shirahoshi was emotionally fragile. When she first met Luffy, this giant girl cried over the smallest inconveniences and hid away from the world in her room.
It was Luffy’s blunt but honest words that gave Shirahoshi courage. Thanks to him, she stood up to protect her kingdom, successfully activating the Ancient Weapon Poseidon’s power to command the Sea Kings and stop the disaster from the Noah ship. Luffy’s influence helped her overcome fear and step onto land for the first time to attend the Reverie Conference.
6. Jinbe
First appearance: Episode 430
Jinbe was a renowned pirate before the story began. However, when he officially appeared, he was in his darkest moment: stripped of his Warlord title and imprisoned for refusing to fight against Whitebeard’s crew.
There, he witnessed a mortal boy willing to sacrifice his life and lifespan to save Ace. Moved by this loyalty, Jinbe risked everything to protect Luffy at Marineford and journeyed with him through years of training. His admiration for Luffy was so great that he gave up everything to officially join the Straw Hats.
7. Yamato
First appearance: Episode 972
As the daughter of the ruthless Yonko Kaido, Yamato endured an abusive childhood, imprisoned in a cave and forced to survive alone. Though she followed Oden’s ideals, what truly gave Yamato the courage to stand up and face her father in a life-or-death battle was Luffy’s arrival.
By using Ryuo to break the explosive shackles that had confined her for years, Luffy gave Yamato the chance to live as her true self.
8. Boa Hancock
First appearance: Episode 409
Known as the “Pirate Empress” with a proud and disdainful attitude toward men due to past wounds, Hancock nearly executed Luffy when he first arrived on Amazon Lily. However, Luffy’s honesty, pure heart, and protective actions toward her sisters completely melted her cold heart.
From a Warlord who only obeyed the Marines to protect her island, Hancock made a complete turnaround for love. She boldly infiltrated Impel Down prison and openly attacked government soldiers at Marineford to protect Luffy.