Original artwork, not a still
I don't want to conquer anything. I just think the guy with the most freedom in this whole ocean is the Pirate King!
— One Piece · 1999
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Luffy's version of "king" has no throne, no crown and no subjects, which is exactly why the line has stuck. The word he uses means freedom, and the series keeps testing that against world governments, warlords and emperors who do want to rule. Fans quote it as the One Piece creed: the big dream is simply to go anywhere and do anything with your friends, not to own the sea.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for One PieceShow the scene
Luffy gives his clearest definition of what he wants in the Sabaody Archipelago, in manga chapter 507, "Kizaru Arrives", which the anime adapts as episode 400, "Roger and Rayleigh: the King of the Pirates and His Right Hand Man" (2009). The Straw Hats are at Shakky's bar with Silvers Rayleigh, who is about to coat the Thousand Sunny for the trip to the New World, and the talk turns to what a Pirate King actually is. Luffy says he does not want to rule or conquer anything: the Pirate King is simply the person with the most freedom on the seas. Robin's question about the Will of D. comes in the same chapter.
Sources (3)
- One Piece Wiki: Monkey D. LuffyIntroduction/Personality referencesReference checked
- One Piece Wiki: Chapter 507SummaryReference checked
- One Piece Wiki: Episode 400Episode boxReference checked
Context reviewed
