Who Is Monkey D. Luffy?

Monkey D. Luffy, also known as "Straw Hat Luffy," is the main protagonist of the manga and anime series One Piece. As captain of the increasingly infamous and powerful Straw Hat Pirates, his dream is to find the legendary treasure, the One Piece, and become the King of the Pirates. 

Appearance

Luffy is often recognized by his signature straw hat, which was gifted to him by the pirate captain Red-Haired Shanks. He also has a scar under his left eye, which he gave himself as a child to prove his bravery. As well as an X-shaped scar on his chest caused by Admiral Akainu during the battle at Marineford.

Personality

Despite his often carefree and goofy demeanor, Luffy has an intense sense of loyalty to his crew and will risk his life for their well-being. His optimistic personality and adventurous spirit draw people to him, earning him the trust and respect of his crewmates and many allies.

Background

Luffy has powerful and infamous relatives. He is the son of Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, and the grandson of Marine hero Monkey D. Garp. However, his background is less defined by his unconventional family and more by his formative years spent with his sworn brothers, Ace and Sabo, as well as the early influence of “Red-Haired” Shanks.

At age six, Luffy became inspired by "Red-Haired" Shanks and his pirate crew, who were anchored in Foosha Village. To prove his toughness, Luffy stabbed himself under his eye, giving him his famous scar. During this time, Luffy accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Fruit (now known as the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika) from a chest in Shanks' possession. This turned his body into rubber but stole his ability to swim.

After a mountain bandit took Luffy hostage and threw him into the sea, Shanks rescued him but lost his arm to a Sea King in the process. When Shanks left, he gave Luffy his precious straw hat, telling him to return it once he becomes a great pirate. Following this event, another mountain bandit, Curly Dadan, was forced by Garp to care for Luffy and Ace. While she was initially reluctant and gruff, she developed a deep, motherly love for the boys. Raised primarily in the wilderness of Mount Colubo, his upbringing was instrumental in shaping his powerful will and determination to become the Pirate King.

Powers and Abilities

Luffy's powers come primarily from his and his mastery of Haki and his Devil Fruit, which was once known as the Gum-Gum Fruit but is now known as the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. 

Devil Fruit

The Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika: As a child, Luffy ate what was known as the Gum-Gum Fruit, a Devil Fruit that gave his body the properties of rubber. It was later revealed that the fruit's true identity is the Mythical Zoan-type Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, a power the World Government attempted to erase from history.

Gear Transformations

Luffy has developed several "gears" to enhance his Devil Fruit abilities.

• Gear Second: Increases his speed and strength by pumping blood faster through his body.

• Gear Third: Inflates his bones with air to create massive attacks.

• Gear Fourth: Inflates his muscle structure to create forms like "Boundman," "Snakeman," and "Tankman" for specialized fighting.

• Gear Fifth: The awakened form of his Devil Fruit. In this state, his rubber body gains even greater flexibility, allowing him to fight with cartoonish freedom. He can also manipulate his surroundings as if they were rubber. 

Haki

Luffy has developed the three types of Haki known throughout the world of One Piece, including Armament, Observation, and Conqueror's Haki.

• Armament Haki: Creates an armor-like force that strengthens his attacks and defenses, allowing him to harm Devil Fruit users and ignore their powers.

• Observation Haki: Gives him a sixth sense that allows him to perceive and predict his opponent's movements. In its advanced form, he can see moments into the future.

• Conqueror's Haki: A rare form of Haki that allows him to knock out those with weak wills. With his advanced control, he can coat his body with this Haki to further enhance his attacks. 

Goals and Reputation

Luffy is a pirate who values freedom and adventure over ruling the world. While his stated goal is to become the Pirate King, he also has a secret, second dream that is so absurd it makes those who hear it, like his brothers and crew, laugh.

Monkey D. Luffy's reputation is viewed differently depending on who you ask, from a hero to a dangerous threat. To the World Government, Marines, and World Nobles, he is a reckless, insane, and highly dangerous pirate who poses a direct threat to the global balance of power. In contrast, to the people he has helped and his allies, he is a beloved hero and a charismatic leader.

After defeating the Emperor Kaidou, Luffy was recognized as one of the Four Emperors, with his bounty increasing to 3 billion berries. He is also considered to be the second coming of Joy Boy and the current incarnation of the Sun God, Nika.