Every Straw Hat Pirate’s Family

Summary

• Family plays a significant role in shaping One Piece characters.
• Each Straw Hat Pirate has unique family dynamics and ties.
• Characters like Luffy, Zoro, and Nami have complex family backgrounds.

Family is a significant element of One Piece. The experiences characters have with their families, whether they are blood-related or merely share love, are seminal in shaping the kind of people they become. Sometimes this manifests through inherited will, where dreams and goals of generations past become those of the present and future.

Other times, family relations can be a bit more contentious and result in a rejection of those ideals. Looking at the families of every Straw Hat Pirate, fans can get a clear picture of the circumstances and actions that led to them becoming a part of the crew.

1

Monkey D. Luffy’s Family

On Either Side Of The Law

• Blood Relatives: Monkey D. Dragon (Father), Monkey D. Garp (Grandfather)
• Adoptive Relatives: Portgas D. Ace (Brother), Sabo (Brother), Curly Dadan (Foster Mother)

Luffy’s most prominent blood relative thus far is his grandfather, Monkey D. Garp. A longtime member of the marines, Garp was declared a “hero” for his actions at God Valley, a title he contests due to his actions effectively upholding slavery. He rose up to the rank of vice admiral but chose to become an instructor following the Summit War. He laments how he could not turn Luffy into a marine, due to Shanks influencing his turn to piracy.

Garp’s adoptive grandson and Luffy’s sworn brother, Ace, who Garp had similar designs for, contested it even being a possibility, as Luffy and he were both the children of infamous criminals. Ace was the biological son of the King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger, who was both slated for execution and dying of a disease. In an effort to save his son from the stigma of their relation, Roger asked his longtime rival, Garp, to raise him. Due to his naval duties, Garp pawned the pair off to the Dadan family of bandits in exchange for not punishing them for their crimes. Although the group’s matriarch, Curly Dadan, was a severe foster mother, she did genuinely care for the boys and their wellbeing. Ace formed his own pirate crew, the Spade Pirates, which eventually folded into the Whitebeard Pirates. Ace grew to view the crew as his family, and he became the commander of its second division. The crew maintained loyalty to him, with the Summit War being started in an attempt to rescue him. As an extension of their loyalty, they also partnered with Luffy, who also wished to rescue Ace. Unfortunately, both Ace and his captain perished at Marineford.

Alongside Ace, Luffy was sworn brothers with Sabo, a noble who was disgusted at the classist mannerisms of his family and essentially abandoned them to live with the boys. Like his brothers, he wanted to be a pirate, viewing it as form of freedom. However, as he set sail, his ship was blown up by Jalmack, a World Noble, and he was presumed dead. In truth, he was discovered by Monkey D. Dragon, Luffy’s estranged father. Dragon was a former marine who left his old life behind to form the Freedom Fighters, which later evolved into the Revolutionary Army.

Both of these organizations were geared toward destroying the World Government, with a specific focus on its many injustices. Sabo, having been subjected to harsh training by Garp, alongside Luffy and Ace, was already fairly strong for a child and climbed through the ranks. Today, he is the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army, frequently working alongside Dragon. The identity of Luffy’s mother, as well as any other biological relatives, is unknown.

2

Roronoa Zoro’s Family

Shimotsuki Heritage

• Blood Relatives: Roronoa Arashi (Father), Tera (Mother), Shimotsuki Family (Distant Relatives)
• Adoptive Relatives: Toko (Distant Relative)

Zoro’s roots can be traced back to Wano, with his ancestors, members of the Shimotsuki Family, having emigrated from the country to settle in a territory that would be known as Shimotsuki Village. The family has a history with swords, with skilled swordsmen as well as swordsmiths across the bloodline. Two of Zoro’s blades were even forged by a distant relative of his, Shimotsuki Kouzaburou. Despite his own affinity for swords, Zoro seems generally unaware of his connection to the family.

Zoro’s late father, Roronoa Arashi, was the son of Shimotsuki Furiko, a woman who was born in Wano but traveled to the East Blue alongside many other members of the clan. His late mother was a woman named Tera, but the relationship Zoro had with either parent is unknown. He did, however, know other members of the Shimotsuki clan. Koushirou, Kouzaburou’s son, the owner of the Isshin Dojo, was something of a mentor to Zoro, who had a friendship with his daughter, Kuina. Koushirou was notably sexist, believing women could never duel as well as men. However, Zoro lost to Kuina in a duel, and the pair shared a pact that one of them would become the world’s strongest swordsman. Kuina’s death after this pact resulted in Zoro’s subsequent drive to become the world’s strongest swordsman.

Since becoming a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro has met some of his other relatives. He dueled against a reanimated Shimotsuki Ryuma in Thriller Bark, who allowed Zoro to wield his sword, Shusui, after being impressed with his strength. Zoro later traded the sword for Enma, as Kozuki Hiyori wished for Shusui to remain in Wano. When Zoro visited Wano, he met Shimotsuki Yasuie, who was aligned with the Kouzki Family before his passing, as well as Yasuie’s adopted daughter, Toko, who is often seen alongside Hiyori.

3

Usopp’s Family

Pirate Blood

• Blood Relatives: Yasopp (Father), Banchina (Mother)

Luffy actually knew Usopp’s father before getting to know the sniper himself. Yasopp is a high-ranking member of the Red Hair Pirates, a crew led by Shanks, who has been designated as an Emperor, one of the most threatening pirates to the World Government. Alongside his captain and some of his earlier crewmates, he was acquainted with Luffy when he was a boy. Yasopp frequently told Luffy stories about his son, to the point where Luffy was able to recognize him on sight. Usopp’s skills as a marksman were inherited from his father, as well as many of his other mannerisms. Despite not having lived together since his father set out as a pirate, it is clear Usopp and Yasopp are proud of each other and their achievements.

Usopp’s late mother, Banchina, died of a disease when Usopp was young. She loved Yasopp, having no resentment towards him for following his dreams. Her long nose was inherited by Usopp, and her condition influenced his tendency to lie. As she laid dying, Usopp spread lies of Yasopp returning to take them out to sea in the hopes it would aid her recovery. Even after her unfortunate passing, he continued this very same lie.

4

Sanji’s Family

The Vinsmokes

• Blood Relatives: Vinsmoke Judge (Father), Vinsmoke Sora (Mother), Vinsmoke Reiju (Elder Sister), Vinsmoke Ichiji (Elder Quadruplet Brother), Vinsmoke Niji (Elder Quadruplet Brother), Vinsmoke Yonji (Younger Quadruplet Brother)
• Adoptive Relatives: Zeff (Mentor and Father)

The Vinsmoke family hails from the seafaring Germa Kingdom and were affiliated with the World Government and granted their protection up until very recently. The kingdom is hyper-militaristic and researches science, largely for the purposes of innovations in warfare. Unlike the vast majority of his crewmates, it is confirmed Sanji grew up knowing the entirety of his immediate family. However, this caused problems of its own. His father was Vinsmoke Judge, a member of the illegal research institute known as MADS. He desired his sons to be unfeeling killing machines and made prenatal modifications to his wife, Sora, for this purpose. Sora was against the idea and took a counteractive drug, which eventually ended up killing her. Three of her four sons were born as Judge intended, but Sanji was not. Sanji grew close to his dying mother. However, after her passing, Judge encouraged his brothers to mercilessly bully Sanji. In an act of mercy, Sanji’s elder sister, Reiju, aided him in an escape.

After taking to the sea, Sanji was a chef on a cruise ship known as the Orbit. This ship was raided by Zeff, who later ended up being stranded at sea with Sanji. Zeff was a tough but fair mentor to Sanji as a cook and combatant, with the pair working at the seafaring restaurant, Baratie, before Zeff encouraged Sanji to join the Straw Hat Pirates. Sanji was recently reacquainted with his family when they captured him for an arranged marriage in a mutually failed attempt between the Vinsmokes and the Big Mom Pirates to co-opt each other. He maintained his hatred for his family but confirmed he and Judge could never bring themselves to kill one another. His powers recently awakened in Wano, but he has made an effort to maintain his humanity and humility, as unlike his brothers, he trained to become strong rather than being born mighty.

5

Nami’s Family

Zero Blood, All Love

• Blood Relatives: Unknown (Presumed Deceased)
• Adoptive Relatives: Belle-mère (Mother), Nojiko (Elder Sister)

None of Nami’s biological relatives are known. She is presumed to be a war orphan from the Oykot Kingdom. As an infant, she was carried to safety by a slightly older Nojiko, another war orphan. The pair were discovered by Belle-mère, a marine who subsequently retired to farm mikans in her hometown, Cocoyasi Village, raising the girls as a single mother. Although unable to give them everything they wanted, she sacrificed her own wellbeing for their sake. Belle-mère shares a lot of mannerisms with Nami, including her temper, flirtatious behavior, and her ultimately caring, compassionate nature.

After Arlong, captain of the Fish-Man Pirates, invaded and extorted the village, Belle-mère ended up losing her life to him, with her last words being those of love to her daughters. Nojiko took Belle-mère’s place as a mikan farmer after her passing. Arlong subsequently used Nami as a member of his crew, valuing her talents despite her being a human. Nami was broken from the pact by the Straw Hat Pirates, who drove Arlong’s crew out of the village. Nami’s tattoo signifying her alliance to the crew was subsequently refashioned into a tangerine with a pinwheel.

6

Tony Tony Chopper’s Family

A Rejected Reindeer

• Blood Relatives: Unnamed Reindeer
• Adoptive Relatives: Dr. Hiriluk (Father), Dr. Kureha (Mentor)

Chopper was a reindeer from Sakura Kingdom (then known as Drum Kingdom). His birth parents were among many reindeer to disrespect him for his blue nose. After eating the Hito Hito no Mi, his intellect increased to the point where the fact weighed on him more than ever. He subsequently abandoned the reindeer but was rejected and shot at by humans, who thought he was a yeti.

However, the kindly quack doctor, Hiriluk, raised Chopper as his own son. Their misadventures were somewhat fruitless, as Hiriluk’s cures were often ineffective. Yet he was still in demand due to Wapol’s virtual monopoly over the kingdom’s doctors. His sakura-inspired powder, which he made near the end of his life, is responsible for the Sakura Kingdom’s rechristening to its current name.

After Hiriluk’s death, which he punctuated with disrespect towards Wapol and a belief that the kingdom would return to its former glory, Chopper was taken in by Kureha. Kureha was a long-lived woman who was the sole other doctor to be outside of Wapol’s sphere. She taught Chopper medicine, believing Hiriluk’s optimism was ineffective. However, Chopper proved a combination of skill and optimism was better than either alone.

7

Nico Robin’s Family

Distinctively Distant

• Blood Relatives: Nico Olvia (Mother), Oran (Uncle), Roji (Aunt), Mizuira (Cousin)

Robin’s mother was Nico Olvia, an archaeologist who traveled with a group to study poneglyphs. This led Robin to also maintain an interest in the subject. Life without her mother was traumatizing, as she was abused by her aunt, generally neglected by her extended relatives, and picked on by the other children for her Devil Fruit powers. However, things went from bad to worse as the Five Elders ordered Ohara to be wiped out. This was due to the scholars of Ohara, who studied poneglyphs, coming across info from the Void Century, a period people are expressly forbidden from studying.

Robin remains the island’s sole native survivor and one of two living humans who can read poneglyphs. Robin’s father’s identity and any information surrounding him is unknown, save for the fact that he apparently perished before she reached adulthood.

8

Franky’s Family

Super Ship-Builders

• Blood Relatives: Unnamed Parents
• Adoptive Relatives: Tom (Mentor), Kokoro (Mother Figure), Iceburg (Fellow Apprentice), Franky Family (Subordinates, view him as “big bro”)

Born Cutty Flam, Franky was a tinkerer from a young age. His parents were pirates who tossed him overboard, leading him to resent them. In their place, he was mentored by Tom, a fish-man shipwright, and his mermaid secretary, Kokoro, alongside Iceburg. Tom encouraged Franky to take pride in his creations no matter what and was responsible for crafting the Oro Jackson, the ship the Roger Pirates used to travel the world. Iceburg grew up to be the president of the Galley-La Company, a ship-building company, and the Mayor of Water 7. Iceburg was also the one who gave Franky his current name, believing his previous one somewhat odd. He wishes Franky would forgive himself for the role his creations played in Tom’s execution, as the crimes were used against his mentor. Tom himself never held any ill will towards Franky, due to his aforementioned belief in pride towards one’s creations.

Beyond his apprenticeship, Franky also served as the leader of an organization called the Franky family, consisting of all the outcasts on Water 7. The organization was made up of ship dismantlers and bounty hunters and came into conflict with the Straw Hats prior to Franky’s joining. Like Iceburg, the Franky Family knew Franky wished to leave Water 7 deep down, and they heavily encouraged him to move past his trauma to do so. After their leader’s departure, various members reintegrated into society, with Kiwi and Mozu running Blueno’s old tavern, and Zambai and a few other members having become part of the Galley-La Company.

9

Brook’s Family

Unknown, Likely Deceased

Brook is a reanimated skeleton who is 90 years old, having first died as a human at age 38, before coming back to life through his Devil Fruit. He was a musician, swordsman, and eventual captain of the ill-fated Rumbar Pirates who cared for a baby whale named Laboon. Brook’s main dream is to reunite with the now grown whale.

Beyond this, little of his history is known, let alone his family. He previously led the battle convoy of a certain kingdom that remains unnamed at present. Considering how old Brook is, it is likely his parents are long deceased. Since there is no real mention of them, any relationship he had with them is also unclear.

10

Jimbei’s Family

Unknown, Unclear

The Fish-Man District in which Jimbei grew up was originally some sort of orphanage, where other notable fish-men pirates such as Fisher Tiger, Arlong, and Macro also resided. Jimbei was a member of the Sun Pirates, led by Fisher Tiger, and also populated by fellow orphans. His commitment to equality between fish-men and humans was a dream Jimbei inherited from his late captain.

Jimbei’s fish-man orphan status makes it hard to verify any real facts about his relatives. He may have been abandoned like Arlong, or his parents could have simply passed away. Due to the variable nature of fish-man parentage, which includes relatives not deriving traits from the same species, and even crossbreeding with merfolk to the point where both races are essentially the same, even certain basic facts about Jimbei’s parents are unclear.