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realisticfanfictions · 8 months

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Being Sanji's Girlfriend & Baratie's Head Waitress - Part 4.

Sanji x Waitress!Reader: Part One, Part Two, Part Three.

Working at Baratie wasn't without its challenges, and the fights that sprung up because of them weren't rare either. You and your boyfriend never sweated the small stuff, after all working in a high stress environment made you, well, stressed. But maybe some things can't be resolved that easily.

Tags: Sanji x Reader, Waitress!Reader, constant bickering, mostly fluff with some angst, (heavy) swearing.

A/N: Initially going into this, I was planning to have the fishmen come in and have the Mihawk fight, but it was a bit more important to set up some more character dynamics before I moved onto 5k words of action scenes. So here's a nice bit of LORE(tm) and a bit more about how Y/N thinks. Next part I promise is 100% action, and I can't wait to show ya'll what I've come up with for Y/N's weapon! It's so cool.

Word Count is 3,421. Hope you enjoy!

Tag list (comment to join!): @siriuslyblackonback @jvhoons

"So, you're really going to fight him?"

Zoro, not looking up from cleaning his swords, nodded. "It's my dream." He explained, observing the blades for any damage. After he challenged the swordsman, the next few things happened rather quickly. The scramble to get Luffy as if that'll somehow convince him to stand down, the captain instead supporting his first mate's goal, and Nami storming off upset. It all passed by in a blur, and now you were alone with Zoro in their ship.

You nodded and turned to look out of the porthole, observing the calm seas that rocked the boat. "I guess dreams are worth dying for." You sighed and leaned back in your chair. "Sucks you met Mihawk too early."

His jaw tightened, and set down his sword. "If I run now, I'll never become the world's greatest swordsman."

You hummed and watched him through the reflection on the glass. "Honour, huh?" You mused and nibbled on the tip of your thumb. "How ridiculous. You're just like Sanji, uncompromising."

"Don't compare me to that shitbag." He snapped and sheathed his sword, clicking it shut in its scabbard. "Speaking of, why are you with him?"

Confused by his words, you looked over at him. "What do you mean?"

"He cheats on you, doesn't he?" He questioned and turned to face you, leaning against the cabinet. "He seemed pretty friendly with Nami a couple hours ago."

You chuckled. "That's just Sanji. He's obsessed with women. It's more," You thought of the words. "It's like having a dog that you love and care for, and though you go up and pet other dogs, you don't abandon your own dog for some random one on the street."

Zoro's eyebrows raised. "You do realise you just called yourself a bitch, right?"

You rolled your eyes and flipped him off. "Shut up. He's just chivalrous, that's all."

"Well, I'd be watching him if I were you." He walked over, his long strides making it seem effortless to reach you. "Guys like that don't tend to keep only one dog."

You opened your mouth to retort, but shut it and stood chest to chest with him. "Just focus on not dying, alright?" His eyes squinted ever so slightly, and he leaned down close to you, gazing directly into your eyes. "What are you doing?"

He stares for a moment, and then straightens himself back up. "Nothing."

You quirked an eyebrow. "Alright, I'm going home to my boyfriend."

"Wasn't trying to make a move." He retorted and stepped aside, letting you walk past him. "(Y/N)?" You placed a hand on the door frame and turned. "Be careful."

You looked him up and down. "Try not to die."

Mihawk's eyes haunted you like a ghostly presence that you couldn't shake off. It was like you could feel those piercing eyes all over your body, every inch of skin was tainted and you hated it. You always have.

The door to you and Sanji's shared room creaked open, and you popped your head inside. You didn't know what to expect, but Sanji jolting himself upright on the chair that sat in the corner of your room wasn't exactly one of them. The door softly clicked closed behind you, and you slowly walked up to him, his eyes on you the entire time as you sat on his lap. You positioned yourself sideways and leaned your head against his chest, reveling in his warmth when he wrapped his arms around you and placed a kiss against your scalp. Sanji's thumb rubbed circles in your thigh, more of an anxious gesture than anything, as he pressed many more kisses against your skin. You sighed and relaxed into him. "I may have overreacted." You started, ripping the band-aid off. "And I apologise."

He nodded. "Thank you for that. Sorry for not finding you sooner."

You shook your head against his chest. "I was drinking, you would've killed my buzz." You paused. "But I guess it was ruined anyway."

"Oh, I'm sorry-"

He stopped when you held up a hand. "I didn't mean you, Sanji." You opened your mouth, but couldn't find the words. Or rather, you found them, you just didn't want to share them. "A man came asking after our new chore boy."

You felt Sanji tense under you. "Are you okay?"

Mihawk's eyes restraining came to mind. "I'll be fine," You picked at a loose thread. "But Zoro won't."

Your boyfriend's hand stopped and pulled back to look you in the eye. "Zoro?"

"Luffy's friend, the guy with the swords. The idiot challenged him to a duel."

Sanji's head tilted. "Why?"

You let out a small sigh and untangled yourself from him, walking a couple feet to your dresser and pulling out a change of clothes. "Because they're idiots with a death wish." You said as you peeled off your top with a groan. "Fuck. Thank God I don't have work tomorrow."

He watched you for a moment as you shimmied out of your clothes and slipped into some pajamas. "Sweetheart, I'm not really comfortable with you drinking with pirates. I mean, it's a bit dangerous-"

You scoffed, pulling an oversized shirt over your head. "They're not pirates," You said as you tugged the shirt down, barely bothering to notice it was a gag shirt with an octopus on a bowl of rice. "Hell, they barely qualify as sailors." But when Sanji didn't respond, you paused. "Oh, you mean was I drinking with Zoro." You turned around to face him. He was leaning forwards in his chair, leg bouncing. You sighed and walked over to him. "He was just my drinking partner, and he's most likely going to die tomorrow." You run your hand through his blond locks. "It'll be fine. You don't have to worry."

"I'll have to trust you then." He said with a smile, then laughed when your gentle pat turned into a frantic scratch. "Hey! Not the hair!"

A smirk split across your face. "I don't know, Sanji. You might just have to trust me!"

He chuckled and grabbed your hands, pulling you forward onto him and wrapping you in his arms. "You know what I mean."

"I guess I'll just trust you-"

"Yep!"

"And trust that you're doing a good job! And- Sanji!" You squeaked when your boyfriend ambushed you with a barrage of soft kisses pressed across any bit of skin he could reach. "You tasteless toad! You're two tablespoons of terrible!"

"Two tablespoons of terrible." He repeated in a strange voice and you giggled when he tried to tickle you. "Oh no! The tickling toad has come to torment you!"

You push his hands away and trap his face in your hands. "You twat." You smiled and gave him a lingering kiss.

When you parted, he gave a soft smile. "And you even ended it with a 't', brilliant."

You quirked an eyebrow. "You weirdo."

He mirrored you. "And I somehow love you."

"But weirdly, you love me very weirdly."

He nodded. "Birds of a feather."

"If we're birds, you're a flamingo."

"Why?"

"Because if I wasn't dating you, I'd think you were a bit of a flamingo."

He gasped. "Then you'd be a penguin, because you bring me rocks."

You leaned back and gave him a look. "Because I bring you rocks?"

He nodded. "Yeah, you even put them on me. And you help me get my rocks off."

He laughed as you hit him. "Sanji! That's so bad!"

Your hands were caught and you were pulled into his chest, both of you giggling and stealing kisses from each other while occasionally snuggling impossibly closer. Sure, you might be a bad person - but you liked who you were with Sanji. And that's all you really cared about.

You lied. That night you couldn't sleep with hundreds of thousands of millions of thoughts racing through your mind. You felt like you were a greyhound chasing down a slightly too-fast rabbit, every time you got close, sleep just slipped through your fingers. Your gaze drifted from the ceiling where you were counting the nails in the boards, and over to your boyfriend. His sleeping face made a million butterflies emerge from their cocoons in your stomach, your heart beating against your rib cage like an angry gorilla. But something about this wasn't right, and you couldn't go to sleep without doing something about it.

Careful to not wake your peaceful boyfriend, you slowly lifted his arm from around your waist and placed it on his pillow, heart aching at the sight of him trying to seek your warmth. Even in sleep he wanted to be close to you. Grabbing your pillow, you gently tucked it under his searching hand and he brought it to his chest with a soft groan, the smell of you satiating him.

You rolled out of bed and tip-toed over the squeaky floorboards, wincing every time the floor made a sound. After looking back each time and taking moments between each footstep, you made it through the door and quickly shut it behind you. The early morning's chilly air struck you, but you ignored the goosebumps rising under your skin and continued on. It felt strange walking without your heels clicking against the floorboards, but you weren't looking to make noise, or look fashionable in this instance.

The Overnights were rooms for guests who've either had too much to drink, or who pay extra to stay overnight to hookup, or just to stay, again, overnight. You passed by the many in-use rooms filled with snoring and other unseemly sounds, rolling your eyes at the disgusting slobs behind the doors. A room stood out amongst the others, however, and you knew it held what you were seeking. The aura that emanated from it was unmistakable.

You reached into your hair and pulled out a bobby pin, sticking it in between your teeth to open it and then jammed it into the lock. All the locks were the same on the Baratie, and you only had to jimmy the locks, moving the pins frantically within, to open it without much effort. The door clicked open and you gently pushed it open.

When you stepped inside, you felt it. The blade at your neck. Without a second thought, you pushed it from your jugular and grabbed the silver candlestick on the hallway table, holding it firmly as the blade was struck against it. It sliced through with ease and a sharp burning went through your cheek, knowing that if you hadn't moved your head, it would've went through your eye. "You're slow." Came the hauntingly beautiful, yet unsettling voice from your nightmares.

You hissed and shoved his sword away from your face. "You haven't seen me in seven years, and the first thing that comes from your mouth is criticism? How shocking."

"Six." He corrected, and the room was suddenly bathed in a low yellow hue. Dracule Mihawk was a terrifying man. His golden, ringed eyes glowed in the dim light and when they looked you over, it felt like he was observing your soul and picking it apart with the grace one would picking the petals off of a flower. Those eyes locked onto yours. "It's been six years."

You rolled your eyes and pushed past him. The room was a similar layout to your own, with the only difference being the minimalist design and abhorrent amount of red wine. You knew the latter didn't come from the room. Rather, they came from his personal stash that would deem any other man an alcoholic. But Mihawk was simply old-fashioned, born in the wrong non-vampiric century if you will.

He sheathed his famed black blade Yoru in one smooth motion and danced past you, sitting gracefully in his armchair and crossing one leg over the other. Your eyes drifted over to his hat hung on a hook and reached out to run your fingers against the silky feather. "Don't touch it." The old swordsman warned behind you, picking up his book and flipping over the next page. "I despise disorganisation. It needs to be acceptable for my duel tomorrow. Or rather, in the upcoming moments since you have woken me up at such an ungodly hour."

Despite your reluctance, your arm retracted almost on its own. "You were already awake, asshat." You turned around and crossed your arms. "And it'll be creased anyway, so it doesn't matter if-"

"Not necessarily." His words were as sharp as his gaze. "If we go by that barbaric logic, it doesn't matter if a man is murdered since we all die in one way or another."

You scoffed and returned his look with your own glare. "I'm not too sure, you're more experienced when it comes to murdering men."

Mihawk picked up his expensive crystal wine glass, and took a long, silent sip of his Tarapaca. It was placed back down onto the table with a clink. He leaned back in his chair which squeaked as he did so, and interlocked his fingers. "Why are you here, (Y/N)?"

"I was going to ask you the same question."

His head tilted for a moment, before righting itself. "I'm here for Monkey D. Luffy."

You hadn't realised your shoulders were tensed until they drooped down. "That's it?"

He nodded. "I am only here as an obligation to Garp to collect his grandson."

To your annoyance, your throat tightened. "I thought that was an excuse."

"It wasn't." The man you hated sat in his chair completely unbothered. His eyes lingered on you for a moment, before drifting back to his book. He flipped the page. "'But tell me, at the time of those sweet sighs, by what and in what manner Love conceded that you should know your dubious desires?'"

Pathetically, you felt stinging at the corners of your eyes. "'And she said to me: “There is no greater sorrow then to recall our times of joy in wretchedness.”'" You breathed in through your nose. "Inferno, by Dante Alighieri."

"From?"

You cleared your throat. "Divine Comedy."

"What year?"

You took in a breath and shook your head. "1321?"

He said nothing and turned the page. You stood silently, wanting to run but having no strength to do so. His gaze finally lifted to meet yours. "Is that all?"

A chill ran over your skin, and you were once again reminded of the kind of man he was. There was a lot you wanted to say to Dracule Mihawk. So much hatred and anguish that you had to endure, all the suffering handed to you by the well-manicured hands of the greatest swordsman in the world. You hated him. "Unless you want to say anything?"

His eyes held yours for a moment. "Goodnight."

"Go fuck yourself." You practically grew fangs and spat venom at him. Spinning on your heel, you kicked the wall where his hat hung and stormed out of the room.

A scream bubbled in your throat. Your nails dug into your palms, and your lips were bloodied from ripping them open. He had no- you couldn't- he was such a-

As you turned a corner, you felt something pinch the base of your skull and you whipped around. Pulling your gun and aiming it, you locked eyes with the other swordsman in your life. Zoro, bathed in moonlight, turned his attention from his swords to you. The rag he was cleaning his blade with stopped and he was focused solely on you. "I think I know who you are."

You scoffed and shoved your gun back in its holster. "Well, apparently most people don't, so I'll take anything at this point." He was quiet, and your lips tightened into a smile. "Want a drink?"

The door opened with a click and Zoro whistled. "Nice trick."

You put the bobby pin back in your hair with a smile. "Thanks." The Baratie after-hours was a sight to behold, but the bar was even better. You smiled at Zoro and guided him around the front of the bar where the shutters were closed.

"Thought you said it's open all night."

You looked behind you as you bent down to the latch holding the fish's mouth closed. "I said you couldn't get anything on tap around three in the morning," You unhooked the chain and pulled it free from the floor. "Didn't say that the bar was open. Come help me." You shuffled to the side to make room for him, and grabbed onto the shudders. He appeared by your side and hooked his fingers under the shudders next to yours, you both nodded to each other and grunted as you lifted the shudders. You expected it to be heavier, but with Zoro it lifted with surprising ease. The moonlight poured in and illuminated the bar, shining through the empty bottles of booze and creating a kaleidoscope of colours.

The green-haired swordsman chuckled and looked around. "I've never been in a bar after hours." He sat down on a nearby couch normally reserved for V.I.Ps. "It feels naughty."

You shrugged, walking over to the bar and reaching over. "Yeah well, if we're caught I'll probably get fired, so don't fuck around." Your fingers wrapped around the neck of a bottle and you hoisted it to eye-level. "You a rum guy?"

He smiled and gave a half-shrug. "I'm a booze guy."

"Good answer." You said and carried over two shot glasses for the both of you. Sitting down, you tugged off the cork with your teeth and poured yourselves shots. You raised your glasses. "To you dying tomorrow."

His eyebrows raised. "To me surviving tomorrow." He corrected and clinked his glass against yours, keeping his eyes on you as you took a shot together. He sighed, flicking his head and nodding. "That's good."

You nodded and sniffed. "It's very good." You filled your glasses again. "Only the best shit for the only guy that knows me." You gulped it down, and didn't wait for him to finish before filling yours back up.

He chuckled. "I'm the one dying tomorrow, and here you are drinking like it's the end of the world."

"Yeah, well," You sniffed and swirled around the liquid in your glass. "My life kind of fucking sucks at the moment. So, I think I deserve to get shit-faced."

Zoro tilted his head and licked his teeth. "I bet you had a miserable childhood."

You laughed and leaned back, tears pricking at yours eyes as you nodded. "Understatement of the century." You said under your breath and looked up at him, forcing a smile. "I grew up on some private land owned by nobles."

He nodded. "You said that."

"Yeah, but what I didn't tell you was I wasn't born there. My Dad, being father of the fucking year, didn't want to care for a baby so he dumped me with some workers. Then, when I truly got attached to my family and finally was accepted as a member of the community, he just came back and picked me up. Like I was some type of broken watch he left to be repaired." You shook your head and reveled in the burn of the rum as it slid down your throat and warmed your stomach. "And ever since then, he's just tormented me. Even when I got away from him, it's like he's always there just watching me - waiting for me to mess up. And you know, all the shit that I did to make him proud of me? Every late night reading libraries' worth of books just in case he quizzed me on it in the morning. Every lesson in combat styles, or how to sense others, whatever the hell that means. Most of the scars I have are from trying myself to him. But never once was I told 'Good job (Y/N)', or that he was proud of me. He never even smiled at me." You finished the shot and placed it down onto the table. "And you know what fucking sucks? After all this time, all the anguish he's put me through? All I want him to look at me and tell me that he loves me."

Zoro looked at his glass and his mouth tightened into a fine line. "I know the feeling." His eyes drifted back to yours. "To shitty parents?" He offered, raising his glass.

You chuckled and shook your head, but poured yourself a glass and raised it. "The shittiest."

A/N: Um, okay this was pretty heavy and it took me a while to write because I wanted to make it actually matter. I think there'll be a few more parts and then we'll be finished with the Baratie saga! Then, I might take a break and do maybe another series/one-shot while I properly plan the next part. We'll also be naming this series! The poll has concluded and within the next couple of days, we'll be figuring out the name! Comment down if you have any suggestions, or want to join the tag list! <3

P.S: When the Baratie saga is done, I'll release it all as one part so that it'll be easier to re-read. It'll be a bit of its own thing, so stay tuned haha.

#sanji x reader #opla sanji x reader #opla sanji x y/n #opla x reader #one piece live action #opla sanji #opla zoro #opla

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captkiddd · 1 year

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Yeah, so I’m gonna talk about ZoLu.

Their undying loyalty to the point where one of them is willing to sacrifice their life for the other, is in my opinion, a much better concept than an enemies-to-lovers trope. Now don’t get me wrong, I think ZoSan is great— same goes for most other Zoro or Luffy ships!! I just feel as though the whole enemies-to-lovers trope (especially with ZoSan) is a bit??? Shallow, for lack of a better word. With ZoLu though, they compliment eachother so well. Additionally they have have similar values and place a large amount of importance in loyalty and keeping your word— they’re both very much the ‘actions over words’ type of people when it really comes down to it, I feel like. Also, considering how prideful of a person Zoro is, it makes their whole dynamic even better considering that he would normally never do the things he does for ANYONE else, but BECAUSE of that undying loyalty and love he has for his captain, he’s willing to give up his pride and everything else along with it, all for Luffy. Thinking back to Thriller Bark, we saw Zoro try to sacrifice himself for Luffy, taking on that pain that his captain endured during their time on the island, and nearly DIED because of it. On top of nearly getting himself killed for Luffy, he refused to tell him because he didn’t want his captain to worry. He is in love with Luffy to a disgusting degree (/pos), and it shows.

I enjoy other Luffy ships and i will always have a soft spot for the Aroace Luffy headcanons as well but I think ZoLu will by far always be my absolute favorite idea of the bunch.

also if you guys enjoy these types of posts lmk cuz i have a lot of stuff like this that id really like to talk about :3

@skysaysirrelevantstuff

#also if anyone wants to talk ab why the prefer like zosan #or other luffy ships #pleaseee tag me #I really like seeing other peoples opinions on stuff like this hehe #astridd nonsense #one piece #op #sanji #monkey d. luffy #roronoa zoro #zolu #luffy #zoro #luzo

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assiraphales · 7 months

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I don’t know if this is like a mutual feeling or not but I wouldn’t mind zorosan that much if it wasn’t shoved down my throat at every turn. Like I get the whole enemies/frenemies to lovers troupe but they have zero romantic chemistry in the manga compared to zolu.

I think I personally am in a unique position as someone who followed the opla to animanga pipeline because I had NO previous knowledge of the fandom. I hadn't heard of any of the ships, I hadn't read any of the discourse (I didn't even know it was about pirates lmaoo) so i've never been a part of the one piece fandom when zoro n luffy wasn't a main ship / part of my experience. I know its always been a ship, but based on posts i've seen and ppl i've talked to it def was an underdog compared to being the dynamic a lot of newcomers like myself instantly gravitated towards -- to the point it was number 42 on tumblrs 2023 ship list despite the show coming out in september.

i didn't see it in the la, and the animanga has only concreted the fact that zsn is not for me. i'm not a big fan of constant rivals ships in the first place, but when zoro n luffy exist..... there was no chance.

with that said. I think bc I entered when zolu is a corner of the fandom that is widely excepted and growing by the day, I never had zsn shoved down my throat. which is a v different perspective to the ppl who have been shipping zolu for years/decades. I HAVE seen snippets. the weaponization ace luffy discourse, saying opla gave fans the "wrong idea" about what relationships were important (which is more embarassing for them imo bc it goes to show perhaps they were the ones not paying attention to canon, and taking zoro and luffy moments and trying to completely erase luffy from the equation (thriller bark). i have gotten hate anons. BUT like all fandom spaces, the negative side is loud but not a true representation of who whole -- I have mutuals n followers who ship it, etc etc (and I don't want to talk badly about something they enjoy)

this turned into a long answer -- apologies -- but just perhaps some background as to why I tend to leave shipping discourse untouched. I already ship THE ship that's as close to soulmates in the op verse that we've seen, and bc i'm a fairly new member of the fandom..... I just don't think i've seen a lot of what others have

#HMMMMMM #I do have fighting words i've just never used them yet #zolu

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pseudopigeons · 1 year

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I came up with maybe not a theory but more of just an observation that the east blue 5 seem to parallel the 5 love languages and it's kinda reframed all of their actions and behaviours towards each other so much for me on my watchthrough. Got brainworms from that one oda interview where he said zoro doesn't like verbally expressing gratitude and prefers to show appreciation through actions and it got me thinking

The 5 languages:

Physical touch - Luffy

Acts of service - Zoro

Quality time - Usopp

Receiving / giving gifts - Nami

Words of affirmation - Sanji

Funnily enough in OPLA we definitely see a lot of physical touch Luffy. He's always playfully punching or hugging crewmates, despite having known the crew for such a short time he's just instantly clingy and physically present around them in east blue.

Zoro is very much an actions person. He's a little emotionally constipated and doesn't verbalise his feelings very much, in fact that seems like the last thing he wants to do, but he will always be looking out for any member of the crew silently, and is almost always the first to spring into action when it's called for. He shows he cares through acts of service and being there for his captain and crew.

Usopps language being quality time is shown pretty well in syrup village with his relationship with Kaya. Kaya is a girl who has everything she could wish for financially, but ussop provides her with a much needed friend, someone to support her and just physically be present and talk to her. He risks so much just to make her smile because being there for his friends is such a crucial and important thing for him.

Nami's love language being giving/recieving gifts means so much to me because it is so often seen as the most shallow of the love languages and I have seen so many poor analysis and digs at Nami's character, reducing her to just being greedy and money hungry. Did they watch Arlong park with their eyes closed??? For Nami, gold or money is a means for her to provide for the people she cares about, to ensure their financial stability and freedom and to keep her crewmates fed and afloat. She spent so long scorned and alone and (believed she was) hated because she created this money hungry persona to save her village and to best Arlong. Every piece of gold she bled to get was meant for that end goal. Nami deserves the financial freedom and gold that being a strawhat pirate could give because for years and years every bit she earned was tucked away for the well-being of others and was then stolen from under her nose. (This paragraph got very long but I'm not sorry I am the captain of the Nami defense squad.)

And finally Sanji reflects words of praise as a love language. I think it's the most clear to see with how Sanji is so quick to praise any female character he comes into contact with, especially Nami, but I think it also reflects his strained relationship with zef while working at the baratie. Zeff is always verbally critical of Sanji as a way to rile him up and to encourage him to leave the restaurant. Zef weaponises what makes Sanji tick to antagonise him and tries to get him to leave that way, but Sanji is far too stubborn and feels too great a debt to leave.

I think east blue definitely shows the 5 dynamics in a pretty clear way and kinda helped me understand what makes the characters tick. Also why some of the characters end up butting heads or getting into arguments. They all show and recieve love in different way, sometimes there are misunderstandings or clashes but at the end of the day they all trust each other with their lives and it's such a strong bond.

Anyways I'll eventually draw some more OP but I'd love to hear any thoughts or other people's ideas if they have any on the matter. Sometimes I get analysis brainworms, and I first shared the idea on discord, but figured why not post it to Tumblr too

ALSO please if anyone has examples from the series that fit the love languages PLEASE share it, makes my heart oougggghhghg.

#one piece #east blue #op theory #love language #romance dawn #like you dont understand every time any of the east blue 5 do something that coincides with their pseudo assigned love language #ouggghhhhhaaaaaghhh my HEART #they care about each other so much #and they show it in different ways but they still mean it #anyways please share ur thoughts #im 300 episodes in so idk how long this checks out for #but its still pretty solid #idk what nico robin would be #im leaning towards quality time maybe #cause shes been alone for so long waaaaaaaah #i love her she needs a hug #luffy get on it stat

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fluffyartbl0g · 1 year

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Going through all my follows rn, what's your favourite character/ship (platonic or otherwise) dynamics?

(also I know I've just randomly shown up in your asks, your time travel au has been an absolute joy to read, keep it up friendo!!!)

Thank you so much :DDD!!! I'm so glad that you've enjoyed reading my time travel au and I super appreciate the ask cause I LOVE TALKING ABOUT MY ONE PIECE OPINIONS >:DDD!!!! I'll put it under read more ouo

Anyways my OTP,,,, is,,, NAKAMASHIP!!!! There's nothing more that I love than the strawhat crew ; - ; I have literally shed tears over all of my strawhats and I love that they all love eachother deeply... On my one piece reread- I made sure to pay extra attention to all the character interactions and jokes. And can I just say, I see so many people talk about how the strawhats barely interact post time skip, or that some characters are basically strangers to each other (I saw someone say this about Franky and Zoro), but THEY DO TALK!!! THEY HAVE SO MANY FUN INTERACTIONS!!!

Oda is SO good at balancing these funny little character moments between important story beats >:O I think Zou in particular had a bunch of nakamaship moments that I really loved. One of my favourite lesser loved dynamics in the crew is usopp and robin (which you would know if you looked at my art of them XD) because they have a bunch of funny bits between them :3

My romantic OTP of all time is ZOLU THOUGH. And I tried really hard to not ship it immediately when i first started reading one piece, because I do this kind of thing alot when I get into media where I latch onto the protag and the guy close to the protag and ship em together??? Like I was so obsessed with JohnDave that DaveKat just hurt me,,, And I liked bakudeku so much that I couldn't get into kiribaku... AND I DIDNT WANT THE TREND TO CONTINUE TO ONE PIECE T - T And it SOMEWHAT did, but it also somewhat didnt. When I first heard Zosan was the most popular ship, like leagues above zolu, I was in physical pain,,, But REMEMBER; nakamaship is my first otp, so I still really enjoyed the idea of zoro and sanji because I enjoy the dynamics between ALL of my strawhats >:(!!!

I'm super duper obsessed with one piece and it sucks that there's all this great fanfiction out there that is effectively barred against me because there's a ship that I don't like >:/ So what I did to become more accepting of Zosan is,,, I drew them making out a ton XD If you look at my early one piece doodle piles, you'll see one of them with a couple of zosan things HAHAHA. Honestly it vaguely worked, but I'm super picky about the zosan fics I read, cause I feel like people can wildly mischaracterize zoro pretty easily.

Anyways I don't think I really answered ur question properly, I really love the king/knight loyalty but also just good bros dynamic that's happening with luffy and zoro :) But in general I just love a good sunshine person/grumpy person ship! (geraskier, bakudeku, megamenace, kagehina, hitomi and shousuke <<< quite upset that the ship sank, Fakir and Ahiru, wrightworth, etc)

Thanks again for the question <3

#ask #one piece #im actually somewhat glad zolu isnt the most popular ship in the fandomn #when u find a fellow zolu truther you KNOW they're a real one #I'm sorry i dont mean to rat on any zosan lovers it's a great ship :thumbsup:!#There are some suuuper good zosan fics out there so im really glad that i decided to give it a shot :]!!!!

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rize-said-so · 1 year

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One Piece Live Action Episode 5 EAT AT BARATIE!

It's hard being a One Piece fan. We celebrating the success of the series, then given the best episode in the anime and then the manga has just been serving.

Episode 5 has been my favorite episode in the season so far. But that may change soon cause I said I liked Episode 4 after I watched it.

I felt a little for Little Luffy in the flashback. Maybe because Garp was an actual human being and Little Luffy wasn't doing his cute little whine when his Grandpa was scolding him that I was actually sad for Luffy not having someone to support his dream of piracy.

But Garp was still Garp and I know he cares about his grandson. I still cry during the flashback when Luffy was climbing up the platform to Ace. Garp was carrying Luffy home and Garp was apologizing for being such a cruel grandpa and that maybe he wanted a different grandpa. But Luffy just nuzzled his head into his grandpa's back and called out to him in his cute little tone and Garp said they'd have a feast back home because he took a lot from the marine ship.

Damn. They're about to give Garp the Fist of Love and Galaxy Impact

I could almost hear him say "As expected of my grandson"

Luffy willing to stand up to his grandpa for his dream. Even if it meant that he may be arrested.

I swear without Nami they'd be broke and lost at sea.

The dynamic between Nami and Zoro, being the first two people Luffy ever recruited was so brother-sister looking after their younger brother coded.

The set designer for this show deserves all the awards. Like seriously wherever they docked the real thing I want to see it.

My favorite All Blue dreamer

I wished they kept to the scene in the manga. Like Luffy's first impression of Sanji and why he asked him to be part of his crew was not because he was a good fighter nor because he liked his food, Luffy hasn't eaten anything Sanji made yet, but he asked Sanji to be part of his crew was because Sanji fed Gin when everyone else tried to kick him out of the restaurant. He saw Sanji's kindness and wanted him to be part of his crew.

This is why there is a lock in the fridge in Sunny and giant mousetraps

I believe in the theory that there's no one in Laugh Tale or they could be vegans. Cause Luffy would have found One Piece already if someone was cooking there.

After seeing Arlong, Nami's happiness became very important to me

He promised to pay with a treasure tab. He made the same promise to Makino. I really hope he returns to Foosha Village and pays that tab cause Makino's a mom now.

Luffy and Sanji conversing about their dream with bright looks on their faces is very important to me.

I love that this is what they're bonding over.

I can't tell if this is Sanji's signature fried rice

I liked Buggy's intro. BUT Mihawk's intro, destroying Don Krieg's fleet, became my absolute fave bounty intro.

I know he and Shanks fought a lot over the years so he easily recognized the hat. And I know he knows about Luffy. Not by name. But because Shanks lost his arm to a boy in East Blue and he probably made the connection. So him mentioning the hat really got me excited.

I love Zoro and Mihwak's duel. They perfectly recreated the battle and really did justice to the moment that defined Zoro's entire brain chemistry as a pirate, Strawhat first mate and Luffy's best friend.

Den Den Mushi Appreciation

Love they're incorporating more designs to the Den Den Mushi. In the anime Garp had a megaphone so this was so in the world tone

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as-i-watch · 1 year

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in my opinion i think the opla did a very good job of trying to emulate the one piece manga and anime, but there’s a part of the anime that they can’t really convey through the live action. like… i think that the cartooniness of one piece, as well as the occasional emotional moments is what makes one piece one piece, but while the opla was able to get some of it, being a live action, it wasn’t able to convey all of it

it’s still wonderful, and i love it, but i like to compare it to the percy jackson movies. good live actions in their own right (still think opla did it WAY better) but compared to the original, it falls short (percy jackson a lot, opla a tiny bit)

i think the main issue for me is the characterisation. inaki did a very good luffy, but you can clearly see how it’s so inaki luffy instead of luffy luffy. still good, but still different

and i think mackenyu did zoro well, but in my opinion, it doesn’t fit him very well. zoro (while i still love him) isn’t as pretty as mackenyu is. mackenyu is too much of a pretty boy

i actually remember hearing in an interview that mackenyu grew up with anime, and of course one piece. i think he emulates zoro extremely well, and he tries his best to make it anime accurate, but he as a person just doesn't fit perfectly, the vibes are kinda off. still absolutely in love with him though

i think that it shouldn't have skipped so many parts of the original, but of course, it completely makes sense why they did

anyways, like i said, i think that if you don't compare them to each other, it's very good, and i do love how they did it (i'm also so happy that so many people loved the live action that they're actually starting to watch the anime!!)

I just finished episode 3 but i totally agree

My biggest fear when the adaptstion was announced was precisely that, bc one piece is so one of a kind, it can make you smile, it can make you sad, you cry tears of joy and of pain, and the anime takes the time to develope the charecters, the stories and the world, so sometimes the emotions are conveyed in such a subtle but effective way bc they took the time to make sure it did. Not to mention the tone and aesthetic. There's a lot that was gonna be difficult to translate to live action

That said, so far i think they did it great! I think they found a certain balance between the cartoonish and the 'real world' lets call it, and they took advantage very cleverly of cgi and practical effects to achive that too.

I agree the thing that perhaps lacks for me too is the charecters and also the pasing imo. But again, it was impossible to fit the storytelling way of the famously 'too long' anime in a 8 episodes per series format.

I too think Luffy feels the most different, i already talked a bit about that and i think it was just the result of it being a western production plus the complex charecter Luffy is. But Iñaki put so much love into his Luffy, you can feel it, its endearing

I dont have a problem with Mackenyu's Zoro funny enough. Sure, i miss how silly anime Zoro can be (but again, the tone thing) and they tried to make it too purposefully imo. Zoro is not edgy. He is badass and a maniac but he doesnt want to wear only black or cares about pressenting an "attitude". But there's a ray of hope for me (i havent finish the show so it might change my mind), the biggest stupid ass smile when he said he'd cut Helmepo's hair. He can be silly and less serious, so i hope i get to see more of that as he feels more comfortable in the crew.

Nami i like, im waiting for the Arlong park arc to make up my mind bc thats where her true colors shine either way. Really liking her dynamic with Luffy so far tho

Havent seen Sanji yet

And Usopp, i just met him and this might sound mean but this Usopp is too cool. Kinda like what you said for Zoro. I think this Usopp has more confidence in himself than anime/manga Usopp did back then and he is not that much of a coward. The coward part is important bc every time he stood up to fight it meant so much more. But again, is early for me to make up my mind this is just first impressions

But like you said, this is just bc of the comparison, on its own i think they are all doing amazing jobs and, so far for me, the writers managed to pull off something that to me was next to impossible and in a great way too.

Im curious to see how someone that hasnt watched the anime reacts to the mixed tone of live action meets silly cartoonish vibes, i hope its not too of context for a first time watcher

#oof that got long #sorry #ask #ask: opla

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boosideblog · 30 days

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Jaw dropped‼️‼️ on the floor‼️‼️‼️

currently on episode 725 of one piece and omg there is so much I have to say❗️

Timeskip: Okay- for the most part I love everyone’s Timeskip designs and I adored seeing perona, mihawk, and Zoro BUT I HATE HATE HATE HATE. That the white washed So many of the crew Robin, Ussopp, and I think Zoro too are much paler. Sure their outfit and hair are nice but not worth the change of skin tone :/ plus Robin would look so much better in her older skin tone cause she honestly slays. On another note Luffy with the disguise was silly

Jimbei/Fishman Island: LOVE LOVE LOVE JIMBEI AND HIS DYNAMIC WITH LUFFY 😭😭😭 And Luffy casually coming back after two years and choosing to fight in a civil war and then declare war against an emperor is ✨Iconic✨ I loved the princess too and I think the way luffy was just so ‘I don’t like you :/‘ was funny, additionally Luffy just riding a kraken and reeking havoc is amazing. Also everyone’s new abilities specifically chopper and Franky’s are super neat!! In short Jimbei is peak, luffy is slay, and I love them

Law: He deserves his own tangent ✋😔 BRO OMGOGMGOGMGOMGGKMG SO SILLY‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ So cool and neat and his abilities amazing- incredible- love it! Erm- his past? Not very girlboss. I was and still am hurt from it. Corazon had so much silly potential and their dynamic had me sobbing they are so sweet and are my everything‼️‼️‼️ and doflamingo we don’t like him here!! Stand w/ law‼️‼️ additionally speaking his dressrosa disguise with the moustache whilst drinking tea? Iconic.

Dressrosa/Punk Hazard: Punk Hazard, kinda boring besides the lore behind the island that was cool! :D I think it was a good intro to the grand line, and gave a better grasp as to how strong everyone really has gotten. It additionally I think gave us an even better insight then we already have into Choppers character and I enjoyed that!! Dressrosa I’m almost finished at the time of this post and I have to say it’s amazing, from the backstories (Law and Rebecca 😭😭😭) to the revolutionary army, marine admiral, disguises and everything in between its just amazing, and 4th gear‼️‼️‼️‼️ ALSO the fighting coliseum was my favourite cause it reminded me of Pokémon and we got to see Sabo and he’s my favourite 🥺👉👈

Also the scene between Franky and Luffy where Luffy just looks up at Franky practically begging to enter for the devil fruit is so— omgogmgogmgomg it shows just how understanding the strawhats are of each others feelings and are willing to empathize with each other and go through anything for one another. It also gave somewhat of a look into how the straw hats seem to be very fragile around the topic of Ace for Luffy and are willing to do whatever to try and help him recover from that situation no matter the cost (if you couldn’t tell the strawhats dynamic is very important to me)

Sabo: Again same as law deserving of his own rant. OGMGOGMGOGMGOGJGHSUSHCJSIISDB AHHHHHHH I LOVE HIM SO SOSOSOSOOSOSOSOSOSO MUCH HES SO SILLY AND HIM AND LUFFY HAVE ME SO HAPPY 😭😭😭 He is so girl boss. Not only is he second in command to A REVOLUTIONARY ARMY‼️‼️ he’s also AN ARSONIST‼️‼️ FIGHTS WITH A PIPE‼️‼️AND HAS A TOP HAT WITH SILLY GOGGLES‼️⁉️ GIRLBOSS WHO⁉️ SLAY WHO⁉️⁉️ Anyways- His character design is actually peak the fight between him and the admiral as well as in the coliseum are amazing even if just glimpses I find them Intriguing. His fighting style is similar to the past too and it makes me sad. BUT THE PART IN THE INTOR WITH HIM AND THE FIRE WITH ACE IN THE BACKGROUND‼️‼️‼️ WHAT⁉️ UFHHHFKISB I CANNOT ✋😭 any who I am not normal about this guy he is my favourite silly and I hold him close to my heart

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beanghostprincess · 1 year

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My take on OPLA's "Zoro vs. Mihawk" fight because I love to criticize the things I like

I'm gonna start by saying that I love the live-action. I'm obsessed. The casting is great and the set is stunning. However, despite enjoying OPLA I do have a lot of complaining to do about it because I absolutely love analyzing media and characters. That being said, I don't want this post to make it look like I am disregarding the directors and writers here. They did a good job with what they had but I personally think I would've done it a lot differently.

So... Let's start!

The thing that bothers me the most about episode 5 (episode that I honestly consider to be the worst in a lot of ways and for a lot of reasons) is that they intend to make it look like Zoro has this intense and personal connection with Luffy. A devotion that makes him so damn worried and self-conscious about losing the fight that he starts crying (or at least they tried to make Mackenyu cry? I'm not sure there. But he cries in the manga so, yeah. 'Frustration' perhaps is a better word). And Zoro does feel that devotion towards Luffy from the very beginning. The guy literally changed his life! But that is obvious and visible in the manga/anime because we can see Luffy making promises and being demanding and direct and literally a damn sunshine to Zoro. They have this conversation about him getting back his swords, about being the king of the pirates... There's this connection between them. One that says:

"You'll be my first mate" and "I'd literally give my life for you"

Damn, if there was a trope for love at first sight only for captains and their first mates? They would be the damn blueprint.

But OPLA wasn't able to make them show that connection because most of the scenes are rushed and/or skipped. And I understand. I truly do. It's just a live-action and the manga is long as hell. But the thing is... Don't expect me to believe Zoro's devotion is real if you haven't even shown me how it started. The root of the problem isn't the fight or his speech in episode 5, but the lack of emotional connection in episode 1 that they could've easily fixed by reordering the scenes.

So, regarding everything pre-ep 5: If they had shown us their relationship better, episode 5 wouldn't have felt so... Rushed? Out of character? And I don't mean out of character in a 'Zoro wouldn't say/do this' way (because of course he would, and did canonically) but in a 'OPLA!Zoro wouldn't say/do this because he hasn't experienced the exact same things that manga!Zoro has' way.

Yes, it's a live-action, but as a stand-alone? Zoro's behavior doesn't make any sense. That also happens with Nami, but this post isn't about our weather queen. Not today, at least.

Before I get into the fight I must also say that, even if I appreciated Zoro/Nami's dynamic and scenes, I find them completely unnecessary and useless. Firstly, because those scenes would've been better if they had used them to build their relationship with Luffy and not only between them. Secondly, because the writers do absolutely nothing with them. The relationship is only used as a plot device to foreshadow Arlong Park. And it bothers me because they could've done that without taking scenes from Luffy/Zoro and Luffy/Nami. This also happened because they decided to put so many scenes with the Marine, by the way, but I guess everyone is aware of that already.

The thing about the straw hat pirates is that they're a family. There are different connections/relationships/dynamics between them. But the main focus and reason why they joined is always Luffy and only Luffy. OPLA wanted to make them all a family in the first episodes and share all the important scenes together when actually that doesn't work like that. Everyone in the crew builds different dynamics with Luffy with personal and private scenes, and I think they took that magic away from them in OPLA wanting them all to share the same experiences for no reason. They don't build private connections (besides Nami/Zoro, but that doesn't even work in the end). This is why I like OPLA!Sanji so so much! His scenes with Luffy are immaculate.

Basically: The writers decided that since it's a live-action and most of the viewers will be already OP fans, it doesn't matter if they make Zoro's devotion exist without actually showing it because we already know he's devoted to his captain. So they take that info, make it happen, and they give no explanation to new watchers as to why the hell this dude who is supposed to not trust people easily, suddenly trusts Luffy so much. Even if it's a live-action, you should never take things for granted as a writer.

Now that I've established how it doesn't make sense for Zoro to act the way he does due to the lack of scenes with Luffy pre-episode 5, I'm gonna talk about my overall opinion about the fight itself and Zoro's pretty iconic speech to Luffy.

I'm no expert with fighting scenes but I've watched enough movies and animes (and you don't even need to, to be honest) to know that it is incredibly rushed. There's no tension. And the choreography is so... Dull. The only fight scenes I enjoyed were the ones in episode 1. This, in my opinion, is mostly the director's fault. The shots are either boring or too exaggerated and the whole fight is just not enjoyable to watch. The setting also makes it really empty. Everyone is just... There... Together... Netflix, don't be so scared of putting space between characters, I'm begging you. A bit of theatre directing is what this scene needs.

Also, Sanji isn't there and it bothers me a lot. Like a whole lot. Like a lot lot. And the fact that Nami is there when she shouldn't be (and also holds Usopp's hand? Like girl, chill, you've only interacted twice? They should've added Usopp to that drinking game scene if they wanted them to grow closer like that before the fight. But of course, Usopp is just the comedy relief for Netflix) also bothers me a lot lot lot.

In general, OPLA's shots aren't my cup of tea, and the overuse of comic-like moments dividing the screen made me cringe more than once (the first time was funny. Referencing the manga. But then it gets tiring. Mostly because the shots are just too close to their faces). Also, what's up with the corners being blurry all the time and the shots being extremely close to their faces? I don't know if it's just me but it's uncomfortable to watch.

Leaving that aside, Mackenyu did a great job with the fighting scenes. Love him to death. Kissing him from a distance. Great work.

Now, the thing that bothers me the most...

Zoro's speech.

Not only do they skip the important part where Zoro calls Luffy "The king of the pirates" but they also make it extremely dull and boring. It's not Mackenyu's fault. He's a good actor. However, I do think that this scene didn't need a close approach between the characters.

What this scene needs is passion. Frustration. Tears. Screaming. Relief when Zoro realizes Luffy isn't disappointed. Determination when he decides to keep fighting and training to become the world's greatest swordsman. And I think Mackenyu's performance would've been way better if they had given him the right indications and space between him and Iñaki.

I always say that physical space is great for scenes like this one because it challenges the actor to express their emotions without physical contact. A close and sweet approach is also good, but I think they should've just used that for the scene in episode 6 where Zoro wakes up. Them being physically close then is good, because there's a bond and they want and crave touching each other. However, after losing a fight and almost disappointing his captain? What Zoro needed was to openly cry to the sky and yell at Luffy that he would become the world's greatest swordsman. For himself. For Kuina. And for Luffy, his captain.

It's a very emotional scene and I get that it's complicated to do the same thing the manga does... But it really isn't that hard to give Mackenyu space so he has to yell and be openly frustrated. It seems like he wanted to cry. Like he was trying to cry. But the tears didn't come out because having Iñaki and the others so damn close didn't give him the space he needed to yell his emotions.

On the other hand, even if I don't like this scene and I prefer Luffy and Zoro to not be so close to each other, this would've kind of worked if they had had some connection and scenes pre-episode 5. But they don't. So, yeah, whatever.

Also (and this is just me being me) I wouldn't have used an aerial shot of them for the final scene. Zoro is satisfied now. He faints but he's happy. He proceeds to wake up happy in the next episode. So why not end it with his smiling face as he faints? That's also a recurring topic in the One Piece world! Make it reference Roger and foreshadow Loguetown and Marineford. These directors aren't being creative, let me tell you.

Overall, you can tell that I didn't like how they portrayed this episode, especially this fight/speech. However, before I end this post I want to say that I am aware of how hard it is to make a live-action and it's completely understandable to make scenes shorter and rushed. It's obvious that everyone working on this live-action loves One Piece, and even if I don't like a lot of the things they're doing, that doesn't mean I can't feel the effort and love they put (mostly the actors. The cast is outstanding and extremely sweet!) making this show.

I have more complaints about episode 5 (mostly about Nami's character) but this was just to talk about Zoro and the fight! Let me know in my inbox if you want more of my opinions on OPLA or just want to tell me something! <3

Editing TikTok account where I'm posting my One Piece edits: seraspring

#i spent like an hour making this lmao #i could've written more but my adhd won't let me remember everything that's on my mind and put it into words #i be complaining about opla and the next day i'm like 'me and the bestie!'#i swear i love the live action don't let my criticism fool you #zoro and luffy are married btw it happens in episode 6 #i didn't want my zolu heart to take over the post so i had to hold back #roronoa zoro #monkey d. luffy #zolu #dracule mihawk #opla #one piece #one piece live action

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i-am-minty-fresh · 9 months

Note

I saw....your strawhat dynamic things and i really thought they were SO cool

One i think would be interesting would be like.

Jinbei and Franky

(If youre still doing them of course teehee)

Apologies for the late response, I’ve had COVID so I’m all fucked up and lethargic. But your ask has interested me so let's talk about Jinbei and Franky!

Similar to the Usopp and Jinbei one, there isn’t a ton of examples for them specifically interacting so that means I get to look at them separately first to analyze their potential relationship (which means I get to finally talk about Franky which is great cause I love a SUPPPPPEERRR guy!)

(Not counting Brook because he’s dead) Franky and Jinbei are the oldest members of the strawhats and they have aged VERY differently so let's look at Franky first.

Franky grew up as a violent scrap child building guns and biting his older brother. He’s running barefoot through broken glass in only a swimsuit bottom, Hawaiian shirt, and some goggles (a style choice that he will not change into adulthood). He’s all crazed feral boy energy mixed with a kind of skill only a mother could love…or rather a fish dad. Tom has the kindest soul in the One Piece canon for putting up with this absolute sewer trash of a child (he’s probably got all kinds of diseases just festering under those bottoms). This is all to say that Tom raised him to be himself and be great at what he does. Embracing his talent and skill no matter where it leads him. Tom never wanted Franky to change, only to embrace himself and optimize what he could do for others. But like all the strawhats and their dead parents, the practical application of the helpful lesson that was being taught gets cut short when you (as their child) are in some form or another, reasonable for that same parent to be killed (Sanji, Nami, Franky, Robin, and Chopper). Hard to embrace who you are when you are the reason the most important person in your life is dead….that fucks a kid up in a way that leads them to throw a lifelong tantrum where they refuse to learn the entire lesson (Chopper not learning he’s a monster, Sanji not learning his wasn’t a failure, Nami not learning to rely on people, etc.) In Franky’s case, he learned to never stop being himself and made sure to keep Tom’s legacy of taking in street rats and turning them into stubborn, hard-to-kill, assholes (/said with love). Before I give him too many brownie points for maturity though, after Tom died he COMPLETELY GAVE UP SHIP/WEAPON BUILDING, WHICH WAS TOM’S WHOLE SCHTICK! Come on man, that was his main thing!

Then he meets Luffy.

Then it’s all over for him.

I saw a post a long time ago that said ‘Franky is your dad’s friend’ and it’s so accurate. He’s old enough to be your dad, but he assumes almost zero responsibility for your health and well-being while being the most interesting person in the room by a long shot. He’s in no way the voice of reason, if it was up to him you guys would be playing paintball in the kitchen and night swimming in gator-infested waters just for the fun of it. Sure, he’ll make sure you don’t die…but he’ll still tape you to the ceiling while you’re sleeping for kicks. This is his energy in the strawhats. His being a fucking cyborg doesn’t make him the weirdest person on the ship by a wide margin and lives to be very excited by this news. He embraces the strangeness the straw hats have to offer and shoots it right back. Usopp works with him to build cooler and cooler shit. Luffy’s creativity makes the inner scrap child in him squeal with joy. Zoro and Robin are bloodthirsty psychos who make his weapon-centered brain perk up in interest. Sanji will serve his every whim, Chopper’s a fucking delight, Brook’s excellent weird old man energy, and then there is Jinbei… let's talk about Jinbei (again).

Jinbei is one of the few members of the strawhats who met Luffy after they had matured, which for the sake of this essay means they were assured of themselves and fully understood what being a part of his crew meant. Zoro showed up committed and confident, but other than that…every other crewmate needed Luffy to push them toward their dreams. Jinbei understood the assignment (because of his experience~) and showed up to join knowing full well what kind of trust and loyalty was required of him. As I mentioned in my other analysis of Jinbei, his interaction with the strawhats are all hilarious because nothing in his life could have prepared him for this. Foundationally, they operate like all good crew do…unwavering faith in their captain and fellow crewmates but that's kind of where the similarities end. He’s shell-shocked with the amount of stupid the strawhats get up to, not to mention how all of them act like children. Sanji and Zoro bicker like brothers; Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper are all easily assumed and play children's games (like tag); Nami’s stubborn to a fault; and Franky is flamboyant and ridiculous (the worst part is Robin who fully knows better but chooses to get in on all that stupid). Jinbei has to start viewing his joining of the strawhats like a retirement while still being an old kickass because if not he’s gonna lose his mind.

BACK ON TOPIC!

Jinbei didn’t have a ‘Tom’ in his life when he needed one. He was left abandoned in the fish-man district with nothing but disenfranchised kids his age and a karate dojo. Think about what Franky would have turned into if it was just him and Iceburg on Water 7…a nightmare. Jinbei grew up in an unfair situation and was reminded of that fact all through his time in the guard and in the sun pirates. He was never given an outlet or a chance to move beyond that pain in the way that Franky did. Franky wasn’t sulking about how evil pirates are because they just fucking abandoned him, no he got to move on…Jinbei can’t do that. Not only did he not have a ‘Tom’ but he also had institutionalized racism which meant no matter how much he tried to do good and move on…him being a fish-man will always be his defining feature to those bigoted One Piece citizens/marines. Because of that difference, Jinbei had to find peace through a much longer process of hatred -> violence -> compromise -> understanding -> acceptance -> strawhat-themed enlightenment. Jinbei and Fisher Tiger grew up together which inspired him to do better with Fisher Tiger leading by example. Tom already had everything worked out by the time he met Franky and was willing and able to pass on that wisdom to the dirty little scrap boy.

The difference between them lies in the difference between being taught and learning along with what nurture can do to change perspective.

(I obviously simplified the topic of racism when it comes to Fish-man and the parallels it has to real-life racism and I understand that doing so can create an incomplete picture of events but it’s fucking 1 am and that essay, while important, will be for another day).

Hope you enjoyed sorry it took me so long to write all this, I had to rewatch some early Water 7 to recall what even Franky’s childhood was like and I hope I made some good points! Thanks for the ask and the potential read!

#one piece #minty musings #character analysis #cyborg franky #franky #one piece franky #jinbei #first son of the sea jinbe #his name has got so many spellings wtf

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