Heartwarming / One Piece (2023)

And fans were happy to see the news.

WARNING: Spoilers Off applies to Heartwarming Moments pages per wiki policy. All spoilers will be unmarked.

Just like the source material, this adaptation keeps many of the heartwarming moments from the classic series with some unique to this interpretation.

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The Series

General:

• Luffy and Koby's relationship throughout the series is heavily expanded on: the two started out as just two people on Alvida's ship at the start, but as the series progressed Koby stays as one of Luffy's top loyal supporters, and Luffy is very encouraging to Koby's dream.
• When we see Luffy's interactions with Shanks in flashbacks, it's revealed Luffy counts the days for the Red Hair Pirates to arrive and stow onto their ship. The Red hair crew clearly loves the scamp, with Yassop happily announcing his arrival on the ship.
• All of the Flashbacks in the series share many of the same heartwarming and heartbreaking moments from the classic series' interpretations, but special mention goes to Zoro and Kuina's vow and the Tangerine-skin Pinwheels.

Episode 1: Romance Dawn

• Yasopp happily announcing Luffy's arrival at their ship, calling him their "favorite street urchin". Luffy even has a map marking down the days when the Red Hair Pirates would return.
  • Benn Beckman tells Shanks to not be so hard on Luffy, seeing as the boy has no family. Shanks does care for Luffy, but pushes him away to keep him safe from the dangerous life of pirating.
• Koby doesn't understand why Luffy is going out of his way to help him achieve his dream when they've barely even met. Luffy cheerfully tells Koby that they shared a meal together, that makes them friends. And Luffy would do anything for his friends.
• After Helmeppo cruelly smashes Rika's chocolate Rice Balls on the ground, Zoro takes a piece off the ground and tastes it as a way to cheer her up before beating up the marines for making her cry. This endears him quickly to Luffy.
  • What makes this even more heartwarming is that according to his profile, chocolate is Zoro's least favorite food, due to them being too sweet. Even though it contained his least favorite food, dropped on the ground, and stomped on, Zoro willingly ate the rice ball so that Rika would feel better.
• Luffy and Koby saying goodbye. You can tell Luffy is extremely proud of Koby for finally following his dream.
  Koby: Next time we meet, we might be enemies.
  Luffy: But for now, we're friends.

Episode 2: The Man in the Straw Hat

• The Mayor of the town Buggy blew up, Boodle, tries to talk reason to Buggy when he tries to make him torture Luffy.
  • Also, Luffy declines the town's reward food since they need it more than him. Read that again: Luffy - the man who once said he wasn't a hero because he'd want to keep all the meat to himself - turned down food because someone else needed it more than him. (Well, he turned down most of it.)
• The way Nami looks over to Luffy when he informs the governor he's a "different kind of pirate" as he and the others unchain the townsfolk.
  • Related to such, the entire population of Orange Town gets to give Luffy and crew their heartfelt thanks for the rescue/defeat of Buggy, unlike in the original material where it was only the Mayor.
• Makino looks after a somber Luffy when he first gets his powers but can't quite control it yet. When she tries to teach him a euphemism of "no such thing as a free lunch", Luffy perks up and asks if it was lunch-time. Makino smiles and tells Luffy she'd fix him something to eat if he'd fix the chair he broke.
  • As he's still stewing on the fact that Shanks' crew will never be coming back to their village, Makino worries over Luffy when she notices he's not eating his food.
• Just like in canon, Shanks giving Luffy his hat. It's a slower moment than in the manga and anime, showing a stronger show of it being like a father giving his son a keepsake. Some have even pointed out that the background music playing was a slow, instrumental version of "Memories", the anime's first ending.
  Shanks: When we meet again, you can give it back to me. But only after you become a great pirate. That’ll be our promise. Be good, Luffy.
• This line by Zoro, when asked if he really believes in currently-unknown Luffy:
  Zoro: Don't have to. He believes in himself. It rubs off.

Episode 3: Tell No Tales

• Usopp and Kaya's relationship is expanded a bit, making it quite clear that there's something between the two. The easy way both interact, in particular their smiles to each other, speaks volumes.
  Usopp: Well, I'll keep going on these grand adventures as long as you want to hear them.
  Kaya: I wouldn't miss them for the world.
• While it is affected by some of a unknown resentment that Usopp may have to his father, the way he hears about his father from Luffy does seem to give Usopp some peace of mind over it. And a connection point to them becoming closer friends, with Luffy saying "(He) already likes (Usopp)," because of their interactions.
• Nami is actually very eager to try on some fancy outfits, looking especially excited to hear Luffy's opinions on some of the dresses she tries on.
• When Zoro says he wanted to be the one wearing black, Nami throws him a tan colored dress shirt. Zoro actually approves of it and wears it for the evening with his black suit.
• Kaya and Nami have a nice moment between each other when the latter accidentally wanders into her room. Kaya doesn't judge Nami's stealing, admitting she'd rather all this wealth go to those who need it, because "What's the point in having so much when you can't share it with others?"
  • Earlier, she notes that the red qipao Nami was wearing used to be her mother's. Nami initially apologizes for possibly borrowing something of great sentimental value, but Kaya tells her it's fine. She says her mother would've been happy that the dress was being worn again, and that it suits Nami. Nami seems to blush as she smiles at the compliment.

Episode 4: The Pirates Are Coming

• Luffy naming the ship after the deceased Merry.
• While tragic, Zoro and Kuina's friendship is very sweet. While it started with them as bitter rivals, Kuina is kind enough to Zoro to give him some advice and help him improve. He is heavily broken when he finds out she passed away, and humbly asks her father for her sword for their promise to each other. All of this is what gives Zoro the drive to get out of the well.
• Koby is hesitant to listen to Luffy, but allows him to go free to save the others at the mansion.
• Oddly enough, while it is not fully shown, we do see a hint of Sham and Buchi's sibling bantering in this version. They also clearly care about each other despite being otherwise ruthless pirates, as seen when Buchi shows concern for Sham after finding her knocked out by Nami.
• As pictured above, Kaya giving Usopp the Big Damn Kiss for luck on his adventures, something which he's clearly happy about receiving. They're no longer Just Friends; they're Star-Crossed Lovers, at least for the time being.
• As Zoro goes to his new room he places his swords down. However, he keeps Wado Ichimonji by his side, holding onto it as he prepares to take a nap.

Episode 5: Eat At Baratie!

• While she's still trying to keep the crew at arms length, Nami is concerned about Luffy having to go against his grandfather. She even orders Zoro, as Luffy's first mate, to check on him and see if he's okay. Zoro puts the absolute minimum effort, yielding no results, but Nami's care for the crew is becoming very clear.
• When the group meet Sanji and his constant flirting with Nami, it's Zoro who playfully mocks her for Sanji's use of the word "madam", followed by Usopp joking that she "has a boyfriend", leading to both of them and Luffy laughing along. Nami acts like an embarrassed sister, but smiles in the end. First hint of the family bond this crew will have.
  • Zoro also subtly intercedes for Nami when she's clearly becoming disturbed by the then-stranger Sanji's incessant flirting, interrupting the focus on her. So he might've joked about it afterwards, but he also made Sanji back off for her sake.
• When Sanji is cleaning up in the back at night, he finds out Luffy ate his Elephant Tuna dish, which Luffy gives a big-time compliment to. This raises Sanji's spirits, given it was previously dismissed as "not up to snuff," and the two quickly become friends as they have a rather casual conversation.
• When Zeff is checking on Luffy about the chores, Luffy decides it is then a good time to, what he thinks, is standing up to Zeff on Sanji's behalf. He tells Zeff that he can't boss Sanji around just because he's the head of the restaurant and he can't make Sanji unable to cook, and that he even cooked for a starving man. Zeff's response? "That's a good kid."
• Nami tries to get Luffy to tell Zoro to back down from the fight. Luffy simply looks and Nami and tells her that he won't stop Zoro because this was his dream. He'd never get in the way of that.
  • Zoro asks why Nami cares what happens to him and she nearly yells in frustration that it was because he was her friend. She doesn't want to see him hurt - or worse, killed due to his own stubbornness in fulfilling his dream.
• Mihawk makes note of Luffy's hat and calmly comments that he likes it, likely recognizing it as the one that used to belong to Shanks.
  Mihawk: I don't understand why they'd call for me to retrieve such a small package. (beat) But I do like your hat.

Episode 6: The Chef and the Chore Boy

• Zeff and Sanji doing prep for the lunch rush. Without the other cooks as an audience, their constant insults are dialed down to good-natured family teasing. They're even giving a good natured smile at each other with their ribbing, with a lot of inside jokes being tossed.
• Sanji's first instinct when he hears about Zoro's injury from Luffy is to get something to help him. His only reason? "He's the Chore Boy's friend." This is also enough for Zeff to go help him with an old sea man's trick to try and fix the wounds.
• All of the crew takes turn looking after Zoro while he is in recovery, from Nami reading him stories to Luffy and Usopp each talking to him. Luffy even cleans the Wado Ichimonji for Zoro, fully believing he will wake up.
• When Zoro wakes up, Luffy is quick to be at his side and Zoro vows to stay by Luffy's side, fully cementing their bond as Captain and First Mate.
• When Sanji asks why the Straw Hats would defend the Baratie, Luffy responds with an earnest "You fed us!". You can tell that Sanji is genuinely touched by this.
• Mixed with Tear Jerker, but Zeff is revealed to have amputated his right leg in Sanji's backstory. Sanji correctly deduces that he ate his own leg to survive and Zeff gave all the food they have when they were stranded to him. He breaks down and cries wondering why he would do something like that for a kid he didn't really know, and Zeff says it's because they share the same dream of finding the All Blue. It's made abundantly clear why Sanji is so devoted to helping out Zeff.
  Sanji: We were out there for 85 days. He could've let me die on that rock, but instead he acted like a captain. He made the tough call.
  • It's subtle, but Sanji recognizes and indirectly praises Luffy's leadership qualities, doing so by noting how "It's the toughest job in the world. Zeff once told that making decisions is what separates a captain from the rest of his crew."
• While Sanji tries to act aloof, he quickly breaks down and thanks Zeff for everything while they are sailing away, with Zeff only giving a sad but proud fatherly look as he gives a Tearful Smile.

Episode 7: The Girl with the Sawfish Tattoo

• While it's an easily seen flirt on his side, Sanji offering to cook Nojiko a meal despite her pointing a rifle at the crew says a lot about his inherent need to feed others. It's even tied to later when he is feeding the entire village after Arlong is defeated, with him and Nojiko giving some lighthearted ribbing to each other over his recipes.
• Genzo tells young Nami that she's not a bad kid, she just did a bad thing by stealing. He offers to get her odd jobs so she can earn enough money to buy the atlas she wanted. While Nami was considering the offer, it was cut short by Arlong's arrival.
• Belle-Mère making it clear to Nami and Nojiko that they are her daughters even if they aren't related by blood. Arlong seems to be momentarily affected by it, but it doesn't stop him from executing Belle-Mère. Additionally, despite Arlong's hatred for humans, he does give Belle-Mère some respect for her bravery.
• In spite of Nami lying to the crew about her allegiance with Arlong, they don't hesitate to get back at Arlong when he screws with her for the last time. Luffy in particular is furious with the Fishman, giving Nami his hat and declaring he will help her.
  Nami: Luffy... help me...
  Luffy: Of course I will. Of course I will... OF COURSE I WILL!

Episode 8: Worst in the East

• Genzo tells Nami that Nojiko told the village the truth about her joining Arlong and practically begs for her forgiveness. Nami tells him there is nothing to forgive.
• After defeating Arlong and destroying the entire park, Luffy makes a simple, heartfelt declaration to Nami that highlights just how much she matters for the Straw Hat group. Nami even sheds Tears of Joy upon hearing this, while the rest of the crew are laughing in triumphant camaraderie.
  Luffy: NAMI! YOU ARE OUR FRIEND! WE ARE YOUR CREW!
• Sanji doesn't hesitate to give Zoro seconds when the latter comes back with a cleared plate, despite all the bickering the two do and how the rest of Coco Village likely needs the food as well.
• Usopp is telling tall tales about his contribution to the fight and Luffy walks by. Luffy knows first hand how false these tales are, so what does he do? He belts out a cheer for "Captain" Usopp, yelling that they couldn't have done it without him.
• Garp, after giving Luffy a No-Holds-Barred Beatdown, reveals his actions have all been a Secret Test of Character and he wanted to make sure that Luffy was strong enough to become a pirate.
• Just before leaving the Conomi Islands, Koby approaches Luffy (not as a Marine, but as his friend) directly to present his Wanted poster to him, proud that his friend is taking the first steps to achieve his dream. Luffy himself can also see how far Koby has come since they first met and they share a mutual exchange.
  Luffy: Goodbye, Koby. Be a good Marine.
  Koby: Be a good pirate.
  • The Big "YES!" that Luffy lets rip after seeing his first bounty is more than enough to put a big smile on viewers' faces.
• When Luffy's bounty goes public, we see all the characters he'd encountered up to that point taking notice.
  • Makino - the barmaid from Luffy's village - beams with pride. It's clear in this moment that she saw herself as a mother figure to Luffy and now she's witnessed him come of age in spectacular fashion.
  • Kaya doesn't even notice Luffy. Her gaze automatically drifted to the from-behind shot of Usopp in the corner of the picture.
  • Chef Zeff pins Luffy's poster to the kitchen noticeboard. The sign directly above it says "Employee of the Month".
    • Also, under the poster appears to be the I.O.U. Luffy wrote on his bill that landed him his chore boy position in the first place.
  • Buggy's reaction seems to be a mix of jealousy and pride that it took the greatest pirate in the East Blue to beat him.
  • And then there's Garp:
    Garp: A hell of a first bounty. I guess there's some of me in him after all.
  • Mihawk personally delivers a poster to Shanks, whose entire crew erupts in cheers despite having spent the night before getting plastered. Shanks invites Mihawk to drink with them and he accepts in his typical aloof manner.
• Helmeppo sides with Koby against Garp when he refuses the Vice-Admiral's order to arrest Luffy. And later, says Koby is his friend, even though he tries to brush it off with "Or whatever" afterward; Koby isn't fooled, and just gives a little smile in thanks, while the two share a fistbump after Garp dismisses them.
• Nami is on the verge of tears when she finds that the Going Merry has some bushels of tangerines on board. While the manga stated that this had a practical function due to preventing scurvy, that's never stated here, so it purely seems like Luffy wanted Nami to feel like she's got a home among his crew.
  • Nami soon returns the favor as she and the rest of the crew reveal the Straw Hat Jolly Roger on the sails of the Going Merry to their overjoyed captain.
• The final scene when the Straw Hat crew announce their goals, synched up with their childhood selves making the same boasts word-for-word. Not only does it show how steadfast their ambitions are, but also how in sync they are as a crew.

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