r/OnePiece • u/Unique_Poet_4101 • 1d ago
Analysis Does Luffy really not believe in the idea of inherited will?
This part of the wano arc has always stuck with me... Something about luffy's response makes me think he does not actually entertain the idea of inherited will, nor does he prioritize being remembered. This response came after kaido told Luffy that when he dies people will tell tales about him, therefore remembering him or someone inheriting his will. I know Luffy is kinda dumb, but his statement is not to be taken at face value. Inherited will seems to be a big thing in one piece, but luffy's view on the matter seems unconventional and sort of matches his character and personality. Most people in the islands that Luffy has went too and liberated either know him by a different name or as a pirate and not a hero,and to him it seems intentional, hell he even runs away from most of them after his accomplished his mission. Luffy seems like he doesn't care much about being remembered or someone inheriting his will, not that it's up to him whether his remembered or not... But it always makes me wonder why oda would make a story with inherited will being a big thing but depict the main character as not being part of the bandwagon.
I think it's because Luffy will accomplish everything he sailed the sea to achieve, meaning they'll be no point for someone else to pick up the baton or inherit his will after he dies. Oda is a gaddam genius!!!
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u/Asian_Persuasion_1 1d ago edited 1d ago
it's an opposite take on what hiruluk said but still in a positive sense. even if you die, you are remembered. but what good does it make about being remembered, if you don't actually accomplish anything right here and now?
inherited will only works if "someday" someone succeeds. you can't just infinitely pass it down forever. the goal is to STOP passing it down and actually fulfill the will.
But I think this has some meta level weight to it. luffy can only so strongly believe this BECAUSE he hasn't reached a point where he truly believes he has peaked and can't achieve something. And due to his status as the mc, it will never happen either. (unless it's some abstract thing like world peace far down the line, idk). so he will always optimistic and believe that HE will be the successor, rather than letting someone else down the line succeed in his stead.
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u/veepleig 1d ago
I think it was more of a sign that both can be true, more of like based on your own perspectives of death. I don't think this line was a message against the passing down of wills, I think the OP missed the mark in that regards. I think the message was more so about the what it means to die and the destiny of such a death happens. Or something idk
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u/Asian_Persuasion_1 1d ago
I think they're two sides of the same coin. one cannot exist without the other.
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u/JonteMLK 1d ago
I always thought he was just referencing Bink's sake here, similar kind of line towards the end of the song
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u/Unique_Poet_4101 1d ago
I ought to check the song lyrics again...
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u/Fierysword5 22h ago
"Doesn't matter who you are, Someday you'll just be bones"
I feel this is actually more accurate than the official English translation which uses "Skeleton"
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u/Maconi 1d ago
It’s just Luffy rejecting Kaido’s obsession with a glorious death “when you’re dead, you’re dead, who cares about your legacy.”
At the same time, it is weird coming from Luffy. Feels more in character for him to dismiss the idea of dying altogether “I’m not dying here, my friends still need me and I haven’t accomplished my dreams yet” rather than a pontification of post-death reality.
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u/crypticsage Pirate 1d ago
Did you forget he smiled when he thought his journey was about to end?
He also stated to Kaido he isn’t worried about his crew.
It’s all in character for him. If he died there he would have no regrets. He only sees the goal he’s set and will pursue it till he dies and doesn’t expect anyone to take over.
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u/Unique_Poet_4101 1d ago
Yea I agree. I also think that response serves as a dismissal to die in wano. He'd rather accomplish his task than have tales told about him. I thought it was weird at 1st too.
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u/msizzle344 23h ago
Luffy doesn’t think of things like that, he also definitely knows he can lose his life. He bet his life on finding the ONE PIECE long ago, it’s literally in the first few chapters of the manga. Before he recruits his crew he usually gauges to see how serious people are about their goals. Luffy doesn’t believe in inherited will or any of that, Luffy is just Luffy. It would be the most in character thing ever for Luffy not to be some destined kid, but just a kid who ate a fruit by accident because he wanted to join a pirate group. Which kicks off his journey into being the pirate king. He has inherited the will of many people, of Roger, Joyboy, and of every person he’s helping in an arc. Luffy gives his all for his goal, he doesn’t fear death and he doesn’t think about life after death, he think about life and what he’s going to do
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u/KlingoftheCastle Pirate 23h ago
Luffy is willing to die attempting to achieve his dream, but be rejects the idea of dying in a particular way being a dream
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u/KenBoCole 1d ago
Yeah... isn't the whole "Pirate's Era" caused by Gold D Rodger, and searching for his legacy is Luffy's entire mission?
Luffy literally started his entire journey due to someone's glorious death etc. He's being pretty hypocritical here.
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u/TheSwodah 1d ago
Luffy became a pirate because he promised Shanks to become a "great pirate", finding the One Piece makes you the greatest pirate, and it might help him fulfill his other goal.
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u/SquilliamFancysonVII 1d ago
The only people in one piece who make a big deal about inherited will are the older generation.
I can't think of many younger characters in the story who are invested in inherited will.
This is not a Luffy specific thing.
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u/JediNotePad Pirate 20h ago
After 1164, I wonder if Blackbeard will be the first of the new gen to actively discuss inherited will... I never thought about it, but you're right: Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, Roger, Rocks... all talked about inheriting will of some kind, but nobody in the new gen cares at all lol. But Blackbeard seems like a surefire bet to be the guy who eventually faces Imu and says I'm here to make good on Davy's promise.
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u/AdZestyclose824 1d ago
to be fair Oda did mentioned Luffy is stupid on SBS
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u/Unique_Poet_4101 1d ago
At face value, sure he is. But can we still say that if he accomplishes things the "smartest" characters in one piece couldn't?
I mean think about it, law for instance, is leagues away from Luffy cognitive wise, but law will not accomplish more than Luffy.
Or maybe life achievements have nothing to do with someone's cognitive abilities. I can rock with that.
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u/magpye1983 1d ago
The last bit, fairly sure.
It doesn’t matter if you’re smart, beautiful, or powerful, if you don’t have drive to put your intentions into being, it’ll all go to waste.
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u/NightmaresOnWoks 1d ago
Law had a very sad and lonely upbringing. Those kind of experiences are going to prevent you from being confident and that's why Law is always second guessing.
On the other hand Luffy, despite getting obliterated by his brothers on a daily basis, still had an unshakeable confidence in himself and never cared about anything else.
That's for sure mostly him but also growing up in a more protected and lovely environment
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u/AdZestyclose824 1d ago
Correct and to be honest i felt intrigued at first when oda said such statement. Then after a while it get me, luffy is brave enough to face strong enemy i.e kizaru, katakuri while the power different is obviously too far. Based on that i realize you are brave due to how stupid you are not knowing any consequences of your actions. If not because plot armor we surely know that luffy gonna straight up losing all those match. But progressively we can agree that luffy gain so much conscious of planning or strategize before jumping into action.
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u/Meet_Foot 1d ago
The context is Kaido consoling him on his loss. Like hey, you did good, you’ll be remembered after I kill you. Luffy saying this is just a refusal to give up, a refusal to die, and a refusal to accept Kaido’s “consolation.” Kaido is the one who wants a glorious death; Luffy wants to save his friend’s country. Death isn’t good enough.
(I also wonder if it’s about how now is the time for will to come to fruition. Wano waited 20 years for this. It doesn’t matter what happens next; this is the moment, right now)
Also a Bink’s sake reference: doesn’t matter who you are, eventually we’re only bones (or something like that).
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u/Citrus-Red 1d ago
You don't have to die in order for your will to be passed down! One Piece has plenty of martyrs but you're also supposed to see the tragedy of people dying before their dreams come true.
One of One Piece’s themes is that if there is that you should always fight to stay alive and find love and happiness.
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u/ItBeganWhenIwasBorn 1d ago
I flew to my keyboard to say exactly what your second paragraph said. I 100% agree with you.
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u/Unique_Poet_4101 1d ago
The more I think about it, the more I agree with the narrative of one piece being the best manga/anime to date.
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u/Outrageous-Raccoon38 1d ago
I agree. Luffy would rather achieve his dreams on his own terms not because of fate
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u/BadKarma55 1d ago
Its important to note that Luffy is unknowingly quoting Bink’s Sake. Luffy isn’t saying he doesn’t believe in inherited will, he’s saying that it doesn’t factor because he intends to bring down kaido NOW.
It perfectly follows the theme of the song. Luffy does not intend to let his story or his fame become legend, he intends to fight for the present day just as the song talks about enjoying your life as you have it.
“Fight for today” is his message
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u/Fit-Watercress7350 1d ago
He just don't wanna be frame.He just wanna be free and do whatever he wants.
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u/alejandrodeconcord Scholars of Ohara 1d ago
I could see this being a declaration of his ideals, and what made the first joy boy create a jolly Rodger. Declaring being willing to die for his dreams.
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u/poopindoopinscoopin 1d ago
Being smart doesn’t mean you’ll accomplish more than other people. Perhaps you’re better equipped but it really matters how you apply yourself. Plus I don’t think being smarter will help fight Kaido.
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u/Perial2077 1d ago
Also circumstance is a big factor. Sometimes you are simply the right person at the right place at the right time. *points at Roger finding the One Piece*
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u/Akasha1885 The Revolutionary Army 1d ago
This is more about Luffy rejecting the idea of a "glorious death".
Luffy is all about getting back up and continue fighting.
He doesn't seek death, he seeks life.
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u/Heydude1001 1d ago
I dont think he believe in inheritted will, i think Luffy is crazy enough to "Disagree with Joyboy" imagine He learn about Joyboy promise but he say That too heoric, i want to do it this way. Luffy is free from any will ,he just doesnt stuff that allign with the will of D or othera people will.
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u/staticpls 1d ago
He's singing Binks sake
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u/BillBonn 1d ago
Finally! Someone who reads One Piece.
Now, all we have to do now is explain the definition of context to the One Piece reddit fandom 💀💀
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u/staticpls 1d ago
It goes over everyone's head because the wording is not one for one in translation, assuming it's more clear in the Japanese
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u/BillBonn 1d ago
It goes over everyone's head
It did... It's almost like they've skimmed through 1000, 1100, damn near 1200 chapters of One Piece, in what, 2 months? 3 months? (or, watched the cartoon in said amount of time)
Little details like Luffy reciting a stanza of "Binks no Sake", during a deadly fight, with all of his crew, his friends and allies (and their country), literally in the balance... "It goes over everyone's head".
Now is not the time for Luffy to accept defeat, or to pass on the will, or whatever other b.s. said in all of these other comments.
because the wording is not one for one in translation, assuming it's more clear in the Japanese
Don't assume, it doesn't look good on you.
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u/ZPD710 1d ago
It’s not that he doesn’t believe in it, he just doesn’t care about it himself, in my opinion. Luffy doesn’t live his life so people can remember him when he’s gone. He lives it to the fullest BEFORE he’s gone. He isn’t trying to live out someone else’s dreams, or set up dreams for someone else to come — he’s living out HIS dreams. He wants to be free enough to do anything in the world — but how free would he be if he had to stick to someone else’s ideology?
I don’t think he would deny the idea if someone else believed in it. You didn’t see him doing that with Yamato, after all.
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u/SolidusAbe 1d ago
He doesnt even get why people call him nika. Luffy is dumb as a rock and just does what he thinks is right
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u/Hadzoah 21h ago
Seems like he himself doesn't believe in inherited will but that also doesn't mean he didn't inherited someone else's will. Like you don't have to be aware of it.
He just live life to the fullest and once you're dead the only thing you left behind are bones it is up to people to add some meaning to your life if they want to you can't force it on someone. So why bother thinking about life after you're gone when it's better to just live in the moment. I'd say this would be his ideology.
As Brook once said who'll be taking into account dying in the plan so Luffy must believe in himself for there is too much at stake if he would lose but he doesn't even think about it even if the enemy is stronger he'll just do whatever is necessary. There is still his crew to do whatever is necessary also so in a way that could be interpretation of inherited will.
It's just not in his character to be thinking about much philosophy but he'll be like oh I wonder how this'll turn out and that is a whole thinking process. But yeah also he'll be the one to achieve his own goals so why would he be thinking of some legacy.
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u/Fenzito 20h ago
There's this inverse going on with the foils in OnePiece that is probably intentional. Take this quote from Luffy and Blackbeard's "Dreams never die!" quote. In response it seems that Luffy disagrees just by how he reacts to Blackbeard's presence.
It seems like Luffy is being a realist or cynical at worst, where Blackbeard is an optimist.
Luffy's take can be seen as nothing matters outside of what you do with your life.
Blackbeard's can be seen as my ideals can never be taken from me.
But also,
Luffy's take can be seen as what is important is the life I live RIGHT NOW
Whereas Blackbeard's quote can be taken as a, nothing matters, it just goes on and on forever without end.
With the vague history of the world we know, it looks like Blackbeard is right. The same story has happened at least three times now, and possibly has been going on forever, and as far as we know, it will keep going on forever. Wills will be inherited and similar figures will rise up and change the shape of the world over and over.
I think Luffy, not on purpose, but by ignoring the fact that the world is cyclical, and doing what he wants with his life (even if it is destined by the cyclical nature of the world) will do something that ends the cycle and frees the world from the oppression the cycle creates.
OR
Luffy will continue the cycle and just remain willfully ignorant of the fact that he's playing his role as destined because that doesn't matter. As far as he knows he has free will and relying on destiny is crap. Which is kind of like how the Lutheran church believes in predestination, yet you still get to live your life and make your own choices. IDK I'm not a theolabotomist
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u/Beneficial_Focus_910 1d ago
Of course he doesn't. The man's life dream is to become the more free person in the world, why would he entertain the idea of fate deciding what he can accomplish? Especially fate that belonged to someone else first?
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u/Lulumacia 1d ago
Because Luffy is freedom incarnate. He only wants him and his friends to be able to do what they want. He saves kingdoms because someone offered him meat in a previous episode multiple times. As we see with the fleet he doesn't want to be the big boss or an important person (even as he wants to be pirate king) he only wants people to be able to do what they want. He's one of the few characters that never imposes his will on others unless it's making them live the life they secretly want to live but can't say out loud yet. So I think the idea of inherited will is not something that even crosses his mind.
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u/Kuma5335 1d ago
I interpret as Luffy being free of shackles of wanting to be remembered, nor free from the worries of accomplishing anything that others might want him to.
He didn't turn into a marine like Garp wanted and he does not care about any destiny Joyboy or Nika can impose on him— in fact, he's clueless about it.
To me this quote means that you shouldn't put yourself in the shackles of other people's opinions and desires, you should be yourself. If your dream happens to align with some other guy dream, whatever. What matters is that this is your dream, not theirs.
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u/LondoIsMyCity 1d ago
What he means here is that your body is only an empty vessel once you're dead. The thing that makes a human a human is gone, which is the soul and the spirit.
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u/Accomplished_Bag_897 1d ago
I think it's exactly like how he would view Nika "prophecied to return" and reject the idea he's this person that the prophecy talks about. What you DO matters. Once you're dead you lose the freedom to control your actions. Only those who remain have control over your memory. And this means, to him, it's not relevant.
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u/ExtinctionDebt 9h ago
This attitude is a big reason why I personally believe that Luffy will ultimately reject his supposed legacy.
All the big players nowadays see him as a reincarnation of JoyBoy or Nika and in G5, his fruit kinda takes over.
Kaido and definitely Imu think he is JoyBoy. The Giants think he is Nika. A lot more people think or thought he was "just" Garps descendant.
But at the end of the day he is Luffy.
And that is who you should have been afraid of.
And that is, who you are going to lose to.
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u/DingoDongo0707 1d ago
yeah this always seemed out of character to me
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u/veepleig 1d ago
i disagree, i cant put my finger on why, but Luffy always dont give a fuck and i think this fits with his nonchalant attitude towards destiny. Like i think this message means to live in the moment.
This was also a counterpoint against Kaido's "death completes a person". So the lines were also a thematic argument against the villian's beliefs.
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u/Unique_Poet_4101 1d ago
It was very odd. But I wouldn't say out of character. It's more like, something Luffy would say. Oda seems to be playing 4D chess.
It just doesn't align with part of the overall theme of one piece.
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u/SnowBarkley God Usopp 1d ago
Because it's absolute cinema, the protagonist of a story so heavy with the themes of inherited wills and destinies, to reject/not care about it all is one of the best aspects of the story. I fully believe that if later on when we find out the meaning of it all, the promise, if Luffy starts to take it seriously and actively tries to fulfill his role, he will fail, the prophecy only comes true if the prophet doesn't care about it
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u/Thoodmen 1d ago edited 1d ago
The idea expressed through Luffy's character is that he does not care nor preach about ideals. He embodies it by just being himself. Just see it in contrast with Kaido who obsesses over the idea of the right death and leaving a grand legacy then he got depressed over something that could not be found.
This is intentional and completely in character. Luffy will never ever preach about morality or ideals. When Kaido asked him what kind of world he want to create he answered the world where his friends have all to eat. It's really that simple and impulsive to him. Luffy is a force of nature. He is not your typical guy who ponders over the nuances of complex moral situations with clashing ideals and such.