The story of One Piece begins with the execution of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Just before his death, he reveals the existence of the legendary treasure known as "One Piece," hidden somewhere in the Grand Line. His final words spark the Great Pirate Era, where countless pirates set sail in search of the treasure. Among them is a cheerful and determined boy named Monkey D. Luffy, who dreams of becoming the next Pirate King. As a child, Luffy eats a mysterious Devil Fruit called the Gum-Gum Fruit, which gives his body rubber-like properties but takes away his ability to swim. Inspired by the fearless pirate "Red-Haired" Shanks, Luffy sets off on his own journey at the age of 17. Along the way, he begins building a crew, starting with the strong and loyal swordsman Roronoa Zoro. He then meets Nami, a skilled navigator with a mysterious past. Together, they face dangerous enemies, Marines, and rival pirates as they explore the seas. Luffy’s ultimate goal is to reach the Grand Line, find the One Piece, and fulfill his dream of becoming the Pirate King.
After forming a small crew with Zoro and Nami, Luffy continues his journey through the East Blue in search of more crewmates and a ship. They soon encounter Usopp, a sharp-shooting liar with a big heart, in the peaceful Syrup Village. After helping him save his home from the pirate Kuro and his crew, Usopp joins them, dreaming of becoming a brave warrior of the sea. Next, they meet Sanji, a skilled cook working at the floating restaurant Baratie. Luffy helps Sanji break free from his obligations to the restaurant after defeating the ruthless pirate Don Krieg. Touched by Luffy’s kindness and inspired by his own dream to find the All Blue, Sanji joins the Straw Hats.
With a full crew forming, Luffy and his friends head toward their biggest challenge yet—facing the tyrant Arlong, a powerful fish-man who has taken control of Nami’s village. As they fight to free her and her people, the bonds between the crew deepen, and Nami officially joins them not just as a navigator, but as part of a true family. With Nami now truly part of the crew, Luffy and his friends finally have a strong navigator to guide them to the Grand Line. But before they set sail, they need a proper ship. In Syrup Village, they receive their first real ship — the Going Merry, a gift from Kaya, Usopp’s friend. With a name and a dream, the Straw Hat Pirates officially set sail toward the Grand Line. On their way, they encounter powerful foes like Captain Smoker and the mysterious bounty hunter group Baroque Works. To prepare for the dangers ahead, they stop at Loguetown — the town where Gol D. Roger was executed — and have close encounters with Marines and rival pirates. After escaping narrowly, they finally enter the Grand Line, a sea full of unpredictable weather, giant monsters, and fierce pirates.