In the world of One Piece, many fans believe that Luffy’s ultimate dream is to become the Pirate King. However, recent revelations in both the manga and the movie One Piece Film: RED suggest that there is more to Luffy’s ambitions than meets the eye.
From the very beginning of the series, Luffy has set his sights on becoming the Pirate King, a title once held by Gol D. Roger. To achieve this, he must navigate the treacherous Grand Line, uncover the Road Poneglyphs, and ultimately reach the mysterious Laugh Tale, where the fabled treasure known as the One Piece awaits. Luffy’s desire to be the Pirate King stems not from a thirst for power or recognition, but from his yearning for freedom. In his eyes, the Pirate King represents the epitome of liberty and the ability to chart one’s own course.
However, a shocking twist in chapter #1060 of the manga reveals that becoming the Pirate King is not Luffy’s true dream. This secret aspiration has been shared only with a select few, including Shanks, Sabo, Ace, and his trusted Straw Hat crew. Although the nature of his real dream remains undisclosed, its sheer audacity and absurdity have left those who know it in stitches.
One Piece Film: RED, the latest installment in the beloved movie franchise, offers a significant clue regarding Luffy’s elusive dream. The story revolves around a conflict between Luffy and his childhood friend Uta, the adopted daughter of Shanks. Uta, scarred by a traumatic incident involving pirates, fails to comprehend why Luffy would choose the life of a pirate over a tranquil existence with her. She questions the significance of Luffy’s dream, prompting him to respond with a concise yet profound statement: he wants “to make a new era.” Intriguingly, Uta shares a twisted desire for change, albeit through the use of her Devil Fruit powers.
Though this revelation may appear sparse, it carries great weight. Luffy’s secret dream, which elicits laughter from those who hear it, could potentially be something outrageously far-fetched, such as “sharing a meal with everyone in the world.” However, his aspiration to “make a new era” implies a genuine desire to bring about substantial and transformative change to the world and its existing structures. Perhaps Luffy seeks to dismantle the oppressive World Government, thereby granting everyone the same freedom he enjoys. While political reform may not seem like a typical concern for the Straw Hat captain, Luffy has repeatedly demonstrated a keen intellect, surpassing expectations at every turn.
Ultimately, the pursuit of freedom and the acquisition of the Pirate King title are not Luffy’s end goals, but rather stepping stones toward achieving his true objective. Whatever his ultimate dream may be, One Piece Film: RED hints that it will not be nonsensical or incongruous, but rather a monumental shift that disrupts the status quo and ushers in a new era for the world. Luffy’s journey is about much more than personal glory—it is about revolutionizing the very fabric of society and ensuring a future of genuine liberty for all.