Overview of Dreams in One Piece
- In the One Piece universe, the pursuit of dreams holds immense value, influencing character arcs and storylines.
- Monkey D. Luffy demonstrates a unique perspective, allowing adversaries to live, believing unfulfilled dreams to be a fate worse than death.
- Several characters realize their aspirations, such as Hatchan’s takoyaki venture, Dr. Hiriluk’s medical breakthroughs, Mont Blanc Cricket’s quest for a legendary city, and Baby 5’s longing for love.
Within the world of One Piece, dreams play a pivotal role, with each member of the Straw Hat crew harboring their ambitions. The narrative intricately explores the hopes and aspirations of various characters, highlighting the inevitable conflicts that arise in a world brimming with divergent dreams.
Creator Eiichiro Oda has clarified that Luffy permits his foes to survive, valuing the fulfillment of dreams above all else, including life itself. While many dreams remain unfulfilled, there exists a notable number of characters who have not only articulated their ambitions but have successfully achieved them.
1. Hatchan
Aspiration: Establishing a Takoyaki Stand
- Former Affiliations: Arlong Pirates, Sun Pirates
Hatchan, a fish-man, once sailed with Arlong and was part of both the Arlong Pirates and the Sun Pirates. Despite his past association with Arlong’s oppressive ideologies toward humans, Hatchan formed friendships with characters like Rayleigh and the Straw Hats.
While his captains had grand visions—ranging from worldwide subjugation to greater unity between humans and fish-men—Hatchan held a more modest dream: to open a takoyaki stand. After helping catfish craftsmen rebuild their village devastated by a shipwreck, he invested his stolen treasure into starting his culinary venture, now known as Takoyaki 8. Although Hatchan has largely moved away from piracy, he remains willing to assist friends in need.
2. Dr. Hiriluk
Aspiration: Heal the Frozen Hearts of Drum Kingdom
- Affiliation: Sakura Kingdom
Dr. Hiriluk, a former thief turned doctor, was deeply affected by his own battle with a terminal illness. His encounter with sakura trees inspired an unyielding optimism, despite his ineffective treatments for patients under King Wapol’s oppressive reign. Hiriluk aimed to mend not just physical ailments but also the emotional scars inflicted by the selfishness of the ruling class.
Before his death, he developed a special powder able to color snow like sakura blossoms, a symbol of hope. His dream lived on through his adopted son, Tony Tony Chopper, who later trained under Kureha. After Wapol’s defeat, Kureha released the powder into the sky to commemorate the kingdom’s rebirth as the Sakura Kingdom. Hiriluk’s unshakeable belief in his dream served as an inspiration for the reconstruction of the kingdom, even after his passing.
3. Mont Blanc Cricket
Aspiration: Validate the Existence of the Golden City
- Former Affiliations: Saruyama Alliance, Unnamed Pirate Crew
Mont Blanc Cricket, a descendant of the infamous explorer Mont Blanc Noland, was driven by the desire to prove the existence of a legendary city of gold he believed to be on Jaya. Noland’s earlier claims had branded him a liar, leading to Cricket’s quest as a burdened outcast.
Despite initial abandonment by his crew, Cricket formed a bond with fellow pirates, Masira and Shoujou, who were also believers in the golden city myth. They formed the Saruyama Alliance and discovered golden artifacts, yet the elusive city remained undiscovered. Eventually, the Straw Hat Pirates aided Cricket in uncovering the truth when Luffy rang the golden bell of Shandora. This revelation allowed Cricket to finally pursue new dreams alongside newfound friends.
4. Baby 5
Aspiration: To Find Love and Get Married
- Former Affiliations: Donquixote Pirates, Straw Hat Grand Fleet
Once considered a burden in her impoverished village, Baby 5 faced abandonment and a struggle for validation. Although initially protected by the Donquixote Pirates, she battled deep-seated issues stemming from her past, compelling her to unconditionally agree to marriage proposals without comprehension of their implications.
Her journey led her to Sai of the Happo Navy, who recognized her vulnerabilities and ultimately proposed despite complications with familial obligations. After overcoming numerous obstacles—including confrontations with fellow crew members—a union between Sai and Baby 5 was formed. Their marriage symbolized healing for Baby 5, who had learned that her dreams could coexist with her newfound strength and identity.
5. Dreams of Baroque Works Officer Agents
Aspiration: Achieve Their Desired Professions
- Former Affiliations: Baroque Works, New Spiders Cafe
The Baroque Works organization sought to take control of Alabasta under Crocodile’s leadership. Thanks to the efforts of Mr.2 Bon Clay, many members were freed, and a unique twist awaited them. Using a creative art technique, Miss Goldenweek transformed her comrades into representations of their dream jobs—ranging from candy makers to aspiring princesses.
Some characters, such as Babe and Mikita, found a path into the food industry, while others like Drophi and Lassoo entertained more whimsical aspirations. While the specific dreams of every member are not accounted for, the collective endeavor resulted in a sense of fulfillment. As Zala reacquired and reopened Spiders Cafe, former agents could realize their culinary ambitions, signifying a new chapter of contentment in their lives.
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