Yo hohoho, yo hohoho Yo hohoho, Yo hohoho, gather up all of the crew it’s time to ship everyone we knew! Sea wind blows, to where, who knows?”- If you want to know all the subtle or not-so-subtle romantic hints and interactions Oda has thrown into “One Piece” over the years you have come to the right place. We will focus only on the crew members. Make yourself comfortable on my ship and let’s get sailing
Is there romance in One Piece? – the spoiler-free-version
The short answer: no. One Piece is not a Romance Manga and will never be. In several interviews, Oda has expressed his views regarding the topic. There is a post on the One Piece subreddit which provides a photo of an Interview from Jump Festa 2009 where Oda specifically said: “I don’t think there will be any romance among that crew.[…] One Piece isn’t a romance.
He mentioned that the Straw Hat Pirates are more like a family and their bond is beyond romantic love. This perspective aligns with the series’ overarching themes of adventure, loyalty, and the pursuit of individual dreams. BUT, I wouldn’t be a professional shipbuilder/ romance enthusiast if I didn’t hang on to every little slither of hope. Oda said “I think”. And we all know what that means: maybe Oda will surprise us all. Or he will change his mind. It’s no secret that the actual completion date of the manga has often been a moving target. In an Interview with Shonen Jump 2003 he said that One Piece was about halfway through which was around the time of the Alabasta Arc. That was more than 20 years ago. So, if you want to hold on to hope and dive deeper keep reading.
Romance in One Piece: The most shipped/discussed relationships among the crew
Sanji x Nami
This pairing is one of the most discussed among fans. Sanji’s overt affection and chivalry towards Nami, coupled with Nami’s occasional reliance on and care for Sanji, have sparked theories and hopes among fans for a deeper romantic connection. But let’s be honest, Sanji is simping for everyone and everything, so that makes it less special and after The Whole Cake Arc I personally think that ship has sailed without anyone on board – at least without Sanji and Nami.
Most iconic scene
There are several rescue scenes between them but one of the most iconic visual scenes has to be on Thriller Bark where Sanji saves Nami from a forced marriage with Abalon and catches her in a wedding dress. Several Arcs later Nami saves him from a wedding too – along with the rest of the crew – but still. If you WANT to put meaning into it, you can
Zoro and Robin
The dynamic between Zoro and Robin is often noted for its subtlety and mutual respect. Fans are drawn to their mature and calm personalities, leading to speculation about a potential romance. In some scenes in the ship, they have been shown to hang out with each other, but it’s not romantic. They are purely friends.
Most iconic scene
In the water 7 arc Zoro runs around with three kids and desperately wants to avoid being seen by his crew members. While he struggles he gets caught by Robin and she tells him that the children suit him. In that scene, we see Zoro blush which is the only time in the entire Manga if I recall correctly.
Luffy x Nami
Some fans speculate that there might be a deeper bond between Luffy and Nami because of their close friendship, the trust they share, and how much they rely on each other. But this is more on the speculative side, since Luffy generally shows no interest in romance – I mean, it’s Luffy. But these two have many heartwarming scenes together.
Most iconic scence Luffy x Nami
In the Arlong Park Arc when Nami completely loses it and is trying to destroy her tattoo of the Arlong crew with a knife, Luffy stops her and then she finally opens up to him for the first time. While crying she asks: “Luffy, help me”. And of course, he complies while putting her in charge of his straw hat which he treasures more than anything else.
Franky x Robin
Their interactions, especially in the Enies Lobby Arc, have led some fans to believe there could be a deeper connection. But in the most recent Arcs, their friendship isn’t explored anymore. So a romance between them is even more far-fetched.
Most iconic scene
This is one of those scenes that really stays with you. When Franky and Robin are captured by the World Government, everything feels pretty hopeless. But then Franky does something huge: he burns the blueprints of the ancient weapon Pluton right in front of CP9, plans he had protected for years.
In that moment, he puts his full trust in Robin and basically shows that saving her matters more than anything else. Looking back, it’s easily one of the most important scenes in One Piece.
Romance in One Piece: Does the crew have love interest?
It’s not that unlikely that at least one relationship will form after their journey will come to an end. Let’s explore the love interests of each crew member.
Luffys love interest
Throughout the series, Luffy interacts with many female characters, but none of these interactions have been romantically inclined. Luffy’s interactions are typically platonic and driven by his friendly, straightforward nature. But he does have a love interest: Hancock, the Pirate Empress. She falls in love with Luffy during the Amazon Lily Arc. Her feelings are quite clear and strongly expressed throughout the series. However Luffy, true to his character, appears oblivious to her romantic advances and treats her more like a friend and ally. But her delusions about their possible relationship are hilarious to watch.
Most iconic scene Luffy x Hancock
During the Amazon Lily Arc, Luffy is sent flying into the palace and ends up crashing into the bath where Boa Hancock and her sisters are bathing. Of course, Hancock immediately tries to turn him to stone with her Mero Mero powers. Thanks to Luffy not caring about things like Hancock’s beauty or status, he’s completely unaffected. It’s iconic. For Hancock, it’s a turning point. She starts to view Luffy differently, realizing that he is unlike any other man she has ever encountered.
For more Romance deep dives: Romance in Jujutsu Kaisen
Zoro’s love interests
I never thought I would say this but while grasping for straws there actually came up three potential love interests for Zoro:
- Tashigi
- Perona
- Hiyori
Zoro x Perona
During the time skip in the series, Zoro ends up stranded at Perona’s castle. Their interactions during this period are mostly meant to be funny and lighthearted, which is why some fans like to speculate about their relationship. I personally think that Perona might have feelings for him because in the scene where he leaves the island, she tries to persuade him to stay and is pretty mad at him for leaving.
Zoro x Tashigi
Tashigi is a Marine officer who looks a lot like Zoro’s childhood friend Kuina, which already makes their dynamic interesting. Their interactions are usually a mix of frustration and respect on Zoro’s side, but so far, it hasn’t turned into anything romantic.
There are some theories that they might have a more meaningful encounter in the future. Especially because their goals are somewhat connected – Zoro wants to become the world’s greatest swordsman, while Tashigi is trying to collect all Meito (legendary swords) for the sake of justice.
Most iconic scene: They first meet in the Alabasta Arc and clash, which builds their relationship. The most iconic “shipping”-scene would have to be in the Punk Hazard Arc though. As they all try to escape the deadly gas, Tashigi finds herself overwhelmed and struggling to keep up due to the injuries and exhaustion she and her subordinates have suffered. Zoro swiftly picks up Tashigi and carries her to safety. When she fawns over his swords he spews: “Shut up and let me carry you, sword geek.
Zoro x Hiyori
Zoro meets Hiyori in the Wano Country Arc and she basically clings to him from the first moment they meet. Hiyori quickly places her trust in Zoro, revealing her true identity as the daughter of Kozuki Oden and sister to Momonosuke, despite the risks involved. This immediate trust really sets the tone for their relationship. Zoro is also very protective of Hiyori, especially when she’s in danger.
Most iconic moment: After meeting, they immediately spend the night together in a house. Zoro falls asleep with Toko pretty early, and Hiyori joins them. They all sleep like that, and the anime weirdly lingers on the scene and even shows her arm on his chest. Foreshadowing for desperate shippers, maybe? Who knows.
The real iconic moment, though, is in episode 943, where they run toward the rest of the crew and Sanji sees Hiyori clinging to Zoro. He gets extremely jealous, and his face even transcends art styles.
Does Nami have a love interest?
Nami has a close relationship with everyone in the crew but it’s mostly platonic. She doesn’t have a love interest outside of the crew, but she has many many admirers. Unfortunately, she is subject to the most “fanservicy” scenes. Her boobs keep growing exponentially, and even have their own iconic sound in the anime.
Usopps love interest
Usopp’s love interest is Kaya. His stories are what cheer her up, and she’s one of the few people who actually believes in him, even when everyone else calls him a liar. That trust really shows during the Syrup Village arc, when she takes his warning about Captain Kuro seriously.
Before Usopp leaves to join the Straw Hats, Kaya gives him the Going Merry, which is basically her way of supporting his dream. Even after he leaves, their connection is still there – at least in the manga, where she’s shown following his adventures from afar.
Most iconic moment Usopp x Kaya
When Usopp decides to leave Syrup Village and join Luffy’s crew, he shares a heartfelt goodbye with Kaya and promises to return once he has achieved his dream. In the Netflix live action, they even kiss before saying goodbye.
So far, more than ten of the “lies” he told Kaya to cheer her up have actually come true on his journey, which gives this promise a lot more weight. He also once bragged about having ten children – so who knows, maybe that will come true too.
Sanjis love interest
Sanji has had several interactions suggesting romantic interest – or pervert vibes – but none have developed into a significant or lasting romantic relationship. I mean it’s hard when the guy almost dies because he gets nosebleeds every time he sees a woman he likes. The most notable love interest of his is Charlotte Pudding. During the Whole Cake Island Arc, Sanji is arranged to marry Charlotte, the 35th daughter of the Charlotte Family. This marriage is part of a political alliance between the Big Mom Pirates and the Vinsmoke Family. Initially, Pudding appears sweet and innocent, and Sanji is genuinely smitten by her. However, it is later revealed that she has a darker side and is part of Big Mom’s plan to assassinate Sanji and his family.
By the end of the Whole Cake Island Arc, Pudding’s feelings for Sanji are clear, but the nature of their relationship remains unresolved as Sanji continues his journey with the Straw Hats. Although it is the most iconic romantic relationship yet in One Piece.
Sanji x Pudding: most iconic moment
Charlotte Pudding used to hide her third eye because she was mocked for it as a child. It made her really insecure, so she expects people to react with disgust when they see it.
When she finally reveals it to Sanji after their vows, he does the exact opposite. He blushes, calls her eye beautiful, and reacts with genuine kindness. She’s completely caught off guard and starts crying. After that moment, Pudding begins to change.
Their goodbye is also heartbreaking, and we get the first (and only) intentional kiss of a Straw Hat. Of course, you don’t actually see it – just some exclamation marks and their feet – so fans still argue about whether it really happened. It did. And then Pudding erases Sanji’s memory of it.
Chopper’s love interest
Who would have thought – our little “raccoon” does have a love interest. It’s Milky. She appears during the Zou Arc and is a member of the Whale Forest Guardians. While there isn’t a significant development of a romantic subplot involving her and Chopper he is clearly head over heels for her when he sees her. When Oda was asked about Chopper’s crush on Milky he apparently said in Volume 90 of the SBS question corner: “She’s a very rare specimen and can breed with humans and reindeer alike. If Chopper really loves her… I can’t stop it. LOVE IS A HURRICANE!” (Source)
Does Robin have a love interest?
Just like Nami, Robin doesn’t have a specific love interest in the series. Her story focuses much more on her past, her Devil Fruit abilities, her goal of uncovering the true history of the world, and her bond with the crew. Those relationships are built on trust and friendship, not romance.
Her personality is also more mature and reserved compared to the others, and she often takes on a more observant role.
There are some wild theories, though, that ship her with characters outside the crew. One of them is Monkey D. Dragon, Luffy’s father. That idea is mostly based on their shared interest in the world’s political structure and history, not on any actual romantic development.
More ships in Webtoons: Romance in Unholy Blood
Does Franky have a love interest?
In the beginning, when Franky is first introduced, he is often seen with two women who are part of his original crew, the Franky Family. These two women, Mozu and Kiwi, are known as the Square Sisters. They are part of the larger group of dock workers and ship dismantlers led by Franky in Water 7. Although they are his Fans, there is no Romance implied. That is the closest the story gets to a “love interest” for Franky.
Romance in One Piece: Brook’s love interest
Brook does not have a specific love interest in the series. He often provides comic relief with his running gags, like asking to see ladies’ “pantsu”, which almost always lands him a smack on the head from somewhere. Nami is never far. But those jokes are more part of his quirky humor than any real romantic intention. And yes, Big Mom is completely infatuated with Brook – but let’s not go there.
Who needs romance when you have a tragic backstory and the cutest, most loyal whale on the planet?
Jinbei doesn’t have a love interest
Jinbei doesn’t have a specific love interest either. His interactions with the crew and other characters are based on respect, loyalty, and his strong sense of justice and honor.
