Luffy has always been different than Ichigo and Naruto, and One Piece continues to prove it

Despite being part of the Big 3 anime from the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach have distinct differences. All three series are known for their compelling narratives, well-developed characters, and rich world-building. However, One Piece stands out from the other two in terms of its protagonist.

Despite what one may think, the distinction between the protagonists does not solely lie in their personalities. Although Monkey D. Luffy’s personality differs greatly from that of Naruto and Ichigo, there is a larger factor that sets him apart – the legacy left by their parents.

Note: This article represents the author’s personal viewpoint and may contain spoilers from multiple manga.

The Distinct Legacies of Monkey D. Luffy, Naruto, and Ichigo

Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki as seen in the Naruto anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Both Naruto Uzumaki from Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto and Ichigo Kurosaki from Tite Kubo’s Bleach are connected to their parents’ legacies and strive to live up to them as the main characters of their respective series.

When it comes to Naruto, he receives something from both his parents, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki. Minato passes down his position as the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village to Naruto, while Kushina’s Uzumaki lineage gives him access to a vast chakra reserve.

Isshin and Masaki as seen in the Bleach TYBW anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Just like Ichigo, he also inherited traits from both his parents. His father, a former Shinigami, passed on his abilities to him. Similarly, his mother’s heritage as a Quincy and Hollow also became a part of him. As a result, Ichigo Kurosaki was a unique combination of a Human, Shinigami, Quincy, and Hollow, all thanks to his parents.

It is evident that both Naruto and Ichigo have inherited their strength from their parents, emphasizing the importance of their lineage. This is further reflected in the comparisons often made between the two characters and their fathers, as well as the similarities they share with their mothers.

Monkey D. Dragon as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite being related to both aforementioned characters, the One Piece manga has not yet disclosed the identity of Monkey D. Luffy’s mother. Although it was eventually revealed that Luffy’s father is the revolutionary Monkey D. Dragon, this revelation was not made until later in the story.

Despite this, Luffy and his father never had much interaction, causing their goals and legacies to differ greatly. Their stories never truly intertwine, ultimately establishing them as separate individuals.

Emporio Ivankov as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite being the son of Monkey D. Dragon, Monkey D. Luffy has managed to break free from his parents’ shadows. Although this fact is known to the other characters, it has only played a significant role in Emporio Ivankov’s friendship and assistance during the Impel Down and Marineford incidents.

Additionally, Luffy is not the only character with a narrative surrounding the “D”clan, as there are many others who share this trait in their names, including Gol D. Roger, Portgas D. Ace, Marshall D. Teach, and Trafalgar D. Water Law.

Monkey D. Luffy as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Therefore, the sole distinguishing legacy of Luffy is his identity as the Sun God “Nika,”which he acquired by consuming the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika Devil Fruit. However, for a significant period of time, he was under the misconception that he had consumed the Gomu Gomu no Mi Devil Fruit.

As opposed to his Big 3 colleagues, Monkey D. Luffy did not receive his parents’ heritage but instead paved his own path. This is what distinguishes him from both Naruto and Ichigo.