One Piece fans underestimate Nami and Luffy’s bond, and the franchise’s first canon film proves it

Although One Piece fans have long recognized Luffy’s close relationship with his crew, his connection with Nami stands out as one of the most distinctive in the entire series. For years, many fans have shipped these two characters, despite the series never fully exploring a romantic relationship between them. However, there are certain elements that demonstrate the special bond between them, which is further highlighted in the film Strong World.

Despite the cliché trope of having Nami kidnapped in the film, One Piece cleverly subverts it by having her free herself without assistance. This not only showcases Luffy’s care for her, but also emphasizes Nami’s deep concern for Luffy, a connection that has been present since the early days of the Arlong Park arc and continues to this day.

Please note: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Explaining the relationship between Luffy and Nami through the first canon One Piece film, Strong World

The main plot of the movie revolves around Nami’s kidnapping and Luffy’s relentless pursuit to save her. Throughout the film, Nami constantly turns to Luffy for help and support, highlighting their strong bond. Additionally, a pivotal moment towards the end showcases Luffy’s understanding of Nami’s reliance on him, as they fly together in a powerful display of their unbreakable friendship.

Nami discovers that the East Blue is facing a grave threat and the first person who comes to her mind is Luffy. This is not surprising considering the significant impact he had on her life. Luffy was the one who liberated her from Arlong’s tyranny and allowed her to live independently. This is evident in her unwavering loyalty towards him throughout the series.

At the end of the movie, Sanji points out that Nami’s message to the crew could be perceived as “romantic”, which causes her to become embarrassed.

The Connection between Luffy and Nami

Nami and Luffy have a very strong connection (Image via Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, One Piece)

Despite the potential for a romantic relationship between Luffy and Nami, it is undeniable that they share one of the strongest connections in the series. From the very start, they have been by each other’s side, and although Zoro was the first to officially join Luffy’s crew, Nami has been a constant presence since the first chapter and plays a significant role in the story.

In addition, Nami’s loyalty to the protagonist has remained unwavering after Luffy defeats Arlong and liberates her hometown from his empire. Despite not possessing the physical strength of Luffy, Zoro, or Sanji, she has consistently served as a voice of reason and a source of leadership for the Straw Hats during challenging situations.

Final Thoughts

Despite being an action-packed film, Strong World, from the One Piece franchise, hints at the potential for romance between Nami and Luffy. However, its main focus is on showcasing the deep trust and care that exists between the two, solidifying their enduring bond as one of the strongest in the entire series.