Previously, in chapter 1055 of One Piece, the grandfather of Oden, Kozuki Sukiyaki took Nico Robin and Trafalgar D. Law deep below Wano to what is now a sunken abyss containing the original country of Wano. Despite being swallowed up by rainwater, it is revealed that Kaido’s subordinate, Jack, was able to swim to the bottom of this abandoned country and find a Road Poneglyph. Robin is then able to translate the Poneglyph and determines that the Ancient Weapon known as Pluton is hidden beneath Wano itself. With this knowledge in hand, she returns to Luffy in chapter 1056 and asks him whether or not he would like Pluton for himself.

Luffy’s answer to Robin perfectly illustrates why he is the man most fit to be Pirate King. When asked if he wants Pluton, an object considered to be one of the most powerful forces in the history of the world, supposedly a battleship that could sink entire islands with a single attack, Luffy simply says no. Within the context of One Piece, piracy is seen as a sort of freedom, and is constantly juxtaposed against the more restrictive and orderly World Government. It has been stated repeatedly that the Pirate King is a title meant to be held by the freest man on the sea and Luffy is One Piece’s embodiment of freedom. Luffy values adventuring with his crew out on the open sea more than any Ancient Weapon, no matter how powerful it may be. Monkey D. Luffy is One Piece’s embodiment of freedom.

One Piece’s main characters are consistently used to portray larger-than-life ideals and values, and this can be seen throughout Luffy’s own crew. For example, Sanji is the embodiment of chivalry and honor, whereas Zoro is the embodiment of ambition and loyalty. In that regard, Luffy is also a larger-than-life embodiment of freedom, every action he takes is to become “more free,” and his ultimate goal of becoming Pirate King exemplifies just that. Luffy isn’t a pirate looking for territory or control and especially not power over others. Being able to so easily deny what could have been a quick ticket to the top of the world’s pecking order is what makes Luffy embody that ideal version of freedom.

Though his journey may soon be coming to an end, Monkey D. Luffy will undoubtedly face his biggest challenges as the series builds to a rousing climax. Fans across the world still eagerly await the moment this larger-than-life character who has carried a series on his back for over a thousand chapters finally lays claim to the titular One Piece and becomes King of the Pirates.