How did Luffy end up with Dadan in One Piece? Explained

Modified Oct 25, 2024 07:25 GMT

How did Luffy end up with Dadan in One Piece? Explained (Image via Toei Animation)

One of the most sought-after answers to the many mysteries in the One Piece manga is the identity of protagonist Monkey D. Luffy’s mother. While mangaka Eiichiro Oda has yet to reveal who Luffy’s mother is as of this article’s writing, there are many popular fan theories on the subject. However, others are content with Oda’s choice and instead view Curly Dadan as Luffy’s adoptive mother given the role she played in his life.

However, one question that fans often have regarding their relationship is “How did Luffy end up with Dadan in One Piece,” which is understandable given when this explanation came. Luffy ended up with Dadan after being placed in her care by his grandfather, Monkey D. Garp, which was part of an ongoing deal between the Marine Vice Admiral and the bandit.

Dadan’s origins in One Piece

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Following the injury he received and the danger he was placed in by associating with the Red Hair Pirates, Garp transferred Luffy’s care to Dadan. While he did originally raise him, it’s presumed that his Vice Admiral duties required him to be away from and unable to take care of Luffy for quite some time. As mentioned above, Luffy was placed in Dadan’s care due to an arrangement between her and Monkey D. Garp made before the start of One Piece’s story.

At some point in Dadan’s life, following being born 55 years before the series’ contemporary events, she formed the Dadan Family. The Dadan Family was a gang of mountain bandits who lived on Dawn Island, which is also where Luffy’s hometown of Foosha Village. The Dadan Family eventually committed enough crimes to earn themselves a 7.8 million Beri bounty from the World Government.

Garp first approached her following the issuance of this bounty, offering to make a deal. He said he’d arrest the Dadan Family if they didn’t take care of and raise an infant Portgas D. Ace. The Dadan Family accepted this offer to avoid imprisonment. Ten years later, Garp once again leveraged this power over Dadan and her gang to have them raise Luffy in addition to Ace.

The role Dadan had in Luffy and Ace’s lives

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While the above answers the question of “how did Luffy end up with Dadan in One Piece,” it’s also worth discussing the role she played in each of their lives and vice versa. Despite having a rough start at first, Luffy and Dadan come to genuinely care for each other, even being concerned about each other’s safety. Luffy outwardly proclaimed his affection for Dadan before departing on his journey, which she happily cried over.

Dadan’s relationship with Ace was equally significant, having raised him from infanthood. Even more so than Luffy, she was his adoptive mother likewise. There was also more of a distance between them due to Ace’s parentage. However, it was clear that they cared for each other despite this. Ace’s words to Dadan highlighted his feelings, while Dadan’s assault of Garp following Ace’s death emphasized hers.

Essentially, Dadan was a true mother figure to both Luffy and Ace, to the point where it’s appropriate to call her both of their adoptive mothers. This also fits with Luffy and Ace viewing each other as adoptive brothers due to being raised in the same family unit under the care of Dadan and her allies.

In summation

Dadan is Luffy's mother in every sense but a biological one (Image via Toei Animation)

The answer to the question of “how did Luffy end up with Dadan in One Piece” lies in the deal Garp made with Dadan. To avoid jail time for the crimes she and her Dadan Family committed, she would raise and care for the two boys. This led to her developing a truly motherly relationship with both, feelings which the boys each reciprocated to her.