One Piece: Every Straw Hat crew dynamic in the Elbaf Arc so far, explained in detail

After so many years of waiting, One Piece fans can finally enjoy the coveted Elbaf Arc. Temporarily separated from their comrades, the key members of the Straw Hat Pirates begin a new and exciting adventure as they venture out to explore the fabled homeland of the Giants. In One Piece chapter 1127, Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, and Sanji Vinsmoke rescued Nami and Usopp from a gigantic cat-turned-lion.

One Piece chapter 1128 saw Luffy and the others reuniting with Tony Tony Chopper, Together, the Straw Hats discovered that a particularly large Giant known as the “Sun God” was trying to keep them trapped inside a diorama-style cage. In anticipation of the manga's upcoming installments to explain the situation, it’s interesting to take a look at how One Piece has portrayed the Straw Hat crew's most recurring dynamics in the Elbaf Arc so far.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers from the One Piece manga up to chapter 1129.

The Grand Line Straw Hats are the main focus of One Piece's Elbaf Arc

1) Luffy and Zoro

Luffy and Zoro in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

The founder of the Straw Hat crew Monkey D. Luffy and his first mate Roronoa Zoro make up the group’s most authentic duo. This is not surprising, given that Luffy is the absolute protagonist of One Piece, while Zoro is the closest thing the series has to a deuteragonist. In fact, One Piece author Eiichiro Oda has recently confirmed that he devised Zoro as the story’s second main character.

Luffy and Zoro’s bond is special because Zoro is the only comrade whom Luffy deliberately went looking for, unlike the other Straw Hats, whom he met by chance along the way. Having heard of Zoro’s reputation for strength, Luffy sought out him to make him his first comrade. Initially, Zoro stated that he would kill Luffy if the latter ever interfered with his ambition of becoming the World’s Strongest Swordsman.

Soon enough, however, Zoro became a loyal right-hand man for Luffy. He selflessly risked his own life to protect his captain and even put his honor aside for him. For his part, Luffy repays Zoro’s devotion with complete trust. Much like Gol D. Roger and Silvers Rayleigh in the past, or Shanks and Benn Beckman nowadays, Luffy and Zoro are a formidable captain and second-in-command pair.

The story links Luffy and Zoro with some of the One Piece world’s biggest names, including Shanks, Roger, and Joy Boy for the former, and Mihawk, Rayleigh, and “Sword God” Ryuma for the latter. Among the Straw Hats, Luffy and Zoro’s potential is unparalleled, as they are the only two crewmembers to become Worst Generation Supernovas, and to be born as Conqueror’s Haki users.

Both have developed this rare ability to its all-powerful advanced stage, further demonstrating their superior combat prowess. Due to their insane strength, Luffy and Zoro are fearless. They see every situation as a new challenge to test themselves. Their spontaneous bond as brother-in-arms was also highlighted during the Elbaf Arc, specifically in One Piece chapter 1128.

As a local resident warns the Straw Hats about the dangers of the Sun God’s temple, a place protected by rabid guardians that no one has ever been able to overcome, Luffy immediately heads there, driven by his insatiable curiosity. Likewise, Zoro is excited at the thought of facing powerful opponents. For Luffy and Zoro, fighting the beasts guarding the temple is guaranteed fun. Zoro cuts down the giant raven Muginn, while Luffy beats up the giant snake Hilmungandr.

2) Zoro and Sanji

Sanji and Zoro in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro and Sanji play a pivotal role in One Piece as they are, respectively, the second and the third most powerful members of the Straw Hat Pirates. As the crew’s number two and number three, Zoro and Sanji act as Luffy’s “Wings”. This means that they are his most reliable supporters among the Straw Hats. When things get difficult, no other crewmember can assist him as much as Zoro and Sanji.

While the other Straw Hats would be a hindrance, these two are strong enough to be of real help to the captain even in complex situations. Granted, when push comes to shove, the one who goes the extra mile is Zoro. As seen in Thriller Bark and during the big fight against the Emperors on Onigashima’s rooftop, Zoro is the only one who can really step in front of Luffy or temporarily replace him.

Despite their dedication to Luffy, Zoro and Sanji don’t get along. Due to their completely different and opposite personalities, they can’t help but bicker over petty matters. This results in some of the franchise’s funniest gags, as they regularly compete in a silly way, much like Luffy does with Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law.

Their comedic antics aside, however, there’s no doubt that Zoro and Sanji are brave men willing to put their lives on the line for Luffy or their other comrades. They also respect and care for each other, even though they don’t show it openly. That said, One Piece once again depicted Zoro and Sanji having one of their funny gags in chapter 1128.

After an Elbaf residence warnings about the dangers of the Sun God’s temple only served to fuel Luffy’s unquenchable curiosity and thirst for adventure, Zoro proved himself to be on the same wavelength as the captain. Annoyed by Luffy and Zoro’s reckless actions, Sanji reprimanded them for never thinking things through. With Luffy now far away, his reproach was directly aimed at Zoro.

However, Zoro was more interested in the “fun” he and Luffy had just found, so he didn’t really pay attention to Sanji’s words. Funnily enough, this scene reminds a similar moment, featured in One Piece chapter 1074. With everybody else leaving to find Dr Vegapunk, Zoro wanted to go too, but Sanji hilariously stopped him, knowing that he would just get himself lost as usual.

3) Zoro and Chopper

Chopper and Zoro in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

A reindeer who became able to think and behave as a human after eating the Human-Human Fruit, Tony Tony Chopper is the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates. He joined the crew long ago, before the conclusion of the iconic Arabasta Saga. Chopper often acts like a child, being naive and timid, as well as getting impressed at things.

Due to his childishness and sensibility, Chopper considers the other Straw Hats his family. Among the crewmates, he has a particularly close relationship with Roronoa Zoro. Chopper praises Zoro for his outstanding fighting skills and virile attitude, looking at him with respect and admiration.

As the crew’s doctor, Chopper also treats Zoro’s wounds after the most difficult fights. For his part, whenever Chopper is in trouble, Zoro is always ready to help him. He is deeply fond of him, as seen in the Skypiea Arc when he fought and defeated Ohm in retaliation for what the latter had done to Chopper earlier.

Perhaps, Zoro and Chopper’s most famous moment took place during the Davy Back Fight. When Chopper was in tears after being forced to be a part of the Foxy Pirates, Zoro yelled at him to stop complaining, and instead “man up”, as no one would respect him for crying. This greatly strengthened Chopper’s resolve, allowing him to better handle the situation.

In the first chapters of the Elbaf Arc, Luffy, Zoro, and the others realize, they are inside a diorama surrounded by mirror walls. Suddenly, they heard someone calling out for help, and the supplicant was none other than Chopper, who was being held captive by a steel collar. Protective of Chopper as usual, Zoro breaks the collar to free him, only for the little reindeer to burst into gratitude.

4) Luffy and Usopp

Usopp and Luffy in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Usopp is the third member to join Luffy after Roronoa Zoro and Nami. Luffy and Usopp soon became great friends, developing a close bond. They spend a lot of time together, having fun and goofing around. However, much like Nami and Chopper, Usopp can’t help but fear Luffy’s hunger for dangerous adventures.

Luffy and Usopp’s brotherly connection is also based on the common goal of meeting the Red Hair Pirates. The captain of the crew, “Red Hair” Shanks, is Luffy’s role model and childhood hero, while one of the group’s most important members, Yasopp, is Usopp’s father.

Due to the contrast between Luffy’s carefree thirst for adventure and Usopp’s more cowardly, fearful demeanor, the two of them have had some moments of great friction. However, they managed to overcome them. Needless to say, they were both overjoyed to be back together as comrades.

Even though Usopp is relatively weak, Luffy doesn’t disregard him at all. On the contrary, he values him as a friend and core crewmate. This is a testament to their close bond, given that Luffy usually looks down on cowards. Likewise, despite his cowardice and insecurity, Usopp proved to be able to face and put aside his fears for Luffy’s sake.

Luffy is well aware of the limits of Usopp’s fighting skills, but still has a deep faith in his potential, as seen in the first chapters of the Elbaf Arc. After Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji protected Nami and Usopp from a giant monster, Luffy scolded Usopp for not being able to defeat the creature on his own. While Luffy openly mocked Usopp, he didn’t do it to humiliate him, but simply because he wanted him to be the best warrior he could be.

5) Sanji and Nami

Nami and Sanji in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Chivalrous and elegant, Sanji tries to flirt with every woman he encounters. This includes his crewmate Nami, the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates. In an attempt to win her favor, Sanji dedicates special attention to Nami, although she exploits this to manipulate him into doing what she wants. The funniest part is that Sanji is only happy to be Nami’s servant.

At times, Nami gets annoyed by Sanji’s behavior, especially when he keeps it up even during serious moments. This leads Nami to beat up Sanji, who doesn’t react at all. Following the teachings of his mentor Zeff, Sanji has vowed to never harm a woman, or allow a woman to be harmed in front of him.

Despite frequently getting angry with him, Nami respects Sanji for his fighting skills. She also admires Sanji’s strict adherence to his chivalrous ideals. Needless to say, Sanji doesn’t tolerate Nami being insulted or hurt in any way and is ready to fight and risk his own life to protect her.

In the newly started Elbaf Arc, Nami and Sanji have already interacted several times, showing the recurring traits of their relationship. Astonished by Elbaf’s unreal appearance, Sanji, while holding Nami in his arms, noted that there were too many men around for the situation to be a dream. This prompted a disgusted Nami to wonder what kind of dream does Sanji have.

Sanji then told Nami not to be afraid as he would protect her from any danger. Shortly afterwards, however, Sanji made a mistake as he couldn’t help but express his interest in the ladies’ room, which led Nami to furiously strike him in the face.

6) Nami and Usopp

Nami and Usopp in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Nami and Usopp are the only "normal" humans among the Straw Hats, a group composed of people gifted with either incredible Haki potential, Devil Fruit abilities, genetic enhancements, or peculiar innate traits. This has created a special bond between them, based on a mutual understanding of their feelings of inadequacy.

What they lack in physical power and fighting skills, Nami and Usopp try to make up for with their cunning, as seen when Nami saves Usopp by faking his death in Arlong Park, and in all their fights throughout the series. Conscious of their limits, Usopp and Nami always try to stop Luffy from engaging the crew on dangerous adventures, but their attempts are rarely successful.

Much to their regret, Nami and Usopp are often drawn into hazardous situations, which forces them to bring out the best in themselves. However, as well as their resourcefulness, this also emphasizes their cowardice. Usopp is insecure about his strength, while Nami simply doesn't want to die, and is willing to do anything to survive.

This has been well depicted in the recent One Piece chapters set on Elbaf. Wandering through Bigstein Castle, Nami and Usopp bumped into a giant cat. As the beast turned into a lion and began to chase them, Nami literally used Usopp's body as a human shield to protect herself. Luckily, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji appeared out of nowhere to defeat the monster with a formidable combined attack.