One Piece is full of phrases that touch the heartstrings and stay in the memory, isn't it?
Eichiro Oda is not only a genius for all the world-building he has done with One Piece or the epic story his characters star in. Throughout 1040 chapters he has also spoken through his characters, leaving us quotes that deeply touch the heartstrings of his viewers.
10. There comes a time when a man has to stand and fight! That time is when his friends’ dreams are being laughed at! And I won’t let you laugh at that! – Usopp
Do not question the anatomy of Usopp's nose.
Usopp may not be the strongest of the Straw Hats. He knows that himself. However, that has never stopped him from standing up to enemies that have nearly ended his life and defending his friends. I think that makes him especially brave.
Usopp has values and principles that will make him hold on to life and keep going, stand up for his friends, and not let anyone dare laugh at them. Even if it breaks his nose in more places than humanly possible.
9. Don’t try to find a reason for somebody’s love! – Sengoku
Former Fleet Admiral Sengoku
The story of Law with Corazon, and Corazon's death, is sad and one of the best written by Oda. Sengoku's words to Law are one of the best closings possible.
Despite the passage of years Law still doesn't seem to understand that Corazon's actions to save his life go beyond whatever secrets are hidden in his name, the government, and the history behind the will of D or the celestial dragons. None of that matters when it comes to the love Corazon had for him.
8. Even if armed with hundreds of weapons… There are times when you just can’t beat a man with a spear of conviction in his gut. – Red-leg Zeff
Zeff knew that Luffy was about to embarrass Krieg.
Zeff is a character that came out very early in the One Piece story. Not only did he save Sanji's life and welcome him into his restaurant, but he is the father figure that Sanji deserved.
Zeff was a pirate and understands the world very well. These words probably perfectly frame Luffy's journey throughout the entire series.
7. Find yourself and your true world. Become stronger! No matter how long it takes, I will await you in my strongest form. Surpass this sword! Surpass me! – Dracule Mihawk to Roronoa Zoro
The world's strongest swordsman
Mihawk's inspiring words to Zoro are undoubtedly one of the most iconic moments in the entire series. It is the recognition of the world's strongest swordsman, a direct challenge to Zoro's abilities.
The chills it sends to hear Mihawk shout Zoro's name with respect get anyone hooked on One Piece. It's pretty badass.
6. You want to keep everyone from dying? That’s naive. It’s war, people die. – Monkey D. Luffy
Luffy rolled a nat 20 on insight
There is no way anyone who knows One Piece would think Luffy is someone dumb. Yes, if we're talking about academic knowledge, Luffy never went to school. However, Luffy possesses a pearl of wisdom and maturity that ends up catching those who underestimate him off guard.
The words he bluntly says to Vivi are a bucket of cold water that her friend needed. It is impossible that she alone could save an entire country, risking her life and not accepting that of her friends. Without accepting that its inhabitants also want to risk their lives for the same cause.
5. Pirates are evil? The Marines are righteous?… Justice will prevail, you say? But of course, it will! Whoever wins this war becomes justice! – Donquixote Doflamingo
I wonder who the villain could be. Surely not the guy giving the evil speech.
The Marineford War arc is full of important moments and many spectacular characters. Still, Doflamingo manages to stand out above many. This is Oda's mastery, he introduces a character that some three hundred chapters later will be a major antagonist.
Doflamingo's justice speech is one of the best speeches in the history of battle shonen, it's impossible not to say "wow, that's a villain speech right there."
4. No matter what happens, don’t ever hate the world you were born into, don’t ever lose the strength to smile no matter when... Because if you continue to live on, you’ll surely come across fun time as well..! – Bellemere
Arlong's cruelty was immeasurable.
Nami's past almost always ranks at the top as what first got people hooked on One Piece. It's full of great characters, painful moments, and it slowly unfolds so that when the tension finally explodes with the death of Bellemere, the viewer is deeply involved and tears are shed.
Bellemere's words to Nami and Nojiko go deep in an arc that deals with themes such as intolerance and hatred towards the situation in which one is born.
3. When do you think people die? When they are shot through the heart? No. When they are ravaged by an incurable disease? When they drink a soup of poisonous mushrooms? No… A man dies, when he‘s forgotten! – Doctor Hiruluk
The words that permeate Oda's entire oeuvre
Dr. Hiruluk's last words must surely be the most remembered by One Piece readers. Is not only the great impact they have but because after thousands of episodes his words are still a recurring theme in the show.
It is universal in One Piece that death only comes to those who are forgotten, and the weight this carries moves all of Oda's characters. The will to achieve their dreams and leave a mark that allows them to be remembered.
2. There can be no happiness in a world where the undesirables are thrown away. – Monkey D. Dragon
Dragon and the Revolutionary Army
Dragon is one of the most mysterious characters in One Piece. He has appeared only a few times and absolutely nothing is known about his past. What we know is that the government considers him the most dangerous man in the world and that he leads the Revolutionary Army helping people and kingdoms that the world government ignores.
This sentence beautifully encapsulates Dragon's mindset and what drives him and his followers. What motivates him to take on the world, and what makes him a threat to the status quo.
1. No one is born into this world to be alone. – Jaguar D. Saul
Robin and Saul's farewell
Without a doubt, this is one of the most powerful quotes in Eichiro Oda's work. It is full of hope and conviction even in the context in which it is said. It is a phrase that Robin would take years to accept when he finally allowed himself to heal and let the Straw Hats in.
It is also a quote that marks much of Oda's way of thinking and whose sentiment can be found throughout One Piece.
