When people talk about One Piece, almost everyone expresses the profound and positive impact it has had on their lives after watching it. Many viewers have identified in one way or another with some of the Straw Hats’ experiences. However, one of One Piece‘s most infamous villains is the one who offers a completely new perspective on life.
One Piece has countless inspiring moments to choose from, with Nico Robin’s scene in the Water 7 Saga being a fan favorite. However, it’s the Sky Island Saga, one of the most criticized by fans, that features the best One Piece quote of all time, one that is not only unforgettable but can also make viewers question their lives.
The Sky Island Saga Makes Viewers Rethink What Dreaming Means
One Piece has never been a stranger to the concept of dreams, as from the very beginning of the story Luffy proclaims that he will become the King of Pirates, and each of the Straw Hat members harbors a goal they want to achieve. This even motivates the iconic barrel scene right before the Straw Hats enter the Grand Line.
Even so, it wasn’t until chapter #225 of One Piece that the series really delved into the struggles that come with having a dream. In a town called Mock Town on Jaya Island, Luffy, Zoro, and Nami encounter Bellamy’s Pirates, who laugh uproariously at them for asking about Sky Island.
Bellamy declares that the days of pirate dreams are over, but Luffy and Zoro ignore them, even as they are attacked and have drinks thrown at them. This powerful scene not only shows fans that people sometimes mock others’ beliefs and dreams, but it also reveals a different kind of strength: the ability to not take others too seriously.
What’s truly important is how Luffy and Zoro remain unfazed, because if you have beliefs, dealing with someone who doesn’t understand them will only tarnish them. This lesson was reinforced by the appearance of Marshall D. Teach, Blackbeard, one of the main antagonists of One Piece and the polar opposite of Luffy’s character.
Blackbeard Delivered the Greatest Quote in All of One Piece
Blackbeard, whose name was unknown at the time, thought Luffy and Zoro were the winners because they didn’t fall for the bait and fought against Bellamy and his men. He uttered one of the most inspiring quotes in One Piece, saying people will never stop dreaming, which, although seemingly simple, carries an outstanding emotional weight.
“A man’s dream will never die!” – Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard), One Piece
The straightforward words topping the manga page with a pure white background make the scene highly imposing, but the real charm is the whole interaction. Luffy had just stood up after remembering Shanks and Ace, showing that he has a dream he will never give up on, which makes Blackbeard’s speech about a belief that will never be broken all the more impactful.
“Let them laugh! If you’re aiming for the top, you don’t always need your fists to show your might!” – Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard), One Piece
Although he would later become a warlord, one of the Four Emperors of the Sea, and the most feared pirate on the Grand Line, fans didn’t know much about Blackbeard besides the fact that he liked cherry pie. But it’s easy to relate to someone who doesn’t reject the idea of pursuing dreams.
Blackbeard expressed his sentiment effusively by shouting in the middle of the street and receiving judgmental looks and jeers from people without a care in the world. This was meant to convey that having dreams takes guts and courage, and everyone should adopt that “let’s be laughed at” mindset when there’s something they wholeheartedly want to achieve.
Luffy Shows That Dreams Do Have An End
Although Luffy doesn’t reply to Blackbeard, which could be because it’s unnecessary for him to agree, it’s clear that both characters have different values. It has been shown throughout One Piece‘s story that both characters have opposing views, as Luffy does believe that dreams have an end.
Luffy, just like Blackbeard, aims to become the King of Pirates, but there’s something he wants to do after that, teaching fans that it’s okay to have a fixed goal. However, Luffy has constantly risked his life, because he knows better than anyone that he won’t get where he wants unless he takes great risks time and time again.
Although there is an ending to Luffy’s dream, this is one of the biggest mysteries in the series. Not because fans may lose interest after learning Luffy’s ultimate goal, but because it’s not necessary to know. What’s important is the journey that leads to your dream. One Piece states the importance of living freely, because there’s only one life.
Blackbeard Gives a Masterclass in Ambition, in More Ways Than One
Although Blackbeard’s words are incredibly motivating and not something you usually hear from a villain, it means that humans, not to mention pirates, are always dreamers, and there’s nothing better than striving for the things you want to do. He also shows the bad side of having too much ambition to the point of taking advantage of others.
Luffy’s journey was born out of his sense of freedom, and he has constantly risked his life for the sake of others, while Blackbeard’s goal was born out of his dissatisfaction with his current position. Therefore, he is willing to do anything and move forward due to his ambition. As a result, Blackbeard shows that ambition can turn into greed.
One Piece Is All About the Power of Dreams
Blackbeard’s quote, much like Roger’s in chapter 100 regarding Inherited Will, conveys that people’s dreams are unstoppable. It’s even said that Devil Fruits are born from desires, meaning that the concept of wishing for something and sharing one’s ideals is deeply ingrained in One Piece‘s story.
Nevertheless, One Piece has become one of the most influential anime thanks to scenes like Blackbeard’s that motivate viewers to live life to the fullest and to be passionate about something. In those scenes lies much of One Piece‘s magic, as it transcends boundaries, always leaving a new lesson to discover and many memorable moments that will continue to be discussed for decades.
- Release Date
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October 20, 1999
- Network
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Fuji TV
- Directors
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Hiroaki Miyamoto, Konosuke Uda, Junji Shimizu, Satoshi Itō, Munehisa Sakai, Katsumi Tokoro, Yutaka Nakajima, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kenichi Takeshita, Yoko Ikeda, Ryota Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kakudou, Takahiro Imamura, Toshihiro Maeya, Yûji Endô, Nozomu Shishido, Hidehiko Kadota, Sumio Watanabe, Harume Kosaka, Yasuhiro Tanabe, Yukihiko Nakao, Keisuke Onishi, Junichi Fujise, Hiroyuki Satou
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Mayumi Tanaka
Monkey D. Luffy (voice)
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Kazuya Nakai
Roronoa Zoro (voice)
