Monkey D. Dragon, the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army, is a central character in the world of One Piece. His significance in the story extends beyond being a revolutionary leader; he is also the biological father of the main character, Luffy.
Dragon was first mentioned in the Loguetown arc but became more prominent after the events at Enies Lobby, particularly when Garp revealed to Luffy that Dragon was his father. As the story progresses into the later sagas, Dragon’s presence becomes more noteworthy, as he is the leader of the revolutionary forces opposing the World Government.
This dynamic is an important plot point, raising questions about the “cold” relationship between Dragon and Luffy.
Dragon’s Absence in Luffy’s Life
It is clear that Dragon does not participate in Luffy’s upbringing. If Garp had not revealed his existence, Luffy might have never known about his father. This is poignantly illustrated when Luffy expresses shock upon discovering that he has a father, and the ignorance of those around him, like Kuma and Ivankov, about Dragon’s son.
Reasons Behind Dragon’s Absence
In Chapter 1100, Eiichiro Oda begins to clarify why Dragon remains distant from Luffy. A scene in Chapter 1101 shows Kuma observing Luffy in East Blue, hinting that Dragon’s forces are aware of Luffy’s existence but deliberately keep their distance. The conversation between Kuma and Dragon reveals that Dragon avoids Luffy to protect him. He does not want his son to become a target in his revolutionary endeavors.
Oda confirms that Dragon’s decision to distance himself from Luffy is a deliberate choice made to safeguard his son and the revolutionary cause. This development adds depth to Dragon’s character and illustrates the complexity of his decisions regarding his son and the broader narrative.
Is Dragon a Good Father?
The debate over whether Monkey D. Dragon is a good father is complex. On one hand, his actions, particularly as seen in One Piece Chapter 1101, demonstrate that he deliberately left Luffy behind to ensure his safety. Dragon prioritizes Luffy’s well-being and the revolutionary cause he leads, choosing to keep a safe distance to prevent Luffy from becoming a target.
On the other hand, Dragon’s complete absence from Luffy’s life, regardless of the circumstances, could be seen as a failure in his role as a father. His lack of involvement in Luffy’s upbringing raises questions about the responsibilities of a father and the implications of his choices on his son’s development.
The Potential Meeting Between Luffy and Dragon
The narrative of One Piece is approaching its climax, and fans are eagerly anticipating the potential meeting between Luffy and Dragon. This moment holds significant importance in the story.
Following the events in the Egghead arc, the reunion of these two characters seems more plausible than ever. The unique circumstances surrounding the Revolutionary Army, particularly through Vegapunk, could create favorable conditions for this encounter. Besides Luffy, other characters like Robin may play crucial roles in this anticipated meeting.
