The Revolutionary Leader and Father Figure
Monkey D. Dragon, the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army, plays a central role in the world of One Piece. His significance extends beyond being a revolutionary leader; he is also the biological father of the main character, Luffy.
Dragon was first mentioned in Loguetown but gained prominence after the events in Enies Lobby when Garp revealed to Luffy that Dragon is his father. As the story progresses towards its final sagas, Dragon becomes more prominent, leading the revolutionary army against the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.
This significant plot development raises questions among fans about the seemingly distant relationship between Dragon and Luffy.
Dragon’s Absence in Luffy’s Life
It is evident that Dragon did not participate in Luffy’s upbringing. If Garp hadn’t disclosed the information, Luffy might have remained unaware of his father’s existence. This is demonstrated by Luffy’s surprise upon discovering his paternity and the lack of awareness among Dragon’s close associates, such as Kuma and Ivankov, regarding the existence of Dragon’s son.
Reasons Behind Dragon’s Absence
In Chapter 1100, Eiichiro Oda begins to clarify why Dragon distanced himself from Luffy. A scene in Chapter 1101 reveals that Kuma observed Luffy in East Blue, indicating that Dragon’s allies were aware of Luffy but kept their distance. The conversation between Kuma and Dragon reveals that Dragon chose to stay away from Luffy to protect him, preventing his son from becoming a weakness in his revolutionary mission.
Oda confirms fan theories about Dragon’s decision to keep a distance from Luffy, highlighting it as a wise choice to safeguard his son and the revolutionary cause. This development adds depth to Dragon’s character, showcasing the complexity of his decisions and their impact on both the storyline and Luffy’s life.
Is Dragon a Good Father?
Debating whether Monkey D. Dragon is a good father is a complex matter. On one hand, his actions, especially in the context of One Piece Chapter 1101, show that he abandoned Luffy to protect him. Dragon prioritizes Luffy’s safety and the revolutionary cause he leads, choosing to maintain a distance to prevent Luffy from becoming a target.
On the other hand, Dragon’s complete absence from Luffy’s life, regardless of his motivations, is considered a failure of fatherhood. The role of a father demands active involvement in nurturing and educating one’s children, both emotionally and physically.
Even with the intention to protect Luffy, Dragon cannot provide the necessary emotional and physical support crucial for a child’s development. Therefore, while his explanation for his absence may be understandable, it does not absolve him of the incomplete responsibilities of a father.
Luffy and Dragon’s Reunion
As One Piece enters its final stages, fans eagerly anticipate the reunion between Luffy and Dragon. After the events on Egghead Island, the meeting between father and son seems imminent. The Straw Hat crew’s involuntary visit to the Revolutionary Army, facilitated by Vegapunk, could pave the way for this significant encounter. Beyond Luffy, other characters like Robin may also have meaningful reunions with members of the Revolutionary Army, such as Koala and Sabo.
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