Summary

Symbolic history: Straw hat passed from Roger to Shanks, then Luffy.
Potential future: Luffy may pass hat to next generation of pirates like Shanks did.
Age factor: Luffy may be too young to pass on hat, may need a time skip in story.

Luffy’s iconic straw hat is the symbol of One Piece. Behind the simple piece of headgear lies a large amount of symbolism, adventure, and dreams. As Luffy has said many times before, his straw hat is his greatest treasure, something that is equally true for fans of the series as well. In many ways, the straw hat represents One Piece as a whole.

However, despite being so personal to Luffy, many fans have wondered what Luffy’s plans are for the straw hat in One Piece. Although the straw hat holds so much personal value to Luffy, many believe that Luffy will give his hat away to a future generation of pirates, in the same way that he received the hat as a child. Potentially, Luffy could ignite an entirely new generation of pirates, all by simply passing down a hat that was once passed down to him.

Although the two have a deep personal connection, could current Luffy beat Shanks in One Piece?

Shanks Gave Luffy His Iconic One Piece Hat

The Straw Hat Is A Significant Symbol In The History Of One Piece

Back when Luffy was a child, after being saved by the pirate Shanks, the Red Hair Pirate gave Luffy his iconic straw hat with the stipulation that Luffy would return it once he becomes a great pirate. Since then, the straw hat has become Luffy’s greatest treasure and something that he rarely parts from. Additionally, despite originally having the intention of returning the straw hat, since Luffy’s entire crew is based on it, many fans believe that Luffy will hold onto the straw hat, rather than give it back to Shanks.

This hat is my gift to you. – Shanks to Luffy

However, the straw hat itself has a lot of history in the world of One Piece. The hat itself was originally worn by Gol D. Roger himself, who then passed it down to Shanks, and in turn to Luffy. This hat carries a sort of generational will of the Great Pirates from each generation, acting as a unifying symbol that each of them holds. Additionally, the mysterious Joy Boy also supposedly wore a straw hat as well, adding to the overall importance of the hat.

Luffy May Continue The Trend And Pass On The Straw Hat

A Pirate Younger Than Luffy May Be The Next Straw Hat Wearer

Luffy May Pass On The Straw Hat Like Shanks And Roger
Bonney May Be A Good Recipient Of The Straw Hat

Based on this trend, it would be easy to assume that Luffy would eventually pass on the straw hat as well. In many ways, Luffy takes after the original Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, especially in terms of personality and story arcs. After he accomplishes his goal of finding the One Piece and becoming the Pirate King, he may also consider passing on the straw hat just like Roger did before.

While Robin’s Devil Fruit is an important part of his character in One Piece, fans still don’t know how she got it

Although there is no young member to pass the hat onto to the Straw Hat Crew as it currently stands, there are a few potential characters that Luffy could pass his hat on for the future of One Piece. Mainly, Luffy may pass the straw hat onto Jewelry Bonney. She resembles Luffy in many ways, even going as far as also being a potential representation of the Sun God Nika. Seeing Luffy pass the hat onto the much younger pirate would make a sweet moment that reflects his moment with Shanks so long ago.

Luffy May Be Too Young To Pass On The Straw Hat

Another Time Skip May Be Necessary Before Luffy Thinks About The Next Generation

On the other hand, as it currently is, Luffy is much younger than Shanks was when he passed on the straw hat, meaning Luffy may keep it even if he becomes One Piece’s Pirate King. Right now, Luffy doesn’t need to pass down his hat to the next generation because he is still the newest generation in the show. For Luffy to seriously consider passing down the straw hat, another time skip in One Piece may have to occur. Despite that seeming a little far-fetched, there’s always a possibility this may happen.

Don’t touch my treasure! – Luffy defending the straw hat

In the end, while it seems likely that Luffy will pass on the straw hat in the future, at his current age, even if he does become the Pirate King in One Piece, he may not want to part with the hat just yet. However, if he does part with the hat, it would make an amazing scene that could act as the cherry on top of the entire series. In time, a moment like this could become the best scene in the series, bringing the entire One Piece story full circle.