One Piece has been running for almost three decades, but it still has a lot of mysteries that are left unanswered. Several popular characters with the initial “D” in their name, including Luffy, Ace, and others have caused a storm in the One Piece universe. We all know that they have common themes, such as dreams and inherited will, but we have yet to receive a concrete explanation for the Will of D from the author Eiichiro Oda.
The Will of D has been mentioned more than a few times in the animanga series, with hints at the real meaning. However, the creator purposely conceals the reveal to keep the D initial an ongoing mystery. That said, let’s discuss what we know so far about the meaning of the initial D in Monkey D. Luffy’s name in One Piece.
Spoiler Warning: This post includes information about the characters and themes of One Piece. We suggest you watch the anime and read the manga to avoid ruining the intended experience.
What is the ‘Will of D’ in One Piece?
The Will of D is a recurring theme in the world of One Piece and is considered an enigma around the characters who have the initial ‘D’ in the middle of their names, such as Monkey D. Luffy, Gol D. Roger, and many others.
It’s confirmed that the D in Monkey D. Luffy’s name is related to an ancient clan that used to be the enemy of the First Twenty kingdoms that formed the World Government. Therefore, they are viewed as the “Natural Enemy of God” where God essentially refers to characters like Imu, Gorosei, Celestial Dragons, and others who act like a god in this realm.
‘D’ is the moniker of our ancient enemy. In recent times, it has cropped up more frequently. However, it is nothing but a faint echo. Those who carry the name do not even know of its true meaning now – Imu
Those who have ‘D’ in their name are known to have already had a significant impact on the world events in One Piece. Not only have they been involved in major incidents, but will continue to do so in the future. The characters with the initial D are powerful, fearless, and have such a strong will that they can smile even in the face of death. They also have certain distinct personality features that set them apart from the rest, and we have explained them below.
While the mystery surrounding the D in Monkey D Luffy’s name hasn’t been revealed yet, Oda is starting to make some major revelations lately. Therefore, we have summarized all the details we know so far in this guide.
When Did We First Hear About the Will of D?
Dr. Kureha was the first character to ever mention the “Will of D” in One Piece in the Drum Island arc (episode 91, chapter 154). She ultimately revealed Roger’s true name hidden behind a wordplay, and it was a major twist in the series that shifted our perspectives about our beloved characters.
While many fans believed the pirate king’s name to be Gold Roger back then, Kureha confirmed that it was actually Gol D. Roger. Moreover, Kureha revealed that the Will of D was still alive all along. She further added that Chopper went out with a dangerous and extraordinary man, referring to Luffy as he has the initial D. in his name.
What’s the Meaning of the ‘D’ in Luffy’s Name
One Piece characters who have D in their names don’t know the true meaning behind it like Imu claimed to be. In the Arabasta arc, Nico Robin asked Luffy about it, and well, our protagonist was clueless about it.
Similarly, Jaguar D. Saul didn’t know the meaning behind the D in his name. But some carriers of D know the actual meaning of their initial and have kept it a secret like Trafalgar Law’s family.
The long-awaited moment turned into reality for One Piece fans when Whitebeard asked Roger, “What does D stand for?” We were on the verge of learning the answer to one of the greatest mysteries, but alas we didn’t.
Roger said, “It’s a story from way back back” in reply to Whitebeard, and that’s all. This portion was cut short in the flashback scene in the Marineford arc (see One Piece arcs in order) to keep the mystery intact.
While we don’t have a certain answer for the meaning of D in Luffy’s name, fans believe the meaning of D could very well be ‘Dangerous’ as this title suits the D clan’s rebellious nature in the story.
Every One Piece Character with ‘D’ in Their Name
Currently, there are only 15 known carriers of the initial D in their name in One Piece. The series has already reached its final saga, and Oda has started to reveal more D clan members in the story such as the Nefertari family, Clover, and more.
We will keep updating this post regularly if we learn about new members with D in their name. But, for now, let’s take a look at the list of characters with D in their name:
Carriers of Initial D (Alive) Carriers of Initial D (Dead) Monkey D. Luffy Gol D. Roger Marshall D. Teach Rocks D. Xebec Monkey D. Garp Portgas D. Ace Monkey D. Dragon Portgas D. Rouge Trafalgar D. Water Law Nefertari D. Cobra Jaguar D. Saul Nefertari D. Lili Nefertari D. Vivi Clou D. Clover Clover’s unnamed brother
The Carriers of the Will of D in One Piece: Key Traits
We have met only a handful of characters with the initial D in One Piece. However, some of them have exhibited more about their clan’s specific traits. The following are the common traits shared between the carriers of D:
- The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the carriers of D always cause a global upheaval (for good or bad things). The best example of this is Luffy.
- They have a huge yearning for complete freedom and have complete trust in their dreams.
- They are utterly oblivious to the actual meaning and significance of the D. in their name.
- They have always been known to have a big smile or even laugh on the verge of their deaths. For example, Roger, Ace, Saul, and recently Garp were all seen smiling as they faced their end.
- They have a charismatic personality that attracts the people around them easily.
- They have an extraordinary ability to make friends in any situation and even can befriend enemies. Luffy is the best example of this as explained by Mihawk during the Marineford war.
- They often have a voracious appetite and may consume a great quantity of food.
- Last but not least, they fall asleep at unpredictable times or places. This behavior was seen with Luffy, Ace, and even Garp.
How Are the Carriers of D Seen in One Piece?
World Government has always tried to cover up the details about the initial D and the characters who have it in their name. The biggest example is Gol D. Roger was deliberately called Gold Roger by the World Government. Trafalgar Law once mentioned that the carriers of D will blow up a storm once again in the Dressrosa arc of One Piece. Therefore, they have always been seen as a global threat by the World Government officials.
Donquixote Rosinante aka Corazon told Law that the Family of D is considered to be the “Sworn enemy of the Gods” in some areas. Now that Imu confirmed this statement in their conversation with Cobra, it makes the carriers of D the archenemies of the people who are playing gods here.
The Will of D: The Past and The Present
The Roger Pirates are the only ones who know the meaning of D, the true One Piece treasure, and several other mysteries in the pirate world. Rayleigh is therefore well-versed with them. When the Straw Hats Pirates questioned him about Will of D, One Piece Treasure, Void Century, and so on, Luffy interrupted his crewmates and said that he desired to discover them on his own.
More importantly, Luffy has said that he will not become the next pirate king and does not wish to embark on a boring adventure with already-known answers. Moreover, Rayleigh stated even if he were to tell the Straw Hats the entire history behind the D in his name, they wouldn’t be able to do anything with the way they are now. He suggested the Straw Hats take their time discovering these answers so that they might reach a different conclusion than the Roger Pirates did.
So, like Luffy, let’s not be hasty and patient in uncovering the truth behind these nagging mysteries, particularly the significance of D. in his name. Because One Piece creator Oda seems to have a vision and seems to be preserving the details for a special occasion. It’s only a matter of time before Oda is ready to share more about the Will of D.
Eiichiro Oda’s Comments on the Will of D
Fans have always been pondering about the meaning behind D since One Piece came into existence. Therefore, it is natural that the fans asked the creator himself about it. In an SBS interaction (Q&A) with Eiichiro Oda, a fan asked the author about the mystery of the D in Monkey D. Luffy’s name in One Piece.
To our surprise, Oda requested the fans to acknowledge the D as a “simple D” letter for the time being and pledged to keep this a secret until the perfect time arrives. Oda sensei is famous for tossing out significant surprises, and he is saving the Will of D reveal for a special occasion. So, we will simply have to wait for the entire D unveiling ceremony.
That’s pretty much everything we know about the Will of D in One Piece right now. All the mysteries in One Piece are starting to be answered one by one as the manga is reaching its final stage. It’s only a matter of time before we know the answers to all our questions. We hope that day comes soon.
But in the meantime, let us know who is your favorite character with a D in their name and why you like them in the comments below.
Editor’s Note: Updated the post to include the latest details about the Will of D on November 28, 2024. The readability has also been improved.
No the whole truth behind the Will of D hasn’t been disclosed yet. We only know that the Roger Pirates have discovered the truth about the initial D in character’s names.
Only about ten characters, from Gol D. Roger to Portgas D. Rouge, have the will of D with them. We can expect Oda sensei to reveal more new D clan members in the future.
It hasn’t been confirmed yet but the carriers of the D are considered highly dangerous by the World Government as the Gorosei (Five Elders) after the Marineford war.
