Monkey D. Dragon is one of the most enigmatic and mysterious characters in the world of One Piece. As the father of Monkey D. Luffy and the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon represents a central figure in the global events of the story, despite his rare appearances in the manga. Even with few appearances, his role and influence are crucial for the future of the plot. In this article, we will explore everything we know so far about Dragon: his story, ambitions, and connection to the main events of Eiichiro Oda's work.
Who is Monkey D. Dragon?
Dragon is the leader of the Revolutionary Army, an organization dedicated to overthrowing the World Government and abolishing the oppressive system of the Celestial Dragons. The Government has labeled him as "the most wanted man in the world," a clear demonstration of his danger and the threat he represents to the global system.
Known as "The Revolutionary Dragon," his appearance is unmistakable: a towering man with a lightning-shaped scar on the left side of his face and a distinctive tribal tattoo. He often wears a long dark green cloak, symbolizing his status as a revolutionary leader.
Dragon is known for his calm and reflective demeanor, as well as his determination and ability to inspire his followers. Despite his blood ties to Luffy and Vice Admiral Garp, Dragon is a very reserved character who has never openly revealed his personal motivations.
Dragon's Origins
Little is known about Dragon's origins, but it is confirmed that he was born in the Goa Kingdom, located in the Dawn Island archipelago, the same place where Luffy grew up. As a young man, Dragon seems to have abandoned the D. family, possibly due to a traumatic event or a deep disdain for the injustices of the world.
A key hint regarding his motivations may lie in the conditions of the Goa Kingdom, a place dominated by social inequalities and corruption. Dragon may have witnessed firsthand the horrors and injustices perpetrated by the Celestial Dragons, pushing him to fight against the system that protects them.
Despite his absence during Luffy's childhood, Dragon does not seem to harbor resentment towards his son and has, on several occasions, demonstrated that he indirectly protects him.
The Foundation of the Revolutionary Army
Dragon is the founder and leader of the Revolutionary Army, an organization that operates in the shadows to destabilize the World Government. The Revolutionary Army recruits individuals from all continents, united by a common goal of toppling global injustice.
Among the most important members of the Army are:
Sabo: Luffy's adoptive brother and second-in-command.
Emporio Ivankov: Leader of Kamabakka Kingdom and master of Newkama Kenpo.
Koala: An ex-slave of the Celestial Dragons, now a high-ranking agent of the Army.
Belo Betty: Commander of the Army in the East Blue, capable of inspiring people to fight with the power of her Devil Fruit.
Lindbergh, Morley, and Karasu: Other key commanders, each with unique powers and abilities.
Dragon has built this organization over the years, using his strategic ability and charisma to unite people from every corner of the world. Under his leadership, the Revolutionary Army has managed to destabilize entire kingdoms and become a constant threat to the World Government.
The Mystery of His Powers
A central aspect of the mystery surrounding Dragon concerns his powers. Although Eiichiro Oda has never officially revealed whether Dragon possesses a Devil Fruit, there are numerous hints suggesting his connection to wind or storms.
During Luffy's escape from Loguetown, a sudden storm strikes the town, preventing Smoker from capturing him. Dragon appears shortly after, leading to speculation that he may have manipulated the weather.
In Sabo's flashback, we see Dragon saving the boy during a devastating fire, again accompanied by strange atmospheric phenomena.
If Dragon indeed possesses a Devil Fruit related to the control of wind or weather, it would explain how he has been able to intervene at crucial moments and constantly evade the Marines.
Conflicts with the World Government
Dragon has declared war on the World Government, positioning himself as the primary threat to the global system. His organization has been active for decades, destabilizing kingdoms and freeing oppressed populations.
An emblematic example is the Lulusia Kingdom, where the Revolutionary Army fought to liberate the people from the tyranny of the local king. However, the World Government did not stand by idly, using extreme measures to eliminate the revolts, including the total destruction of entire nations.
Despite this, Dragon and his allies continue to achieve significant successes, gaining the support of more and more people.
The Connection with Luffy and Garp
One of the most intriguing aspects of Dragon is his connection to the D. family. He is the son of Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp and the father of Monkey D. Luffy, but their relationships are anything but conventional.
With Garp: Although there are not many interactions between the two, it is clear that Dragon has chosen a path completely opposite to that of his father. Garp, while being a hero of the Marines, has always protected personal freedom and may have reluctantly accepted his son’s choice to fight the system from the outside.
With Luffy: Dragon seems to have a certain respect for his son, while maintaining distance. When Luffy is captured by Smoker in Loguetown, Dragon intervenes to save him, showing that, despite everything, he cares for him.
Dragon's Role in Recent Events
In the Dressrosa and Reverie arcs, Dragon's role becomes increasingly central:
The Disappearance of Kuma: The Revolutionary Army discovers that Kuma, once their ally, has been transformed into a living weapon by the Celestial Dragons. This event drives Dragon to prepare for a direct confrontation with the World Government.
The Declaration of War: During the Reverie, the Revolutionary Army attacks Mary Geoise, the center of world power, to free Kuma and officially declare war on the Celestial Dragons. Although the details of the clash have yet to be revealed, it is clear that Dragon’s actions have marked a turning point in history.
Dragon's Dream
As a member of the D. family, Dragon shares the distinctive trait of all his members: a natural aversion to the oppressive system of the world. However, his personal dream is much more concrete compared to those of Luffy or other members of the D.: Dragon wants to overthrow the World Government and build a world based on freedom and equality.
This goal puts him directly at odds with Im-sama, the mysterious figure controlling the World Government, and the Five Elders.
Theories and Speculations
The mystery surrounding Dragon has generated numerous theories among fans:
Dragon and the One Piece: Some believe that Dragon may have crucial information about the legendary treasure of Gol D. Roger and that his ultimate goal is connected to uncovering the truth about the Void Century.
The Connection with Roger: There is a theory that Dragon may have known Gol D. Roger in the past, explaining his determination to change the world.
His Power: If Dragon truly possesses a Devil Fruit, many believe it could be related to weather control or even a power linked to divine wind, similar to Japanese mythology.
Conclusion
Monkey D. Dragon is one of the most fascinating and mysterious characters in One Piece. As the leader of the Revolutionary Army, he represents hope for oppressed populations and a threat to the dominant system. His connection with Luffy and Garp, his mysterious past, and his role in future events make him a central figure in the story.
As the plot progresses, Dragon will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the final conflict against the World Government. We can only wait to discover the true potential of the most wanted man in the world and his impact on the fate of One Piece.
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