Brook, the skeletal musician with a penchant for panty jokes and a profound love for music, officially joins the Straw Hat Pirates in episode 381 of the One Piece anime, titled “A New Companion! Brook the Humming Swordsman!” This pivotal episode marks the culmination of his haunting introduction aboard the Thriller Bark ship and solidifies his place as the crew’s long-awaited musician.
Brook’s Journey to Becoming a Straw Hat
Brook’s introduction to the Straw Hats is far from ordinary. Encountered on the eerie Thriller Bark island, his skeletal form initially unnerves the crew, particularly Nami, Chopper, and Usopp. However, his polite demeanor and extraordinary musical talent quickly win them over, especially when they learn of his tragic past as a member of the Rumbar Pirates.
The Rumbar Pirates’ Tragic Fate
The story of the Rumbar Pirates is central to Brook’s character arc and ultimately his decision to join Luffy. They perished in the Florian Triangle, a treacherous sea area known for its dense fog and mysterious disappearances. Brook, having eaten the Revive-Revive Fruit (Yomi Yomi no Mi), was resurrected after his death, but his soul wandered the sea for a year before finding his skeletal body. This traumatic experience left him isolated and longing for his lost comrades.
Luffy’s Invitation and Brook’s Hesitation
Luffy, ever impulsive and driven by his gut feeling, offers Brook a spot on the Straw Hat crew almost immediately. While Brook is touched by the offer, he initially hesitates due to his loneliness and the lingering sorrow of his past. The memory of his promise to Laboon, a giant whale the Rumbar Pirates befriended, weighs heavily on him. He feels he cannot die until he fulfills this promise.
Confronting Gekko Moriah and Rekindling Hope
The Thriller Bark arc culminates in a fierce battle against Gekko Moriah, a Warlord of the Sea who steals shadows to create zombie soldiers. This battle is crucial for Brook, as he regains his shadow (stolen by Moriah) and witnesses the Straw Hats’ unwavering camaraderie and dedication to protecting each other. Luffy’s fierce determination and the crew’s acceptance of his unique circumstances remind him of the bonds he once shared with the Rumbar Pirates. Seeing that they were truly a group that would never give up on their friends gives him the strength to realize it was okay to be with them.
The Formal Invitation and Brook’s Acceptance
Following Moriah’s defeat and after the Straw Hats learn the full story of his promise to Laboon, Luffy reaffirms his invitation. Brook, deeply moved by their understanding and support, finally accepts, officially becoming the Straw Hat Pirates’ musician. This moment is celebrated with music and laughter, marking a new chapter in Brook’s life and the Straw Hats’ journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Brook Joining the Straw Hats
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the details surrounding Brook’s addition to the Straw Hat Pirates:
1. What is the exact name of the episode where Brook joins the crew?
The episode is titled “A New Companion! Brook the Humming Swordsman!”
2. Why did Luffy want Brook to join his crew so badly?
Luffy simply wanted a musician on his crew. He heard Brook playing the violin and immediately decided he was the right person for the job. Luffy often makes decisions based on instinct and personal preference, and Brook’s musical talent captivated him.
3. What Devil Fruit power does Brook possess?
Brook ate the Revive-Revive Fruit (Yomi Yomi no Mi). This fruit allows him to return to life after death, although it took him a year to find his skeleton after his initial demise.
4. What promise did Brook make to Laboon?
Brook and the Rumbar Pirates promised Laboon that they would sail around the world and return to meet him again. This promise became a driving force in Brook’s life and a significant obstacle to him joining the Straw Hats, as he felt he couldn’t die without fulfilling it.
5. How did the Straw Hats learn about Brook’s promise to Laboon?
They learned about Laboon from Crocus, the lighthouse keeper at the entrance to the Grand Line. Crocus had been caring for Laboon, who was waiting for the Rumbar Pirates to return.
6. What was Brook’s initial role on the Straw Hat crew?
Brook’s initial role was that of the musician. He provides musical entertainment for the crew and often composes songs. He also serves as a swordsman, utilizing his light weight and skeletal structure to his advantage in combat.
7. How long was Brook alone before meeting the Straw Hats?
Brook was alone for approximately 50 years after the death of the Rumbar Pirates. He spent years adrift in the Florian Triangle before eventually finding Thriller Bark.
8. How did Brook get his Afro?
When he was resurrected after eating the Revive-Revive Fruit, his soul wandered for a year before finding his body. During that time, his hair grew into its distinctive Afro shape.
9. Does Brook’s skeletal body ever pose a problem for him?
While his skeletal structure allows for unique combat styles, it can also be a disadvantage in certain situations. For example, he is particularly vulnerable to salt, which weakens his bones.
10. How did Brook manage to survive for 50 years alone in the Florian Triangle?
The Florian Triangle is known for its mysterious phenomena, and the specific details of Brook’s survival are not explicitly explained. However, the Revive-Revive Fruit likely played a crucial role in maintaining his consciousness and allowing him to exist as a skeletal being.
11. What impact did joining the Straw Hats have on Brook’s overall character arc?
Joining the Straw Hats gave Brook a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. He finally found a new crew to call his own and a family to replace the Rumbar Pirates. He was able to start living again, not just existing. He was even able to finally reunite with Laboon, even though he was only able to show him his appearance through posters and newspapers.
12. What episode number does Brook first appear in the One Piece anime?
Brook first appears in episode 380, titled “The Rumbar Pirates’ Song! A Sorrowful Finale!” while flashback of his past is shown in episode 381.