The Straw Hat pirates first encounter the cyborg shipwright Franky in Episode 322 of the One Piece anime, titled “Desperate Struggle to Get Past! Rocket Man Sets Off!” and in Chapter 437 of the manga. This marks the beginning of a complicated relationship that eventually culminates in Franky joining the crew as their shipwright and the creator of the Thousand Sunny.
Meeting Franky: A Collision of Worlds
The initial meeting isn’t exactly a friendly affair. The Straw Hats, specifically Usopp, is robbed of 200 million Berries by the Franky Family, a group fiercely loyal to Franky. This money was intended to buy lumber to repair the Going Merry. This theft sets in motion a chain of events that leads to conflict and ultimately, understanding between the Straw Hats and the “perverted cyborg” as Luffy initially refers to him.
The encounter unfolds in Water 7, a city famed for its shipbuilding. The Straw Hats arrive seeking repairs for the Going Merry, but soon find themselves embroiled in the city’s underbelly. They quickly learn of Franky’s legendary reputation and his connection to the Iceburg, the president of the Galley-La Company, the city’s most prominent shipbuilding organization. This information establishes Franky’s significance and hints at his past with the legendary shipwright Tom, who also taught Iceburg.
The initial conflict is centered around the stolen money. The Straw Hats are determined to retrieve it to repair their beloved ship. This determination brings them face-to-face with the Franky Family and, eventually, Franky himself. The initial impression of Franky is that of a boisterous, eccentric, and powerful figure, fiercely protective of his “family” and his shipbuilding ideals. He clashes with Luffy over the methods and morals surrounding their actions and eventually ends up with a confrontation in the city that is eventually broken up, paving the way for future events.
FAQ: Delving Deeper into the Franky Saga
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of Franky’s involvement with the Straw Hat Pirates:
Why Did Franky Steal the Straw Hats’ Money?
Franky stole the Straw Hats’ money because he had his own reasons to be wary of pirates and shipwrights doing business together. He feared that building another pirate ship might bring more tragedy, echoing the past with Tom’s Workers and the creation of the Oro Jackson, the ship of Gol D. Roger. His actions were born from a desire to protect Water 7 from the perceived dangers associated with pirates.
What Happened to the Going Merry?
The Going Merry was severely damaged during its adventures with the Straw Hats. Despite valiant efforts to repair it, the ship had reached the point of no return. Recognizing this, Iceburg determined that the ship could not be repaired, leaving the Straw Hats with the difficult decision of letting it go.
How Did the Straw Hats Convince Franky to Join Their Crew?
Franky’s decision to join the Straw Hats was a gradual process. He was moved by their dedication to saving Robin from the World Government and was impressed by their willingness to fight for their friends. Ultimately, it was Luffy’s unwavering belief in him and the destruction of the Pluton blueprints by Franky himself, choosing his path alongside the Straw Hats, that sealed the deal. This act demonstrated his commitment to their cause and his desire to leave his past behind.
What is Franky’s Real Name?
Franky’s real name is Cutty Flam. He abandoned his name after the tragic incident with Tom’s Workers and adopted the alias “Franky” to distance himself from the past and start anew.
What is Franky’s Dream?
Franky’s dream is to see the ship he built, the Thousand Sunny, sail to the end of the world. He wants to create a vessel that can withstand any challenge and carry his friends on the adventure of a lifetime. He ultimately believes that the Thousand Sunny will be a legendary ship alongside the Going Merry, and his dream is to reach that point.
What Makes Franky a Cyborg?
Franky is a cyborg because he heavily modified his body after a near-fatal accident involving a train. He rebuilt himself using scrap metal and various mechanical components, transforming himself into a powerful and durable fighter.
What are Franky’s Special Abilities?
Franky possesses a wide range of abilities due to his cyborg enhancements. He can launch rockets from his arms, shoot beams from his nipples, and manipulate his body into various weapons and tools. He is also incredibly strong and durable. This arsenal of abilities, combined with his ingenuity, makes him a valuable asset to the Straw Hats.
Who is Tom?
Tom was a legendary shipwright and Franky’s mentor. He was responsible for building the Oro Jackson, the ship of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger. Tom’s teachings and ideals had a profound impact on Franky, shaping his own approach to shipbuilding and his values.
What is Pluton?
Pluton is an ancient weapon with the power to destroy islands. Franky inherited the blueprints for Pluton from Tom. The World Government and various factions are constantly searching for Pluton, making Franky a target.
What is the Thousand Sunny?
The Thousand Sunny is the Straw Hats’ current ship, built by Franky after the Going Merry was no longer seaworthy. It is a state-of-the-art vessel equipped with numerous advanced features and weapons, reflecting Franky’s expertise and his desire to create the perfect ship for his friends. The Thousand Sunny is also home to the unique soldier dock system.
What is the Soldier Dock System?
The Soldier Dock System is a feature on the Thousand Sunny that allows the Straw Hats to deploy smaller vehicles and equipment from hidden compartments within the ship. These include the Channel 0: Paddle, Channel 1: Shiro Mokuba I, Channel 2: Mini Merry II, Channel 3: Shark Submerge III, Channel 4: Kurosai FR-U IV, and Channel 5: Brachio Tank V, making the Thousand Sunny versatile in combat and exploration.
What is Franky’s Bounty?
As of the latest events in the One Piece storyline, Franky’s bounty is 394,000,000 Berries. His bounty reflects his growing notoriety and his role as a key member of the Straw Hat Pirates, a crew that has become a major threat to the World Government.
Franky’s Impact on the Straw Hat Crew
Franky’s addition to the Straw Hat crew significantly strengthened their capabilities. As the shipwright, he ensures the Thousand Sunny remains in top condition and can handle any challenge they face. His skills and ingenuity have saved the Straw Hats countless times, making him an indispensable member of the team. The dynamic he creates within the crew, blending his eccentric personality with genuine care for his friends, enhances the comedic and emotional aspects of One Piece. Beyond his technical skills, Franky is a source of morale and camaraderie, often leading chants and inspiring the crew with his boisterous energy. His loyalty to the Straw Hats is unwavering, and he is always willing to put his life on the line for his friends.