The first episode of One Piece, titled "I’m Luffy! The Man Who’s Gonna Be King of the Pirates!" introduces us to the vibrant world of pirates and the spirited young protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy.
The episode begins with a flashback to a young Luffy, who idolizes a group of pirates led by the charismatic and carefree "Red-Haired" Shanks. Shanks and his crew are based in Luffy’s hometown, the small port village of Foosha. Luffy admires Shanks and dreams of becoming a pirate himself. However, Shanks and his crew often laugh off Luffy's ambitions, seeing him as just a child.
Luffy’s determination to become a pirate is so strong that he even tries to stab himself in the face to prove his bravery. While Luffy is a regular boy, his fate changes when he accidentally eats the Gomu Gomu no Mi, a Devil Fruit that grants him the ability to stretch his body like rubber but also curses him with the inability to swim.
Despite his newfound powers, Luffy is still seen as just a kid by Shanks' crew. One day, a group of bandits led by Higuma arrives at the bar where Shanks and his crew are celebrating. The bandits mock and insult Shanks, but Shanks laughs it off, refusing to fight them over petty insults. However, when the bandits later kidnap Luffy, Shanks steps in to save him. During the rescue, Shanks loses his left arm to a sea monster but manages to save Luffy. This event leaves a lasting impression on Luffy, making him even more determined to become a great pirate.
Before leaving the village, Shanks entrusts Luffy with his treasured straw hat, telling him to return it once he becomes a great pirate. This straw hat becomes Luffy’s most prized possession and a symbol of his promise to Shanks.
The episode then jumps forward ten years. Luffy, now a teenager, is seen on a small boat, finally setting out to sea to start his journey. He declares his dream to become the Pirate King, the man who will find the legendary treasure known as One Piece. As Luffy sets sail, he encounters a monstrous whirlpool, but with a determined smile on his face, he plunges forward, ready to face any challenge that comes his way.