One Piece has spanned more than two decades without ever focusing on romance for its main character. Monkey D. Luffy has consistently shown more passion for meat and adventure than any human connection. Yet that hasn’t stopped fans from shipping him with various characters—none more popular than Nami. Now, a new official anime spin-off has reignited the fire around this pairing.
The recently launched One Piece in Love, also known as Loving One Piece, is making waves across Japan’s social platforms. The short-format anime imagines its characters as school students, and in this romantic reimagining, Luffy and Nami are undeniably a couple. Though it’s not canon to the main series, the romantic twist is stirring speculation among fans—and Oda’s confirmation of the spin-off’s official status only deepens the intrigue.
Oda Acknowledges the Spin-Off, But Not the Ship
Nami, Robin, and Chopper (Credits: Eiichiro Oda)
One Piece in Love debuted this spring on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, portraying a playful, slice-of-life romance. Characters share the names and personalities of their pirate counterparts, but they live in a modern, youthful setting. In this alternate take, Luffy and Nami exchange bashful looks, light flirting, and the kind of soft moments that fans have dreamed of for years.
Oda confirmed in yesterday’s message that “Loving One Piece,” featuring student characters named Luffy and Nami in love, is an “official” spin-off anime/manga. Does this mean LuNami ship is canon?🥰 pic.twitter.com/Ae8yrvYBmI — sandman (@sandman_AP) April 2, 2025
Series creator Eiichiro Oda didn’t deny its authenticity. In a sketch shared to social media, Oda urged fans to check out the anime, saying, “The anime One Piece in Love is here, so please watch it. It is so crazy. It’s an official spin-off, seriously.” While he refrained from addressing the Luffy x Nami aspect directly, his endorsement confirms the series is more than just fan service—it’s part of the official One Piece universe, even if just in spin-off form.
Why Luffy x Nami Keeps Fans Talking
Nami, Luffy, and Zoro (Credits: Netflix)
In the main timeline, romance has never been Luffy’s priority. He’s fended off love interests like Boa Hancock and rarely shows emotional vulnerability in that regard. However, his bond with Nami has evolved tremendously since they first set sail together in the East Blue. From Nami’s infamous “Help me” moment to her quiet trust in Luffy during pivotal arcs, their relationship has emotional depth.
In fact, even Sanji has called out the pair’s chemistry. In One Piece Film: Gold, subtle glances and reactions further hint at a connection beneath the surface. Still, after more than 30 years, the manga and anime have kept Luffy romantically neutral, prioritizing his role as captain and dreamer over potential pairings. Yet fan interpretations continue to grow, bolstered by scenes that show genuine care between him and Nami.
With One Piece in Love gaining traction, fans are once again rallying behind the Luffy x Nami ship. While nothing official has shifted in the main storyline, the romantic spin-off gives that corner of the fandom a playful “what if” scenario. Whether it foreshadows anything or remains a fun side project, only time—and perhaps Oda—can tell.
My Hero Academia may have concluded its manga run nearly a year ago, but the series remains a constant talking point. This time, the discussion isn’t about plot twists or character development—it’s about a new piece of art featuring Mirko, a fan-favorite hero. Kohei Horikoshi’s latest drawing of her has triggered a wave of backlash, accusing the creator of whitewashing the character by lightening her skin tone.
The controversy quickly spread across social media, with fans upset about what they perceived as a loss of representation. However, others were quick to highlight that the image’s lighter tone may be the result of brightness settings on devices or filters applied to the post, rather than any deliberate design change. Despite this, the backlash gained momentum, raising deeper questions about race, headcanon, and anime representation.
Why the Accusations Don’t Hold Up
Mirko in My Hero Academia
One of the biggest reasons the backlash seems unfounded is the technical aspect behind the artwork. Fans who adjusted the brightness levels of the image reported that Mirko’s usual complexion returned, suggesting the perceived change was due more to contrast than intentional alteration. In the digital age, how an image appears can vary dramatically from one screen to another, making this a flimsy basis for claims of whitewashing.
息抜きのミルコ。見るコ。 pic.twitter.com/qKMFrBejkr — 堀越耕平 (@horikoshiko) April 2, 2025
The debate also hinges on the misconception that Mirko is a Black character. While she has a darker complexion, nothing in her backstory or cultural coding suggests that she is a person of color. In anime, it’s not unusual for Japanese characters to have darker skin due to tanning or regional background. Unlike characters such as Killer Bee or Yoruichi, who are often seen as coded Black due to speech patterns or thematic roles, Mirko has no narrative elements that tie her to a specific racial identity.
Why Representation Still Matters
Mirko in My Hero Academia
Despite the lack of solid ground for the accusations, it’s understandable why people are sensitive about changes to Mirko’s appearance. Anime continues to struggle with meaningful representation of women of color, and characters like Mirko—whether technically POC or not—are rare figures who fans project inclusivity onto. Many people see her as a symbol of progress in a medium that historically lacks diversity.
At the same time, artists need room to explore and reinterpret their work without being bombarded by misinformed outrage. Horikoshi’s track record with Mirko has remained consistent, and this new artwork doesn’t signal any major shift in how the character is being handled. If anything, the controversy reflects fans’ emotional investment in her rather than any meaningful misstep from the creator.
