Led by Monkey D. Luffy, every Straw Hat pirate brings something unique to the table, contributing to the crew’s collective journey toward the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. However, one character in this dynamic crew of explorers is frequently overlooked as his contributions are overshadowed by those of more flashy or physically commanding crew members. And that is none other than the “Soul King” Brook.
Beneath his jovial demeanor, Brook possesses enormous wisdom and knowledge. This mysterious musician and swordsman of Straw Hat is more than just a comic relief; he’s a living example of a bygone era, a fighter who survived the deepest sea depths and came out of them unharmed.
The Underrated Brilliance of Brook in One Piece
As the ninth member of the Straw Hat crew, Brook has established himself as a vital member throughout the One Piece series. Often known as the Straw Hat Pirates’ musician, his role extends far beyond that of an entertainer. He is an extremely proficient swordsman who can wield Soul Solid, his cane sword with amazing accuracy. His fighting style, known as “Fencing”, is elegant and deadly, allowing him to strike with both speed and accuracy.
Among the crew, Brook has a distinct viewpoint due to his familiarity of the past, especially his time spent before the Great Pirate Era. His experience allows him to provide valuable insights, thus, he can recognize the significance of Poneglyphs. He is the only person within the Straw Hat Crew who can casually refer to the iconic Gol D. Roger as “rookie”, as seen in One Piece episode 400.
In addition to this, Brook really came into his own as an infiltrator and tactician during the Whole Cake Island arc. He went up to one of the Yonko, Big Mom, all by himself and took a copy of the Road Poneglyph from her, which is something no one else had ever done before. Despite the huge odds against him, he outwitted opponents far stronger than himself with his cunning charm and talents.
Brook’s Legacy as a Bridge Between Generations
In the One Piece universe, Brook’s special status as a pirate from a bygone age enables him to act as a link between the past and the present. His recollections of life before the Great Pirate Era, together with his encounters with people like Big Mom and Gol D. Roger offer an invaluable glimpse into the past that shaped the current world of One Piece.
Brook’s experience is one of deep tragedy, perseverance, and understated power. Being the only Straw Hat Pirate who can call the Pirate King himself, Gol D. Roger, a “rookie” and call Big Mom, a “young lady” with no mockery, but rather out of a deep familiarity with a world that existed prior to the modern era of piracy, makes him unique among the other pirates.
Even with all of his accomplishments, Brook is still one of the most humble Straw Hat Pirates. He downplays his own skills and rarely looks for credit for his accomplishments, preferring to let his crewmates take the spotlight. While Sanji, Zoro, and Luffy often steal the show, Brook stays in the background, giving the crew vital assistance and contributing substantially to their success.
Brook was more than simply a musician to complete Luffy’s ideal team. Brook is also one of the most vital and beloved members of the Straw Hat Pirates, and as One Piece‘s narrative develops, his contributions should become even more prominent.
You can watch One Piece on Crunchyroll as of 17th August, 2024.
