One Piece and Naruto are worlds apart, but they share some tropes and traits in common. The similarities range from their long-running nature to the family background of their main characters. Interestingly, it’s not just Naruto and Luffy, who are somewhat similar to one another.
There are many characters in Naruto who are reminiscent of the diverse cast of One Piece and vice versa. And here are ten such pairs!
10. Rock Lee and Usopp
At first glance, Rock Lee and Usopp couldn’t be more different from one another. While Lee is always ready to jump into a fight, Usopp is seldom eager to be a part of one. However, neither of these characters fits into the power systems of their world. Lee doesn’t have chakra, and Usopp is a simple human in a pool of characters who are monstrous and unreal.
With their limited skills, they squeeze out the best they have to offer. In Usopp’s case, it’s his intellect, and for Lee, it’s his hard work and physical strength. Both of them significantly contribute to every fight they’re a part of. Lee saved the day against Kimimaro, while Usopp saved the Strawhats from Perona and Sugar.
9. Obito and Blackbeard
Obito and Blackbeard are alternate versions of the protagonists, i.e. Naruto and Luffy. Naruto and Obito had similar chaotic personalities and the dream to become a Hokage. Regardless of the difficult things he underwent, Naruto stayed on the morally right path. On the other hand, Obito strayed off, showing us that what makes Naruto admirable are his choices and actions.
Blackbeard and Luffy’s first interaction in One Piece highlighted their similarities and differences. They believe in the power of dreams, but disagree on the smallest things, like a pie. So, Blackbeard and Obito play a similar role in their respective series.
8. Kakashi and Shanks
Shanks and Kakashi are mentor-like figures for Luffy and Naruto, but they share other similarities too. Both of them became highly-regarded figures at a young age. Kakashi became the Sixth Hokage, and Shanks is a Yonko. They’re renowned across different lands, and are associated with the big shots.
For instance, Kakashi was Minato’s student and close to Jiraiya as well. In One Piece, Shanks is a former member of Roger’s crew and has been close to characters like Mihawk and Rayleigh, too.
7. Gaara and Crocodile
No, their sand-based abilities aren’t the only thing that makes Gaara and Crocodile reminiscent of one another. Gaara and Crocodile began their journeys as menacing villains. They were far more powerful than the characters introduced before them. Later on, both of them turned into allies.
While Garra underwent a change of heart in Naruto, Crocodile is more evil. He didn’t suddenly become good or kind, but simply chose to side with Luffy during his most vulnerable moment.
6. Hiruzen and Garp
Naruto was a lonely child growing up, and the closest thing he had to a grandfather was Hiruzen. This was before Jiraiya was introduced in Naruto. Hiruzen was extremely powerful and feared even as a senile old man. Garp is the same; he’s Luffy’s grandfather in One Piece. He’s a menace and is respected by the Navy and pirates alike.
Both Hiruzen and Garp neglected their grandchild, leaving them to fend for themselves. Garp is much better in this regard, as Hiruzen didn’t even do the bare minimum for Naruto.
5. Hashirama and Roger
Hashirama, the First Hokage, and Roger, the Pirate King, are probably the most wholesome duo on this list. Hashirama founded Konoha, and his status as a Hokage was a dream for generations to come. Similarly, Roger marked the beginning of the Great Pirate Era.
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Despite everything they achieved during their lifetime, both of them are humble and fun individuals. They lighten up the room with their presence and are a joy to witness.
4. Jiraiya and Rayleigh
Rayleigh’s introduction has taken on a new meaning after the recent chapters of One Piece. Shakky introduced him as a womanizer, and he reaffirmed his interest in young girls as well. And that introduction would suffice for Jiraiya as well.
Beyond their philandering ways, Rayleigh and Jiraiya shaped up Luffy and Naruto’s powers. Rayleigh taught Luffy Haki, whereas Jiraiya trained Naruto for a long time, turning him into an exceptional shinobi.
3. Madara and Xebec
Madara and Xebec were hyped up as the big bad villains for years before their introduction. They were the embodiment of evil and all things wrong with the Pirate and Shinobi worlds. It didn’t take long for that perception to be proven long, as Madara and Xebec’s introductions were nothing short of exhilarating.
Both of them turned out to be likable. They still have their problematic traits and ways, but also have a strong sense of values. Additionally, their relationship with their rivals is extremely interesting to follow.
2. Kaguya and Imu
Kaguya’s existence was a shocking twist in Naruto and a horribly executed one. Imu’s role has been much better so far. Kaguya and Imu represent an otherworldly power in Naruto and One Piece. Imu is still a mystery for the most part, but it’s clear that their power levels are more intimidating than everything we’ve seen so far.
Kaguya’s introduction was explosive in a similar sense. Naruto and Sasuke found themselves in a pinch during the fight with her, because she was simply too strong. Hopefully, the key to Imu’s defeat doesn’t turn out to be as trite as Kaguya’s.
1. Hagoromo and Joyboy
Luffy is seen as the reincarnation of Joyboy by many characters in One Piece. Imu, Emet, and Zuneisha referred to him as Joyboy. Not much is known about Joyboy except for the fact that he is the original user of the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, and that he was the first pirate in history.
He played a major role in the history of Fishman Island and other events of One Piece history. Hagoromo has a similar role in Naruto. He defeated Kaguya and bestowed his powers on Naruto. In a way, Hagoromo and Joyboy marked the beginning of Luffy and Naruto’s journey.
| Similarities | Naruto | Luffy |
| They fall under the chosen one trope | Son of the Hokage and Jinchuriki of the strongest tailed beast. | Family of legends and Joyoboy’s devil fruit. |
| They both love food | Naruto’s favorite food is Ramen. | Luffy’s favorite food is meat. |
| They bring people together | Naruto’s talk-no-jutsu effectively turns villains into lifelong allies. | Mihawk said that Luffy’s power is making people his allies easily. |
All these characters are vastly different from one another, simply because the worldbuilding and narrative style of both series are so different. At the same time, their foundations are somewhat similar. Their similarities are not as basic as simple archetypes, and could be attributed to the shonen nature of the stories.
Can you think of any other pairs from Naruto and One Piece that closely resemble each other? Let us know your answers in the comments.
One Piece and Naruto are currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
