Monkey D. Luffy captains the Straw Hat Pirates. His pursuit of adventure and treasure drives him to immediately agree to help an elderly woman reach her home on Mecha Island in exchange for the legendary Golden Crown, dismissing crew suspicions about the offer's legitimacy.
Luffy relies on instinct over intricate planning. He helps decipher the clue-laden Yurari Uta folk song. When initial interpretations fail, his impulsive act of breaking the eyes off a snake-shaped rock formation unintentionally reveals hidden passages crucial to the treasure hunt, contrasting Nico Robin's analytical methods. His combat leverages his rubber physiology from the Gomu Gomu no Mi Devil Fruit. Facing the island ruler Ratchet's powerful mechanical battle suits, external pressure on Luffy's legs during a confrontation accidentally forces more blood through his body, granting a temporary surge in speed and strength. This marks the first animated occurrence of what later becomes known as Gear 2, though Luffy remains unaware of its significance.
Luffy shows unwavering crew loyalty. When the awakened giant turtle island threatens to crash into land, he coordinates Usopp, Sanji, and Zoro in combined attacks to destroy Ratchet's controlling castle mechanism, freeing the creature and averting disaster. This leadership unites the crew's diverse abilities.
After resolving the conflict, Luffy spontaneously recognizes the broken golden eggshells from the hatched giant turtle eggs as the Golden Crown treasure. The crew's attempt to claim a fragment fails when it sinks into the ocean, reflecting adventure's unpredictability.
Luffy maintains an optimistic, straightforward demeanor. He readily accepts Ratchet's invitation to a party despite obvious ulterior motives, engaging potential adversaries without hesitation. He openly critiques Ratchet's mechanical creations as "cool" or "uncool" based on their design and performance.