In the realm of anime, the notion of eternal youth is prevalent, epitomized by iconic characters like Ash Ketchum from Pokémon, Conan from Case Closed, and Keiichi Morisato from Ah! My Goddess, who seem to live in a perpetually youthful bubble. In contrast, long-standing franchises often benefit from a protagonist who matures over time, creating a more profound emotional connection as they navigate relatable challenges and personal growth. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, encapsulates this concept through an SBS (Shitsumon o Boshuu Suru?, or “I’m Taking Questions”) where he reveals what the Straw Hat Pirates would look like at ages 40 and 60.
Oda is well-known for the mixed reactions to his character designs, which can range from stunningly beautiful to strikingly unattractive. His unique artistic style has shaped the identities of countless characters. Within the SBS, Oda creatively imagines two potential futures for the Straw Hat crew – one optimistic and triumphant, and the other marked by conflict and disillusionment.
A recurring theory among fans suggests that Oda employs distinctive “ugly features”in characters to reflect their roles within the story. Major characters like the Straw Hat crew, new-generation pirates, and Red-Haired Shanks are often depicted as conventionally attractive, while antagonists, such as Blackbeard, present more sinister and rugged appearances. While beauty is subjective, this theory aligns with the aging designs of Oda’s Straw Hats, making them more relatable as they transition to older versions of themselves.
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50 and 70-Year-Old “Cyborg” Franky (Cutty Flam)
Ever the Engineering Cyborg Regardless of the Timeline
Oda’s vision begins with Franky, the first of the original Straw Hat Pirates. In the favorable timeline, Franky at 50 retains his familiar figure but appears slightly older, sporting more defined features and a rugged jawline. This evolution invites curiosity about how he manages to maintain his appearance considering his cyborg nature.
In this positive future, Franky has reached new heights as a brilliant shipwright, having even crafted an island he controls entirely, including the climate. Notably, Franky is significantly older than the rest of the Straw Hats, which may explain his appearance at 50. By the age of 70, his visage hardens with deeper lines, reminiscent of characters like Whitebeard, and he toys with adding gray hair for a distinguished look.
As he navigates the alternative timeline, Franky’s fate diverges drastically; he evolves into a state-of-the-art war machine, focused on destruction, culminating in a 70-year-old form that embodies a battleship, symbolizing his tumultuous transformation.
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40 and 60-Year-Old Nico Robin
Good Genes Never Lie, But Her Worse Timeline Isn’t All Bad
Nico Robin, the scholarly member of the Straw Hat crew, remains largely unchanged as she ages. In the best timeline, her appearance at 40 showcases only minimal modifications, suggesting that her genetic background, which Oda once theorized to be of Russian descent, contributes to her timeless beauty.
The detrimental timeline tells a more complex story; Robin’s 40-year-old portrayal mirrors Dr. Kureha, presenting her as a bit fuller in the face while also showing traces of maturity with gray in her hair. Having set aside her studies, her 60-year-old counterpart ventures into darker dealings, possibly engaging in the black market.
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40 and 60-Year-Old Tony Tony “Cotton Candy” Chopper
Still as Fluffy in Any Timeline
Chopper’s transformation into an older version remains whimsical, featuring the fluffy characteristics reminiscent of his original deer form. In both his 40 and 60-year-old iterations, he maintains a rounder appearance, perhaps from indulging in Sanji’s culinary delights.
However, his darker timeline reveals a more sinister side as he takes on a monstrous appearance, reminiscent of a mobster. A notable quote from his 40-year-old design indicates Chopper’s bitterness towards humans—a reflection of his once-fearful connection with them, culminating in a vengeful attitude in the alternate timeline.
In his 60-year-old form, he portrays a menacing leader of a monster group, demanding sacrifices, contrasting starkly with his more innocent older self.
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40 and 60-Year-Old “Black Leg” Sanji
A Curious Case of Diverging Paths Based on His Father Figure
The future depictions of Sanji unveil fascinating divergences, especially following revelations about his family in the Whole Cake Island Arc. At 40, his appearance reflects a matured version of his original self while still embodying his charming qualities. His 60-year-old design surprisingly mirrors his mentor, Zeff—showing growth that is both physical and emotional.
In the negative timeline, Sanji’s design recalls his father, hinting at a troubling return to his family’s legacy as an assassin. At this stage, he begins to neglect his culinary passion, contrasting with his earlier dedication to food quality.
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40 and 60-Year-Old “King of Snipers” Usopp
How Great the Fibber Can Rise to How Far Can He Fall
Fans might expect insights into Usopp’s future based on his father, but Oda’s depiction takes a unique twist. At 40, Usopp presents as a wiser, more confident version of himself, reflecting on past adventures. By age 60, he assumes traits reminiscent of his father, embodying the carefree nature typical of the Red-Haired Pirates.
Oda’s portrayal of Usopp in the negative timeline is particularly harsh; at 40, he embodies a disheveled version of himself, regressing to his old ways of exaggeration. At 60, he loses vitality, appearing frail and unkempt, his clothes dirtied—depicting the despair of neglect.
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40 and 60-Year-Old “Cat Burglar” Nami
Return to Classic And/Or Deceiving Nami
Nami’s characteristic style has always set her apart, often showcased in various forms throughout the series. In her older versions, she continues to exhibit an evolving fashion sense; at 40, her wavy hair reflects both vibrancy and youthful energy.
By the time she reaches 60, Nami’s hair transforms into a chic bob, embodying a blend of maturity and youthful flair. However, her alternate timeline is much more alarming, where she resembles the aging mermaid Kokoro, her appearance reflecting a greedy demeanor that is unsettling. Her 60-year-old counterpart is even more distorted, embodying a hag-like figure as she attempts to sell “magical”herbs.
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40 and 60-Year-Old Roronoa Zoro
At What Point Does It Become One Sword Too Many
Zoro’s evolution in the positive timeline showcases a disciplined dedication to his craft as a swordsman. The wrinkles and smile lines on his face hint at a life filled with both challenges and joy shared with his crew. His growing collection of swords reflects his relentless ambition to become the greatest swordsman.
However, the darker timeline presents Zoro as a broken man who has abandoned his dream; appearing disheveled and lost, he exhibits a significant decline in both character and appearance, further underscored by neglect of his once-proud self-expression.
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40 and 60-Year-Old Monkey D. Luffy
The Meat-Demanding King. Never Change, Luffy
Luffy’s future appearances tug at the heartstrings, illustrating his transition from a baby-faced pirate to a more rugged figure. At 40, he surprisingly echoes Shanks in appearance, while at 60, his features start to resemble those of his grandfather, Garp, showing a softer evolution.
In a timeline devoid of ambition, Luffy’s character declines, receiving Oda’s signature treatment for aged characters marked by unappealing traits. By age 60, he presents as a mere shadow of his former self, bearing gray hair and a bushy beard—yet his insatiable quest for meat remains unchanged, a testament to his unwavering spirit.