Luffy is the one who opens the door because he wants to see what happens. Usopp is the one who knows the rumor behind it and is already regretting everything. Nami is the one yelling at both of them while also being the only reason they make it out alive.

That’s why the trio works so well. Luffy is all impulse and heart. Usopp is imagination, nerves, and quick thinking. Nami is practicality, instinct, and common sense. So when you put them together the vibe is chaotic, scrappy, funny, and weirdly heartfelt in a way that feels very hidden in plain sight.

And I think what makes it even better is that if you asked people who Nami’s best friend is, a lot of them would probably say Luffy or Usopp (a YouTube short thought so). Which kind of proves my point. The foundation is there. People just do not package the three of them together enough.

Sanji, Nami, and Usopp will always give me more stylish Mod Squad energy, which is a separate delight, but Luffy, Nami, and Usopp feel like the trio that would accidentally become the emotional center of the story by complete accident.

The flashlight and bikes trio.

That’s my agenda.