When Brook first joined the Straw Hat Pirates as their musician during the Thriller Bark arc, many fans questioned whether he was truly worthy of joining Luffy’s crew and helping him achieve his dream of becoming the King of the Pirates. His introduction was unlike any other, as he appeared as a talking skeleton with a funny personality rather than anyone in the crew.
However, fans familiar with Eiichiro Oda’s storytelling know that he rarely introduces a character without giving them an important role. Brook quickly proved his worth after he faced Big Mom to retrieve the Road Poneglyph and helped the crew in a crucial moment.
From fighting powerful enemies to making incredible sacrifices, Brook has shown that he is much more than just the Straw Hat Pirates’ musician. Here are the 10 best Brook moments in One Piece that highlight his importance and prove why he is one of Luffy’s most valuable crewmates.
1. Becomes the Soul King
During the two-year timeskip, while Luffy trained with Rayleigh to master Haki, Brook went on a completely different journey. After being captured by the Longarm Tribe, he was displayed as a strange attraction because of his living skeleton appearance. However, instead of letting his situation define him, Brook turned it into an opportunity that changed his life.
Thanks to his incredible musical talent, Brook quickly became a worldwide sensation. He adopted the stage name “Soul King,” a title that reflected both his successful music career and the unique soul-based powers granted by the Yomi Yomi no Mi. His concerts attracted huge crowds, and he became one of the most famous entertainers in the world during the Straw Hats’ two-year separation.
Brook didn’t spend the timeskip becoming famous alone. He also trained hard and gained much better control over his Devil Fruit abilities. He learned to channel his soul energy into combat, improved his swordsmanship, and developed new techniques that would later play a major role in battles across Fish-Man Island, Whole Cake Island, and Wano.
When Brook reunited with the Straw Hat Pirates, he returned as both a global superstar and a much stronger fighter. His growth during the timeskip wasn’t measured by physical strength alone. He gained confidence, mastered his unique powers, and became an even more valuable member of Luffy’s crew.
Brook’s transformation from a captured prisoner into the legendary Soul King is one of the most remarkable character arcs in One Piece. His journey became far more than a rise as a musician because it also showed his growth into a stronger pirate, a more capable fighter, and a dependable crewmate who could always be trusted when his friends needed him most.
2. Calling Big Mom “Young Lady” to Her Face
Brook may look like a living skeleton, but he is actually over 90 years old. Thanks to the power of the Yomi Yomi no Mi, he returned to life after his death, making him one of the oldest members of the Straw Hat Pirates. He reminded fans of this fact in one of his boldest moments during the Whole Cake Island arc when he casually referred to Charlotte Linlin, better known as Big Mom, as a “young lady.”
Calling one of the Four Emperors by such a respectful yet playful nickname would have been unthinkable for most pirates. Big Mom was one of the strongest and most feared people in the world, and anyone who insulted or disrespected her usually paid with their life. Yet Brook stood before her without showing even the slightest fear.
What made this moment so memorable wasn’t just the joke; it was Brook’s confidence. He knew exactly who he was facing, but he never backed down. Instead, he calmly spoke to Big Mom with the confidence of someone who had lived a long life and accepted the risks that came with being a pirate.
The scene perfectly captured Brook’s personality. He uses humor even in the most dangerous situations, but beneath that lighthearted attitude is a fearless warrior who will never abandon his mission or his friends. His courage during the Whole Cake Island arc earned him even more respect from fans and showed why he is one of the Straw Hats most dependable members.
This moment proved that Brook is much more than the crew’s musician or comic relief. His bravery, confidence, and unwavering spirit allowed him to stand against even the strongest enemies without losing his composure. Moments like this are why Brook remains one of the most unique and beloved characters in One Piece.
3. Freezes Charlotte Oven Mid-Attack
This moment may not get as much attention as Brook’s fight with Big Mom or his mission to steal the Road Poneglyph, but it perfectly highlights why he is one of the Straw Hat Pirates most reliable fighters. During the Whole Cake Island arc, Brook once again proved that his greatest strengths are his speed, timing, and ability to stay calm under pressure.
As the wedding descended into chaos, Luffy needed to show Big Mom the broken portrait of Mother Caramel to trigger her devastating scream and create an opening for the alliance’s plan. However, Charlotte Oven, one of Big Mom’s strongest sons, grabbed the portrait and tried to destroy it before Luffy could use it.
Brook reacted instantly. Without wasting a single movement, he calmly dodged Oven’s attack and struck him with a freezing slash, stopping the powerful pirate in his tracks. The quick attack gave Luffy the precious seconds he needed to reveal the broken portrait to Big Mom and keep the plan moving forward.
What makes this moment so impressive is how effortlessly Brook handled the situation. He didn’t rely on overwhelming strength or a flashy finishing move. Instead, he used his speed, precision, and perfect timing to neutralize a dangerous opponent in a single attack.
This scene is a great example of Brook’s role within the Straw Hat Pirates. While others often draw attention with powerful battles, Brook quietly completes critical missions that help the entire crew succeed. His calm mindset, intelligence, and unique ice-based abilities make him an invaluable support fighter.
Brook freezing Charlotte Oven is one of his most underrated moments in One Piece. It proves that even against some of the strongest members of the Big Mom Pirates, Brook can stay composed, protect his friends, and make a decisive impact when it matters most.
4. Electrified Bone Strike Against Oars
During the final battle of the Thriller Bark arc, Brook was still badly injured after his intense fight with Ryuma. Even so, he refused to stay on the sidelines while the Straw Hat Pirates battled the giant zombie Oars. Instead of resting, Brook chose to return to the fight and do everything he could to help his crewmates.
Before rejoining the battle, Brook collected salt, which was needed to purify Oars after defeating him. He also drank milk to restore his damaged bones, allowing him to get back into the fight despite his injuries. His determination to keep fighting showed just how committed he was to protecting his new crew. What followed was one of the most creative team attacks in One Piece. Nami charged Brook with electricity using her thundercloud, Robin spun him at high speed like a drill, and Usopp launched him directly toward Oars. Brook then channeled the electricity through his body and delivered a powerful strike to Oars’ shoulder, helping the Straw Hats gain the upper hand in the battle.
Although the attack was a team effort, it would not have been possible without Brook’s courage and willingness to fight through the pain. He never let his injuries stop him from supporting his friends when they needed him most. This unforgettable moment proved that Brook is much more than a musician. His determination, teamwork, and quick thinking make him one of the crew’s most dependable fighters, always ready to put himself on the line for Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats.
5. Rescues Robin and Franky From Tararan
Brook’s first major battle in the Thriller Bark arc was the moment he proved he was far more than the Straw Hat Pirates’ musician. Although he had only recently joined the crew, he immediately showed that he could be trusted in combat. When the General Zombie Tararan attacked Robin and Franky, Brook stepped in without hesitation to protect his new crewmates. Tararan was a giant spider-like zombie created by Gecko Moria, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone who stood in his way. However, Brook remained calm and relied on his incredible speed, swordsmanship, and experience as a fencer.
With a swift and precise slash, he cut through Tararan and released the stolen shadow trapped inside the zombie, freeing it from Moria’s control and ending the battle in an instant. The fight wasn’t just about defeating a powerful enemy. It was Brook’s first chance to show the Straw Hats and the audience what he could truly do. His graceful fighting style, quick reflexes, and confidence made it clear that he was much more than a comic relief character with skeleton jokes.
This battle also highlighted Brook’s willingness to risk himself for his friends, even though he had only recently become part of the crew. From that moment on, fans began to see him as a dependable swordsman who could be counted on in dangerous situations.
Brook’s victory over Tararan set the stage for many more unforgettable moments in One Piece. It was the perfect introduction to his combat abilities and proved that the Straw Hat Pirates had gained not only a talented musician but also a fearless and highly skilled fighter.
6. Defeats Black Maria’s Henchmen in One Move
The Wano arc gave Brook another opportunity to prove why he is one of the Straw Hat Pirates’ most dependable fighters. While Robin faced the Tobiroppo member Black Maria in a crucial battle, Brook stayed by her side and protected her from Black Maria’s large group of subordinates. Rather than relying on raw strength, Brook used his intelligence, speed, and unique ice-based abilities to control the battlefield. He created a narrow passage between two giant walls of ice, forcing the enemies to charge directly into his trap.
Once they were gathered in one place, Brook collapsed the frozen walls, defeating the entire group with a single, well-planned attack.
His quick thinking allowed Robin to focus completely on her fight against Black Maria without worrying about being overwhelmed by additional enemies. It was a perfect example of Brook’s ability to support his crewmates while staying calm under pressure.
This moment also highlighted how much Brook had grown since joining the Straw Hat Pirates. He didn’t need flashy attacks or overwhelming power to make a difference. Instead, he relied on strategy, precision, and excellent teamwork to protect his friends and secure an important victory.
Brook’s performance during the Wano arc proved that he is much more than the crew’s musician. He is a skilled swordsman, a clever tactician, and one of the Straw Hats’ most reliable support fighters. Whether he is facing powerful opponents or protecting his crewmates, Brook always finds a way to make a meaningful impact, making him an invaluable member of Luffy’s crew.
7. Breaks Mother Caramel’s Portrait at the Wedding
One of Brook’s smartest and most courageous moments came during the Whole Cake Island arc. As part of the alliance’s plan to bring down Big Mom, Brook disguised himself as one of the many Luffy lookalikes and secretly made his way to the portrait of Mother Caramel. The portrait was Big Mom’s most treasured possession, and destroying it was the only way to leave the Yonko vulnerable.
Despite being surrounded by Big Mom’s family and some of the strongest pirates in the world, Brook never showed a hint of fear. He calmly reached the portrait and smashed it with a hammer, triggering Big Mom’s devastating scream. The moment created the opening that the alliance needed to launch its attack and move its plan forward.
Although the assassination attempt ultimately failed, Brook completed his mission perfectly. His role was one of the most important parts of the operation, proving that success in battle isn’t always about defeating the strongest enemy. Sometimes, completing the right objective can change everything.
This scene highlighted Brook’s intelligence, bravery, and ability to stay calm under extreme pressure. Rather than relying only on his sword skills, he trusted the plan and carried out one of the most dangerous missions in the arc without hesitation.
Brook’s actions during the Whole Cake Island wedding proved that he is far more than the Straw Hat Pirates’ musician. He is a dependable strategist, a fearless fighter, and a crewmate who is always willing to risk his life to help Luffy and the others achieve their goals.
8. Defeats Zeo With One Slash on Fishman Island
The Fish-Man Island arc gave fans their first real look at how much Brook had grown during the two-year timeskip. While every Straw Hat returned stronger after their training, Brook’s transformation was one of the biggest surprises. He didn’t just improve his swordsmanship. He also unlocked new ways to use the powers of the Yomi Yomi no Mi.
Brook’s fight against the Fish-Man officer Zeo perfectly showcased his growth. Zeo tried to trap him with a circular attack, expecting Brook to be caught off guard. Instead, Brook calmly stepped outside the attack’s range without showing even a hint of panic. In the next moment, he used his Glancing Song technique to deliver a single freezing slash that ended the battle instantly.
The attack was fast, clean, and incredibly precise. It wasn’t just a display of power but also of confidence and experience. Brook defeated his opponent with one well-timed strike, proving that he no longer relied on flashy moves to win battles. This fight also introduced the ice-based abilities that would become one of Brook’s signature fighting styles throughout the series.
He combined his speed, swordsmanship, and soul powers to create a unique combat style unlike any other member of the Straw Hat Pirates. Importantly, the battle proved that Brook had made excellent use of the two-year timeskip. His training as the Soul King had transformed him into a stronger and more confident fighter. The Fish-Man Island arc showed that Brook was no longer just the crew’s musician; he had become one of the Straw Hat Pirates’ most dependable swordsmen and a valuable ally in every major battle.
9. Reveals His Spirit Form
One of Brook’s most unforgettable moments came during the Fish-Man Island arc when he revealed one of the true powers of the Yomi Yomi no Mi. While being imprisoned alongside Zoro and Usopp, Brook surprised everyone by calmly separating his soul from his body and floating away in spirit form.
At first, many fans believed Brook’s Devil Fruit only allowed him to return to life after dying. However, this scene showed that his abilities were far more versatile than anyone had imagined. By leaving his skeleton behind, Brook could move through walls, scout enemy locations, and gather information without being detected. This unique power quickly became one of his greatest advantages during dangerous missions.
As the story progressed, Brook continued to expand his soul-based abilities. He learned to channel the energy of his soul through his sword to unleash freezing attacks, affect the souls of certain enemies, and even counter Big Mom’s Homies during the Whole Cake Island arc. These powers made him one of the most unique fighters in the Straw Hat Pirates.
Brook’s spirit form also perfectly matches his calm personality. Instead of relying on brute strength, he wins battles with intelligence, creativity, and abilities that no other Straw Hat possesses. The moment his ghost floated freely away from his skeleton remains one of the most memorable ability reveals in One Piece. It proved that Brook’s Devil Fruit is far more powerful than it first appeared and showed why he is much more than just the Straw Hat Pirates’ musician.
10. Overcame His Greatest Tragedy
One of Brook’s most emotional moments came during the events of One Piece Elbaf. After fighting his way through the World Government’s forces, he finally reached the palace, only to be met with a heartbreaking tragedy that would leave a lasting scar on his heart.
When Brook arrived, he found Shuri transformed into a demonic figure, standing over Reuven’s lifeless body. After everything he had already endured throughout his life, he was forced to witness yet another devastating loss. The scene was so painful that the trauma stayed with him for years. Unable to cope with what he had seen, Brook eventually convinced himself that the entire incident had been nothing more than a dream.
Even after experiencing such unbearable heartbreak, Brook never gave up. He later joined the Rumbar Pirates, where he found friendship, purpose, and a new family. Sadly, fate struck once again when he watched every member of his crew die after they were poisoned. Although the power of the Yomi Yomi no Mi brought him back to life, Brook spent the next 50 years drifting alone across the sea before finally finding a new home with the Straw Hat Pirates.
Brook’s life has been defined by loss, but he has never allowed tragedy to control who he is. Instead, he continues to smile, protect his crewmates, and keep the promise he made to Laboon. More than his incredible swordsmanship or unique Devil Fruit abilities, Brook’s greatest strength is his resilience. No matter how much pain he endures, he always finds the courage to move forward. That unwavering spirit is what makes Brook one of the most inspiring, emotionally powerful, and unforgettable characters in the One Piece franchise.
| Publisher | Shueisha |
|---|---|
| Author | Eiichiro Oda |
