Brook

Lore & Background

Seventy years before the present, Brook was the leader of a battle convoy in the kingdom of Esperia before becoming the musician swordsman and later captain of the Rumbar Pirates. Fifty-two years ago before the current story, the Rumbar Pirates left their pet the infant whale Laboon at Reverse Mountain and promised Laboon to return for him after they circumnavigated the world. The Rumbar Pirates were killed in the misty Florian Triangle but Brook was brought back to life by the Devil Fruit he previously ate. Decades later, Brook loses his shadow to the pirate Gecko Moria, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, forcing Brook to stay out of the sunlight or face disintegration. Five years later, Monkey D. Luffy recruits Brook to join the Straw Hats after restoring his shadow. Brook's goal is to circle the Grand Line and return to Reverse Mountain, reuniting with the whale, Laboon, and fulfilling the promise the Rumbar Pirates made. Within two years, "Soul King Brook" becomes a globally renowned rock star. Brook then returns to the Straw Hats, and steals a crucial piece of Big Mom's treasure which helps reveal the location of the One Piece. After Luffy becomes recognized as an Emperor of the Sea, Brook is named one of Luffy's nine commanders.

In Their Own Story

The fog rolled thick over the deck of the Thousand Sunny as the crew navigated the haunted waters. Suddenly, a violin melody cut through the silence, melancholic yet vibrant. Brook stood atop the crow's nest, his bony fingers dancing across the strings, his eye socket wide with a grin that defied nature. "Skull jokes are best shared when the wind is howling!" he chuckled, leaping down to land gracefully without a sound. He spun his cane, the blade gleaming in the moonlight, ready to slice through any shadow that dared disturb his friends' slumber.

Reader's Guide

Brook serves as the Straw Hat Pirates' musician and swordsman, bringing a unique blend of comedy and lethal skill to the crew. His journey began with the tragic loss of his former crew, the Rumbar Pirates, which led him to wander the sea for decades in search of closure. After joining Luffy's crew, he found a new family and finally fulfilled his promise to Laboon, reuniting with the whale at Reverse Mountain before returning to the crew. His powers stem from the Yomi Yomi no Mi, granting him life after death and ghost-like abilities such as soul projection and intangibility. In battle, he utilizes the 'Soul Solid' sword, which can freeze enemies on contact due to his cold spirit. He has also mastered Armament and Observation Haki, allowing him to fight at a high level against powerful adversaries. Defining moments include his introduction in Thriller Bark, where he revealed his tragic backstory and joined the crew, and his reunion with Laboon. His growth is marked by the transition from a lonely ghost seeking closure to a loyal pirate who values life above all else.

Did You Know?

• Brook's first appearance was in chapter 442, first published in Japan on January 29, 2007.
• The idea of a skeleton musician was first conceived by Oda in 2000, seven years before Brook's debut.
• Brook's original concept art showed him with a western cowboy hat instead of an afro; that design was later given to Yorki.
• Brook carries a recording of the Rumbar Pirates' last song, 'Bink's Sake,' played with their dying breaths.
• Brook claims he can heal from most fractures to his body by drinking milk.