Monkey D. Luffy was the main protagonist of the One Piece story and the unlikely savior of many of anime's denizens. Though his strength has increased considerably as the story progressed, his earliest wins reflect the progress he has made.
By the time he had concluded his exploits on the East Blue, the Straw Hat captain had accumulated a reasonably high bounty for his victories over other pirates. By identifying his earliest triumphs, we can better appreciate the many ways in which he has touched the lives of others through his heroism.
10 Alvida Was A Loudmouthed Menace With No Special Abilities
Alvida was the first opponent for Luffy to have ever fought and defeated. Her iron mace made her a terror and legend on the East Blue, especially for the strength she commanded.
However, Monkey's rubber body made him immune to her blunt attacks. When she was defeated and forcibly launched from her ship, her crew gaped in awe. After this humiliation, Alvida would acquire the Slip-Slip fruit, joining Buggy's crew and vowing to meet the Straw Hat pirate again one day.
9 Ax-Hand Morgan Was A Self Absorbed Tyrant
Ax-Hand Morgan was a marine who captured and tortured Zoro for his insolence. Since he could not defeat the swordsman through his own merits, he coerced him into surrendering by threatening the local populace.
Obsessed with his own image, Morgan attempted to erect a gigantic statue in his likeness so that all might appreciate it. When Luffy arrived to defeat him and free his new cremate, the monument to his ego would come crashing down, and Morgan would be arrested shortly after. He was the first Marine villain who Monkey fought and defeated.
8 Buggy The Clown Was The Enemy Devil Fruit User Luffy Faced
Buggy the Clown terrorized Orange Town and hoarded a copious amount of riches. This attracted Nami's attention, who would soon become the navigator for the Straw Hat pirates.
While Luffy was immune to blunt attacks, Buggy was immune to sharp ones (since he could disperse his body into slices at will). Along with the minions he commanded, this made him a decent challenge for the aspiring captain - even if he would be decisively beaten regardless of his advantages. His first run-in with the protagonist cost him much of his limbs and scattered his crew across the East Blue. They would later have a tearful reunion and vow revenge against the man who separated them.
7 Captain Kuro Nearly Butchered An Entire Town
Captain Kuro was a butler for Miss Kaya, a sickly woman in Syrup Village and an interest of Usopp. He spent several years in her service, growing closer to her so that he might one day claim her life and fortune. To eliminate evidence of his plot, he also intended to butcher the peasantry so that they could not report his actions to the Marines.
Providentially, Luffy was able to defeat him in spite of the fact that his claws capitalized on Luffy's vulnerability to sharp objects. His victory won Usopp to his crew.
6 Don Krieg Was A Sinister Veteran Of The Grand Line
Don Krieg was a veteran of the Grand Line infamous for his underhanded tactics and many weapons. His fleet was decimated by Mihawk after drawing his ire, forcing him to prey upon the hospitality of Zeff in order to regain his bearings.
Once he had, he unleashed his pirates on the restaurant and caused considerable destruction. While Luffy was able to defeat him, he sank beneath the sea for what injuries were sustained in the battle.
5 Arlong Was A Conniving Fish Man Who Held Nami's Village Hostage
Arlong was a Fish Man who held Nami's village hostage, using it as leverage over her in order to guarantee her loyalty and navigational prowess. He manipulated her into collecting money to purchase her peoples' release, unwilling to make good on his word.
When Luffy arrived to confront the villain at Arlong Park, the battle that ensued was harrowingly close. Capable of shrugging off a point-blank attack from Zoro and crushing cannonballs in his jaws, the Fish Man's strength and durability were nearly unbeatable at the time.
4 Luffy Escaped From Smoker & Buggy At Loguetown
Loguetown was the place where Gol D. Roger was executed. During Luffy's visit, Buggy and Alvida captured him, attempting to claim his life through an ironic execution.
Captain Smoker watched from the distance, allowing the pirates to quarrel among themselves. Once an unnatural storm assisted in Luffy's escape, neither the criminals nor the marines were capable of recapturing him. It was a providential miracle for the Straw Hats, though their captain remained equally reckless in future journeys.
3 Luffy Defeated Eric & Saved An Ancient Race Of Dragons
Eric was a mercenary contract to the Marines who would later betray them in order to acquire Dragonite for himself. By drinking its distilled essence, he hoped to make himself immortal.
Though the bounty hunter's Sickle-Sickle fruit provided a perfect counter to Luffy (with slicing ranged attacks that capitalized on his opponent's rubber body), the Straw Hat captain nonetheless struck him down and saved his ancient allies. Eric would stow away on the Going Merry and ambush them as they entered the Grand Line, only to be ejected by Nami and presumably killed since he can't swim.
2 Galdino Was A Baroque Works Agent Strong Enough To Subdue Giants
Galdino (otherwise known as Mr. Three) was a talented Baroque Works agent known for his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage. By capitalizing on the feud between two giants, he managed to sedate both of them and nearly claimed their considerable bounties.
Were it not for Luffy's intervention, he would have turned Nami, Zoro, and Vivi into candlewax statues. After his defeat, he was fed to Crocodile's monsters in the Alabasta arc though would miraculously survive yet again.
1 Wapol Was The Despot Of Drum Kingdom Who Banished Its Doctors
Wapol was the leader of Drum Kingdom and a man obsessed with power. Understanding that he did not have the resources for complete military dominance, he instead banished every doctor in the nation, reserving twenty medics for his personal staff.
If anyone became sick, they would be forced to come to him in order for their ailments to be treated. Were it not for the Straw Hats' assistance (further supported by Chopper), he would have reclaimed his former castle alongside his sycophants and attempted to re-establish his rule.
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