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Eiichiro Oda's rich world of One Piece resonates through Monkey D. Luffy, captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, and Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea, in an undying bond, birthed from the themes of this series: loyalty, respect, and mutual growing together.
First Meeting: Impel Down and Marineford
This stretch of the Luffy-Jinbe relationship all began in the Impel Down arc, where Jinbe himself had been imprisoned for refusing to participate in the war against Whitebeard. This was what enabled such a deep bond to develop from this first encounter itself, wherein Jinbe noticed resolution in Luffy's eyes and the strength in his spirit.
The Marineford arc really glued them together. He played a very vital role during that very chaotic event when he saved Luffy's life after the death of Portgas D. Ace. That support at the darkest moment of Luffy shaped their deep mutual respect.
Mutual Respect and Understanding
One of the many things that strike about the relationship between Luffy and Jinbe is how both characters have mutual respect for one another. Unlike most characters who join Luffy's crew due to some debt or circumstance, Jinbe aligned himself with Luffy because he honestly looked up to his leadership qualities and unwavering determination.
Jinbe sees in Luffy a leader who has no designs on power or control for its own sake. It is this construing of Luffy's pure motivations that is very deep to Jinbe's values and principles; this therefore establishes a bond that surpasses captain and subordinate.
Jinbe in Luffy's Growth
Having been a seasoned warrior and the former Warlord of the Sea, Shichibukai, Jinbe has had the experience of developing Luffy into a pirate and a leader. His wisdom and experience gave Luffy very invaluable insights, especially about fathoming the New World's complex politics.
A fine example of Jinbe's influence is in the Fishman Island arc, where he guides Luffy through a sensitive situation between humans and fishmen. This goes on to prove that in addition to strength, what is important is diplomacy and understanding.
The Helmsman of the Straw Hat Pirates
Jinbe's official joining to the Straw Hat crew finally makes him their helmsman, marking a big milestone in both his and Luffy's journey. With Jinbe on board, he brings navigational expertise but, more importantly, a sense of maturity and strategic thinking that will complement quite well with Luffy's more impulsive nature.
At the wheel, Jinbe guides the Thousand Sunny through perilous waters and acts as the balancing pole for the entire crew, heading them into times of crisis.
Common Ideals and for Freedom
Freedom is something that both Luffy and Jinbe have in mind, as well as equality. Jinbe, who is a former Sun Pirate whose dream was to link humans and fishmen, shares something very close to Luffy's purposes: showing no regard to prejudice and accepting people for who they are, regardless of background.
This shared ideology is very apparent in their joint efforts to prevent the coup d'état of the New Fish-Man Pirates on Fishman Island. It was explicit that in this case, it was not only evident how they worked synergistically in combat but also standing forward in unity against oppression and discrimination.
The Sun God Nika Connection
Recent developments within the One Piece story arc have foreshadowed that there is more to the Jinbe and Luffy connection with destiny. In addition, it has been explicitly stated that he already knew the legend of the Sun God Nika even before the Wano arcs happened, so he should know the real deal about Luffy, his main nature, and the reason for the Devil Fruit powers he possesses.
This is extra knowledge, so essentially, it adds another layer to their relationship, hinting that Jinbe possibly saw the potential in Luffy to change the world since the beginning of their interactions.