Relationships

Koby

Koby is Helmeppo's closest (only?) friend and partner.

Morgan

Helmeppo believed his father let him get away with anything because he loved him, but learned that his father never cared for him at all. Morgan didn't care what Helmeppo did because he wasn't even paying attention. In the live action we also see Helmeppo jealous that his father seems to think Zoro would be a better recruit than he is.

In Diary of Kobymeppo we see a lot more of Helmeppo's thoughts on his father. Now that Morgan has been arrested, Helmeppo worries about what will become of him. Will he be executed? Despite Morgan showing that he doesn't love Helmeppo, he still worries. He can't just stop loving his father. Episode 68 is literally so good you should go watch it.

At the end of Koby and Helmeppo's cover story Axe Hand Morgan escapes from the Marines. He tries to use Koby and Helmeppo as shields, thinking the Marines wouldn't hurt one of their own. But they're willing to. Koby has to stop the Marines from firing on Helmeppo and Morgan. But this moment gives Helmeppo a chance to be brave and stand up to his father. This is his most important character moment in the anime/manga as he declares that he will surpass his father.

Garp

Helmeppo's new dad who also sucks but at least he likes Helmeppo. He only hurts and neglects his OWN children/grandchildren.

Rika

Rika is the little girl who Helmeppo was really mean to at the beginning of the story. But throughout his character development in the Diary of Kobymeppo we see him befriend her!! It's very sweet! Rika represents a lot of Helmeppo's change.

Luffy

While Zoro is his foil, Helmeppo seems to have stronger feelings about Luffy in the anime/manga. He sees Luffy as the personal responsible for his father's downfall. During the Diary of Kobymeppo we see him expressing anger towards Luffy, but by the time we reach Post-Enies Lobby he just wants Luffy to remember him and talk to him like he talks to Koby.

Zoro

Helmeppo serves as the Zoro to Koby's Luffy, a best friend and right-hand man. When Koby and Luffy interact, Zoro and Helmeppo get a moment as well. Zoro is the only member of the Straw Hats Helmeppo has actually fought. The live action takes their relationship a little further, making their rivalry more personal via Zoro cutting Helmeppo's hair. Zoro is also used to give live action Helmeppo a different motivation than his animanga counterpart. His main goal is to surpass Zoro rather than his father.

Tashigi

While Tashigi and Helmeppo have not directly spoken in canon (afaik), there are still things we can tell about their relationship. During the Egghead arc Tashigi sticks up for Helmeppo when speaking to Vice Admiral Doll. She calls Koby a precious junior to her, but I believe we can extrapolate that to include Helmeppo as well.

Tashigi and Helmeppo also both have a rivalry with Zoro and specialize in swords. They have potential to connect and train together. I think Tashigi wouldn't like him at first, but over time she would learn to respect him and they could be good friends.

Hibari

Rivals for Koby's affections how tragic.

During the Egghead arc we see Helmeppo and Hibari having a good relationship. They share a goal.