Hello! I’m KENTA! The Straw Hat Crew has now entered the ranks of the Four Emperors and has become one of the most renowned pirate crews. Their bounties are sky-high, with only Chopper remaining at 1000 berries, though even his bounty has increased by 900 berries. For a long time, there have been rumors that the Straw Hat Crew would gain a tenth member. This stems from Luffy’s wish when he first set out to sea, saying he wanted at least ten members. With the developments in the Egghead Arc, new potential candidates for this position have emerged. In this article, I’ll introduce six candidates for the tenth member. Feel free to share your thoughts on who you think the next member might be in the comments!
First Candidate: Kizaru
There have been recent whispers that Kizaru might join the Straw Hat Crew. This theory has gained traction due to his behavior during the battle in the Egghead Arc. It’s clear that Kizaru is experiencing a level of indecision that we haven’t seen before. He himself mentioned that he has a long-standing relationship with Vegapunk and Sentomaru, making this mission emotionally complex for him. However, as an admiral, he must fulfill his duties. Although he ultimately wounded Vegapunk, he was thrown into a warship by Luffy, sustaining severe injuries and withdrawing from the battle.
In Kuma’s past arc, we see Kizaru sharing pizza with Kuma and Bonney and dancing to the rhythm of Nika. These portrayals of Kizaru’s humanity, having to fight those he once shared happy moments with, are unprecedented. Such depictions suggest that Kizaru might betray the government, leading to his potential membership in the Straw Hat Crew.
If Kizaru does become the tenth member, he would undoubtedly bolster the crew’s strength as one of the Four Emperors. While the idea of an admiral joining the crew seems far-fetched, the precedent set by Aokiji, who joined Blackbeard’s crew after leaving the Marines, makes it plausible. The Straw Hat Crew and Blackbeard’s crew share many similarities, such as having a swordsman as the number two and female commanders, and both captains bearing the “D” initial. Hence, it’s speculated that Kizaru, being a former admiral like Aokiji, might join the Straw Hats.
Historically, Kizaru has been known for his methodical approach to missions, but the Egghead Arc has shattered this image. Even if he doesn’t fully betray the government, he might assist the Straw Hats temporarily. This would mean collaboration rather than full membership. Instances of such temporary alliances include Drake in the Wano Country Arc and Rob Lucci in the Egghead Arc. Kizaru’s future moves remain uncertain, making his potential as a Straw Hat member highly anticipated. What do you think?
Second Candidate: Rob Lucci
Rob Lucci, known for his fierce battle against Luffy as a government agent, is also considered a potential Straw Hat member. This idea arose due to his experiences during the Egghead Arc. One key factor is that Lucci witnessed the true form of the Gorosei. This could mean that he, like the Marines with Saint Saturn, faces elimination.
The Gorosei view humans as insects, a sentiment that extends to their subordinates in CP0. Thus, Lucci might need to escape the government to protect Stussy, suggesting he could join the Straw Hats. This theory isn’t new; it began when Lucci started collaborating with the Straw Hats during the Egghead Arc. His interactions with Luffy and Zoro during the Seraphim’s rampage showed a side of Lucci not seen before, making him more relatable.
While Lucci’s strength would be a valuable asset, his history of betrayal and lack of guilt makes him a risky ally. However, knowing the Gorosei’s secret might push him to betray the government. Though imagining Lucci as the tenth member seems odd, unexpected characters have joined the crew before. Oda-sensei is known for misleads regarding new members, such as Robin instead of Vivi and Franky instead of Paulie.
Just as Robin initially appeared as an enemy, Lucci’s potential to join cannot be dismissed. Jimbei’s introduction as a former antagonist who became a vital ally supports this theory. Lucci’s strength and evolving character make him a significant contender.
Third Candidate: Stussy
Stussy has recently gained popularity, with her internal conflict about betrayal increasing her chances of becoming a Straw Hat. Her dark past and unique abilities add to her potential as a member. Luffy has shown he doesn’t mind having non-humans in the crew, welcoming characters like Franky, Brook, and Fish-Men, suggesting he would easily accept a clone like Stussy.
Stussy’s alignment against the World Government further supports this. Her model, the real Buckingham Stussy, was a member of the Rocks Pirates, indicating a pirate’s nature. The Seraphim example shows that traits of the model are inherited, suggesting Stussy would be a formidable ally. Having already betrayed CP0, it’s unlikely she’d return to the government, especially with Vegapunk gone.
After escaping Egghead, Stussy is likely to follow the Straw Hats, respecting Vegapunk’s wishes. Her knowledge of the government’s inner workings would be invaluable. There’s also speculation that the tenth member might be a woman, and Stussy fits this theory well, combining combat skills and insider knowledge.
Initially feared to be captured, her potential membership would be reassuring. Edison urging her to live and the subsequent shift to protect Stussy indicates her strong alliance with the Straw Hats. With Lucci joining forces, even the Gorosei would struggle to apprehend them. Whether Stussy decides to join the Straw Hats or follow Lucci remains a key point of interest.
Fourth Candidate: Jewelry Bonney
Jewelry Bonney immediately became a candidate for a new crew member upon entering the Egghead Arc. Her interactions with Luffy and Chopper, including shared meals, showed how well she fit in. Bonney learned about her father Kuma’s secrets on Egghead and began to show favorable attitudes towards Luffy and his crew. She also found out that Luffy had awakened the long-awaited Nika, adding to her potential as a new member.
Luffy calling Bonney by her correct name early on is notable, as he rarely does this. For instance, he called Law “Tra-guy” until the end. This early name recognition significantly increased the possibility of her joining. Bonney, being part of the Worst Generation, has proven combat capabilities. Her age-related powers also complement Luffy’s, potentially countering the aging effects of his Nika form.
Moreover, Bonney’s role would not overlap with existing crew members. She is considered for the role of an apprentice pirate, similar to Shanks and Buggy on Roger’s ship. Despite her high bounty, her real age is just 12, and her maturity as a pirate is still developing. Luffy values strong resolve, evident from his refusal to accept half-hearted pirates.
Bonney’s potential as an apprentice pirate aligns with the tradition of major pirate crews having young apprentices. Kuma’s significant role in aiding the Straw Hats also strengthens the case for Bonney joining.
Fifth Candidate: Yamato
Yamato, Kaido’s child, was widely expected to join the crew during the Wano Country Arc. However, at the last moment, Yamato decided to stay in Wano to protect it from various threats. This decision surprised many readers who had anticipated Yamato’s addition due to strong combat abilities and unique powers.
Like Jimbei, who joined after a delay, Yamato might eventually join the crew after fulfilling responsibilities in Wano. Yamato expressed a desire to go to sea after exploring Wano, leaving open the possibility of joining the Straw Hats later. Yamato’s strength rivals that of top commanders of the Four Emperors, making this character a valuable addition.
Sixth Candidate: Nefertari Vivi
Vivi has long been a top candidate for the tenth member. Despite parting ways after the Alabasta Arc, the bond between Vivi and the Straw Hats remains strong. When Vivi went missing, the entire crew was deeply concerned, indicating her importance. Vivi was treated as a true member during their adventures.
Although she chose to stay in Alabasta as a princess, the emotional farewell scene is considered one of the series’ most touching moments. Vivi’s understanding of Luffy’s cryptic 3D2Y message highlights her deep connection with the crew. Luffy’s trust in Vivi is further confirmed by official artworks depicting her with the Straw Hats.
Vivi’s situation has changed dramatically, making her return to Alabasta impossible and increasing the likelihood of rejoining the crew. As a member of the D family, Vivi is expected to play a significant role in the final arc. Her involvement in uncovering the Void Century’s secrets with Luffy is highly anticipated.
Conclusion
Any character could become the tenth member, making the future developments even more exciting. MangaZamurai provides in-depth analyses of Japanese manga for readers worldwide. This article explored potential candidates like Luffy, Rob Lucci, and Jewelry Bonney for the Straw Hat Crew. Check out our other exciting articles and share your thoughts in the comments. See you in the next post!
