Obsessing over the next potential member of the Straw Hat Pirates is simply a fact of life for One Piece fans. Seeing Monkey D. Luffy welcome more misfits into his crew adds to the series’ wholesome nature — and another member to the Straw Hats found family. Those poignant moments make readers and viewers develop a deeper connection with the crew because this quirky team is growing and evolving in fun ways, feeling like a home for the lost.
A sense of expectation grows with so many potential or fake-out members introduced in every new story arc. Certain characters mesh perfectly with the Straw Hat Pirates’ chemistry. Yet, the last member to join is Jinbe, who joined in spirit after joining Luffy in the Impel Down jailbreak. Vivi will still likely find her way back to the crew, but another addition, especially since the story has entered its final phase, is risky.
Every One Piece Arc Contains a Potential Straw Hat
There have been constant teases and opportunities for new crew members as the Straw Hat Pirates troll from one island to the next. Their brilliant friendships and alliances carry large numbers of individuals who work nicely with the Straw Hat chemistry. These people have filled a large pool of potential members who need the right moment to join the crew fully.
Individuals like Yamato, Smoker, Perona, and Bellamy will inevitably reappear before the story concludes. They are three of many others who developed unique ties with the Straw Hat Pirates during their journey who have incomplete goals that would benefit from joining Luffy, at least his Grand Fleet. With the largest battle in One Piece on the horizon, almost every potential player will be on the field, creating any number of opportunities for more mates.
Brook and Jinbe‘s Introductions Pave a Path for a New Member
Eiichiro Oda leans into parallels to create cohesiveness and connection within One Piece, building occasional predictable or established elements within the chaotic world so certain moments feel natural and deserved. Most members of the Straw Hat Pirates earned their way onto the crew through an arc or saga-long adventures with Luffy, but there are exceptions like Robin, Brook, and Jinbe. Brook’s near-immediate invitation to the crew is jarring for the other Straw Hat Pirates and viewers, as it shows that new memberships will blossom at any minute without the need for time investments. And Jinbe highlights how someone could join long after their introduction once they finish their current duties and their life aligns with the Straw Hat Pirates.
Multiple potential mates stem from previous adventures and would fulfill many people’s headcanons or theories. People like Smoker or Aokiji wouldn’t fit nicely for long-term treks with the crew but would be ideal bonus members in the showdowns with the World Government. There is also the possibility for the ultimate x-factor, like an unseen member of the Revolutionaries, a Vegapunk manifestation, or some other newer individual who would fill a temporary role that aids the Straw Hat Pirates in obtaining their dreams.
The Road to Laugh Tale and the Final War Will Complicate Alliances
Many different organizations are entering the final conflicts, and while many share ties or similar views, the alliances and relationships are still developing. As the battles commence, tides shift, and lives are at risk, there will be blurred lines, tentative agreements, and wonderful unpredictability. Many potential shifts lie in the rough relationship between the World Government and the Marines, especially the groups within both: CP-0 and SWORD.
As discord emerges in the Marines and Government, the morally upright outliers will realize that changing the system from within will not go as smoothly as planned and support the paradigm shift from a tyrannical reign to a more accessible world. Some soldiers will stay with their ship and fight till the end, but others might break out after seeing enough of the horrors caused by the World Government. Smoker or Tashigi could become temporary cremates, or even a wildcard like Tsuru or Hina could become a momentary member to help defeat the world’s evils.
Princess Vivi Isn’t the Only Close Friend That Could Return
It is almost a guarantee Vivi will fulfill her desire to rejoin the crew, thanks to her new friends in Sabo and Big News Morgan. That said, she isn’t the only person to deeply connect with the crew — many old characters have already shown up through Cross Guild, CP-0, and at the Reverie, but more will return when the prisoners from Impel Down break free again.
Doflamingo is an impressive ally for any group and will likely side with Cross Guild while pushing his agenda, but he will be the catalyst for the breakout. Luffy’s most supportive and passionate ally during his prison break, Bon Clay, is overdue for a return to the story. His loyalties could push him to support the Revolutionaries, but he tends to follow his heart. It may be a long shot, but Bon Clay could easily fit in with the crew dynamic, full of any number of roles with his face-changing powers, and provide one of the sweetest reunions to date when he and Luffy reconnect.
Part of enjoying One Piece is riding out the adventure, knowing there are unexpected twists and turns, wild callbacks, and fresh experiences ahead that shine brighter through the eyes of the Straw Hat Pirates. Each new member has enhanced the crew’s relatability, emotional depth, and motley familial vibes. The prospect of another oddball becoming part of Luffy’s family is thrilling and comforting, even if they are late addition. Every Straw Hat pirate benefits from having a more extensive, diverse support system, further cementing their potential to survive and obtain their dreams while developing into more complete people.