One Piece: Exploring Possibilities of a Third Ship for the Straw Hat Pirates after the Thousand Sunny

Mangaka Eiichiro Oda has confirmed that the One Piece series has reached its final segment. The Straw Hat Pirates are now powerful enemies of the World Government and are currently facing off against some of their top leaders. The ongoing Egghead Island arc suggests that Vegapunk, his satellites, and Bonney may join the Thousand Sunny crew, but it is uncertain whether they will officially become members or simply remain allies, as seen with characters like Bartolomeo, Vivi, and Yamato expressing a desire to join the crew.

Ever since its introduction in the Water 7 Saga, the Thousand Sunny has served as the loyal ship of the Straw Hat Pirates. Despite the increasing number of crew members, there may be concerns about limited space aboard the ship. This raises the question of whether the Straw Hats will look into obtaining a new vessel.

It appears that the answer is a resounding no, and there are strong justifications for this decision.

The Thousand Sunny is to carry the Straw Hats to the One Piece treasure

The Going Merry figurehead as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Luffy and his companions embarked on numerous adventures on various nameless vessels in One Piece. Fans of the series will fondly recall the tiny boat that Luffy used to set sail from Foosha Village on Dawn Island when he came of age. His journey continued on a barrel, multiple boats, and a small ship before Kaya presented him and the other Straw Hats with the Going Merry, their first full-sized ship.

As time passed, the crew developed a deep attachment to the Going Merry, and the ship seemed to take on a life of its own, becoming the water spirit Klabautermann as a result of the love and care it received. The ship had a knack for repairing itself so that it could keep accompanying the Straw Hats on their travels. However, its final voyage from Water 7 to Enies Lobby resulted in irreparable damage, prompting an emotional farewell as the crew gave the Going Merry a viking funeral.

The crew’s next ship, the Thousand Sunny, was expertly designed and built by the talented shipwright Franky, who also became a member of the crew. The ship was personalized to meet the unique needs of each crew member and showcased numerous state-of-the-art features. It appears unlikely that the Thousand Sunny will be replaced unless there is a compelling need for a significant update.

Franky as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Two main reasons why the current ship cannot be replaced

The Thousand Sunny is crafted from Adam Wood, renowned for its durability in shipbuilding, the very same material used in Pirate King Gol D. Roger’s legendary vessel that carried him to Laugh Tale. However, securing this rare and expensive timber forced Franky to turn to the black market in order to fulfill his ambitious project. Consequently, replicating such a ship appears incredibly impractical.

Secondly, the lore of One Piece has recently revealed the significant relevance of the Thousand Sunny. The ship's figurehead features a large lion face with two crossbones behind it, resembling a Jolly Roger. Meanwhile, Luffy's Devil Fruit's Awakened form is Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, which transforms him into the sun god Nika. Given the zodiac symbolism associating the lion with the sun, it seems clear that this ship is destined to guide the sun god to fulfill his journey.

The Thousand Sunny as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Introducing a new ship at this point in the One Piece narrative would be unwise. As the story approaches its climax, a new ship would require both the crew and the readers to go through an adjustment period to form an emotional bond. The Thousand Sunny, with its superior construction, narrative significance, and the crew's emotional attachment, will remain the Straw Hat Pirates' vessel until the end of their journey.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of One Piece, I have mixed feelings about the possibility of a third ship for the Straw Hat Pirates. On the one hand, I understand the reasons why the Thousand Sunny may not be easily replaced. It is a powerful and durable ship made from rare materials, and it has a lot of sentimental value for the crew. On the other hand, I can't help but feel that it would be exciting to see the Straw Hats embark on a new adventure in a new ship. A new ship could symbolize a new beginning for the crew, and it could also give Oda an opportunity to introduce new features and abilities.

Ultimately, I think it is up to Oda to decide whether or not to introduce a third ship. He is the creator of the One Piece world, and he knows what is best for the story. I trust that he will make the right decision, and I am excited to see what the future holds for the Straw Hat Pirates.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.