The Potential Addition of One of the Queens to the Straw Hat Pirates

The One Piece series is renowned for its length and the plethora of fan theories it has generated. Despite the mixed results, these theories provide insight into the richly imagined world created by author Eiichiro Oda. Now, speculation has arisen about the potential new member of Luffy's crew.

Devoted One Piece fans have long speculated about the possibility of the Straw Hats Pirates gaining a new member, particularly since Luffy aims to have ten members and currently has nine. Numerous individuals are considered suitable candidates for this role. However, a recent theory has emerged suggesting that the new member may come from the ranks of two queens who have a significant history with the Straw Hats: Vivi Nerfertari and Boa Hancock.

Explaining why one of Vivi or Hancock could join the Straw Hats according to a One Piece theory

The image of Boa Hancock and Vivi Nefertari is provided by Toei Animation.

Boa Hancock and Vivi Nefertari, as the queens of Amazon Lily and Alabasta, have formed strong connections with the main One Piece crew, especially with Luffy. With the enduring speculation about the Straw Hats recruiting a new member, there are several compelling reasons to consider why either of them could potentially become a part of the crew in the manga.

Vivi's character was notably absent after the Alabasta arc, but made a comeback in the Reverie flashback. It was revealed that her great grand aunt, Nefertari D. Lily, played a significant role in the history of the Void Century, rejecting the life of a Celestial Dragon. Imu confirmed that she was responsible for scattering the Poneglyphs across the world. Surprisingly, Vivi was also revealed to be a "D", a detail that was likely not added by Eiichiro Oda without purpose. Currently, Vivi is on Morgan's ship, heading towards Egghead where the Straw Hats are, raising the possibility of a reunion.

Vivi has already traveled with the Straw Hats before reaching Alabasta and had even considered leaving her country to join them in their adventures. This potential reunion could bring things full circle, especially since the audience is already familiar with Vivi and has a strong connection to her.

However, the drawback of this theory is that Vivi may not have the strength to keep up with the current version of the Straw Hats, as she was left behind in Alabasta. Some speculate that she could acquire Kuma's Devil Fruit power, but there is no certainty of that and no information about her training in the last two years.

However, the counterargument to this is that she is not going to fight and is going to be the Straw Hats' political representative, which is also important in One Piece.

The argument for Boa Hancock

Boa Hancock is frequently seen as just fanservice by One Piece fans, but her affection for Luffy, often played for laughs, has actually been shown to be deeply genuine. She was ready to jeopardize her Warlord status and personal safety to assist Luffy in rescuing his brother Ace. This demonstrates a sincere level of loyalty and concern for the Straw Hats captain that goes beyond simple comedic relief.

The contrast and theme with Gloriosa, the former queen of Amazon Lily, also adds an interesting dynamic. While she once joined the Rocks Pirates in her younger years, there is speculation that Hancock could potentially align herself with the Straw Hats. It's important for fans to consider what Blackbeard did to her in recent chapters, which could provide a compelling reason for her to join the crew, beyond her affection for Luffy.

In terms of strength, Hancock holds her own compared to most of the Straw Hats. Although she may not measure up to the heavy hitters of the One Piece manga, her formidable Devil Fruit abilities make her a force to be reckoned with in many situations. Some argue that she may even surpass the strength of Chopper, Brook, Franky, Nami, and Usopp.

Final thoughts

It is highly likely that a new member will join the Straw Hats before the One Piece series concludes. This new addition will probably be a character that fans are already acquainted with, due to the limited time remaining. Both Hancock and Vivi have compelling reasons to become part of the crew.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of One Piece, I am thrilled by the possibility of Vivi or Hancock joining the Straw Hat Pirates. Both characters have a rich history with the crew and possess unique strengths that could greatly benefit the team. Vivi's political knowledge and diplomatic skills would be invaluable in navigating the complex world of One Piece, while Hancock's immense strength and unwavering loyalty would make her a formidable asset in battle.

Personally, I lean towards Hancock as the more likely candidate. Her character has undergone significant development throughout the series, and her genuine affection for Luffy feels like a natural progression towards becoming a full-fledged member of the crew. The potential for her to break free from her past and find a new home with the Straw Hats is a compelling narrative that I would love to see explored.

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.