Luffy’s crew, also known as the Straw Hat Pirates, is the main focus of the popular anime and manga series One Piece. Over the course of the story, Luffy travels across the seas to find the mythical treasure called One Piece and become the King of the Pirates, gathering loyal and powerful friends to join his cause. His crew starts small with just a few members but eventually expands to 10 members who sail together on their ship, the Thousand Sunny.
The 10 members who join Luffy on his adventures are: Roronoa Zoro (swordsman), Nami (navigator), Usopp (sniper), Sanji (chef), Tony Tony Chopper (doctor), Nico Robin (archaeologist), Franky (shipwright), Brook (musician) and Jinbe (helmsman). Each member has their own strengths and specialties that contribute to the success of the crew.
However, Luffy desires to have at least 10 crewmates before entering the treacherous New World region of the Grand Line. This begs the question: who will become the 11th member of the Straw Hat Pirates? There are many speculations among One Piece fans regarding when and who this 11th member could be.
Speculations on the Identity of the 11th Member
Here are some of the most popular theories about the potential 11th Straw Hat Pirate member:
Carrot
Carrot is a mink and a member of the Inuarashi Musketeer Squad from Zou. She stowed away on the Straw Hats’ ship to join them on their journey to Whole Cake Island and participated in the fight against Big Mom’s forces.
Carrot has proven herself to be a strong and agile fighter with electrical abilities thanks to her mink powers. She also has an innocence and curiosity that would fit right in with the eccentric Straw Hats. Many fans think she could join as a scout or lookout.
Yamato
Yamato is the daughter of Kaido, one of the Four Emperors. She has made it clear she wants to set sail with Luffy just like the legendary samurai Kozuki Oden did with Gol D. Roger.
She has shown she is extremely strong, able to fight her father Kaido equally. She also has a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit ability allowing her to transform into a wolf. Her strength and willfulness make her a likely candidate to join the crew.
Momonosuke
Momonosuke is the young lord of Wano Country. He accidentally traveled forward in time and met the Straw Hats when they came to Wano.
Although still a child, Momonosuke has great leadership capabilities inherited from his father Oden. He also has ties to ancient Wano history and the ability to communicate with Zunisha, making him invaluable on their continuing journey.
Smoker
Smoker is a Marine vice-admiral who has hunted Luffy since Loguetown. However, he has also worked together with Luffy when they share a common enemy.
Some fans speculate Smoker may eventually leave the marines to join Luffy as part of his crew. This would add another strong fighter on their side.
Bartolomeo
Bartolomeo is the captain of the Barto Club Pirates and a big fan of Luffy and the Straw Hats. He was one of the gladiators who fought in the Corrida Colosseum to compete for the Mera Mera no Mi.
His barrier barrier fruit powers make him very resilient in battle. His fanatical devotion to Luffy also makes him likely to accept an invitation to join their crew if given the chance.
Vivi
Vivi was an honorary member of the Straw Hats when they helped her save her kingdom, Alabasta. She had to remain behind to rule her people but promised she would always consider herself a Straw Hat at heart.
Some fans think Vivi could permanently join their crew later on after settling affairs in her kingdom. This would bring the Straw Hats full circle.
Bon Clay
Bon Clay, also known as Mr. 2, helped the Straw Hats escape Alabasta by disguising himself as Luffy during his final fight with Luffy. This put him at odds with the World Government.
His cloning powers from the Clone-Clone Fruit would make him a useful scout and spy. If he ever meets Luffy again, he may be offered an official spot on the crew.
Katakuri
Katakuri is Big Mom’s strongest son and one of her three Sweet Commanders. However, Luffy managed to earn Katakuri’s respect during their epic fight in Whole Cake Island.
Some fans speculate Katakuri could turn on his mother in the future and join forces with Luffy. Having such a powerful veteran pirate on their side would bolster the crew.
Jewelry Bonney
Jewelry Bonney is a gluttonous pirate captain with unknown origins. She has a Devil Fruit power that allows her to alter people’s ages.
She has some past connection to Akainu and Kuzan that has yet to be revealed in full. If she joins forces with Luffy, she could share information on the marines.
Marco
Marco was Whitebeard’s right-hand man and the first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. He remains very loyal to Whitebeard’s memory.
Since Luffy also respected Whitebeard, some fans think Marco may ally with Luffy to preserve Whitebeard’s legacy. His Mythical Zoan abilities would make him extremely formidable.
| Candidate | Reasons to Join |
|---|---|
| Carrot | Strong mink, agile fighter, curiosity fits crew dynamic |
| Yamato | Extremely strong, wants to sail with Luffy like Oden did |
| Momonosuke | Future leader of Wano, can communicate with Zunisha |
| Smoker | Powerful vice-admiral who may turn on marines |
| Bartolomeo | Barrier powers, fanatical devotion to Luffy |
| Vivi | Honorary Straw Hat, would bring story full circle |
| Bon Clay | Useful transformation powers, previously helped crew |
| Katakuri | Extremely powerful Sweet Commander who respects Luffy |
| Jewelry Bonney | Age manipulation powers, marine connections |
| Marco | First mate of Whitebeard Pirates, Mythical Zoan user |
When Will the 11th Member Join?
There are a few likely scenarios for when Luffy could gain his 11th crew member:
During or after Wano Country Arc
The Wano Country arc has introduced many potential candidates like Yamato, Momonosuke, and even Kin’emon. It’s possible someone from Wano could fill the open spot after Kaido is defeated.
During Final War
The Final War against the World Government will be Luffy’s biggest battle. He may gain allies during this war who could join permanently after like Vivi or Bon Clay.
During Search for One Piece
After Wano, Luffy will resume his search for the One Piece. He may still meet candidates like Jewelry Bonney or Marco during this journey before arriving at Laugh Tale.
After Becoming Pirate King
Luffy may wait until after he finds One Piece and becomes King of the Pirates to recruit his final crewmember. This could be an incredibly powerful pirate like Katakuri.
Conclusion
Who will become the 11th member of the Straw Hats remains one of the biggest mysteries in One Piece. There are many strong candidates fans speculate could fill this last spot for a variety of great reasons.
Some likely options include Yamato, Carrot, Momonosuke, or Vivi joining during or after Wano. Or Luffy could recruit someone much later on like Bon Clay, Marco, or even Katakuri after becoming King of the Pirates. Whoever it ends up being, they will need to be a loyal and formidable pirate worthy of sailing under the future Pirate King Monkey D. Luffy as he continues his iconic adventures across the vast seas in pursuit of the legendary One Piece treasure.