The Straw Hat Pirates are one of the most iconic crews in anime history. With nine official members, fans often debate who could be the next Mugiwara. Eiichiro Oda loves surprising us, but based on past adventures, there are several strong candidates who could join Luffy on his quest to become Pirate King.
1. Vivi Nefertari
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Why she fits: The princess of Alabasta was already a temporary crew member during the Alabasta arc. Her bond with the Straw Hats is undeniable—she cried when saying goodbye, and the crew raised their arms in solidarity.
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Strengths: Political influence, deep loyalty, and a true friend of the crew.
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Challenges: Her duty to Alabasta makes it difficult to leave permanently.
2. Carrot
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Why she fits: The energetic mink warrior fought side by side with the Straw Hats in the Whole Cake Island arc. She shares their adventurous spirit and loves the sea.
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Strengths: Incredible agility, electricity-based fighting style, and her powerful Sulong transformation.
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Challenges: After Wano, she assumed leadership duties in Zou, which may tie her down.
3. Yamato
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Why she fits: The child of Kaido, who idolizes Oden and dreams of sailing free like him. Yamato’s personality resonates strongly with Luffy’s values.
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Strengths: Enormous physical power, mythical zoan devil fruit, and undying determination.
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Challenges: Chose to stay behind in Wano (for now) to protect the land, but still declared the desire to join someday.
4. Boa Hancock
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Why she fits: The Pirate Empress is madly in love with Luffy and has helped him multiple times. She has the strength and status to be a game-changing ally.
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Strengths: One of the strongest women in the world, master of Haki, and her devil fruit is terrifying.
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Challenges: Her pride, role as ruler of Amazon Lily, and her obsession with Luffy make this unlikely.
5. Bon Clay (Mr. 2)
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Why he fits: A true friend who sacrificed himself more than once for Luffy. His loyalty and selfless spirit capture the essence of a Straw Hat.
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Strengths: Okama Kenpo fighting style and the power of the Clone-Clone Fruit for disguise.
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Challenges: Currently imprisoned in Impel Down as the new Queen of Newkama Land.
6. Jewelry Bonney
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Why she fits: A member of the Worst Generation who has become more important in recent arcs. Her connection to Kuma and Vegapunk ties her closely to the main story.
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Strengths: Unique devil fruit that manipulates age, resourcefulness, and strong willpower.
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Challenges: Still operates her own crew, and her goals may not fully align with the Straw Hats yet.
Final Thoughts
Each of these characters has strong ties to the Straw Hats and could easily fit into their family-like crew.
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Most Emotional Choice: Vivi, the princess who never stopped being a Straw Hat in spirit.
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Most Natural Fit: Carrot, whose energy and loyalty already made her part of the adventure.
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Most Powerful Option: Yamato, a warrior with the strength to stand beside Luffy and Zoro.
Ultimately, Luffy chooses crewmates not for power, but for heart. Whoever becomes the 10th Straw Hat will embody freedom, friendship, and the dream of sailing the seas without limits.
