Why One Piece Needs Another Straw Hat Member 👒
The first question that needs answering: why does there need to be another Straw Hat in the final saga?
You might be wondering: Technically, the crew seems complete. But Eiichiro Oda has established patterns throughout One Piece that point to one more member joining.
Luffy’s Original Goal: At Least 10 People
The reason goes back to Chapter 1 of One Piece, where Luffy first set out on his journey. Immediately after leaving Foosha Village, Luffy started counting how many people he wanted on his crew:
“At least 10 more people were the bare minimum I was looking for.” — Monkey D. Luffy
This statement is crucial. It means:
✓ Minimum of 10 crew members under Luffy as captain
✓ Possibility of more than 10 if circumstances allow
✓ At least one more member must join in the final saga
The Pattern Of Rival Crews 🏴☠️
Oda has established other patterns that reinforce this need:
| Crew | Captain | Number of Commanders/Officers |
|---|---|---|
| Blackbeard Pirates | Marshall D. Teach | 10 Titanic Commanders |
| Red Hair Pirates | Shanks | 10 Senior Officers |
| Straw Hat Pirates | Monkey D. Luffy | Currently 9 (needs 1 more) |
💡 Critical pattern recognition: The Blackbeard Pirates are going to be the final match-up for the Straw Hats, and they have 10 commanders under Blackbeard. Similarly, the Red Hair Pirates led by Shanks have 10 officers.
To form an even match-up against these endgame threats, the Straw Hats need at least one more member.
Current Straw Hat Roster
Let me break down the current confirmed members:
- Monkey D. Luffy – Captain
- Roronoa Zoro – Swordsman/First Mate
- Nami – Navigator
- Usopp – Sniper
- Sanji – Cook
- Tony Tony Chopper – Doctor
- Nico Robin – Archaeologist
- Franky – Shipwright
- Brook – Musician
- Jinbe – Helmsman
That’s 9 crew members under Luffy, meaning we need one more to hit his minimum goal.
Who Are The Candidates For Last Straw Hat? 🤔
Over the years since the time skip, Oda has teased multiple characters to join as the final member.
Previous Teased Candidates
Yamato (Wano Country Arc):
✓ Explicitly asked to join the crew
✓ Had established relationship with Ace
✓ Possessed powerful Devil Fruit
❌ Chose to stay and protect Wano instead
Jewelry Bonney (Egghead Arc):
✓ Traveled with the crew extensively
✓ Had tragic backstory revealed
✓ Bonded with Luffy over food
❌ Found her place with the Revolutionary Army
Vivi (Potential Return):
✓ Former honorary Straw Hat member
✓ Currently has nowhere to go
✓ Fans desperately want her return
❌ Circumstances don’t allow rejoining yet
Current Elbaf Arc Candidates
| Candidate | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Loki | Luffy wants him to join; powerful warrior | Too big for Sunny; needs to protect Elbaf |
| Princess Shuri | Connected to Brook; nowhere to go; fits pattern | Currently brainwashed as Gunko |
Why Princess Shuri Will Be The Last Straw Hat 👑
Here’s where Oda’s quiet setup becomes crystal clear. Princess Shuri checks every box for the final member.
Who Is Princess Shuri?
Princess Shuri is a former princess from a kingdom likely in the West Blue. She was introduced in the Elbaf Arc as one of the Celestial Dragons bearing the name Gunko of the Manmayer family.
But here’s the twist: She’s been brainwashed by Imu for over 60 years and has no memory of her true identity.
The Brook Connection 🎻
Princess Shuri holds a deep connection to Soul King Brook that goes back over 50 years:
When Brook first joined Luffy, he mentioned he used to be the leader of the battle convoy of a certain kingdom long ago.
This kingdom was Princess Shuri’s homeland, and her father was Brook’s benefactor – similar to how Shanks is for Luffy.
The Tragic Backstory
What we know about Princess Shuri’s past:
✓ She killed her own father → earned nickname “the father-killing princess”
✓ Made some form of deal with the World Government
✓ Holy Knights got involved in the process
✓ Ended up in the Holy Land of Marijoa
✓ Brainwashed by Imu to assume identity of Gunko
💡 Key insight: The truth behind these events is still unknown, but Oda is clearly establishing that Princess Shuri is a victim, not a willing collaborator.
Princess Shuri’s Actions In Elbaf Arc
Here’s the smoking gun: Princess Shuri is actively helping Brook and the Straw Hat Pirates in the current arc.
What she’s done:
✓ Saved Brook from certain death
✓ Freed the remaining Straw Hat Pirates from captivity
✓ Protected the crew when half would be dead without her
❌ Common misconception: Thinking Gunko is purely villainous. She’s a victim of Imu’s mind control who needs to be saved.
The Princess Pattern In One Piece 🌸
One of the most consistent patterns in One Piece: In each arc, Luffy ends up saving a princess.
Historical Princess Pattern
| Arc | Princess Saved | What Happened After |
|---|---|---|
| Arabasta | Vivi | Became honorary Straw Hat (chose to stay) |
| Dressrosa | Rebecca | Stayed to rebuild with Kyros |
| Wano Country | Hiyori (& Momonosuke) | Became Wano’s leaders |
| Egghead | Jewelry Bonney | Joined Revolutionary Army |
| Elbaf | Princess Shuri | Will join Straw Hats |
Why This Pattern Matters
The pattern isn’t just about saving princesses – it’s about what happens after:
- Luffy saves the princess from tyrannical force
- Princess has nowhere to go (kingdom destroyed/changed)
- Princess either stays to rebuild or joins the crew
In Princess Shuri’s case:
❌ Her kingdom is gone (over 60 years ago)
❌ Her father is dead (killed by her, though circumstances unknown)
❌ She has no home after being freed from mind control
✓ The Straw Hats become her new home
💡 Critical prediction: Once Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates rescue Shuri and break her free from Imu’s control, the only place she can truly go is with the crew.
Why Princess Shuri Fits The Final Member Role 🎯
Let me break down why Shuri is the perfect final addition:
Connection To Existing Crew Member
Every Straw Hat has had a personal connection to Luffy or another crew member before joining:
| Member | Connection Before Joining |
|---|---|
| Zoro | Saved by Luffy from execution |
| Nami | Village saved by Luffy |
| Usopp | Friend and village saved |
| Sanji | Restaurant and mentor saved |
| Chopper | Befriended and accepted by Luffy |
| Robin | Saved from World Government |
| Franky | Galley-La resolved, Tom’s legacy |
| Brook | Laboon connection, saved shadow |
| Jinbe | Alliance since Impel Down, saved Luffy |
Princess Shuri: Connected to Brook personally from 50+ years ago. Her father was Brook’s benefactor, making this one of the deepest historical connections in the series.
The “Nowhere To Go” Factor
✓ Over 60 years have passed since Imu took control
✓ Her kingdom likely no longer exists in recognizable form
✓ No family remaining (father killed, timeline moved on)
✓ Spent decades as Gunko with false identity
After liberation, Princess Shuri has literally nowhere to return to except the Straw Hats.
Combat Role & Abilities
While we haven’t seen her full combat potential yet, Princess Shuri as Gunko has demonstrated:
✓ Holy Knight level combat skills
✓ Ability to counter other Holy Knights
✓ Strategic thinking (freed the Straw Hats)
✓ Celestial Dragon resources knowledge
💡 Potential role on crew: Could serve as a fighter/strategist with unique knowledge of the World Government’s inner workings – something no other Straw Hat possesses.
Thematic Significance
Brook’s arc completion: Brook joined the crew without resolving his past beyond Laboon. Princess Shuri represents his unfinished business – the kingdom he served, the princess he likely protected, and the benefactor he honored.
Generational healing: Shuri represents someone who lost 60 years to Imu’s control. Her liberation and joining the crew would symbolize breaking free from the World Government’s longest-running crimes.
Why Loki Won’t Join The Crew ⛔
The biggest counter-argument to Shuri joining is the theory that Loki will be the final member. Let me explain why this won’t happen.
Physical Impossibility
❌ Loki is an Ancient Giant – Significantly larger than normal giants
❌ The Thousand Sunny has size limitations – Can’t accommodate his size
❌ No modifications planned – Sunny isn’t getting rebuilt
Loki is way too big to fit on the Sunny and would do better as a Grand Fleet ally rather than actual crew member.
Narrative Responsibility
After recent events in Elbaf, Loki has responsibilities:
✓ Forgiven by Elbaf – The country owes him a debt
✓ Needs to protect his homeland – From Imu and World Government
✓ Leadership role with Hajrudin – Co-ruling/protecting arrangement
💡 Key point: Loki’s character arc is about redeeming himself to his people and protecting Elbaf, not abandoning it to become a pirate.
Better As An Ally
Loki fits the pattern of powerful arc allies who join the Grand Fleet or become independent allies:
| Arc | Powerful Ally | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Dressrosa | Various gladiators | Formed Grand Fleet |
| Whole Cake | Germa 66 | Independent allies |
| Wano | Samurai & Minks | Continued alliance |
| Elbaf | Loki | Protector of Elbaf + ally |
The Final Saga Member Requirements 📋
Let me outline what the last Straw Hat member needs to be:
Must-Have Characteristics
✓ Personal connection to existing crew member
✓ Nowhere else to go after arc concludes
✓ Unique skill set crew currently lacks
✓ Thematic significance to final saga
✓ Physical ability to travel on Sunny
✓ Strong motivation to find One Piece
Princess Shuri Checklist
| Requirement | Princess Shuri | Loki |
|---|---|---|
| Connection to crew | ✓ Brook (50+ years) | ✓ Luffy (recent) |
| Nowhere to go | ✓ Kingdom gone | ❌ Must protect Elbaf |
| Unique skills | ✓ World Gov insider knowledge | ✓ Ancient Giant power |
| Thematic fit | ✓ Liberation from Imu | ~ Giant alliance |
| Physical fit | ✓ Human-sized | ❌ Too large |
| Motivation | ✓ Freedom & adventure | ~ Protect homeland |
Winner: Princess Shuri checks all boxes, while Loki has disqualifying factors.
What Happens After Shuri Joins? 🌊
Once Princess Shuri joins the Straw Hat Pirates, here’s what I predict:
Immediate Arc Conclusion
Phase 1: Luffy defeats Imu’s forces in Elbaf
Phase 2: Princess Shuri freed from mind control
Phase 3: Shuri recovers memories, reunites with Brook
Phase 4: Decides to join crew (nowhere else to go)
Phase 5: Loki stays to protect Elbaf with Hajrudin
Role On The Ship
Potential position: Intelligence Officer / Combat Specialist
Unique contributions:
✓ Inside knowledge of World Government operations
✓ Understanding of Celestial Dragon weaknesses
✓ Combat experience as a Holy Knight
✓ Historical perspective (60+ years of observation)
Character Dynamics
Brook: Emotional reunion and healing of past trauma
Robin: Shared knowledge of World Government secrets
Luffy: Another princess saved, another nakama gained
Nami: Understanding bond over losing decades of life
Alternative Theories & Why They Don’t Work 🚫
Let me address other popular theories:
“Vivi Will Rejoin”
Why it’s appealing:
✓ Former honorary member
✓ Massive fan favorite
✓ Currently displaced from Arabasta
Why it won’t happen:
❌ Vivi’s role is as ally, not crew
❌ Her connection to Arabasta remains strong
❌ Narrative treats her differently than crew
❌ Already has established position (princess/diplomat)
💡 My take: Vivi will be a crucial ally in the final war, but she won’t join as the 10th member. She represents the allied kingdoms standing with the Straw Hats.
“Multiple People Will Join”
The argument:
- Luffy said “at least 10”
- Could mean 11, 12, or more
Why it’s unlikely:
❌ Oda typically maintains symmetry (10 vs 10 vs 10)
❌ Too many new characters in final saga dilutes focus
❌ Narrative momentum points to single addition
❌ Ship size becomes actual problem
“No One Else Joins”
The argument:
- Crew feels complete
- 9 members is enough
- Final saga too short for new member
Why Oda won’t do this:
❌ Directly contradicts Luffy’s Chapter 1 goal
❌ Breaks established rival crew patterns
❌ Leaves Brook’s backstory incomplete
❌ Wastes Princess Shuri setup
Final Predictions: The Last Straw Hat Timeline 📊
Based on narrative structure and Oda’s patterns:
Current Elbaf Arc:
- Princess Shuri revealed as victim (✓ happened)
- Shuri helps Straw Hats survive (✓ happened)
- Connection to Brook confirmed (✓ happened)
Upcoming Elbaf Climax:
- Luffy confronts Imu’s forces
- Princess Shuri freed from mind control
- Memories restored, emotional Brook reunion
- Loki defeats his enemies, chooses to stay
Arc Conclusion:
- Princess Shuri officially joins as 10th member
- Loki remains as Elbaf’s protector & ally
- Straw Hats gain insider knowledge for final war
Final Saga Impact:
- Complete crew of 10 faces Blackbeard’s 10
- Shuri’s intelligence crucial for Marijoa assault
- Brook’s character arc reaches completion
💡 Ultimate prediction: Princess Shuri joins before leaving Elbaf, making her the last Straw Hat and completing Luffy’s original dream crew.
FAQ
Q: Is Princess Shuri confirmed to join the Straw Hats?
A: Not yet officially, but Oda has set up all the narrative pieces. Her connection to Brook, victimization by Imu, helpful actions toward the crew, and having nowhere to go all point to her joining. The pattern of Luffy saving princesses each arc further supports this.
Q: What happened to Princess Shuri 60 years ago?
A: The full truth hasn’t been revealed yet. She killed her father (earning the nickname “father-killing princess”), made some deal with the World Government involving the Holy Knights, and ended up brainwashed by Imu to assume the identity of Gunko. Whether she killed her father willingly or under duress remains unknown.
Q: Why can’t Loki join instead of Princess Shuri?
A: Multiple reasons: (1) Loki is physically too large to fit on the Thousand Sunny, (2) He has responsibilities to protect Elbaf after being forgiven, (3) He’s better suited as a Grand Fleet ally, (4) His character arc is about redemption to his people, not abandoning them.
Q: Will Vivi ever rejoin the Straw Hats?
A: Vivi will likely remain an ally rather than a crew member. While fans would love her return, the narrative treats her differently – she represents the allied kingdoms supporting the Straw Hats rather than being part of the core crew.
Q: How many total Straw Hat members will there be?
A: Most likely 10 members under Luffy (making 11 total including him). This matches the pattern of Blackbeard’s 10 Titanic Commanders and Shanks’ 10 Senior Officers. Luffy’s original goal was “at least 10 people,” suggesting 10 is the target number.
Q: What role would Princess Shuri fill on the crew?
A: Likely an Intelligence Officer or Combat Specialist. She possesses insider knowledge of World Government operations from 60+ years as a Holy Knight, combat skills demonstrated in Elbaf, and strategic thinking. No current Straw Hat has this combination of abilities.
Q: When will Princess Shuri officially join?
A: Most likely before the Straw Hats leave Elbaf. The arc is building toward her liberation from Imu’s control, and joining would happen shortly after that climax – similar to how other members joined near their arc’s conclusion.
Q: Could multiple people join as the final members?
A: Unlikely. While Luffy said “at least 10,” Oda has established the pattern of rival crews having exactly 10 commanders/officers. Adding multiple members in the final saga would also dilute narrative focus when the series is moving toward conclusion.
Q: What is Princess Shuri’s connection to Brook?
A: Brook was the leader of the battle convoy for Princess Shuri’s kingdom over 50 years ago. Her father (the king) was Brook’s benefactor, similar to how Shanks is Luffy’s benefactor. This creates one of the deepest historical connections between a potential member and existing crew.
Q: Why does the crew need exactly 10 members?
A: Three reasons: (1) Luffy’s stated goal in Chapter 1, (2) Symmetry with Blackbeard Pirates (10 Titanic Commanders), (3) Symmetry with Red Hair Pirates (10 Senior Officers). Having 10 members creates even match-ups for the final saga confrontations.
Q: Has Oda confirmed who the last member will be?
A: No official confirmation yet. However, Oda rarely confirms major plot points in interviews. He prefers letting the story reveal itself. The Princess Shuri setup in Elbaf is his quiet hint toward her joining.
Q: What happens to Loki if he doesn’t join?
A: Loki will likely become a protector of Elbaf alongside Hajrudin, and potentially join the Straw Hat Grand Fleet as a powerful ally. This allows him to fulfill his redemption arc while still supporting Luffy’s journey to become Pirate King.
