Since Monkey D. Luffy first formed the Straw Hat Pirates by joining forces with Roronoa Zoro, his crew has steadily grown into one of the most important groups in One Piece history. After departing the East Blue, the Straw Hat Pirates immediately took down a Warlord of the Sea, setting the tone for their disruptive exploits over the following years.
However, as with any established pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates have faced their share of trials and tribulations, and on multiple occasions, Luffy's subordinates have left his side for one reason or another. In each instance, the rest of the crew banded together, eventually welcoming their allies back into the fold with open arms.
Updated on September 27, 2023 by Kennedy King: With One Piece finally poised to enter its final saga, the bond between Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates has never been stronger. Each passing arc makes the crew a bigger threat to the World Government, and barring the unthinkable, they will likely remain together until the end of the series. However, there are still multiple instances where one of Luffy's crew members leaves his side, and as fans learn more about these characters, their departures become even more meaningful.
Nami
Steals The Going Merry To Pay Arlong & Free Her Town
Nami serves as the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates, and although she is the second person to join Monkey D. Luffy, the cat burglar is actually the first member of the Straw Hat Pirates to appear on-screen. She seemingly joins the crew in Orange Town, but during the lead-up to the Arlong Park Arc, she double-crosses One Piece's protagonists and departs from the crew.
As the Straw Hat Pirates battle Don Krieg aboard the Baratie, Nami steals the Going Merry and leaves for Cocoyashi Village. She does so in order to return home and buy her hometown's freedom from the Arlong Pirates, only for the fish-men to immediately break their agreement. Eventually, Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates go to Arlong Park to help Nami, at which point she firmly joins the group and leaves her old life behind.
Vivi
Stays To Govern Her Kingdom
As the princess of Alabasta Kingdom and heir to its throne, Nefertari Vivi is arguably the most high-profile individual to join One Piece's Straw Hat Pirates. She infiltrates Baroque Works before aligning with Monkey D. Luffy and his allies, and after discovering the secret identity of its leader, she and the crew travel to several islands in an effort to take back control of her kingdom.
During their adventure to defeat Crocodile and stop a civil war from erupting in Alabasta Kingdom, Nefertari Vivi officially joins the Straw Hat Pirates. Unfortunately, despite her attachment to the crew, her duties as the future monarch of Alabasta mandate that she stays behind and part ways with the Straw Hat Pirates when they leave the island. However, she will always be an honorary member of the crew, and in the coming war against the World Government, her allegiance to the Monkey D. Luffy will almost certainly be a vital asset.
Chopper
Joins The Foxy Pirates
Tony Tony Chopper, the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates, is recruited by Monkey D. Luffy during the Drum Island Arc. After learning from Dr. Hiriluk and Kureha — two of One Piece's most innovative doctors — for several years, the adorable reindeer eventually accepts the Straw Hat Pirates' offer to join their ranks.
Chopper's commitment to his crew is unwavering, but because of circumstances outside his control, he is briefly removed from the ranks of the Straw Hat Pirates. Davy Back Fights allow pirate captains to poach members from their rival crews, and when the Foxy Pirates challengeOne Piece's protagonists, they're successful in stealing Chopper for several episodes. Thankfully, the Straw Hat Pirates ultimately defeat their dim-witted opponents, saving fans from any more of the group's aggravating behavior.
Usopp
Quits After Challenging Luffy
Usopp is one of the first members of Monkey D. Luffy's crew, joining the Straw Hat Pirate's during their battle with Kuro in the Syrup Village Arc. Although Usopp initially planned on sailing to sea by himself, Luffy and Zoro invite him aboard the Going Merry after saving Syrup Village. In spite of his nervous disposition, Usopp proves himself to be an important member of the crew in almost every major arc.
However, during One Piece's Water 7 Arc, many of Usopp's insecurities and shortcomings finally boil over, resulting in his dramatic departure from the Straw Hat Pirates. Upset about the impending loss of the Going Merry and his weakness, Usopp challenges Luffy to a fight, where he is defeated and expelled from the crew. After assisting in a grueling battle against the forces of CP9 and the World Government, Usopp and the Straw Hat Pirates save Nico Robin. At this point, Usopp sees the error of his ways and apologizes to his captain, once again joining his friends in the journey across the Grand Line.
Nico Robin
Surrenders Herself To Save The Crew
Nico Robin joins the Straw Hat Pirates at the end of the Alabasta Kingdom Arc, and in the process, she finds a long-term home for the first time since a Buster Call destroyed her homeland of Ohara. The Devil Fruit-wielding archeologist stays with the crew until Water 7, at which point she makes what could be considered One Piece's ultimate sacrifice. All Robin wanted in life was friends that accepted her, and as soon as she finds that among the Straw Hat Pirates, she gives it all up in an effort to save them from being affiliated with her in the eyes of the World Government.
Recognizing her noble decision, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew fight tooth-and-nail against the forces of CP9 in order to rescue her. Eventually, they are victorious in their battle, and although the Straw Hat Battles officially become enemies of the World Government in the process, their efforts to save Nico Robin are completely worth it.
Sanji
Returns Home To Germa Kingdom
By the time One Piece's timeskip occurs, the members of the Straw Hat Pirates are firmly established as life-long allies. This includes Sanji, the crew's cook who joined Monkey D. Luffy way back during the East Blue Saga. However, even a long-standing member of the Straw Hat Pirates like Sanji isn't without his struggles. After being notified that his father, Vinsmoke Judge, has betrothed him to one of Big Mom's daughters, Sanji takes his leave from the Straw Hat Pirates and departs for Whole Cake Island.
Because of threats to the life of his mentor, Zeff, and the other Straw Hat Pirates, Sanji abandons Monkey D. Luffy and his allies to once again assume his position as a prince of Germa Kingdom. Alongside several members of the crew, Luffy and the Sanji Retrieval Team travel to Whole Cake Island, going as far as to challenge Big Mom, an Emperor of the Sea, in order to bring him back. Ultimately, Big Mom turns against the Vinsmoke Family as well, allowing Sanji to finally return to the Straw Hat Pirates.
