For years now, One Piece fans have been trying to decipher the identity of the next member of the Straw Hat Pirates. While this happens during every arc whenever an important or interesting character is introduced, the hype over the next addition to the team grew exponentially in 2020. At the beginning of the series, Luffy said that he was going to recruit 10 members to his crew, but around three years ago in the official One Piece magazine, it was confirmed that these 10 wouldn't include himself, meaning there is still one Straw Hat left.
With the "Wano" arc still going strong at the time, many believed this mystery member would be the then-recently revealed Yamato, or even Carrot, who had been traveling with Luffy since the end of the "Zou" arc. Even now, many believe that this final member will be Dr. Vegapunk, who has even asked Luffy directly to let him tag along on their ship. However, based on the most recent chapters of One Piece, it seems more and more likely that the final Straw Hat actually joined the crew long ago.
Updated on September 25, 2023, by Ajay Aravind: The One Piece manga has begun its foray into the Final Saga, leading fans to wonder who will be the last Straw Hat. A few potential names are already in the mix, but one particular character stands out above the rest. As such, we've updated this feature with some more information.
Why Vivi Could Be One Piece's Last Straw Hat
As strange as it might seem, the most likely candidate to be the next and final Straw Hat is Nefertari Vivi, the princess of Alabasta. Despite her lack of physical strength or Devil Fruit abilities, Vivi helped the Straw Hats at many points on their challenging journey. In fact, it can be argued that Crocodile would have never been taken down without Vivi's crucial, albeit minor, support. Fans are always delighted and excited to see how Vivi is doing since she decided to stay behind on Alabasta. Given how One Piece's story progressed, the Straw Hats kept sailing further and further away from her. This made many believe the odds of her rejoining the crew as a full-fledged member are unlikely at best, though given recent chapters, those odds have now changed drastically.
Since the "Reverie" arc, Nefertari Vivi's importance to the story has grown immensely, especially since since her participation during the arc's titular event was significant. She not only defied the Celestial Dragons but also disappeared after her father, Nefertari Cobra, was assassinated. While it was recently revealed that she was saved and is being hidden by Big News Morgans, the fact Vivi needed to be safeguarded at all is a big deal. It was also implied that the World Government's secret king, Imu, has a specific interest in her, leaving her picture unharmed while cutting up those of Luffy, the mermaid princess/Ancient Weapon "Poseidon" Shirahoshi, and Blackbeard.
As revealed by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece has started its Final Saga with the Egghead arc, meaning everything that's currently going on will possibly have a direct impact on the ending of the series. The manga wouldn't bring Vivi back into the story and give her more importance unless there was a legitimate reason. Similarly, there's no way she won't reunite with the Straw Hats now that she's returned. Given Imu's actions with the photos, it appears Vivi also has some connection to Luffy beyond just their travels together, making the probability of her rejoining the Straw Hats even more likely.
Why Vivi Should Be The Last Straw Hat Member In One Piece
The Straw Hat Pirates are considered to be one of the greatest and strongest crews in the New World. They have a massive fleet and alliances with multiple important nations that might as well be considered territories at this point, such as Fishman Island and Wano. It might be hard for some to see what Vivi could really bring to the crew, but in reality, she has a lot to offer. As a princess, Vivi has a power greater than any pirate in the world. She has vast resources awarded to royalty, as well as an incredible amount of influence due to her reputation as a princess who helped save her country from pirates. In addition, Vivi has a deep understanding of how the world operates politically, and the willpower to complete her mission no matter the consequences. Most importantly, however, Vivi has a connection to the Straw Hat pirates that isn't likely to be hampered by geographical distance.
Vivi also has a good amount of combat training and was considered a capable enough fighter to be Mr. 9's partner when she was undercover in Baroque Works. This proves she isn't useless in combat, even though that isn't her true strength. Just by associating with the Straw Hats, Vivi legitimizes them as more than simply pirates or even Yonkos, but good people, which goes against the propaganda released by the World Government and the Navy. It's likely that Vivi has some secret power that is yet to be revealed, given Imu's interest in her. Whether this power is something tangible or even symbolic is currently unknown, but if it exists, it's going to be something that will benefit whoever she fights alongside. As a side note, Karoo has also proven to be a useful ally during the Alabasta arc, and he's naturally going to tag along with Vivi should she ever join the Straw Hat pirates.
With One Piece supposedly ending in roughly five years, it's possible the final Straw Hat will be revealed soon. Considering that the most recent chapters have focused specifically on the Reverie and the connection between Alabasta and the Void Century, it seems especially likely that Vivi's role in the future of the story will become apparent before long. As it currently stands, it seems more and more probable that Vivi is another example of Oda's expertise at foreshadowing. One way or another, Vivi is poised to reunite and sail with her friends once again.
