Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 8 - Onigashima)

[theackwardstation]

I find it curious that in this recent spat of Carrot debate, no one is really talking about how she is presented in the actual current chapters. Because unlike for most of Wano, now she has moved from Present in a general sense, as in somewhere on the island to actually present at the current focus of action.
Now, I’ve gone on record several times lamenting the decrease in crewmember spotlighting in this arc, but even compared to the actual crewmembers Carrots focus comes off as anemic. She’s been pretty much relegated to be an accessory to Nami, reacting or acting alongside her. Its not just that she shows up on 1 panel in the most recent chapter I’m not sure theres been a single case in this raid of a panel dedicated entirely to her, or even a panel where shes highlighted as the main focus? I pretty much mainly remember her being in the background as Nami has been in the foreground.
Now again, its not like all the other Straw Hats have been getting exposure left and right, but even currently-off-screen Jinbe and Robin got some highlight panels that showed of them specifically in fun ways.
For the last while I’ve not posted here because I felt arguing storytelling shortcomings of Carrot as a crewmember felt stupid considering how much I criticize Odas recent storytelling choices, but now we’ve seen not only a slight uptick in Straw hat exposure, but even that Oda can still do extended exposure for a new character, in the form of Yamato.
Hence: From the POV of Carrot supposedly being the Next Big Thing you’d really think she’d be highlighted more, even on a level comparable to the existing crewmembers.

Yes, her participation is very anemic until now, but that's the kind of thing that makes much more sense to claim once you have the full picture. Obviously, the plot is organized as such that characters wait in line for their time to stand out, and it all comes down to how Oda is planning to use each one of them.

[SeaOfHope]

Strawhat allies are constantly lumped in with them. Like Paulie was counted among the Strawhats in Water 7 for instance. Because the characters, and Oda, aren't going to constantly say "The strawhats... and friends." They consistently get lumped together unless its multiple equal sized groups.

Similarly, Oda doesn't seem to count Stronger s a Blackbeard pirate, but he doesn't go "The Blackbeard pirates... and their horse." Narrative shorthand.

The difference being that once the situation on Enies Lobby was resolved, the Franky Family and the Water 7 Shipwrights fell off the WG's radar whereas Franky took the attention away from them. Thus, Franky got a bounty poster and the FF had to convince Luffy to take Franky away since he's now a wanted criminal. I don't know how much the WG even knew about Carrot's involvement let alone her presence, but her status as a "Straw Hat" still exists with the Big Mom Pirates. I don't think that magically disappeared when they left Whole Cake Island.

[TheGarc]

I find it curious that in this recent spat of Carrot debate, no one is really talking about how she is presented in the actual current chapters. Because unlike for most of Wano, now she has moved from Present in a general sense, as in somewhere on the island to actually present at the current focus of action.
Now, I’ve gone on record several times lamenting the decrease in crewmember spotlighting in this arc, but even compared to the actual crewmembers Carrots focus comes off as anemic. She’s been pretty much relegated to be an accessory to Nami, reacting or acting alongside her. Its not just that she shows up on 1 panel in the most recent chapter I’m not sure theres been a single case in this raid of a panel dedicated entirely to her, or even a panel where shes highlighted as the main focus? I pretty much mainly remember her being in the background as Nami has been in the foreground.
Now again, its not like all the other Straw Hats have been getting exposure left and right, but even currently-off-screen Jinbe and Robin got some highlight panels that showed of them specifically in fun ways.
For the last while I’ve not posted here because I felt arguing storytelling shortcomings of Carrot as a crewmember felt stupid considering how much I criticize Odas recent storytelling choices, but now we’ve seen not only a slight uptick in Straw hat exposure, but even that Oda can still do extended exposure for a new character, in the form of Yamato.
Hence: From the POV of Carrot supposedly being the Next Big Thing you’d really think she’d be highlighted more, even on a level comparable to the existing crewmembers.

And yet Oda continues to draw her. Carrot has no reason to be where she is. Oda could have put her with the other Minks. He could have drawn Namis reactions alone. Carrot and Nami could have split up. Carrot could have somehow escaped differently if Oda wanted to. But all of that doesn't matter cause Oda decides to draw her next to the Straw Hats. Oda keeps reminding us that Carrot is in the same location as the rest of the Straw Hats. Does Robin have a solo scene or big moment since the raid began? Jinbei after they landed on the island? Sanji, Franky and Brook have disappeared for mutliple chapters before their entrance this chapter and while they were gone Oda continued to draw Carrot. Just like those got their moment there will also be a moment for Carrot and why she needs to be where Oda put her. I feel like repeating myself too often but Perosperos is heading to Big Mom, Carrot is next to Big Mom. I will honestly be shocked and confused if that has no payoff.

[electricmastro]

Flashbacks are important though. They provide a deeper look at a character's past, showing us their motivations and how they've grown over time. It gives us a better understanding of a character which goes a long way in building interest in that character. Carrot so far hasn't gotten that kind of exposition and I feel it's one of her biggest problems. I would also dispute the notion that her experiences in WCI were an effective substitute for a flashback.

I’m personally willing to go along with the opinion that it’s fine if Oda is getting out of his traditional zone of tragic experiences happening only in the past to further develop a character along as opposed to having them happen in the moment, and that Ace’s death shouldn’t be only exception. I can understand why other may feel different in Oda consistently continuing the way men has though.

[PKRolling456]

I’m personally willing to go along with the opinion that it’s fine if Oda is getting out of his traditional zone of tragic experiences happening only in the past to further develop a character along as opposed to having them happen in the moment, and that Ace’s death shouldn’t be only exception. I can understand why other may feel different in Oda consistently continuing the way men has though.

I would agree that Carrot doesn't need a flashback. What I'm trying to say is that she lacks the kind of depth that flashback provides. It's not just about experiencing a tragedy. It's how that tragedy shapes the kind of person you are. Flashbacks show why a person is the way they are and their motivations. If Oda were show that kind of growth and depth for Carrot in the present, then she doesn't need a flashback and I would be much more accepting of her, compared to how I feel about her right now. Right now, I just find her shallow.

[Solid]

Im actually starting to warming up for the idea for Tama to grow up somehow due to time shenanigans...

Recently played Final Fantasy 4 and spoiler

Spoiler:

one of the party members is a 7 year old girl who gets transported to another world where time flows differently, she then comes back to party as a 17 year old girl

Im sure there are similar scenarios in other fiction and media, and I cant help but to think it might happen because of the time inconsistency with Tamas background, that would be the foreshadowing seed to it all, but its hard to imagine how it would make sense, but then again, it didnt make sense for Momo to have met Roger either back then.

What I dont like about the idea is that it would basically make her complete her goal, being an enchanting kunoichi, however her dream of joining Ace still wouldnt be fulfilled, which it wont be anyway.
It would also make her sort of ineligible for the pirate apprentice position, but instead she would actually be a full blown kunoichi, so i guess that could work as her position.
And being the only second small character in the crew would also go away...
And ofc the trope of the whole business is a bit unoriginal unless Oda could twist it in some interesting way.

The pro sides however, she could be strong.
If Oda says theres only a few years left of the series, then maybe theres not enough of lighthearted adventures arc for the typical apprentice character, so... maybe it would be better if she actually was a grown up if that will be the case lol

Just a few thoughts.

[RobinotX]

They bumped her with them because they all were intruders, and they knew they belonged together, everything else would've been stupid.
It's the same with Luffy calling her name on the ship while holding back Katakuri, would've been stupid if he had called everyone but her.

Take it for what it is and not what you would like it to be.

While I am definitly more in the boat of Carrot joins the Straw Hats I am not perse someone that wants her with the Straw Hats. My main reason why I think she would be joining is why does she excist in the first place. No moment in the story I felt that whatever Carrot did was something SHE had to do. All the things that happened in Whole Cake Island with Carrot could have been done with Pekoms for example. So why create a Rabbit Mink that is different than the others? A Guardian Musketeer Mink, as far as I know there were no other Minks that had both things. For me it seems the way she is writting she is being put as a Straw Hat and I agree she isn't popping off compared to some other Straw Hats before they joined (Franky for example). Doesn't mean that isnt going to happen.

Anyway, I feel the story is pointing her out towards joining the crew. If it happens cool, if it doesn't she 100% joins the Grand Fleet. But for the moment I find it weird she has been around the Straw Hats all the time.

In regards to the poster and how they call everyone Straw Hats. I wasn't aware this happened with the Franky Family as well, it has been a while ;).

And yet Oda continues to draw her. Carrot has no reason to be where she is. Oda could have put her with the other Minks. He could have drawn Namis reactions alone. Carrot and Nami could have split up. Carrot could have somehow escaped differently if Oda wanted to. But all of that doesn't matter cause Oda decides to draw her next to the Straw Hats. Oda keeps reminding us that Carrot is in the same location as the rest of the Straw Hats. Does Robin have a solo scene or big moment since the raid began? Jinbei after they landed on the island? Sanji, Franky and Brook have disappeared for mutliple chapters before their entrance this chapter and while they were gone Oda continued to draw Carrot. Just like those got their moment there will also be a moment for Carrot and why she needs to be where Oda put her. I feel like repeating myself too often but Perosperos is heading to Big Mom, Carrot is next to Big Mom. I will honestly be shocked and confused if that has no payoff.

I am with you on that point. But also I explained above, I feel she didn't need to join the Whole Cake Island arc at all. They could have done all those things with Pekoms as well. And now she is still with Big Mom and the other Straw Hats. I am really curious where it goes. But I do agree if nothing happens that puts her in the limelight, then she really doesn't join the main crew.

[Shift]

I find it curious that in this recent spat of Carrot debate, no one is really talking about how she is presented in the actual current chapters. Because unlike for most of Wano, now she has moved from Present in a general sense, as in somewhere on the island to actually present at the current focus of action.
Now, I’ve gone on record several times lamenting the decrease in crewmember spotlighting in this arc, but even compared to the actual crewmembers Carrots focus comes off as anemic. She’s been pretty much relegated to be an accessory to Nami, reacting or acting alongside her. Its not just that she shows up on 1 panel in the most recent chapter I’m not sure theres been a single case in this raid of a panel dedicated entirely to her, or even a panel where shes highlighted as the main focus? I pretty much mainly remember her being in the background as Nami has been in the foreground.
Now again, its not like all the other Straw Hats have been getting exposure left and right, but even currently-off-screen Jinbe and Robin got some highlight panels that showed of them specifically in fun ways.
For the last while I’ve not posted here because I felt arguing storytelling shortcomings of Carrot as a crewmember felt stupid considering how much I criticize Odas recent storytelling choices, but now we’ve seen not only a slight uptick in Straw hat exposure, but even that Oda can still do extended exposure for a new character, in the form of Yamato.
Hence: From the POV of Carrot supposedly being the Next Big Thing you’d really think she’d be highlighted more, even on a level comparable to the existing crewmembers.

Back when Jinbe was introduced, Oda was being very careful with how he laid out the clues to him joining. Years of buildup, nothing too overt, and even after he was invited, Oda kept that lid on the pot for years and years.

In the same way, he’s been giving Carrot only the bare minimum that she needs to remain relevant. Subtle introduction, subtle inclusion in the group dynamics. It was only Pedro’s death that tipped Oda’s hand at Carrot’s true reason for being there through everything.

The second that Carrot does something important in this final battle, it’ll be like blood in the water. Everyone’s gonna notice, everyone will put their hat into the ring arguing for or against her with renewed enthusiasm. The only reason that wave has been held back is because Oda’s been keeping her presence very, very subtle. She’s there, she’s with the crew, and with Shinobu and Yamato off with Momo, she's once again the sole ally alone with them. She doesn’t have to do anything until her big moment arrives, the string is that taut. She's Chekhov's rabbit.

[Watch-man]

After Jinbe there will be one more character joining. Pekoms with an eyepatch.

[Shift]

After Jinbe there will be one more character joining. Pekoms with an eyepatch.

But he already wears sunglasses, which should still work to partially cover the awesome scars he'll likely have over both eyes.

[Solid]

Pekoms overlaps with Sunny

[Watch-man]

But he already wears sunglasses, which should still work to partially cover the awesome scars he'll likely have over both eyes.

Oda said in one of interviews that he is eager to draw one character with an eyepatch and that character will be part of One Piece discovery/ ending.

Also Oda said some time ago that if Luffy starts to care for someone and consider him or her a nakama he starts to use their name. Thats the case with Pekoms.

We seen him in action only few times.

He would be great for combos with Sanji where he kicks Pekoms in turtle mode covered in CoA into their enemies

[Chams]

Im actually starting to warming up for the idea for Tama to grow up somehow due to time shenanigans...

Recently played Final Fantasy 4 and spoiler

Spoiler:

one of the party members is a 7 year old girl who gets transported to another world where time flows differently, she then comes back to party as a 17 year old girl

Im sure there are similar scenarios in other fiction and media, and I cant help but to think it might happen because of the time inconsistency with Tamas background, that would be the foreshadowing seed to it all, but its hard to imagine how it would make sense, but then again, it didnt make sense for Momo to have met Roger either back then.

Crazy theory, but what if we have another timeskip after Wano? The strawhats have to rest after defeating Kaidou, Luffy recovers from injuries, they are welcome to stay in the country, which is now open to the world but safe from the WG, and it gives enough time for Tama and Momo to grow up. They leave Wano in the hands of a more mature shogun, and can take her with them. The new arc starts with them going straight for the One Piece, looking for the last Ponegliph.

[omy785]

Fascinating, but I think unlikely. Things have been set in motion for quite some time now since we entered the New World, and while the SH could take a break, that's not true for the rest of the world...

[uniaka ikuzakas]

I think the eyepatch thing is luffy after his final battle. his final opponent will cut out one of his eyes.

[Deicide]

I think the eyepatch will be Blackbeard’s, from his fight with Shanks...

[otakufan]

Crazy theory, but what if we have another timeskip after Wano? The strawhats have to rest after defeating Kaidou, Luffy recovers from injuries, they are welcome to stay in the country, which is now open to the world but safe from the WG, and it gives enough time for Tama and Momo to grow up. They leave Wano in the hands of a more mature shogun, and can take her with them. The new arc starts with them going straight for the One Piece, looking for the last Ponegliph.

Unlikely, in my mind. The Reverie's setting a lot of end-game things in motion for the World Government and Blackbeard's already moving to respond.

A nice long celebration is in order, sure, but only something in the realm of a week or two max. Momo and Tama need years to truly come into their own, at a minimum.

[Solid]

Unlikely, in my mind. The Reverie's setting a lot of end-game things in motion for the World Government and Blackbeard's already moving to respond.

A nice long celebration is in order, sure, but only something in the realm of a week or two max. Momo and Tama need years to truly come into their own, at a minimum.

Never say never, a timeskip would enable Blackbeard and WG to naturally expand their power after the fall of Kaido and Big mom, and the aftermath of the reverie is done already, it has reached a conclussion we just dont exactly what it was.
Im still on the side of a timeskip not happening but I dont think it is out of question tbh.

[otakufan]

Never say never, a timeskip would enable Blackbeard and WG to naturally expand their power after the fall of Kaido and Big mom, and the aftermath of the reverie is done already, it has reached a conclussion we just dont exactly what it was.
Im still on the side of a timeskip not happening but I dont think it is out of question tbh.

Didn't say never, just unlikely.

And what happened AT the Reverie is over now, but the fallout is still very much in motion and I fully expect some big reveals once the Strawhats get their hands on a newspaper.

[omy785]

Never say never, a timeskip would enable Blackbeard and WG to naturally expand their power

That's quite a contradiction since they're on opposite sides. This will actually be the perfect time to give a big hit on piracy since (let's suppose) 2 Emperors are down and 1 (SH) is recovering. Giving SH and BB time would make it dangerous