@K.:
This does not answer the question. The question was since when, and whom said that the vice captain or quartermaster had to be second strongest/third strongest in this case with Sanji.
I am not denying that. That is why they compete. Because it is clear as day that Nami is the left hand. So, they compete to see whom is going to be the right hand man. Wasn't the rivalry for this position exemplified when both of them stood up to Kuma?
Of course, I just thought it was pretty clear since you know…
[hide]https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61k-rBYrBwL.SX331_BO1,204,203,200.jpg[/hide]
I just think it is a disservice to Nami.
If Zoro and Sanji parallel each other, then Jimbe would parallel Nami.
See? You are not even taking into her consideration. Why because she ain't strong?
Admittedly I only read the last couple quotes before I jumped in and was taking into account Uniaka's last statement in my reply.
I don't think being strongest is necessary for being vice captain or quartermaster. But I don't often use those terms or titles for the Straw Hats because of the perceived authority it gives over others. Still Nami is darn near the Vice Captain or Quartermaster just by the way she carries herself and gives orders on the ship. I suppose when I think of Luffy's right and left arms I refer to Zoro and Sanji because of their over all abilities to deal with outside threats. That includes their physical strengths and smarts.
Now when I say the right or left hand mate of Straw Hat Luffy I don't view that as being in an inherently superior position to any other Straw Hat. Superior in the sense that they have absolute authority to boss the others around. Nami is smarter than Luffy, Zoro and Sanji combined and she's the one that makes them work around the house. I mean to me she already is the Vice Captain just from how she generally takes charge.
When Luffy separated the crew he put Sanji and Zoro at the head of each group because of their general ability and proven record to handle higher level threats. In that regard thats in part why I consider them the right and left hands of Luffy. That includes Jimbei as well.
And I hardly look down on any Straw Hat, especially not Nami when it comes to strength. Her abilities are becoming more and more hax every arc and I consider her on her way to be one of the most powerful people in the world. Of course this is the type of story where a punch, sword swing or kick will generally be more affective than creative manipulation of nature itself. Still that's not entirely true when she put on a nice showing against one of the 4 strongest people on the planet when typical punches, kicks and sword swings did nothing.
I don't view Zoro and Sanji's constant bickering and competing as a means to see who is vice captain. They are simply two children who can only show their love by picking on each other.
And I see the cover of the first volume but I'm not sure what you are trying to say. Those 3 were the only Straw Hats introduced in those early chapters.
@Jabra:
If it wasn't obvious already, Jinbe will cover his back. I mean this isn't even speaking figuratively at this point, Jinbe was literally on rearguard duty when they escaped from Wholecake.
Oh yeah the back! Whole Cake makes a lot of cents but what immediately came to mind was Jimbei literally at the back of White Beard defending attacks while he took on Akainu(?) head on. Give it a snazzy name though. Thats what I was looking for. Wolfwood's on the right track.
@Jabra:
Nami is undeniably the Vice Captain in times of peace, while Zoro fills that role when different qualities are needed (not only strength, but also notoriety). Zoro's role was filled by Sanji in his absence, while Jinbe took that responsibility when neither Zoro or Sanji were present.
The authority-split within the crew is necessary to break up any possible hierarchy developing, as that would kill the friends & family dynamic they have going on.
So it's certainly convenient that Jinbe already bowed to Nami, as that's the most important thing that absolutely needs to be preserved, no matter what. He can be part of the three great powers as much as he wants, she's the alpha on calm days.
I glossed over this but yeah this is a much simpler way to put it.