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[ITSALION]

@Malintex_Terek:

That would seem like the case, but it's not necessarily true since the first real "first mate" introduced in the series was Mohiji, and he was a heck of a lot weaker than Cabaji. What are the titles for Mohiji/Jango/Gin?

Mohji, Jango, and Gin are officially introduced as first mate. Jango is also the "acting captain."

Mohji wasn't necessarily weaker than Cabaji; Cabaji also went down with one hit (not counting the boot/hilt to the face he gets).
Gin was obviously stronger than Pearl, being able to shatter his shield.
As for the Kuroneko pirates, they don't have a second mate listed. Just the "ship guardians."

[Le Lawliet]

I can't remember, but I think Oda said that Cabaji was stronger than Mohji.

[Aldrich]

@Malintex_Terek:

Zoro really hasn't been called upon to make decisions, since his "leadership" in both the literal and metaphorical sense tends to "lose" the crew; if everyone had followed his lead back in Little Garden or Skypiea, they'd be dead.

I still think he's the only one cold blooded enough to take important decisions for the greater good of the crew when Luffy's not there, as for him losing his companions if they followed him in Little Garden or Skypiea, you can't really say Luffy is much better.

[Buuhan1]

@oceanizer:

It's more like… "well, since he doesn't have other job, let him be the first mate." Otherwise I think Zoro does more of errands stuff... like carry whatever Nami bought... go fish some food... etc.

That was the point I was making with your first post.

[SwordKing]

Actually, as far as I can tell, it's usually Nami who gives out orders in Luffy's absence.

[Mr. Death]

@SwordKing:

Actually, as far as I can tell, it's usually Nami who gives out orders in Luffy's absence.

Technically, she give the orders even if Luffy is there.

[Buuhan1]

Indeed. Thats just her, it has nothing to do with her rank.

[Ying_Yang]

I always thought that Zoro was the first mate. Though it seems like he doesn't do much, as compared to Nami or Sanji, he did hold them together when Crocodile got Luffy and after Luffy vs Usopp, he said that 'we can't lose sight now' or something like that.

[Ivotas]

Zoro never has officially been classified as first mate but his actions as a crewmember seem to indicate pretty mucht that this is what he does. From the very beginning he actually put faith in the captains decisions and also thinks very similar to Luffy in terms of going your way in a fight.

[sabret00the]

why do mods close instead or merge? look there's this one discussing the exact same thing too http://apforums.net/showthread.php?t=2709&highlight=mate%2A however i doubt this ones gonna get locked le sigh

[CosmicDebris]

I usually merge topics.
If I don't, it's because I didn't realize/forgot a previous one existed. In this case I can merge these threads.

[Ah1Tm4N]

People Zoro is Luffy's first mate literally. Zoro was the first one to actually join Luffy's crew (aside from Coby who temporarly joined). Zoro has some of the qualities to be captain, he is the 2nd most powerful mugiwara when it comes to strength, but is only lacking in the sense of direction department…

[Spi D. Erman]

Yes people, Zoro is the first mate. I don't really understand why this is up for debate to be honest with you. I thought that it was painstakingly obvious.

[Mr. All Sunday]

It seems to me that Nami takes more of the quartermaster job, keeping the crew in line, making sure they have the proper amount of supplies, etc. I always assumed it was stated somewhere in the manga that Zoro was first mate, plus I always assumed he was because he was the first crew member.