Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World)

electricmastro

@StrawHatJedi said in [Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World)]

I don't have any doubt that over the past few weeks in story the Straw Hats have connected with Yamato, but the question is why Oda didn't show us more of these scenes. It just strikes me as an odd choice in storytelling if, at least right now, that was meant to be Yamato's primary bond.

What I've really been trying to say is that 'being like Oden' is a thin motivation for Yamato sailing with the Straw Hats. I said this in 1050 / 1051 when Momo decided to close the borders, that maybe Yamato's way of building on Oden's legacy by sailing with the crew would mean searching for the answers about opening the borders. But then, Oda chose not to include her in the scenes where Pluton and the borders were discussed.

That might be what is is all about: that Momo is meant to be the one to give Yamato purpose for leaving that isn't just sailing out to be free. If Oden could never give it to her, then Momo would, because he's the shogun now and is interested in knowing some things Yamato surely also wants to know about, which may be why Oda had Yamato talk about the journal info and had a bond with Momo to begin with.

I think that would make the most sense, since Yamato's dream to sail out and see the world is pretty nebulous compared to having a dream to open Wano's borders and accomplish Oden's overall purpose for Wano in relation to Joy Boy.

StrawHatJedi

@electricmastro

Yes, I do believe Yamato leaving is really a question of 'when', not 'if'. I'm strictly talking about at the end of the current Wano arc, which seems like it's probably going to be 1057 or 1058, Oda hasn't really developed Yamato's character in a way yet which is conducive to her leaving.

But I do agree with you that Momo could catalyze her departure in the future. He could even go with her.

This is a bit of an out there theory I've mentioned a few times, but Aramaki made clear that there is no line which cannot be crossed when it comes to non-member nations. Both Yamato and Momo humiliated him to some extent, even if Shanks is the one who scared him off.

I've wondered if perhaps his payback could be placing a bounty on the country's rightful sovereign.

But that's also built around my, perhaps incorrect thinking, that all those Luffy really considers 'nakama', his closest friends, will get to be present for the discovery of One Piece. Thinking that if the reason Luffy didn't say goodbye to Momo & Kin is because they're already considered 'nakama', that he would find some way to have them with him when he heads for Laugh Tale and I could see that extending to Yamato as well.

But again, that's really entirely speculation - and maybe Momo will just inspire Yamato to leave at some point. He did say he wants her to be able to leave.

I do have a hard time seeing Momo leave Wano by choice or by force after such a long time of buidling up to him taking over as Shogun, but times change and given enough chapters, who knows what will happen.

There was once a time when Vivi eventually returning was a very unpopular theory and look where we're at now.

So, it's absolutely possible that Yamato forging a close bond with Momo and Wano means staying now, leaving later.

And at risk of repeating myself from the previous post, I think that further character development would entail either handing over the reigns of 'being Oden' to Momo, as Yamato seemed willing to do in chapter 985 to Luffy, or it means some other change either on Wano or in the world, some other mission or discovery or... something which gives Yamato an Oden-inspired reason for not just sailing the seas, but specifically supporting Luffy's bid to become Pirate King.

Like, thinking back to the barrel scene in chapter 100:

"I'm going to become Pirate King!"
"I'm going to become the world's greatest swordsman!"

Right now, all Yamato has is "I'm going to leave because that's what Oden did!"

Maybe in the future, she wants her own adventure. "I want to really be free like Oden, which also means no longer trying to be Oden or following his exact path" Maybe she has her own dream beyond that.

But it could also be something like, "I want the world to be free like Oden" or "I want to know why the borders need to open."

Just, something to either chart her own course or to blaze a new trail past where Oden's journey ended, finding some way to build on his will or dream by accompanying Luffy.

There are a lot o possibilities.

StrawHatJedi

I'll add that at this point I guess the 'worst case' scenario for Yamato is not sailing away from Wano until the Final War / New Dawn, but in-story that can't be more than a few months away. So, even if I'm wrong about all of Luffy's closest 'nakama' being on Laugh Tale to discover One Piece, she won't be missing the crew for very long before it's time to open the borders, unleash Pluton, and rally the forces for the final war / battle. I'll add that I believe being free means having a choice, so whether she stays or goes, whatever epiphany Yamato had, she' already free. No one like Kaido is demanding she stays, so stay or go, Yamato is free like Oden, and I think that's best exemplified by the fact that she does have a friend, Momo, whom her father can't take away from her. If her inability to form lasting friendship was the most powerful indicator of her captivity, then finding the genuine article in Momo is also a symbol of her newfound freedom.

So, even if she doesn't leave, I don't think the 'worst case' for Yamato sounds so bad, and still implies a lengthy stretch of time in the future where she return to 'main cast' status. It seems we're set up to leave Momo and Kin much more like Vivi than say, Wyper, Rebecca, or other similar characters.

electricmastro

@StrawHatJedi said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

@electricmastro

Oda hasn't really developed Yamato's character in a way yet which is conducive to her leaving.

But I do agree with you that Momo could catalyze her departure in the future. He could even go with her.

But again, that's really entirely speculation - and maybe Momo will just inspire Yamato to leave at some point. He did say he wants her to be able to leave.

So, it's absolutely possible that Yamato forging a close bond with Momo and Wano means staying now, leaving later.

And at risk of repeating myself from the previous post, I think that further character development would entail either handing over the reigns of 'being Oden' to Momo, as Yamato seemed willing to do in chapter 985 to Luffy, or it means some other change either on Wano or in the world, some other mission or discovery or... something which gives Yamato an Oden-inspired reason for not just sailing the seas, but specifically supporting Luffy's bid to become Pirate King.

Right now, all Yamato has is "I'm going to leave because that's what Oden did!"

Maybe in the future, she wants her own adventure. "I want to really be free like Oden, which also means no longer trying to be Oden or following his exact path" Maybe she has her own dream beyond that.

But it could also be something like, "I want the world to be free like Oden" or "I want to know why the borders need to open."

Just, something to either chart her own course or to blaze a new trail past where Oden's journey ended, finding some way to build on his will or dream by accompanying Luffy.

There are a lot o possibilities.

I can definitely see Yamato starting to overcome the Oden impersonation once she comes into conflict with her doing something that Oden wouldn't have necessarily done. It might not have been tackled at Wano, but I suppose Oda felt any potential exploration of that was best saved for later seeing as how busy Wano got.

I also agree that Momo might not be being set up to be an obstacle getting in the way of Yamato joining the Straw Hats, but more so a catalyst, one meant to fill in the shoes of Oden in the sense that if Oden gave Yamato purpose to be free, then Momo may be the one to give her purpose to go with the Straw Hats.

No matter what Yamato decides, it's definitely only a matter of time before she really starts thinking about all the things Oden was trying to find out and do, and may be propelled into finding that out alongside Luffy when Momo encourages her to, since Momo was interested in that as well and boggled what his dad had found out.

In any case, if Yamato didn't get enough well-deserved attention during Wano, then I suppose we can only expect her to get more from here, assuming that's what Oda is attempting to do.

electricmastro

@StrawHatJedi said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

I'll add that at this point I guess the 'worst case' scenario for Yamato is not sailing away from Wano until the Final War / New Dawn, but in-story that can't be more than a few months away. So, even if I'm wrong about all of Luffy's closest 'nakama' being on Laugh Tale to discover One Piece, she won't be missing the crew for very long before it's time to open the borders, unleash Pluton, and rally the forces for the final war / battle. I'll add that I believe being free means having a choice, so whether she stays or goes, whatever epiphany Yamato had, she' already free. No one like Kaido is demanding she stays, so stay or go, Yamato is free like Oden, and I think that's best exemplified by the fact that she does have a friend, Momo, whom her father can't take away from her. If her inability to form lasting friendship was the most powerful indicator of her captivity, then finding the genuine article in Momo is also a symbol of her newfound freedom.

So, even if she doesn't leave, I don't think the 'worst case' for Yamato sounds so bad, and still implies a lengthy stretch of time in the future where she return to 'main cast' status. It seems we're set up to leave Momo and Kin much more like Vivi than say, Wyper, Rebecca, or other similar characters.

I'd imagine Yamato has more set-up to go with Luffy to Laugh Tale regardless what happens, since she has always been interested in Joy Boy and Oden's intentions regarding him like opening the country, and that the story would have Momo give Yamato that purpose. The relevance of the ancient weapons hasn't died down either, so whatever happens, I think we won't be seeing Yamato at a point with the Straw Hats where it's too late to get anything interesting done.

StrawHatJedi

@electricmastro

I'm inclined to agree that those who are closest to Luffy will get to be present for the discovery of One Piece.

I only meant to say that whether or not that applies to Yamato, and I think it probably does, she's already in a rare class of allies, differentiated from arc specific characters.

electricmastro

@StrawHatJedi said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

@electricmastro

I'm inclined to agree that those who are closest to Luffy will get to be present for the discovery of One Piece.

I only meant to say that whether or not that applies to Yamato, and I think it probably does, she's already in a rare class of allies, differentiated from arc specific characters.

Perhaps, though I'm definitely sure the last chapter won't just be them finding the One Piece either. After Kaido's defeat, I get the feeling that we're set on finally being done in being in Wano soon, but that we're not being done with the questions raised in it, like with Joy Boy and Pluton. With Vivi most likely being set to rejoin the Straw Hats after her dad got killed, I wouldn't doubt Yamato very much coming into relevance with Luffy in the event we delve into the situation of Wano's borders and Pluton and the like.

StrawHatJedi

@electricmastro

Yeah, the story has to go beyond finding One Piece. That's why I say there's wiggle room as to when Yamato next meets the crew if she doesn't join them now. Is it before Laugh Tale or after, when they're preparing for the final war to liberate the world?

pokebat7

@StrawHatJedi said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

Is it before Laugh Tale or after, when they're preparing for the final war to liberate the world?

I don't think anyone will join after Laugh Tale, as Luffy will have achieved his dream we would be to late in the game to suddenly add a new crewmate. Especially if it is after the defeat of Shanks given that Luffy said he'd get a crew that would surpase Shanks' in chapter 1.

StrawHatJedi

@pokebat7

I am inclined to agree with that as well; I think anyone really considered 'part of the crew' will be present for the discovery of One Piece, outside of an epilogue to the final battle in which we might see Tama and maybe some others brought aboard Thousand Sunny.

But there might be a bit more room for some characters to jump aboard the ship during the final war to liberate the world after One Piece is discovered, which I think could be a substantial stretch of chapters.

pokebat7

@StrawHatJedi
I could see Vivi coming back and being a (temp) Straw Hat until the war ends but I still think she would rejoin before Laugh Tale at the very least. The only way I see a Vivi/Momo situation after Laugh Tale is if we meet them on Laugh Tale. Past that point I don't see how many of the ride-along characters wouldn't have a vessel to travel the Grandline, or a way to obtain one.

Syphin

With Yamato's story currently in focus and after the effort Oda has put into developing Yamato's bond with Ace (including the chapter 999 title), after taking all that information in consideration, I feel Yamato will definitely be leaving with Luffy to visit Ace's grave. The emotional resonance is too relevant to not pursue at this time. Ace is a big reason why Yamato and Wano were saved. Pushing Yamato's "reunion" with Ace further into the story when the emotional impact has died down doesn't seem logical or beneficial from the story perspective to me. Ace is one of the pillars in the One Piece story and the "promise" Yamato made to Ace about meeting again will be presented as a focal point within the story. Whenever the Straw Hat Pirates visit Ace's (and Whitebeard's) grave, Yamato will be there. Also, very little work needs to be done to make Yamato relevant to the expected future story threads in One Piece because by the set-up, Yamato is passively relevant to them:

@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

Yamato’s role will not end with the conclusion of the Wano Kuni Arc. They are one of the most uniquely positioned characters in the story holding an immense level of potential. Yamato is a character who has been aligned with EVERY single expected major story thread yet to come:

Ace grave? Sure, the chapter 999 title pretty much confirms that Yamato will be visiting Ace's grave;

Giants? Sure, the Oni and Ancient Giants story can be covered in an arc dealing with Giants (too many similarities between Ancients Giants and Oni have been established for it to be coincidence);

Vegapunk? Sure, the research done on Kaido (Oni) which has been influential to many research projects in the Marines can be covered in an arc focusing on Vegapunk and the Marines science progression;

New Generation? Sure, Yamato expressed interest in the New Generation of Pirates when he met Ace and throughout the Onigashima story, Oda has aligned Yamato with the New Generation;

God Valley? Sure, Kaido was one of the invaders and a core member of the Rocks's Pirates. It could also be presumed that Kaido used to look up to Rocks;

Blackbeard? Sure, Ace's death was a result of Teach's actions. Also the story behind the Rocks Pirates could come into play (Teach inheriting Rocks's will). Rocks may have betrayed his crew to try and save himself on God Valley which may have consequently led to Kaido's defeat and capture (where he became a prisoner of Punk Hazard). If God Valley and Teach's story go into the history of the Rocks Pirates and Kaido's past, Yamato may begin to understand why his father chose the path he did;

Shanks? Sure, he would be interested in the person who has inherited Oden's will;

Laugh Tale? Sure, that is a destination Oden reached that he didn't include much information on in his journal

Joy Boy? Sure, Yamato wishes to assist Joy Boy (Luffy) whom Oden was waiting on;

Post Laugh Tale? Sure, Yamato story of liberation will come into play by helping the world attain liberation

There is so much relevance attached to Yamato's character by being closely associated with three core One Piece characters - Kaido, Oden and Ace. And this even getting to themes and dreams Oda has aligned Yamato with which represent the main concepts of One Piece - romance and liberation.

Further, Yamato brings with him more than just strength. He is an asset that will elevate the Straw Hat Pirates to be a crew that will ascend the Roger Pirates.

Also needs to be mentioned, Yamato appears to have an immense level of story relevance:

@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

@electricmastro:

In the event Yamato goes with Luffy, how do you figure she’d follow-up on the plot line the most, in the wake of Oden trying to open the borders for Joy Boy?

Serving as a type of Consultant and guiding Luffy toward carrying out Joy Boy's will. Luffy isn't someone who is going to understand what it means to be "Joy Boy" and that his mission involves dismantling the corruption within the World Government by liberating the world through the truth hidden away in history and within the shadows of the present. Yamato on the other hand lived a life as a prisoner and was exposed to corruption for twenty years (longer than several Straw Hat Pirates have been alive). Yamato's experiences (including the people who died to help him) entrenched his desires for liberation. During Yamato's fight with his father, he expressed his intention to liberate Wano and to release the Samurai unto the world and at a later point, Yamato questions Kaido on why he steals the freedom of Wano and himself. Yamato's very theme driving his story is that of liberation. The topic of freedom is meaningful to Yamato and something he has no issue dying for. When Luffy was believed to have fallen, he unhesitatingly chose to continue to challenge Kaido in pursuit of keeping the flame of liberation and salvation alive. Yamato even silenced Momonosuke's cowardice with his conviction.

At present, none of the Straw Hat Pirates are currently concerned with the end result they will inevitably bring about i.e. the end of the corrupt World Government, and this is a growing problem because in order for the conclusion of One Piece to hold emotional weight, you need the Straw Hat Pirates to embrace the role they will serve and genuinely fight for it. This is where Yamato comes in. To fill the gap and bridge together each and every Straw Hat Pirate to the conclusion of One Piece. Where Luffy won't supersede his penchant for freedom in favor of fighting directly for the liberation of world, Yamato will step in and carry that mission so Luffy can continue to focus on his desire to sail the Grand Line unburdened by the politics and complexities of toppling a faction ruling over 170 nations across the world. This is also why Oda is dedicating so much focus on the Yamato and Momonosuke relationship because they are two pieces who will be instrumental in the downfall of the World Government. Yamato is directly concerned with the enemy Wano closed its border for 800 years ago and at the very least since the age of 8, Yamato was resolved to fight for Wano (this includes their enemies i.e. the World Government and Marines). Reconciling Yamato's desire to help Wano and to follow their desire to sail with Luffy, the path forward seems obvious. Momonosuke is destined to become Shogun of Wano and the representative guiding the World to the Dawn. These two characters will be the driving force behind politically cornering the World Government and exposing them for the lies and deceit they hid away from the rest of the world. Yamato aboard the Thousand Sunny (the current greatest threat facing the World Government) and Momonosuke as the head of Wano Kuni. Wano will become a faction directly opposing the World Government and the Straw Hat Pirates will be the wave that washes off the mask of justice the World Government (Im, Five Elders, Tenryuubito, corrupt officials/officers) portray themselves as. Yamato is even aware of Luffy's second dream which he can assist Luffy with.

spoiler

Robin's inclusion within the crew served to introduce a character to concern themselves with the Void Century hidden away in history and someone to drive forward the story of the "Will of D" (things Luffy had no interest in). The Will of D plot has now also been incorporated into Law's (pseudo-main character) story who seeks to uncover what Rosinante meant about the fate the People of D share i.e enemies of God. Both Law and Robin will be used to drive the story of the "Will of D", something Luffy has no interest in. Law will help Robin locate the Poneglyphs and Robin will decipher them. The role Robin serves has been further expanded when Oda introduced the Road Poneglyphs. To uncover the location of Laugh Tale, someone who can decipher the Road Poneglyphs is needed and the amount of people who can currently do this totals one (Robin).

spoiler

Jinbe's inclusion within the crew was also the result of keeping Luffy away from heavier elements of One Piece. Jinbe became the member that connects themselves with the story of coexistence and Luffy embodying the image of a God (Nika the Sun God). Luffy will not directly concern himself with reducing discrimination or being some sort of savior to people who worship the Sun God but Jinbe will when slavery, racism and discrimination is in focus. Otohime and Tiger's story revolved around such themes and their will has been inherited by Jinbe (Shirahoshi and Mjosgard have inherited Otohime's will too). Before Jinbe joined, my main doubt about him becoming a Straw Hat Pirate during the Fish-Man Island Arc was that his story/dream was too significant to be aligned with that of a Pirate crew hoping to sail through the whole Grand Line. At that time, I did not consider Luffy's actions having worldwide consequences in terms of governance, equality, politics and freedom. Luffy just didn't seem the type who cared about such things. Ever since the Tenryuubito were introduced though, the story of One Piece has been less about adventure and more about the grander story of change. Each chapter makes this more apparent. This is why the Islands in the New World the Straw Hat Pirates have traveled to have been less about adventure and more about progressing the conflict between the New Generation and the World Government.

StrawHatJedi

@pokebat7

I definitely think Vivi will be on Laugh Tale. I feel like she's coming back very soon.

Shiebs

Too bad we don’t still have the poll results, it would be cool to see who was right, either way we should find out within the next few chapters

pokebat7

@StrawHatJedi
Because of Kuma's powers? That ability hasn't been shown to reach that far though, I doubt he has to sentience to use them properly so he could've accidentally sent her there. Personally I think she'll appear on the next island as it would be in the middle of the new world if Kuma's power is involved and she wasn't taken away by the Grand Fleet or Sabo.

StrawHatJedi

@pokebat7

Nah, the idea of Kuma sending her to the crew is interesting, but I don't think it's particularly likely. I'm not ruling it out, but for the reasons you indicated, I think she'll find some other means to reach the Straw Hats.

I'm not really sure how, though Luffy certainly had no shortage of friends in Marijoa during the Reverie, but I suspect Vivi made her escape and will somehow meet up with them again soon.

Syphin

@Shiebs said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

Too bad we don’t still have the poll results, it would be cool to see who was right, either way we should find out within the next few chapters

Did you want to see the results? This may not be from this thread but I did take a screen shot from the poll results in the vol 8. thread last year (9 Oct 2021), which was around the time that thread was closed and this one created. Results may not be current as users could have changed their vote in this thread when posed with the "yes" or "no" options:

alt text

As for why I took that image, it was merely for evidence to show that I didn't vote.
(I hope it is okay to post this image)

danie

I got a feeling ever since Pedro's sacrifice that Carrot was destined to be next leader of the minks. I don't mean to say that she is well suited to it at this point or that Oda built it up well but I knew it was bound to happen. I like it. It's the best thing Oda could have done with her. Her joining the crew or just fading into the background would have been terrible.

I know quite a few people are expecting her to stowaway on the sunny again but I just don't see it. Caribou is more likely to do that.

electricmastro

@StrawHatJedi said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

@pokebat7

I definitely think Vivi will be on Laugh Tale. I feel like she's coming back very soon.

Vivi might honestly get too busy with trying to run Alabasta by the time she gets back seeing as her dad is dead. At most she'll definitely travel with Luffy and the others for a time, but unless she decides to abandon the country entirely, then I can't see her sticking by for long term.

pokebat7

@danie said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

I know quite a few people are expecting her to stowaway on the sunny again but I just don't see it. Caribou is more likely to do that.

It is more due to how the joke of a mink secretly hiding on a ship has been used three times, given Oda's propensity to use gags we'd be likely to see it again. Also Carrot becoming Duchess of Mokomo Dukedom is a good move to make if you want to end discussion on Carrot becoming a crewmate only to surpise the audience by having her stowaway and join the crew.

Caribou was given full permission to board the ship, it seems more likely for him to get trapped in a barrel again because of his murderous ways.

pokebat7

@electricmastro
Due to how rapidly the final war is approaching, I don't think Vivi will have much time to return to Arabasta. She'll definitely return but, only after the defeat of the current world government given how they seem to be after her (the death of Cobra and all) she wouldn't be safe at home. Besides Arabasta has Baroque Works, Gedatsu, and Koza they'll be fine. ~~I believe Igaram is there also for what it's worth~~

StrawHatJedi

@electricmastro I suspect Alabasta isn't safe for Vivi. I doubt Sabo actually killed Cobra. The World Government likely pinned the blame on Sabo both because he's a convenient fall guy, and because they thought it would make the world fear the Revolutionary Army.

Little did they suspect Cobra's assassination would have been celebrated and that it would become a catalyst for the eight nation revolution.

We also know that Cobra was probing the Elders for information they've taken extreme measures to keep hidden. Vivi could be aware f her father's true killers and as such, returning home doesn't seem like the safest option.

Vivi stayed on Alabasta to care for her her people and I think at this point, it's probably necessary for her to stay away for the same reason.

Perhaps it's time for Kohza to assume command. Maybe Alabasta needs to experiment with democracy.

electricmastro

@StrawHatJedi said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

@electricmastro

Yeah, the story has to go beyond finding One Piece. That's why I say there's wiggle room as to when Yamato next meets the crew if she doesn't join them now. Is it before Laugh Tale or after, when they're preparing for the final war to liberate the world?

There has also been complaint that Yamato hasn't really gotten enough focus, but I suppose Yamato will really start getting focus when Kaido and Big Mom come back, since it's not clear if they're dead at this point and Kaido being connected to Yamato in the first place. Kaido's past has also been said to had things hidden on purpose, and we don't even know who Yamato's mom is either, so I guess Oda will deliver on some of the things people are asking for Yamato, but at a later point.

Syphin

While the cliff hanger in chapter 1056 left Yamato's path forward seemingly objectively vague, there has only been relevant set-up toward one direction.

spoiler

Yamato has inherited the will of Oden and chose to pursue "freedom". Yamato never personally met Oden as far as we know (maybe when Oden was dancing during those years?) so the embodiment of Oden is very specific in Yamato's mind. Oda hasn't hidden how much he has aligned Yamato with Oden. And like Oden, through the journey to Laugh Tale, Yamato will come to also understand the history of his lineage. Yamato has already accepted who he is since he was a child establishing that both aspects to Yamato are important to his story:

spoiler

Just as how Oden learned about the Kozuki history through his journey across the Grand Line with Whitebeard and Roger, Yamato will learn about the history of his blood (the race or races he belongs to) through the journey with the Straw Hat Pirates. There is a story behind the Oni blood and the history that made Kaido into who he became. Oda has set-up the story of Yamato to extend beyond his admiration of Oden and the goals Oden held. The dream Yamato holds which Oda has reiterated several times across the arc is testament to the independence Yamato has to Oden’s story. Yamato will carry on Oden’s will and see it through but at the same time, he will follow his own desires and path before him.

@electricmastro I agree with you.
The story of the Oni/Ancient Giants is being saved by Oda to delve into when Yamato is part of the crew to give it genuine and personal relevance to a main character. In all likelihood, the Elbaf and Vegapunk arcs will deal with information on the Oni/Ancients Giants and the research done with Kaido's Bloodline Element.

Kaido’s Lineage Factor/Bloodline Element has become a substantial aspect to the research conducted by Vegapunk and the Marine Scientists. The CP-0 have already confirmed that when Kaido was captured by the Marines he was experimented on with his Bloodline Element being used by Vegapunk to create the Artificial Devil Fruit that Momonosuke has consumed. Beyond the Artificial Devil Fruit there are also connections with Kaido’s Bloodline Element being used to experiment on the Numbers. I also suspect Kaido's Bloodline Element had a hand in creating the Dragons and the Jailer Beast.

Yamato's story and character still has an immense amount of potential to unpack. Wano was just their introduction relative to what I suspect is to come based on what has been established.

electricmastro

@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

Yamato's story and character still has an immense amount of potential to unpack. Wano was just their introduction relative to what I suspect is to come based on what has been established.

That's something else I was thinking about. Just seeing several chapters of Yamato on the surface could give the impression she has no flaws, at least in terms of confidence in stability in accomplishing things, but I've been growing under the suspicion that Yamato may have insecurities or even fears that we aren't told about necessarily, but could still apply to Yamato depending on how her handling of the Oden persona goes. I'm reminded of when Usopp took on the Sogeking persona because he felt insecure and felt he couldn't achieve great things without it, but eventually learned to leave it behind in realizing that he's good being himself. It prob keys into why I'm not favorable when people tell me that Yamato impersonating Oden isn't problematic or can't lead into problems at all, since Yamato is always achieving what she wants in the end and is assumed not to be at mental conflict with who she is, only just looking at Oden as a role model.

I'm not saying Yamato is the same as Usopp, but I think back to when she admitted to things like not having the strength back then to save Momo and her generally having to cope using the Oden persona for years, and leads me to seriously doubt that impersonating Oden can never lead into an issue. If Oda is planning on having Yamato drop her Oden persona to realize that she can be herself and not need to obligate carrying an extra identity around, like how Usopp did, then it makes me wonder what Oda would put Yamato through in order to compel her to do so.

Shiebs

Am I the only one who thinks Jewelry Bonney would be a cool addition to the crew?

Deicide

@Shiebs I think she's too bare bones right now to consider. It's not impossible, of course. But, right now, I'd say it's unlikely.

Well, at least she has potential for a sad backstory. But I feel she's leaning more towards the Revolutionaries now that Kuma's body is with them.

On a personal note, I never found Bonney charismatic nor interesting. She's mostly a walking puzzle, and the few clues available did not make her any special in my eyes.

@StrawHatJedi What I fear about the Alabasta situation is that all of its main defenders are still in the Red Line. The country is in chaos, making it potential prey for pirates and revolutionaries alike.

Just because we know the Nefertari were a good royal family doesn't mean the Revolutionaries do so.

Shiebs

I mean she hasn’t really been developed as a character yet, but I like the vibe and energy that she has, and I like how she’s very different from all his other female characters

I don’t think she’ll join but I wouldn’t mind if she did

She needs some other form of fighting outside of making people young or old

And she could fulfill the role of both younger sister and grandmother on the crew

Deicide

@Shiebs I have a feeling Oda created her just so he eventually gets to draw the chibi version of the Straw Hats, lol.

Something I put against her is that my personal belief is that Oda has defined the 11 Straw Hats a long time ago (not exactly at the start of the series, but still not that long after it started), while the Supernovas were created overnight to make Sabaody more interesting.

(Of course, Oda could have ideas for some Supernovas before then and just decided to present them earlier, but that's pure conjecture at this point)

But, while I'm skeptical of her chances of joining, I can't deny the potential is sure there.

Shiebs

@Deicide oh I definitely agree with you that she most likely won’t join, I’m just saying that if she did I think she’d be cool addition

I’d love to see Sanji’s reaction to a woman that beautiful who loves food so much, and can eat on a level like Luffy

electricmastro

@Shiebs said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

I mean she hasn’t really been developed as a character yet, but I like the vibe and energy that she has, and I like how she’s very different from all his other female characters

I don’t think she’ll join but I wouldn’t mind if she did

She needs some other form of fighting outside of making people young or old

And she could fulfill the role of both younger sister and grandmother on the crew

I really like Bonney's gusto. She'd definitely make for an interesting counter to Luffy, at least during dinner anyway. lol

electricmastro

@Shiebs said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

I’d love to see Sanji’s reaction to a woman that beautiful who loves food so much, and can eat on a level like Luffy

Something like this I'm sure.

alt text

Deicide

@Shiebs said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

I’d love to see Sanji’s reaction to a woman that beautiful who loves food so much, and can eat on a level like Luffy

That ~~would~~ will be fun! A very likely chance of happening!

blackness662

This post is deleted!

Deicide

I think a future 11th member is all but confirmed. Not only the idea of 11 has been floating at least since Water 7 (when I started following discussions), but Blackbeard ended up with 10 titanic captains as a counterpart. I even think the counterpart to the 11th Straw Hat has been introduced as far back as Marineford, just like the Jaya BB Pirates had hints of future crewmates in them.

But I feel Oda purposelly kept feeding us temporary candidates for two reasons:

He can't help but create more and more characters, and the lack of a new nakama leaves room in arcs for secondary characters to have their time in the spotlight
He knows that speculation on next crewmate keep people engaged

(And bonus: potential would-be nakamas mean potential merchandise to sell. Like towels.)

While pre-timeskip most arcs had a new crewmate, we still had potential new nakamas in Vivi and Wiper, for instance.

My guess for the 11th crewmate is that he/she:

Is an already established character
Will be (re)introduced pretty early in the Final Saga
Is likely to be highlighted pretty quickly within the context story itself, unlike in most other joining arc.

When the structure of the New World sagas became clearer, I made a theory that we'd have two sagas (Emperor Saga and another one), with one crewmate per saga rather than arc. I think I thought that almost 10 years ago, and it stuck with me. I feel it's all but confirmed now.

You all know who I think it is, but there's some other potential ones floating around (Carrot if she stows away again, maybe Bonney, some think Smoker...)

Many expect Vivi. I think she will be a companion and will sail with the crew again, but I don't think she will count as the 11th nakama (I don't expect match-ups or a Blackbeard counterpart for her).

theackwardstation

@blackness662 you should wait to post this here until sunday.

.access timeco.

I will die on the hill that Caesar is the absolute best option out of all the post-ts character so far. All he needed was a redemption arc.

I mean, sure, he totally steps on Chopper’s toes in terms of skills, but Chopper is barely a character at this point.

danie

@access-timeco Come on. Caesar is deliciously evil. You can't redeem that. Caribou is on the same boat so I hope he sticks to his guns and gleefully tells Blackbeard or whoever about Pluton and Shirahoshi.

blackness662

@theackwardstation said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

@blackness662 you should wait to post this here until sunday.

You are right, I deleted my post, because it contained spoilers from 1057.
Thanks for the warning!

Shiebs

If we’re going villains who eventually turn good joining the crew my number one pick would be Sir Crocodile, I know it won’t happen, especially with him as Buggy’s second hand guy now, but c’mon you can’t tell me Croc doesn’t rock

Edit: plus we’d finally have that logia, plus he’s def got a sad backstory

Syphin

Oh so blackness662's previous post actually related to chapter 1057...I read it yesterday and thought it was random.

Oof...guess I now know what happens =/.

Galleon Panthera

@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

Oh so blackness662's previous post actually related to chapter 1057...I read it yesterday and thought it was random.

Oof...guess I now know what happens =/.

Sorry to hear you got spoiled on the scanlations. I remember all your insightful posts about Yamato and how the character could change a lot of things. They were pretty well written.

Kishido

This post is deleted!

Cockycent

I think the SSG might bring some newer member in the future, if there are anymore anyway. Since I think there's a possibility of them filling in the role of Warlords who satisfied varying utility in the past.

electricmastro

I have noticed that Yamato didn't really have a "Shanks" in her life, since it seems that she never met with Oden despite admiring him. So Momo might have been built up to be the "Shanks" in Yamato's life, one she can share a dream/common interest with, which might be opening Wano's borders like Oden wanted. It could explain why Yamato was seen with Momo as often as she was, and that we’re not meant to see Momo as an obstacle, but the “Shanks” figure she needed in her life like the other Straw Hats had in the past.

Monquito

This is something we dont know at all cause evidently Oda doesnt care enough for the Minks to elaborate further.

We never knew if there was any familiar relationship between the previous Zou ruler with Inu and Neko, and neither we know if there's any between Inu, Neko and Carrot, we dont know if there exists a royal family at all. Chapter 1056 kinda implies that their usual methodology to choose a King is based on experience in the outside world.

That might be the reason why they're invoking Pedro's will, as the leader of Nox, and having explored several places in search for other poneglyphs, Pedro was very likely next in line to become a king, and in his absense, now is Carrot.

Deicide

I really hope Carrot's situation is made 100% clear ASAP.

Like, if she's in the ship, then reveal her right away.
If she's not, then add a scene of her leaving with the Minks and promising she'll do her best to back the Straw Hats up, as Pedro wanted.

I just hope we don't linger on it, leaving the situation ambiguous for God knows how long while some readers keep hoping beyond reason.

Shin10 Bukuro

@Deicide said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):

I think a future 11th member is all but confirmed. Not only the idea of 11 has been floating at least since Water 7 (when I started following discussions), but Blackbeard ended up with 10 titanic captains as a counterpart. I even think the counterpart to the 11th Straw Hat has been introduced as far back as Marineford, just like the Jaya BB Pirates had hints of future crewmates in them.

But I feel Oda purposelly kept feeding us temporary candidates for two reasons:

He can't help but create more and more characters, and the lack of a new nakama leaves room in arcs for secondary characters to have their time in the spotlight

He knows that speculation on next crewmate keep people engaged

(And bonus: potential would-be nakamas mean potential merchandise to sell. Like towels.)

While pre-timeskip most arcs had a new crewmate, we still had potential new nakamas in Vivi and Wiper, for instance.

My guess for the 11th crewmate is that he/she:

Is an already established character

Will be (re)introduced pretty early in the Final Saga

Is likely to be highlighted pretty quickly within the context story itself, unlike in most other joining arc.

When the structure of the New World sagas became clearer, I made a theory that we'd have two sagas (Emperor Saga and another one), with one crewmate per saga rather than arc. I think I thought that almost 10 years ago, and it stuck with me. I feel it's all but confirmed now.

You all know who I think it is, but there's some other potential ones floating around (Carrot if she stows away again, maybe Bonney, some think Smoker...)

Many expect Vivi. I think she will be a companion and will sail with the crew again, but I don't think she will count as the 11th nakama (I don't expect match-ups or a Blackbeard counterpart for her).

I would argue that the Vivrecard databook essentially acts as a spoiler on the topic of new Nakama.

The publishing company incurs a risk by not leaving an open spot for #11. That risk being they cannot amend the numbering order for cards they have already printed and sold, which incentivizes them to order everything correctly the first time.

I highly doubt they wouldn't foresee this, and thus I imagine they were able to eliminate said financial risk by asking a simple question to Oda: "Should we leave #11 open for another crewmember?"

It would have been an easy "yes or no" question that would help out the Databook financially, which is of course made by the same publisher that makes Weekly Shounen Jump. Frankly, it's common sense.

So, I think the answer is clear: There will not be an "official 11th Nakama." Luffy's 10th person will simply be Vivi.

Shiebs

I actually believe Carrot might be on the ship now

Deicide

@Shiebs I have a slight resistance to the idea because I don't see the story building up to it, but it can totally happen as a twist. The scene of Carrot being nominated the new duchess felt so counter to her character arc that I can't help but think a twist is in order.