@shadyagent said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 10 - Egghead):
Just skimmed through the thread. My re-read is still ongoing and therefore a lot of things are still quite fresh in my mind and I tried to pay attention to certain topics like Vivi.
The fact is Zorro was Number 1 and Brooks chapter title was the 8th person (489) and Luffy said "about 10 should do", it would make sense not to speak of a 11th member for the sake of confusion. Pretty sure, Oda will keep his word an a 10th member will join that is important "while travelling".
Regarding Vivi: She was asked if she would like to join and she clearly stated, that she loves her country and wants to stay in Arabasta. Unless there is a reason that finding the one piece/taking part in Luffys adventure would benefit her kingdom, I dont see her as a 10th member - she is a member of the strawhats but not one with a number. We all know the Yontamaria 5600 (numbers play on Luffy) strong members do not count as "a member" and even Luffy do not want them as "underlings". When it comes to past characters my money would definetly on Yamato rather than on Vivi.
I really do like how Oda keeps up the mystery about the 10th member. With each character it becomes more difficult to give everyone sufficient "screentime". Oda split up the crew from Dressrosa until Wano and in my opinion it was a good move in terms of portraying characters. Currently I m at the beginning of Whole cake island; maybe I will change that take.
Yeah, wouldn't doubt that Oda is trying to throw his audience into a state of confusion like he did with Franky.
I suppose I could see Vivi turning out to be the 11th crewmate and Yamato turning out to be the 12th.
Regardless of this or that regarding us being at endgame, Oda still took the time to reveal more background info on Vivi, and give her more possible motivation to go to Laugh Tale, since Laugh Tale contains Will of D. info that I'm sure would be very relevant to Nefertari D. Lily's legacy.
Oda did all of that and it's only been a year after Wano, with us still not having gotten off of Egghead too. So if we take the view that Oda is wanting to recruit Vivi before Yamato, then I suppose that would make sense.