SH Crew

[meujeudom]

Hello Everyone. For my first post, I wanted to share some thought about the crew of the SH pirates. :biggrin:

I just read the begining again and Luffy said that he wanted about 10 men. Now he have 6 (7 if you count the carpenter) and I find myself looking for the structure of a real pirate crew. this is it :

• Captain : Luffy.

• First Mate : Zorro.

• Gunner : Ussop. By the way, that makes him the Third in command After Luffy and Zorro. :blink:

• Doctor : Chopper. He is a normal sailor without any autority except that in medicals domains he can even give orders to the captain.

• Navigator/Pilot : Nami. Does not choose the destination but have autority even over the captain for choosing the way.

• Store-keeper/coq : Sanji. a normal Sailor, he manage the holds and can ration the crew

• Passenger : Robin. Sorry,I didn't see any other choice for her, "sailor" just doesn't fit.

• Sailmaker, Carpenter and Caulker. normaly 3 peoples but I think 1 Carpenter will do all. we will see who after this ark (probably Franky)

• Bosun and Leading seaman (not sure about the translation : "quartier-maÃtre" in french. There is a "quartermaster" in english but it is "timonier" in French, that's a little confusing :wacko: ) : no one yet, which isn't surprising because theses functions doesn't mean anything without a lot of sailors

So my conclusion is : except if a lot of no-names joins, adding the need of Bosun and leading Seaman, The crew will be complete after the charpenter join-in. I don't see the "10 peoples" Luffy was speaking of.

A stupid idea : Kaku could be a wonderfull Look-out. the mast+the neck : a hell of a watch-tower :laugh:

[Robin Stjernberg]

You forgot to write in Sanji.

I guess a musician would fit, after that I don't know.

[Falcovsleon20]

Are you people sure that Luffy isn't counting himself as one of those ten men? Because I've always thought that's how it worked.:huh:

[cravenight]

Eh, luffy says alot of things. Though he normally keeps his word, its not that reliable. Also this crew has an abnormal structure, there really is no rank unless there is something important.

[NagaKarat]

I mention this somewhere but you can consider Robin as Officer or Mate. As for Bosun/Boatswain/Quartermaster, Nami is actually holding this job. Bosun is the person who is responsible for the other crews welfare, make out schedules, give out task and keep the ship running like clockwork and the only person who can do that is Nami, because the boys usually listen to her as she is usually the most level headed and sensible person aboard. Some people has liken Robin for the role mother on the ship due to her age, but she is more like the aloof aunt. The real "mother" is Nami. But in the end the word of the captain is law, no matter how senseless it seems. They did however choose to follow him

[meujeudom]

@Robin:

You forgot to write in Sanji.

I guess a musician would fit, after that I don't know.

I just forgot the name. it's edited

@cravenight:

Eh, luffy says alot of things. Though he normally keeps his word, its not that reliable.

True, but in that case, I think it's one of Oda's foreseeing. My personnal opinion though.

@cravenight:

Also this crew has an abnormal structure, there really is no rank unless there is something important.

It's not strange, it's exactly the way most pirates crew were. it was democratic : every one voted for the important decisions. but the officers had more power, gain more parts of money… and were most wanted. of course some didn't follow that at all. captain's orders were absolutes because of fear or respect.

@Falcovsleon20:

Are you people sure that Luffy isn't counting himself as one of those ten men? Because I've always thought that's how it worked.

either ways, it's 2 or 3 men lefts, it doesn't change a thing. Also he said "about 10 men" not "exactly 10 men", it could be 9 or 11.

[myogatheflea]

Luffy's crew will be a total of 10. Period.

[Bounty1Berry]

But given that we have come to include the Going Merry as one, what if other crew members include:

-Luffy's pants, because the entire quest would stop as everyone gathered round to ask "Are they rubber too" if his pants were lost?

-Nami's Number One 10-beri coin (Ducktales reference :D)

-Nico Robin's Funtime Assemblage of Extra Body Parts

[TenshiOni]

@cravenight:

Eh, luffy says alot of things. Though he normally keeps his word, its not that reliable. Also this crew has an abnormal structure, there really is no rank unless there is something important.

Yeah, Luffy may say some pointless things, but Oda sure as hell doesn't.

I'm extremly confident the Mugiwara Pirates will total 10 strong by the end of the manga.

And what most miss, is that we're already 8/10th of the way there.

1. Luffy (Captain)
2. Zoro (First Mater)
3. Nami (Navigator)
4. Usopp/Sogeking (Sharp Shooter)
5. Sanji (Cook)
6. Chopper (Doctor)
7. Robin (Historian/Translator)
8. The New Ship

As we all know, it was highly likely the Going Merry was the "Straw hat that is going to die" Oda was talking about around 2 years back. And since the whole damn point of Usopp leaving the crew was because he felt they were abandoning a precious comrade, we can rest assured Merry was considered a Mugiwara Pirate.

So with that, the new ship replaces Merry for the 8th member.

And if Franky joins, that's 9.

Only one more member - musicien?

[d.Lughie]

Going Merry isn't the other crew bcoz its unrepairable.. its gonna retire :biggrin:
so probably Going Merry II is the other one..:biggrin:

I still think that Luffy is gonna get 10 crewman (including GM) so that makes it 10 of them (living ones)… 9 crewmen + GM + luffy

[Greg]

Yo, it would be awesome if the new boat was Going Merrier. I would laugh my ass off.

[myogatheflea]

@omae:

Yo, it would be awesome if the new boat was Going Merrier. I would laugh my ass off.

Hahaha! That would be entertaining. But I have a feeling that it will be called Going Merry, just because that's the way Luffy is. And granted, Usopp still doesn't return to the crew after Enies Lobby (which is doubtful as it is), naming the ship Going Merry would ensure his return. Plus, I have a feeling that Luffy's seat will make it's way onto the ship…heh. :biggrin:

[Voodzik]

@TenshiOni:

Yeah, Luffy may say some pointless things, but Oda sure as hell doesn't.

I'm extremly confident the Mugiwara Pirates will total 10 strong by the end of the manga.

And what most miss, is that we're already 8/10th of the way there.

1. Luffy (Captain)
2. Zoro (First Mater)
3. Nami (Navigator)
4. Usopp/Sogeking (Sharp Shooter)
5. Sanji (Cook)
6. Chopper (Doctor)
7. Robin (Historian/Translator)
8. The New Ship

As we all know, it was highly likely the Going Merry was the "Straw hat that is going to die" Oda was talking about around 2 years back. And since the whole damn point of Usopp leaving the crew was because he felt they were abandoning a precious comrade, we can rest assured Merry was considered a Mugiwara Pirate.

So with that, the new ship replaces Merry for the 8th member.

And if Franky joins, that's 9.

Only one more member - musicien?

You're assuming Luffy was counting itself. If he ment he wanted ten men under his command, that's two more.

[Voodzik]

@TenshiOni:

Yeah, Luffy may say some pointless things, but Oda sure as hell doesn't.

I'm extremly confident the Mugiwara Pirates will total 10 strong by the end of the manga.

And what most miss, is that we're already 8/10th of the way there.

1. Luffy (Captain)
2. Zoro (First Mater)
3. Nami (Navigator)
4. Usopp/Sogeking (Sharp Shooter)
5. Sanji (Cook)
6. Chopper (Doctor)
7. Robin (Historian/Translator)
8. The New Ship

As we all know, it was highly likely the Going Merry was the "Straw hat that is going to die" Oda was talking about around 2 years back. And since the whole damn point of Usopp leaving the crew was because he felt they were abandoning a precious comrade, we can rest assured Merry was considered a Mugiwara Pirate.

So with that, the new ship replaces Merry for the 8th member.

And if Franky joins, that's 9.

Only one more member - musicien?

You're assuming Luffy was counting itself. If he ment he wanted ten men under his command, that's two more.

[myogatheflea]

What about the possibilities of a fishman musician nakama?

[Kokolores]

a siren as the musician of the SH is actually a quite popular idea. I've heard atleast 4 or 5 separate people proposing it in several forums

[myogatheflea]

@Kokolores:

a siren as the musician of the SH is actually a quite popular idea. I've heard atleast 4 or 5 separate people proposing it in several forums

A siren? Like from the Odysey? Or are you agreeing with me? Elaborate.

[Ivotas]

I like the siren idea. Eventhough if it won´t be a siren I do believe that the musician will use act siren-ish meaning that the music he/she does will also be somehow part of the fighting style.

[Kokolores]

@myogatheflea:

A siren? Like from the Odysey? Or are you agreeing with me? Elaborate.

I'm agreeing with you. The siren of the mythology which is often described as an alluring cross between fish and woman whose song has the power to control all men would be called fishmaid in OP.

[Falcovsleon20]

Why does everyone want the musician to be a female merman/mermaid? I have trouble picturing what the females in the species look like. I would agree that that is a very good idea though. And counting the ship as nakama? Yeah, we all know of the whole Klabauterman spiel, but I can't help but think that that's kinda cheap since usually, every crewmate gets some action in the big battle sequences and face-offs. So what was Merry doing the whole time they were wandering through the deserts of Alabasta? Hopefully when the new ship is built, we'll get to see some cannonball fights get implemented. It's something that One Piece has been missing lately.

[Greg]

Why does everyone want the musician to be a female merman/mermaid?

Well, merman/mermaids can't survive away from water for too long. Perhaps you mean Fishman or Fishwoman. And if you're looking for a female Fishwoman there's always the lady Hachi had a crush on.

As far as the ship being counted as a crew member being sappy or not, Oda may do that. He DID say one of the crew would die back in 2002 and then again in 2003 and while all of us were wildly speculating and questioning this, I'll be damned if he didn't follow through.

[Kokolores]

@omae:

Well, merman/mermaids can't survive away from water for too long. Perhaps you mean Fishman or Fishwoman. And if you're looking for a female Fishwoman there's always the lady Hachi had a crush on.

As far as the ship being counted as a crew member being sappy or not, Oda may do that. He DID say one of the crew would die back in 2002 and then again in 2003 and while all of us were wildly speculating and questioning this, I'll be damned if he didn't follow through.

That's the first I heard about that. I only heard back then that he said that one member would leave the crew and Usopp did. Atleast for a while. But i never counted Merry as an active crewmember. It might be he meant her

The mermaid idea is also popular because during the Arlong Arc Luffy and Sanji I believe said they wanted to visit the isle of the Mermen. Furthermore what better musician is there for a pirate manga then a mystical sea creature renowned for her songs. It just fits.

[Buccaneer]

This post is deleted!

[Greg]

The mermaid idea is also popular because during the Arlong Arc Luffy and Sanji I believe said they wanted to visit the isle of the Mermen. Furthermore what better musician is there for a pirate manga then a mystical sea creature renowned for her songs. It just fits.

Now, now. Sanji only states that a "Fishman Island" exists. He says many "mermaids live there". That's two different species. Plus Luffy and Sanji never mention anything about wanting to go there.

I was hoping to clear this dilemna up in the Arlong profile.

[Kokolores]

@omae:

Now, now. Sanji only states that a "Fishman Island" exists. He says many "mermaids live there". That's two different species. Plus Luffy and Sanji never mention anything about wanting to go there.

I was hoping to clear this dilemna up in the Arlong profile.

In my translation there is no differenciation between the two species. at this point. It's a really crappy one since there don't seem to exist any HQ translations of the first volume which are downloadable in packs. Sanji calls the isle mermaid island, and arlongs gang mermaid pirates. but it's been too long since my last reread for me to remember every dialogue correctly. That's why I said I believe since I wasn't sure. So that's what I did just now and however even though Sanji didn't say anything directly about wanting to go there his dreamy/perverted expression says as much doesn't it?

[Greg]

In my translation there is no differenciation between the two species.

Just to clear things up, this should set you on the right path:

If you ever see Arlong or any of his kind called a 'Merman', that source is totally incorrect. The kanji used to spell Arlong's race is unique to One Piece. The individuals are called gyojin which is the reverse of the Japanese word for Merman or Mermaid, ningyo. There are in fact mermaids in the One Piece world! Sanji first mentions their existence in Volume 8 (p132) and later on we actually see one of the beauties ourselves. I also frequently use the term Manmer myself but…I guess if I had to choose which one sounded better, Fishman wins for the simplicity of its translation even though Manmer sounds more exotic.

[Kokolores]

@omae:

Just to clear things up, this should set you on the right path:

thanks I just asked my brother who collects One Piece in german and he said the same.

[Ivotas]

Sorry if the question I ask is stupid but sometimes I´m just utterly confused and miss points at all so I just want to check if I did get it right or wrong.

• Ningyo means merman and mermaid in japanese, right?

• The term gyojin exists only in One Piece, right?

• Gyojin translates to fishman but can´t be translated into merman, right?

• Can gyojin also be translated as mermaid or was Sanji back then using the term ningyo when he was talking about mermaids?

Sorry for the bother, I just want to get it right.

[Greg]

It's no bother whatsoever. While I suppose outside of OP the terms could mean essentially the same thing, here it's quite a different story because we've actually seen what mermaids and Fishwomen are and the differences between them.

Whether this is my crazy imagination or not, I also JUST remembered that there was an SBS where Oda even went into detail describing this very situation. He used an octopus as an example. While an Octopus Fishman looks like Hachi, an Octopus Mermaid would be literally half human and half octopus (lower half). Whereas Fishmen/women are biological mixtures, mermpeople are literally half-and-half.

I think that answered your questions but if not the more direct route is:

Yes

From what I've seen yes but it could certainly exist elsewhere. Maybe in RPG's and stuff.

Since there is a word for our definition of merman, it wouldn't be accurate to say its exactly the same.

Nah, not within OP at least and he did specifically say many beautiful 'ningyo' inhabit the 'gyojin' island.

[Ivotas]

Thanks Omae, that certainly enlightened me on that matter.

I guess it´ll take some time to get used to saying/typing fishman instead of merman in the future but I´ll make it. :biggrin:

[CosmicDebris]

Thanks for that clarification, Omae…Great, another thing 4Kids screwed up. XD

[Fierce]

To come back to the original topic…

You have to think about, which dreams the new crewmembers could have. A real Mugiwara has a dream! How could the dream of a musician look like? Oo Imho the musician thing is only a kind of running gag. (This gag maybe changes, if Franky joins the crew starting singing and stuff. Luffy will be satisified and the rest of the crew now wants a real musician. ^^)

However, I think, they will need a helmsman, because they will face super-stormy regions of the Grandline. (remember: steering != navigating) For this job someone strong is recommended. I would like to see a fishman (or however it is called now XD) in that case, who could also work as a scout or something. Of course there is the question about the dream of a helmsman, maybe to steer a ship to the end of the grandline, but this would look a little bit like Franky's dream... :wacko:

[Ectopic]

@Falcovsleon20:

Are you people sure that Luffy isn't counting himself as one of those ten men? Because I've always thought that's how it worked.:huh:

Yeah I always thought that too.

[Robin Stjernberg]

The musicians dream does not have to be something that is connected to music, ya know.

[Ivotas]

@Falcovsleon20:

Are you people sure that Luffy isn't counting himself as one of those ten men? Because I've always thought that's how it worked.:huh:

I take the statement "I want 10 people" to definitely exclude him from the list.

@ Fierce:

You´re right about the dreams but that can´t be a argument against a musician. I mean this is Oda we´re speaking about so he could definitely come up with a great goal for a musician. Don´t know if it would be to find the perfect beat or to write the perfect song that will spread joy and hope through the world but with Oda who gave Hiluluk the dream to heal a country by turning snow pink it certainly is possible. Just think about what dream he gave the cook of the crew. Oda definitely can come up with a good dream for a musician.

As far as the other possible positions are concerned. Well as I stated often enough that besides the musician I see a helmsman and a priest join. The dreams of those could be that the priest is looking for a way to "cure" DF abilities since many of the DF users use them for evil. And the helmsmans dream could be to successfully sail the toughest waters in the world. You know something like a sure killer route or something like that. It´s similar to when racers want to become the best drivers of the world.

[Falcovsleon20]

Whether this is my crazy imagination or not, I also JUST remembered that there was an SBS where Oda even went into detail describing this very situation. He used an octopus as an example. While an Octopus Fishman looks like Hachi, an Octopus Mermaid would be literally half human and half octopus (lower half). Whereas Fishmen/women are biological mixtures, mermpeople are literally half-and-half.

Oh great. The dub uses the term Mermen for the fishmen and (before any 4Kids bashing begins) so do most of the other translations I read. Isn't easier to just apply the term to BOTH sides of the species?

Now that that's settled…..

I would like to see a fishman (or however it is called now XD) in that case, who could also work as a scout or something.

Meh, if you were to ask me, I'd say some form of quarter giant or half giant would work for that depending on the size of the new ship. I dunno, it just seems like someone new is going to join when we get to Elbaf. (And we are going to get there sooner or later. It DOES deal with Usopp after all.)

the priest is looking for a way to "cure" DF abilities since many of the DF users use them for evil.

I dunno, a lot of good guys also use DFs. Suppose they don't want to get rid of them? It's a good dream, but I don't see it having any other effect outside of the aformentioned Devil's Fruit statement you made. I still think that my idea of a female Skypeian with a light Logia might work for a priestess but that's just me. (Who says there aren't a few living in secret?)

(Hell, I probably should just take all of my OC Mugiwara ideas and make a crew out of them while I'm at it.)

Another idea I came up with was a botanist or gardener type position. Sanji being a cook could use someone like that since there's god only knows how many gormet dishes in existance that include the use of veggies and I see it also contributing to Nami's tangerine plants as well. Yeah sure, you'd have to graft a greenhouse onto the ship to make that happen, but it's worth a shot. Said person could also be female and have the plant logia.

Heck a plant logia could work for Strawhat potential without making them too overpowered. The logias we've seen so far, (Both manga AND anime continuities) were made of elements that can't exactly take damage.

• Sand is not living thing, can't be hurt. Though it can be solidified. (Hence Croc's weakness)
  -Electricity is not a living thing.
  -Liquid, well you got me on that as of right now since that can vary and be argueable.
  -Ice is not….actually, that might pertain to the above.
  -Fire is not a living thing.
  -Smoke is not a living thing.

Plants are living beings so even if a plant logia seals up holes with vines or something (ala every other logia user that takes a hit that doesn't weaken or expose their fruit powers.) it would still hurt due to the plants being hurt. (Think how Robin can have all of those hands and yet still get her original arms cut despite them not coming even close to the target.)

And as for a musician. Well, I can't say I disagree with the fishwomen/mermaid/whateveryoucallit theory but I'm more supportive of the fishman scout idea myself. (Heck, I once came up with a fishman character that could work as a scout. He's got the ninja motife down after all)

[Ivotas]

@Falcovsleon20:

I dunno, a lot of good guys also use DFs. Suppose they don't want to get rid of them? It's a good dream, but I don't see it having any other effect outside of the aformentioned Devil's Fruit statement you made. I

When I said "cure" then I meant something as a anti-DF or and God/Angel Fruit or any other kind of thing that wouldn´t effect all DF users at once but which you could give to each single user like some sort of medicine. That way the people who use their ability to cause destruction would lose their powers and those that use it to help others would still be able to keep it.

[Fierce]

@Ivotas:

You´re right about the dreams but that can´t be a argument against a musician. I mean this is Oda we´re speaking about so he could definitely come up with a great goal for a musician. Don´t know if it would be to find the perfect beat or to write the perfect song that will spread joy and hope through the world but with Oda

Yeah, thanks for that point. I had problems with imaging a good dream for a musician, but it's Oda anyway. ^^

And the helmsmans dream could be to successfully sail the toughest waters in the world. You know something like a sure killer route or something like that. It´s similar to when racers want to become the best drivers of the world.

That sounds like a good dream for a helmsman, indeed. I like that idea.

@Falcovsleon20:

Meh, if you were to ask me, I'd say some form of quarter giant or half giant would work for that depending on the size of the new ship.

A half giant is also a good possibility for a new crew member. Never thought about that. I want something new, you know. A fishman or a half giant would look like a perfect addition to the crew.

Plants are living beings so even if a plant logia seals up holes with vines or something (ala every other logia user that takes a hit that doesn't weaken or expose their fruit powers.) it would still hurt due to the plants being hurt. (Think how Robin can have all of those hands and yet still get her original arms cut despite them not coming even close to the target.)

That plant idea looks like Robin to me. She let grow her body parts like plants. She was also stated as "flower girl" sometimes. XD

And as for a musician. Well, I can't say I disagree with the fishwomen/mermaid/whateveryoucallit theory but I'm more supportive of the fishman scout idea myself.

Any good dreams for a scout? ^^ Okay, Oda'll manage somehow, but I'm just interested, what you think could work as a dream.

[Falcovsleon20]

This post is deleted!

[Falcovsleon20]

That plant idea looks like Robin to me. She let grow her body parts like plants. She was also stated as "flower girl" sometimes. XD

Body parts don't count as the same thing as plants. Not to mention that the idea is a Logia class. That's like saying Enel can make his lightning come straight up out of the ground. To be honest, when I came up with the idea, I was thinking Zoan-type transformation properties as well. The botanist character I created around the idea, (Whom I'm calling Rosa for now.) well maybe some her attacks can give you a clue as to what I'm thinking about:

• generating roses as projectiles from fingertips.

• turning feet and toes into tree roots to absorb moisture in the ground as a way to replenish health.

• poisonous ivy whips generated from palms.

• shields made from tree bark.

• create aloe to, again, heal.

• cactus boxing gloves anyone?

• venus flytraps as makeshift bear traps. (Don't ask me how that would work. This is Oda's world after all.)

I'm still toying around with ideas.

[NagaKarat]

Yeah, thanks for that point. I had problems with imaging a good dream for a musician, but it's Oda anyway. ^^

To me a musician dream is simple to think of, a musician is like a bard and what a bard do is to record things that happen into songs. Maybe his/her dream is to write an ode of the New Pirate King.

[Kibagami]

@Fierce:

You have to think about, which dreams the new crewmembers could have. A real Mugiwara has a dream! How could the dream of a musician look like? Oo Imho the musician thing is only a kind of running gag. (This gag maybe changes, if Franky joins the crew starting singing and stuff. Luffy will be satisified and the rest of the crew now wants a real musician. ^^)

I think you are totally right; a real Mugiwara has a dream, but the dreams of a pirate doesn't necessarily have to do with his/her the role on the crew. Just look at Usopp; he just wants to be a brave and honorable warrior/pirate. That was nothing to do with being a sharpshooter. And I know Chopper's dream is supposed be something like finding a cure for all diseases or something, but as far as I'm concerned he just want to have adventures with some nakama. Come to think of it, Nami's dream to dream to make a map of the world is as obvious as Chopper's, and I didn't know about Chopper's dream until I read omae no kaasan's site. Maybe I just pay enough attention, but their motives on the crew leans more on the side of being with their nakama and finding treasures as pirate, having a good time, etc. Anyway, the point is: the new crew member will have a dream/ a motive and a role. The role of the crew member doesn't have to with the dream.

So if a musician joins the crew, he/she wouldn't necessarily have to have a dream that concerns music. He could just be another pirate wannabe who happens to meet Luffy. Where dreams are concerned, Oda can come up with anything that has to do with adventure, fun, and Raftel.

PS: This is the reason I think Franky going to join. In his youth, he showed tremendous respect for Tom because he built the only ship to travel across the entire Grandline, and I think that is his dream. On the other hand, I think Paulie's dream is to be follow in Iceburg's foot steps to become the greatest shipwright and president of the Galley-la.

[Malintex_Terek]

I'm not sure if Chopper really has a dream outside of having a good time with the crew. Usopp's dream wasn't really defined until he'd spent some time with the Mugiwara; I see Chopper as much the same. Think of it this way; Chopper is already at the peak of his ability, as is Sanji. There's no point in improving their craft; they're basically along for the ride (though Sanji still wants to find All Blue, though this is motivated less by a desire to cook the fishies there and moreso by proving to everyone that it actually does exist).

[Monkey Spirit]

I agree with the musician being more of a bardic figure whose dream it is to write a song about the Pirate King. I can see the group's bard pushing Luffy to do heroic things he/she can write about. xD

Anyway, a bard should also be someone good with words who can act as a spokesperson for the crew, deliver messages and sweet-talk them out of trouble. I'm also very interested in the way the bard would fight and more importantly, what instrument he/she will play. Should we expect the classic lute or violin, or will Oda go for something more random, like a made up instrument only said bard can play?

By the way, which was Chopper's dream again? Seeing the world or finding the Panacea that can cure all illnesses? I've heard both versions, but I prefer the former, the Panacea would make all doctors redundant (Kureha said so herself, I think).

[Shishou]

Musician will be the last Strawhat.

Why? Because it is the one crew member that Luffy wanted the most. The first and the most.

[Ivotas]

@Malintex_Terek:

I'm not sure if Chopper really has a dream outside of having a good time with the crew. Usopp's dream wasn't really defined until he'd spent some time with the Mugiwara; I see Chopper as much the same. Think of it this way; Chopper is already at the peak of his ability, as is Sanji. There's no point in improving their craft; they're basically along for the ride (though Sanji still wants to find All Blue, though this is motivated less by a desire to cook the fishies there and moreso by proving to everyone that it actually does exist).

I always took it that his dream will be a combination of Hiluluk´s will he passed down on him to set sail on the sea one day on the one hand and his goal to become a doctor who can cure everything (back when he asked Kuraha to take him as apprentice).

Of course he won´t be able to cure everything but since Drum has a good doctors with Kuraha and the Isshi 20, aswell as Hiluluk´s Sakura which "healed" the country Chopper is of much better use outside of Drum. There´s still many people out there that would need medical help of a great doctor like him and on the other hand he can learn even more about medicine first hand by sailing the Grand Line.