I've been thinking about this for awhile now. What do you guys think about Kokoro, Chimney, and Gonbe joining the crew? Oda did it before with Robin back in the Alabasta arc by surprising us with a new member when we least expected it.
Here is the reasons why I think they'll join. First of all the only important ship positions that are left are Helmsman and Quartermaster. All other positions like Cabin Boy, Musician, or any other position is useful but not essential. If the Strawhats get a new ship (which they will) They'll need a Helmsman, especially if it's controls are more complicated then the Going Merry. Kokoro has already proven herself a pretty good Helmsman, even though she
crashed the Rocketman twice. She has gotten the Strawhats to were they need to go and she has helped them out when they most needed it.
Reason two: most characters who join the crew have been in flashbacks with the exception of Robin (her's didn't come till the current arc). Kokoro has had one, and she also has had a tragic past. Both her and Franky lost Tom and everything they valued.
Third reason: Just like Franky she's been with them thru the entire EL arc. And for an arc about everone finding there place in the crew she's helped them out alot. Twice before with the Rocketman like I previously mentioned. She and Chimney have also given them valuable information thru the entire arc. And even though they can't fight , Luffy did say he had weaker members of his crew he wanted to protect. I know it's a stretch, but them being weaker members does go with the other theme of the arc.
Reason number four and onee of the biggest: They can't go back with everyone else because of the Buster Call. And because of the damage to the tower and the fact the bridge is still up. Plus it's already been said the only way for the Strawhats too go is forward thru the Gate of Justice. And finally now that the marines see them helping the Strawhats, they'll get a bounty, and niether of them can protect themselves.
The fifth reason: I think Chimney and Gonbe will join just because thier grandma won't abandon them. She could be the Cabin boy/girl and maybe the ship Musician. Who know's maybe all three will count as member number nine and that will still leave space number ten for a Musician.
My final reason: I alway thought Oda might be going for a more diverse crew on the ship. Which each memeber ranging from being very young to very old. And a good mix of males and females. And multiple species' including a animal, a giant, and a mermaid/fishman. Chopper is the animal of the crew. If Luffy is proven to be a descendent from giants that would only leave room for a mermaid/fishman. If it's not proven it still leaves the tenth slot for a giant. Now this last reason isn't really proof but just a opinion and gut feeling I have.
Well I just wanted to know what everyone's thoughts about this is. And if I'm right I just wanted to be the first to have guessed it.
OP 
