One Piece: The Real Vice Captain Of The Straw Hat Pirates, Explained

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Latest Arc.

The Straw Hat Pirates are a Yonko crew and certainly one of the strongest in the world of One Piece. This crew hails from the East Blue and, ever since setting sail, has made history in unprecedented ways. Right now, this pirate crew is projected to conquer the seas and have their captain, Luffy, become the Pirate King. Of course, everyone knows who the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates is. However, there have often been misconceptions surrounding the position of Vice Captain among the fans of One Piece.

With the World Government being in possession of Kaido's lineage factor, could he also be cloned as a Seraphim?

The position of Vice Captain is important for many pirate crews across the seas, and the Straw Hat Pirates certainly have their own take on this position.

The very first thing that fans need to keep in mind when speaking of the Vice Captain and First Mate scenario is that both of these positions mean the same thing. Often, fans have a misconception surrounding this position. Many fans assume that First Mate literally means the first person joining the crew. Sadly, they couldn't be more wrong., First Mate isn't the first person to join a pirate crew. The term First Mate is officially the person who serves as the Vice Captain of the crew. This simply means that First Mate and Vice Captain mean the same thing and are interchangeable terms. The Straw Hat Pirates do not have a First Mate, unlike the Roger Pirates or the Red Hair Pirates.

It is safe to say that there is a widespread misconception among the fans of One Piece when it comes to the position of Vice Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. Naturally, most fans assume that Zoro is the Vice Captain of the crew. However, it is safe to say that this isn't actually true. Zoro has never been described to be the Vice Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates by Oda, so any fan claiming Zoro to be the Vice Captain is, sadly, misinformed. This misconception comes in two ways. The first way that this misconception was formed was by fans simply assuming that Zoro is the Vice Captain because of the idea that every single crew in the world of One Piece has a Vice Captain. While it is certainly true that quite a lot of pirate crews in One Piece have a Vice Captain, not all crews function the same. The Straw Hat Pirates, especially, are far different from any other crew seen in One Piece, and in this particular pirate crew, Zoro doesn't serve as the Vice Captain at all.

The second way this misconception developed was through statements and, to be more precise, mistranslations in both manga and, of course, anime fansubs as well. In the Sabaody Archipelago Arc, Urouge refers to Zoro as the First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates in certain translations of the manga, including Viz. At the same time, some of the fansubs, which are, of course, fan-translated, also refer to Zoro as the First Mate here. However, the real translation is something completely different. The real word used by Urouge here is ２番手, Which literally translates to the second best of the crew. This isn't inaccurate, because everyone knows that Zoro is arguably the second strongest after Luffy.

Bartolomeo, another pirate in the New World, also refers to Zoro as the Vice Captain of the crew, but Bartolomeo clearly states that Zoro is the Vice Captain in his mind, and this is not a generalized statement that is accepted by anyone in the One Piece world. To the Straw Hat Pirates, in particular, Zoro does not serve the role of the Vice Captain at all. That is certainly not to say that Zoro doesn't have a specified role. Zoro has an official role in One Piece which has been specified by Oda himself officially. This role is called 戦闘員 or Sentō-in, Which literally translates to Combatant. Essentially, Zoro is the combatant of the Straw Hat Pirates, and his role doesn't extend beyond that.

In fact, Oda even clarifies himself that Zoro is not the Vice Captain or the First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates in response to a question about the color spread from chapter 1031 of One Piece. There, Oda drew the Number Twos of various groups, and here is what he had to say.

Hello, Odacchi! Looking at the cover page of Chapter 1031, it seems like Bepo is the No. 2 of the Heart Pirates, right!? I was surprised because I thought that Penguin, Shachi, and Bepo were all tied for No. 2! Are you saying that Bepo (with Sulong?) is the strongest between them? P.N. Pudding-ya

O: That cover, huh? Similar to Zoro, not all of those characters have the title of first mate (Vice Captain). I selected the No. 2s as I saw fit. Usually, Shachi and Penguin are more dependable, but those two—who have seen Bepo's Sulong form—are no match for Bepo in terms of fighting power...! I acknowledge him.

Given that it has now been established that Zoro is not the Vice Captain or the First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates, then, one might wonder as to who is the character who holds this position. The clear answer to this is that there is no Vice Captain or First Mate in the Straw Hat Pirates. This group functions like a family, which means different characters have different roles and that there is no particular leader other than Luffy. Luffy is the sole captain of the crew, and the rest are his family. Of course, there are different scenarios where different characters take the lead. For instance, Jinbe, Sanji, and even Nami, in most situations, are more dependable than Zoro in making decisions.

Joy Boy's haki was immense. Luffy will have to catch up to him or even surpass him in One Piece.

Jinbe is usually the one with the most experience, just like Robin. These two are very dependable in many situations. Sanji is the leading candidate when it comes to strategies, and is often even described to be the strategist of the Straw Hat Pirates. He is often more level-headed than even Luffy. Zoro is most dependable when it comes to combat, and has his own importance in the crew and, just like the others, has proven himself to be a leader on many occasions. When it comes to exploration, and many other things, Robin can be seen as the leader of the crew.

Clearly, the Straw Hat Pirates have many dependable leaders, all of whom are capable in their own ways. The Straw Hat Pirates are a closely knit family, and, thus, do not function like any other pirate crew in the One Piece World. They do not have a hierarchy of command, and different situations require different characters to take command, which sometimes even results in characters taking control over Luffy because he simply doesn't know how to navigate a certain situation.

The truth is that Luffy is a captain unlike any other. He clearly mentions that without his crew, he wouldn't even make it through the first half of the Grand Line. Luffy gets many qualities from his crew and he relies upon them heavily. The crew exists to guide him to the One Piece and Luffy guides them and protects them in his own way. This is a family that will never be seen again in the One Piece world, which is why this family places equal importance on every member. Fans should always remember that Luffy holds all of them in equal importance, and all of them are equally loyal to him.

One Piece is available to read via Viz Media. The series can be read by the fans officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and the Manga Plus app. The release date for the next chapter of One Piece, One Piece 1129, is set to be October 13, 2024.

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Um the first mate of a pirate crew was not necessarily the second in command of the ship...the first mate of a pirate crew was the one in charge of leading the boarding parties... so in that respect Zoro is the first mate...

You should look up color spread for chapter 1031, oda draws all the characters that he says act as vice captain in the following sbs. Also states they are the 2nd strongest on their respective crews. Multiple situations have happened that show zoros as vice captain such as always fighting the other crews first mate, or the Kuma encounter where he was going to sacrifice himself, or after usop leaves. No oda don't ever like to acknowledge the crews second strongest but he also like to imply luffy sanji and zoro are all equal. You want find him saying luffy the strongest yet it's supposed to pretty clear to the reader or watcher.

I see Zoro as second in command not because of wordings or what others have said. I place him as First mate based on actions. In Water 7 when Usopp leaves the crew, it is Zoro who reminds Luffy that he must be strong as a captain even though he is sad and is close to breaking down over Usopp's leave. That is Vice captain-material right there!

While Zoro may not be First Mate outside of the live action series (which is a different continuity than either the anime or manga), there are times where he acts as an advisor to Luffy such as the situation with Usopp in the Water 7 Saga! Zoro recognized that Usopp had disrespected Luffy's decision and status as Captain, convincing Luffy and the rest of the crew Usopp had to apologize before being accepted back! Mind you he didn't object to Usopp joining the raid on Enies Lobby using his Sogeking alter-ego cause they needed all the help they could get to save Robin and I think he was hoping Usopp would recognize he messed up and apologize after everything was over! Zoro is loyal to Luffy, yet he also recognizes Luffy is Captain and that his position has to be respected! Mind you he didn't give Sanji a hard time as I'm sure he realized Sanji wouldn't leave the crew without a good reason and Sanji's situation was similar to Robin and Nami, as all abandoned the crew while trying to protect them and/or deal with issues tied to their past! Hard to say how Zoro would have reacted to Sanji fighting Luffy on Whole Cake, though if Luffy told him to stand down he would have as while he and Sanji often fight, they still care about each other in their own way, as shown by Zoro knocking him out on Thriller Bark during the confrontation with Kuma and Sanji carrying the injured Zoro during the Raid on Onigashima!

As combatant Zoro sometimes takes the lead in combat or when Luffy is out of action! Mind you Jimbe, Sanji, & Nami also take on the leadership role at times! Jimbe due to his personality, experience as a Warlord and Captain of the Sun Pirates especially when Zoro or Sanji aren't around! Nami tends to take on the leadership role due to her intelligence and especially in situations regarding navigation (differing to Jimbe when it comes to piloting the Thousand Sunny as she respects his skill after the events of Whole Cake Island)!

Basically Luffy's crew could utilize someone like Vivi to help Luffy navigate politics and possibly better organize the Grand Fleet so they don't end up causing trouble for the main Straw Hat crew! Bartholomew is likely unaware of Luffy's connection to Shanks and the fact Shanks sacrificed his army for Luffy, meaning he likely picked a fight with Shanks simply cause he was a Yonko and thus an enemy of the future Pirate King! Bartholomew is also something of a toxic fanboy as he attacked a gladiator and in the manga cut off his tongue for badmouthing Luffy! While it shows his loyalty, the problem is that it flies in the face of Luffy and Zoro ignoring Bellamy's taunts which was inspired by Shanks' refusal to pick a fight with the Mountain Bandits over the bar's lack of booze, only intervening when Luffy's life was threatened, with Luffy only attacking Bellamy for attacking Montblanc Cricket!

The situation between the Barto Club & Red-Haired Pirates was completely avoidable and Bartholomew did so without Luffy's approval or permission! There is likely going to be huge fallout cause of this that could have been avoided had Barto Club avoided antagonizing Shanks or waited until Luffy decided it was time for the Straw Hats to face him! I have no doubt it's setting up a possible confrontation between Usopp and Yasopp due to Yasopp destroying the Barto Club's ship, and Shanks is basically sending a message to the Straw Hats and their fleet, that they better be prepared for war if they wish to challenge him! To me Shanks is only going after One Piece cause Luffy is finally an Emperor and in a position to potentially fulfill his promise to surpass Shanks & his crew! Yet Bartholomew's actions have soured prospective future reunions between Shanks & Luffy, Usopp & Yasopp, and will likely lead to the two crews coming to blows!

Additionally it's not uncommon for Yonko to develop connections within the Underworld and with the Straw Hats rescue of Vegapunk Lilith, they are in a position to benefit from the various connections they have made! If Wapol's role in helping Vivi escape the Holy Land after Cobra's death becomes known to the Straw Hats, Wapol might be able to work out some kind of deal with the Straw Hats, such as supplying them and their allies with Wapolmetal in exchange for permission to declare Black Drum Island a protectorate and/or accepting Dalton's rule of the Sakura Kingdom! Wapolmetal is a key component in General Franky and Wapol himself became a self-made toy manufacturer and CEO after his dethronement so he actually benefited from his defeat! I mean Wapol didn't actually kill Hiruluk as the man took his life cause he was already a dead man cause of his illness and the poison he consumed due to Chopper failing to understand the Skull & Crossbones was a symbol for poison! Additionally Wapol could also use his wealth to fund Lilith's research and act as an Underworld broker for the Straw Hat crew, Grand Fleet, & their allies! In fact, Wapol is in a prime position to become an Underworld Emperor and if Stussy survives Egghead, she could join forces with Lilith to assist the Straw Hats in exchange for funding her research which is where Wapol's business connections would prove invaluable playing a role similar to Le Feld did for the MADs! The Revolutionary Army could also benefit from this arrangement especially if Dragon and/or Sabo decide to take advantage of Luffy's Yonko status or enter into an official alliance due to their shared opposition to the WG and Blackbeard Pirates who destroyed the Revolutionary Army's base in retaliation for Sabo winning the Mera Mera no Mi & defeating Jesus Burgess to protect his brother!

While Robin is no stranger to the role of second in command, having played that role during her time with Baroque Works as Miss All Sunday, she rarely takes charge! However she is a master at gathering intel due to her Devil Fruit allowing her to bloom sensory organs or create clones that are ideal for that purpose! As an archeologist, she is knowledgeable when it comes to history, legends, and myths! She is also invaluable when it comes to seeking ancient treasures or exploring ancient ruins or historical sites as shown in Skypiea! Of course her ability to read Poneglyphs makes her key to deciphering them in order to locate Laugh Tale and ultimately One Piece! Luffy often turns to Robin to explain certain topics as he trusts her and unlike Nami, Robin is more patient and tolerant of Luffy's actions!

Despite Brook having been a former captain of the Rumbar Pirates, he rarely takes on the leadership role though he does instruct Franky & Robin on the weaknesses of Moria's Zombies and his history! Mind you if the Straw Hats ever need to rely on his understanding of music, I have no doubt they would defer to him! Franky is in charge of maintaining the Thousand Sunny and the Straw Hats vehicles with Usopp assisting him due to his talents for engineering! Chopper of course takes charge when it comes to medical treatment or whenever their is a medical emergency! Sanji due to his tactical mind and royal heritage is something of a natural leader (being the former Sous Chef of the Baratie, Sanji basically served as Zeff's second in command so he has played a similar role in his career as a Chef)! This why I think Sanji will awaken Conquer's Haki as he has the qualities of a King as unlike his father, he is compassionate and cares for his allies, as shown when he takes charge & leads G-5 who respect him for defending Captain Tashigi! Sanji also lead the crew when they separated during the Dressrosa Arc and on Zou until he was forced to abandon the crew to deal with his family and arranged marriage to protect Zeff!

In one of the few none medical leadership moments, Chopper does take on the leadership role when he and Usopp operate the Brachiotank, acting as Tank Commander as Usopp acts as pilot and gunner! Mind you this is more them playing around due to their childishness! Chopper also took charge acting as a leader of sorts to the Straw Hats Samurai, Yakuza, & infected Beast Pirate allies, though this was mainly due to Queen's usage of Ice Oni virus which required Chopper's medical expertise to counter with even Grandpa Hyo deferring to Chopper! When Chopper teamed up with Carrot on Whole Cake, Carrot due to her inexperience with the outside world and Chopper being more experienced when it came to piracy, she deferred to him looking up to him like a big brother (Chopper earned the respect of the Mink Tribe for saving them from the poison gas used by Jack)! Doctor Miyagi & Nurse Tristan also deferred to Chopper with him acting as a sort of head doctor especially during the Raid on Onigashima where the three basically acted as the Alliance's medical team!

Jimbe is also a former Warlord and captain of the Sun Pirates, who previously served under Fisher Tiger, the Fishman who attacked the Holy Land and freed many slaves thus making him an enemy of the World Nobles, rejected his Warlord status by siding with Whitebeard & Luffy during the Marineford War & protected Luffy from Akainu after Ace died! Jimbe also joined Luffy & Rayleigh during their brief return to Marineford and assisted the Straw Hats in defending Fishman Island from the New Fishman Pirates attempted takeover of Fishman Island, also giving blood to Luffy in violation of Fishman Island law! Jimbe has connections to both Hatchan & Fisher Tiger, both Fishmen who ran afowl of the World Nobles, Luffy punched Saint Charlos for shooting Hatchan and like Luffy, Fisher Tiger dared to defy the World Nobles!

Some might wonder if the Straw Hats should ever have a Vice Captain/First Mate, or feel that Zoro fits the role via default as like Rayleigh he's been with Luffy the longest and is currently the only Straw Hat besides Luffy to possess Conquer's Haki!

Still I think it's pretty late in the story to suddenly have Zoro act as First Mate and I think it fits with Sanji's philosophy of each member doing what they do best! Zoro often takes the lead in combat, vocal in matters of honor/respect, as well as being willing to take on all of Luffy's pain, fatigue, etc on Thriller Bark! Nami when it comes to navigation, weather, negotiations, monetary agreements/haggling, and keeping certain members of the crew in check, though Usopp & Chopper have also started to do so post-timeskip! Robin in matters involving history and deciphering clues such as Poneglyphs! Usopp when it comes to sniping, being pessimistic, or lying! Franky and/or Usopp when it comes to technology such as the Sunny or the various vehicles used by the Straw Hats! Sanji & Chopper when it comes to keeping the crew healthy through nutrition and medical expertise!

By not having a defined command structure beyond Luffy is the Captain, Zoro is the combatant, Sanji is the cook, Nami the Navigator, Usopp the Sniper, Chopper the Doctor, Robin the Archeologist, Franky the Shipwright, Brook the Musician, and Jimbe the crew's official Helmsman, the crew is much more versatile as while they may seem dysfunction to a casual observer or those unfamiliar with the crew, they always manage to rally to the occasion and Luffy wouldn't have achieved Yonko status without them!

Yeah didn't Netflix confirm this in the live action where zoro said Yeah I'm your first mate or something like that

You're 100% misinformed Zoro has been labeled first mate in the show countless times, has the second highest bounty and is often shown leading and/or passing judgement as a first mate would. You have obviously never seen the show!

After cake island they literally had Zoro and sanji play fighting over who was the new second strongest but it was established that Zoro was still first mate. I would have accepted an article about Nami being the actual first mate, I think their is some possibility to explore. But your repetitive nonsense Ai written article? Nope.

Show me 5 of those "countless times" where Zoro has been called first mate in One Piece. Oh and also point the chapter number where it was established that "Zoro is still first mate after WCI." I'm waiting.

The bounty has nothing to do with who is the first mate.

And Oda has said it himself that ther is no first mate in Luffys crew.

um zoro is the most loyal in the crew he believes in luffy like no other yes the others do believe in him a lot but not on the level of zoro, zoro is luffy's best friend and if there were a Vice Cap spot than tht spot would go to zoro since he the second strongest is

the Shs are all equally loyal and no Zoro isn't Luffy's best friend. No way you're loyalty-scaling them...

This article needs a report button cause it's wrong. It's clearly stated zoro is number 2 on the ship and liffys first mate.

Report for actually being correct? Please post the chapter number, or the sbs where Oda calls Zoro first mate. I'm waiting

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