Discussion The Search for Straw Hat's New Nakama Part 8 - Elfbaf Arc

[goldb]

Previous iteration of the thread is HERE from WCI Arc.

As it stands, Jinbe has returned to the crew and officially shown in the manga as the SH's helmsman. Popular theory and predictions has Carrot and/or a Scabbard joining the crew.

This thread is to discuss possibilities of any characters in this arc (including Carrot and the Scabbards) joining the crew on their future journeys. Personally Carrot as a mink would be a great addition to the crew, not just because of her age and bubbly(sparkly) personality but she's also a tested candidate, having travelled with them from Zou, to WCI and now here in Wano.

The reason I discard the Scabbards from joining is simply because once Momo assumes leadership of the country, he will need advisors to whom he can turn to for counsel and those that know both the current struggles of the country but also its past glory. The Scabbards fit that perfectly. I also doubt they'd leave their lord's family exposed anymore.

None from the group has shown any interest in leaving the country for personal adventure; besides the mink pair when they were young( and snuck off to join Oden). Neko and Inu would most likely return to Zou as they are rulers there.

The only one I would see leaving after the dust is settled is maybe Kiku to find her brother.

 

[M3J]

I mean, that's not a guarantee, nor does Law have to be with the Straw Hats. They can go together as alliances or something, even.

 

[Idkwhatanameis]

Caribou, Yamato, Otama, Carrot, possibly Hiyori.

 

[Vanshrimp]

Onimaru / Gyukimaru

 

[goldb]

Caribou, Yamato, Otama, Carrot, possibly Hiyori.

Onimaru / Gyukimaru

Why/In what scenario do you see them joining the crew?

 

[Vanshrimp]

Zoro and Onimaru will get to know each other once Zoro starts his mini journey to learn about the history of the shimotsuki clan r, and eventually learn about his true origins/father (surely not ushimaru as answered in the SBS volume 101). I am sure they will end up friends, because i am assuming Onimaru will be pleased to be the companion of the swordsman who left a scar on Kaido, eventually the one who turned enma into a black blade (still to be confirmed though) ,and Zoro will be pleased to meet someone who knows much about swords. It will be Zoro who will ask luffy if they can take Onimaru with them and i am sure everyone will like him.

 

[electricmastro]

Interesting Yamato visual for the new opening. Reminds me of opening 4.

 

[JStackz26]

okay including Yamato, I really did not consider the idea of Marco. We have no serious backstory on him. But we know Whitebeard took in an orphaned Teach (whom he should have left stranded). All we know him as is the Whitebeard apprentice. Now the other thing is that this arc Marco told us that they aren't bound to Whitebeard and free to do as he pleases. Now Marco also said that he stayed to protect Whitebeard from Weevil. That Bakkin woman is now after Luffy, who people may presume is on Wano. Though the news never indicated that Luffy was going to Wano and rather that they were teaming up and possibly going after Luffy. Or the navy knows that chasing Luffy part but not the papers. If Oda was going to make Weevil relevant then of course he could have Weevil defeat Marco but since Bakkin sent them after both then it kills two birds with one stone if Weevil encounters Marco with Luffy already.

My thing why I did not consider Marco joining is the simple fact that Marco is too strong. My preference vs what could happen. Because we do have to scale it that no new member should be stronger than Sanji unless Sanji were going to immediately surpass them in strength. By extension, no member is to be stronger than Zoro unless the same. Now we saw with Jinbe that based on Jinbe's reputation and Oda's portrayal of Sanji that Jinbe was going to be stronger than Sanji. And we speculated if Sanji was 3 or 4 now. Then Oda had Sanji face Queen, had Jinbe not face Jack and gave him the lower ranked Who's-Who instead. Regardless of the Minks plot, it was a way of showing the strength hierarchy. And it may have also been having Oda say that Jinbe is not number 3 but rather no higher than Number 5. Then we had the X Drake defection.

So you can consider
Luffy - Kaido
Zoro - King
Sanji - Queen
???? - Jack
???? - X Drake
Jinbe - Who's-Who

Where the two ???? would be Yamato and Marco (this is not saying Marco is Jack or Wano X Drake level, just ranking in the crew as the series goes on). As there is no one else as strong as Jinbe on Onigashima (Minks, Scabbards, Law, Kidd, Killer, Big Mom excluded and Carrot not excluded) not on the above listing. But of course, Oda showed us Marco can fight King and Queen for a long time period without tiring. Which was maybe Oda auditioning him for the Strawhats. He has more interaction with the Strawhats than Yamato. And literally was there on the Live Floor with Chopper (his ship role counterpart), Sanji and Zoro (his two battle counterparts - Commanders). And Oda gave a Sanji and Marco comparison with him briefly taking on Queen and King and speaking on the same thing as Marco. One might say that Chopper is already the doctor but that doesn't take away Marco's value. Especially when Oda showcased Marco's healing flames, which would assist Luffy in having a bit more endurance to finish out battles. Like it was shown with him needing multiple rounds vs Kaido. Plus he has a connection to Jineb, last order was to protect Luffy and he values Ace as well. So having him on there wouldn't be ridiculous.
Plus, we just saw that Kaido had how many Supernova?
Apoo, Hawkins, X Drake - 3
and 4 captive (inlcuding Luffy)
but the 3 is the focus in terms of those who joined. So that means 3 Supernova joined Kaido, and he also had like 4 previous Captains Join (Page One and Ulti, I'm not sure if they traveled separate) as Tobi Roppo. Heck, we even saw Shanks had the Rockstar guy with Red hair (that would be funny if he's related to Xebec and Shanks sent him to Whitebeard because of that) as a new member of his crew. So even the established Yonko add to their crews from their main bunch after becoming Yonko. So that would mean that Luffy becoming a Yonko or battling Kaido like that would attract more powerful crewmates to him. But Oda wouldn't oversaturate him with powerful members. I'm sure Oda will do the 4 from the New World and call it a series. And honestly we probably have all the four in Wano. Because, the crew really doesn't need a Giant on the crew. That is covered by the guy on the fleet.
What the crew seems to be getting in the New World
well Roger & Whitebeard had a Samurai from Wano (well Zoro is our Samurai from Wano).
Yamato - child of a Yonko, studied Oden wants to be a Samurai
Marco - "child" of a Yonko but really represents the Old Pirate Era (sounds like Jinbe but nope)
Jinbe - His purpose seems more race relations and Joyboy promise based
Carrot - Minks race, and Zunesha being legendary and carrying a poneglyph

That would make for the four crew members, who all battled in the war against Kaido and helped aid in the "Dawn." Though Carrot lost, she still helped deal damage to Perospero, who ultimately lost to Nekomamushi. Of course, since Carrot's ability only works in moon conditions then that also really handicaps the crew. Does ODa plan the rest of their battles on full moons just for Carrot? She has electro but it seems weak regularly. So maybe she becomes the who Devil Fruit Yuki Yuki thing, where they showed the snow bunny stuff under the Sunny. But that there would make the Four New Strawhats.

It is actually a sweet dynamic for Marco.
Originally Whitebeard was going to make Ace King. So Marco would have been Ace's First Mate due to his Captain Whitebeard's will. Whitebeard switched to protecting Luffy and not letting Luffy die, and gave that order to Marco. Prior to Ace's rescue and death. Marco carries on Ace's will of protecting Luffy. Now Jinbe joined due to hearing about Ace talking about Luffy so much. Now we have Yamato who has been waiting for Luffy because she heard so much about him from Ace, possibly joining. So it could be quite possible Marco follows the trend. So now Marco instead of being subordinate to King Ace, is subordinate to King Luffy. This is also how Luffy surpasses Shanks, as Marco refused Shanks offer but accepts Luffy's. And it puts Marco in position to reclaim some of the lost pride of Marineford and the Payback War for Whitebeard, Ace, Thatch and the rest of the crew. I mean Oden was an ex crewmate and Marco seems really playful in this war when he should be just as pissed as the scabbards. But Oda has him sitting there as a bystander. And my belief to that is because Oda doesn't want to show Marco going all out, until the power levels of the Monster Trio fall in sync with a certain hierarchy. That does remove my Bellamy theory if Marco joins and there is also no hint of Marco joining. But there is also hint of it. He abandoned Whitebeard's hometown that he bound himself to, all for the sake of aiding Luffy. He either joins or comes back to Whitebeard's place decimated and him then getting defeated by Weevil. Or he joins and they make contact with Weevil.

I'm more prone to thinking if Oda adds Devil Fruit users, they won't be Logia. And he spent a lot of time showcasing Marco. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Yamato (more room for growth), Marco (Stagnant-Fixed Level), Jinbe (Stagnant-Fixed level) vs Blackbeard's captain's seems to make a lot more sense.

 

[McNuss]

I mean, that's not a guarantee, nor does Law have to be with the Straw Hats. They can go together as alliances or something, even.

They cannot. In that scenario, as equals, Luffy and Law would become Pirate King together, and that is not going to happen.

 

[M3J]

How would they become Pirate King together, and why would Luffy care?

 

[grey matter]

okay including Yamato, I really did not consider the idea of Marco. We have no serious backstory on him. But we know Whitebeard took in an orphaned Teach (whom he should have left stranded). All we know him as is the Whitebeard apprentice. Now the other thing is that this arc Marco told us that they aren't bound to Whitebeard and free to do as he pleases. Now Marco also said that he stayed to protect Whitebeard from Weevil. That Bakkin woman is now after Luffy, who people may presume is on Wano. Though the news never indicated that Luffy was going to Wano and rather that they were teaming up and possibly going after Luffy. Or the navy knows that chasing Luffy part but not the papers. If Oda was going to make Weevil relevant then of course he could have Weevil defeat Marco but since Bakkin sent them after both then it kills two birds with one stone if Weevil encounters Marco with Luffy already.

My thing why I did not consider Marco joining is the simple fact that Marco is too strong. My preference vs what could happen. Because we do have to scale it that no new member should be stronger than Sanji unless Sanji were going to immediately surpass them in strength. By extension, no member is to be stronger than Zoro unless the same. Now we saw with Jinbe that based on Jinbe's reputation and Oda's portrayal of Sanji that Jinbe was going to be stronger than Sanji. And we speculated if Sanji was 3 or 4 now. Then Oda had Sanji face Queen, had Jinbe not face Jack and gave him the lower ranked Who's-Who instead. Regardless of the Minks plot, it was a way of showing the strength hierarchy. And it may have also been having Oda say that Jinbe is not number 3 but rather no higher than Number 5. Then we had the X Drake defection.

So you can consider
Luffy - Kaido
Zoro - King
Sanji - Queen
???? - Jack
???? - X Drake
Jinbe - Who's-Who

Where the two ???? would be Yamato and Marco (this is not saying Marco is Jack or Wano X Drake level, just ranking in the crew as the series goes on). As there is no one else as strong as Jinbe on Onigashima (Minks, Scabbards, Law, Kidd, Killer, Big Mom excluded and Carrot not excluded) not on the above listing. But of course, Oda showed us Marco can fight King and Queen for a long time period without tiring. Which was maybe Oda auditioning him for the Strawhats. He has more interaction with the Strawhats than Yamato. And literally was there on the Live Floor with Chopper (his ship role counterpart), Sanji and Zoro (his two battle counterparts - Commanders). And Oda gave a Sanji and Marco comparison with him briefly taking on Queen and King and speaking on the same thing as Marco. One might say that Chopper is already the doctor but that doesn't take away Marco's value. Especially when Oda showcased Marco's healing flames, which would assist Luffy in having a bit more endurance to finish out battles. Like it was shown with him needing multiple rounds vs Kaido. Plus he has a connection to Jineb, last order was to protect Luffy and he values Ace as well. So having him on there wouldn't be ridiculous.
Plus, we just saw that Kaido had how many Supernova?
Apoo, Hawkins, X Drake - 3
and 4 captive (inlcuding Luffy)
but the 3 is the focus in terms of those who joined. So that means 3 Supernova joined Kaido, and he also had like 4 previous Captains Join (Page One and Ulti, I'm not sure if they traveled separate) as Tobi Roppo. Heck, we even saw Shanks had the Rockstar guy with Red hair (that would be funny if he's related to Xebec and Shanks sent him to Whitebeard because of that) as a new member of his crew. So even the established Yonko add to their crews from their main bunch after becoming Yonko. So that would mean that Luffy becoming a Yonko or battling Kaido like that would attract more powerful crewmates to him. But Oda wouldn't oversaturate him with powerful members. I'm sure Oda will do the 4 from the New World and call it a series. And honestly we probably have all the four in Wano. Because, the crew really doesn't need a Giant on the crew. That is covered by the guy on the fleet.
What the crew seems to be getting in the New World
well Roger & Whitebeard had a Samurai from Wano (well Zoro is our Samurai from Wano).
Yamato - child of a Yonko, studied Oden wants to be a Samurai
Marco - "child" of a Yonko but really represents the Old Pirate Era (sounds like Jinbe but nope)
Jinbe - His purpose seems more race relations and Joyboy promise based
Carrot - Minks race, and Zunesha being legendary and carrying a poneglyph

That would make for the four crew members, who all battled in the war against Kaido and helped aid in the "Dawn." Though Carrot lost, she still helped deal damage to Perospero, who ultimately lost to Nekomamushi. Of course, since Carrot's ability only works in moon conditions then that also really handicaps the crew. Does ODa plan the rest of their battles on full moons just for Carrot? She has electro but it seems weak regularly. So maybe she becomes the who Devil Fruit Yuki Yuki thing, where they showed the snow bunny stuff under the Sunny. But that there would make the Four New Strawhats.

It is actually a sweet dynamic for Marco.
Originally Whitebeard was going to make Ace King. So Marco would have been Ace's First Mate due to his Captain Whitebeard's will. Whitebeard switched to protecting Luffy and not letting Luffy die, and gave that order to Marco. Prior to Ace's rescue and death. Marco carries on Ace's will of protecting Luffy. Now Jinbe joined due to hearing about Ace talking about Luffy so much. Now we have Yamato who has been waiting for Luffy because she heard so much about him from Ace, possibly joining. So it could be quite possible Marco follows the trend. So now Marco instead of being subordinate to King Ace, is subordinate to King Luffy. This is also how Luffy surpasses Shanks, as Marco refused Shanks offer but accepts Luffy's. And it puts Marco in position to reclaim some of the lost pride of Marineford and the Payback War for Whitebeard, Ace, Thatch and the rest of the crew. I mean Oden was an ex crewmate and Marco seems really playful in this war when he should be just as pissed as the scabbards. But Oda has him sitting there as a bystander. And my belief to that is because Oda doesn't want to show Marco going all out, until the power levels of the Monster Trio fall in sync with a certain hierarchy. That does remove my Bellamy theory if Marco joins and there is also no hint of Marco joining. But there is also hint of it. He abandoned Whitebeard's hometown that he bound himself to, all for the sake of aiding Luffy. He either joins or comes back to Whitebeard's place decimated and him then getting defeated by Weevil. Or he joins and they make contact with Weevil.

I'm more prone to thinking if Oda adds Devil Fruit users, they won't be Logia. And he spent a lot of time showcasing Marco. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Yamato (more room for growth), Marco (Stagnant-Fixed Level), Jinbe (Stagnant-Fixed level) vs Blackbeard's captain's seems to make a lot more sense.

I don't think Marco joins.

Not just because he's stronger than Zoro and Sanji. Something seems off here, can't exactly point to it. I don't think he....fits well. He was the first mate of WB, and had unshakable loyalty to him.
I don't think he can view another person as his captain. Him helping Luffy is moreso him carrying Ace's and WB's wishes/wills. Marco saw Ace as a younger brother, and so he does Luffy who is Ace's sworn younger brother.
Jinbe on the other hand, had some loyalties to WB, but he wasn't strictly a member of WB pirates or a commander.

Strength of newer members was not an issue for Oda I think.
Jinbe was stronger than Sanji when he joined, for eg. But Sanji soon overtook him.

Yamato is around as strong as current Zoro, and is above current Sanji. But her joining likely won't disturb the monster trio dynamics either, cause I'm sure than Sanji will surpass her in the next arc.

But yes, Marco and Yamato does somewhat look too strong to join.
Not just because of monster trio dynamics issues. But also because they both operate above King and Katakuri, two right hand men of current two Yonoks.
The strawhats themselves become too strong if they join.

 

[M3J]

Honestly, I think at this point, Marco genuinely does like the Straw Hats, especially Luffy, and wouldn't mind joining the crew with Luffy as his captain. He's not just carrying Ace and Whitebeard's wills, it seems he does genuinely believe in Luffy and his ability to perform miracles. I don't see Marco joining, but I do see him as actually respecting Luffy.

While Marco loved Ace and Whitebeard, he also firsthand saw what Luffy was capable of. Luffy used his Conqueror's haki for Ace's sake, managed to turn the tide in their favor, freed Ace, and despite being a rookie, earned Whitebeard's respect and passed the test. I wouldn't be surprised if Luffy earned Marco's loyalty after that, as well as many other remnants of the crew. After all, they saw firsthand just how ready and willing to die Luffy was, rather than give in to exhaustion (which almost anyone would do), to save Ace.

if that doesn't earn anyone's respect and admiration, then I don't know what will. I also wouldn't mind Marco joining, but I don't see him joining, not yet anyway. Same with anyone else, and I hope they don't join anyway.

 

[electricmastro]

I don't think Marco joins.

Not just because he's stronger than Zoro and Sanji. Something seems off here, can't exactly point to it. I don't think he....fits well. He was the first mate of WB, and had unshakable loyalty to him.
I don't think he can view another person as his captain. Him helping Luffy is moreso him carrying Ace's and WB's wishes/wills. Marco saw Ace as a younger brother, and so he does Luffy who is Ace's sworn younger brother.
Jinbe on the other hand, had some loyalties to WB, but he wasn't strictly a member of WB pirates or a commander.

Strength of newer members was not an issue for Oda I think.
Jinbe was stronger than Sanji when he joined, for eg. But Sanji soon overtook him.

Yamato is around as strong as current Zoro, and is above current Sanji. But her joining likely won't disturb the monster trio dynamics either, cause I'm sure than Sanji will surpass her in the next arc.

But yes, Marco and Yamato does somewhat look too strong to join.
Not just because of monster trio dynamics issues. But also because they both operate above King and Katakuri, two right hand men of current two Yonoks.
The strawhats themselves become too strong if they join.

Could care less if someone surpasses Sanji as long as they'll all get to have fun times together, and won't be any more worthless to Luffy either.

Speaking of which, I think we're starting to get a clear picture of what Yamato's post-Wano purpose will be after Chapter 1036.

 

[grey matter]

Could care less if someone surpasses Sanji as long as they'll all get to have fun times together, and won't be any more worthless to Luffy either.

You could care less, but Oda does care a lot. Because he has built up, and likes, the monster trio dynamics. No new character will be stronger than the monster trio. I suspect this was why Jinbe's official joining was put on hold until raid.

Also, it isn't just monster trio dynaimcs.
Marco and Yamato are both stronger then Katakuri and King, two right hand men of current two Yonkos. Adding them will make the strawhats too strong

Speaking of which, I think we're starting to get a clear picture of what Yamato's post-Wano purpose will be after Chapter 1036.

What would that be?

Honestly, I think at this point, Marco genuinely does like the Straw Hats, especially Luffy, and wouldn't mind joining the crew with Luffy as his captain. He's not just carrying Ace and Whitebeard's wills, it seems he does genuinely believe in Luffy and his ability to perform miracles. I don't see Marco joining, but I do see him as actually respecting Luffy.

While Marco loved Ace and Whitebeard, he also firsthand saw what Luffy was capable of. Luffy used his Conqueror's haki for Ace's sake, managed to turn the tide in their favor, freed Ace, and despite being a rookie, earned Whitebeard's respect and passed the test. I wouldn't be surprised if Luffy earned Marco's loyalty after that, as well as many other remnants of the crew. After all, they saw firsthand just how ready and willing to die Luffy was, rather than give in to exhaustion (which almost anyone would do), to save Ace.

if that doesn't earn anyone's respect and admiration, then I don't know what will. I also wouldn't mind Marco joining, but I don't see him joining, not yet anyway. Same with anyone else, and I hope they don't join anyway.

Actually yeah, him seeing Luffy as a captain won't be too unrealistic now that I think about it, but still weird IMO

Don't you think adding someone like Marco to the strawhats would be too much?

The guy can heal up his allies, which somewhat jeopardizes Chopper's role.
Well, I suppose Chopper is doctor and Marco is healer then. Maybe they complement each other well, depending on how Oda decides things are to be.

He's the ultimate staller, throw even the strongest character at him (except BB lol), and he lasts for quite some time just because he heals up his injuries instantly.

He's currently stronger than Zoro and Sanji IMO, but that would be taken care of sooner or later I suppose.
Still, powerful enough to fight admirals, and would be a powerhouse even by EOS standards.
This is an issue I see with Yamato as well. She's also strong enough to the point she can compete with admirals, and will be strong even by EOS standards. And in Yamato's case, I lean on believing she will actually join !
Don't you think Strawhats become too strong if either of them, or both of them, join?

 

[M3J]

Actually yeah, him seeing Luffy as a captain won't be too unrealistic now that I think about it, but still weird IMO

Don't you think adding someone like Marco to the strawhats would be too much?

The guy can heal up his allies, which somewhat jeopardizes Chopper's role.
Well, I suppose Chopper is doctor and Marco is healer then. Maybe they complement each other well, depending on how Oda decides things are to be.

He's the ultimate staller, throw even the strongest character at him (except BB lol), and he lasts for quite some time just because he heals up his injuries instantly.

He's currently stronger than Zoro and Sanji IMO, but that would be taken care of sooner or later I suppose.
Still, powerful enough to fight admirals, and would be a powerhouse even by EOS standards.
This is an issue I see with Yamato as well. She's also strong enough to the point she can compete with admirals, and will be strong even by EOS standards. And in Yamato's case, I lean on believing she will actually join !
Don't you think Strawhats become too strong if either of them, or both of them, join?

Maybe, but I like to see it as a testament of Luffy's character and the kind of person he is that he has one of the most seasoned pirates under him. But I get where you're coming from, and it isn't wrong at all.

I thought Marco could temporarily heal or not do it as well as Chopper? But he could heal during fights to full strength? I don't think Chopper can do that, so as you said, healer and doctor could complement. Marco gets the allies back up to continue fighting while Chopper helps them heal after.

I'm unsure about his strength against the Monster Trio, tbh. Yamato joining wouldn't make sense to me either because of Momonosuke and their role in opening Wano's border up, as well as protecting it.

I don't think so, not against an emperor.

 

[grey matter]

Maybe, but I like to see it as a testament of Luffy's character and the kind of person he is that he has one of the most seasoned pirates under him. But I get where you're coming from, and it isn't wrong at all.

I thought Marco could temporarily heal or not do it as well as Chopper? But he could heal during fights to full strength? I don't think Chopper can do that, so as you said, healer and doctor could complement. Marco gets the allies back up to continue fighting while Chopper helps them heal after.

Yeah, more I think about it, Marco and Chopper complement each other.

Marco can heal injuries of others relatively quickly in real time combat.
While Chopper can heal only outside of combat using traditional medicines. He is however more talented in curing diseases and such, and hence will be more useful against complicated diseases. For instance, Marco could only stall the virus using his flames, cause the virus was too complicated for him; but Chopper invented a medicine to cure the disease.

But he could heal during fights to full strength?

He can heal himself to full health instantly.

But his flames are less effective on others. He can heal quickly to restore wounds, broken bones etc on others. But for a full heal, it would need more time.
For eg, he healed some lion-human monster in WB's village. It's bones broke or something, he used his flames and the bones healed right away. But he warned the monster to not move around for a day or so, to allow full heal.

I'm unsure about his strength against the Monster Trio, tbh.

I don't think so, not against an emperor.

Marco has solid feats all around.
Fought all three admirals, fought equally with Kizaru for most of the arc. Fought BM for almost as long as Scabbards vs Kaido, and came out unscathed. Fought King and Queen for hours while spending energy healing up thousands of soldiers. Still running around.
He has broken durability, and high attack power, speed/CQC.

My take on how he fares against monster trio:
- Luffy is 100% stronger than Marco, by a decent margin.
- Zoro has higher attack power with advanced conqueror's, but Marco can stall out and win since current Zoro can only use advanced conqueror's for a short period.
- I think Marco is definitely stronger than Sanji all around by a decent margin

Yamato joining wouldn't make sense to me either because of Momonosuke and their role in opening Wano's border up, as well as protecting it.

I'm 60/40 on Yamato joining

Did Yamato say she was waiting for Luffy for like 4 years, and always wanted to sail out with him? She dreams of sailing out and exploring new lands, instead of staying at one place. Luffy also likes her.

But I do see the counter arguments for Yamato joining as well.
- She has eaten the "guardian deity" DF of Wano, which alludes towards her staying in Wano and protecting it.
- She also read Oden's journal, and has knowledgee about One Piece, Laugh Tale, will of D, Luffy's end dream (same as Rogers') etc. Would be weird with her joining and keeping quite about all this.

I don't think so, not against an emperor.

Nah, Luffy's crew becomes broken if Marco or Yamato or both joins.

Luffy himself is getting close to Yonko level.

Zoro is a bit above King/Katakuri

Sanji is a decent margin above Queen

Jinbe is probably as strong or stronger than Jack/Cracker

Marco and Yamato are both a bit above King/Katakuri
Having both of them join would mean that Strawhat's high end fighters would collectively completely eclipse the high end fighters of BM/beast pirates.


Strawhats + Marco + Yamato + Grand Fleet >> Beast Pirates/BM Pirates

 

[M3J]

Yeah, more I think about it, Marco and Chopper complement each other.

Marco can heal injuries of others relatively quickly in real time combat.
While Chopper can heal only outside of combat using traditional medicines. He is however more talented in curing diseases and such, and hence will be more useful against complicated diseases. For instance, Marco could only stall the virus using his flames, cause the virus was too complicated for him; but Chopper invented a medicine to cure the disease.



He can heal himself to full health instantly.

But his flames are less effective on others. He can heal quickly to restore wounds, broken bones etc on others. But for a full heal, it would need more time.
For eg, he healed some lion-human monster in WB's village. It's bones broke or something, he used his flames and the bones healed right away. But he warned the monster to not move around for a day or so, to allow full heal.

They'd be a useful combo against tougher opponents like the Marines and Blackbeard. If the Monster Trio gets hurt, heal them quickly and get them back in action, and whatever damage they get in the end can be healed by Chopper.

Marco's flames are perfect for the quartet, actually, as they will fight through injuries, as Luffy did from Impel Down after being poisoned to Marineford, when he asked Iva to inject him again.

Marco has solid feats all around.
Fought all three admirals, fought equally with Kizaru for most of the arc. Fought BM for almost as long as Scabbards vs Kaido, and came out unscathed. Fought King and Queen for hours while spending energy healing up thousands of soldiers. Still running around.
He has broken durability, and high attack power, speed/CQC.

My take on how he fares against monster trio:
- Luffy is 100% stronger than Marco, by a decent margin.
- Zoro has higher attack power with advanced conqueror's, but Marco can stall out and win since current Zoro can only use advanced conqueror's for a short period.
- I think Marco is definitely stronger than Sanji all around by a decent margin

That's the thing though, from my questionable memory he has had no feat of beating someone, just being able to take their hits.

I'm 60/40 on Yamato joining

Did Yamato say she was waiting for Luffy for like 4 years, and always wanted to sail out with him? She dreams of sailing out and exploring new lands, instead of staying at one place. Luffy also likes her.

But I do see the counter arguments for Yamato joining as well.
- She has eaten the "guardian deity" DF of Wano, which alludes towards her staying in Wano and protecting it.
- She also read Oden's journal, and has knowledgee about One Piece, Laugh Tale, will of D, Luffy's end dream (same as Rogers') etc. Would be weird with her joining and keeping quite about all this.

[/quote]
I think so, but they could also change their mind upon realizing Momonosuke might need them. Though they're also helping Luffy, so that increases the chances of them joining, as nearly all of the Straw Hats have helped Luffy in one way or another.

Nah, Luffy's crew becomes broken if Marco or Yamato or both joins.

Luffy himself is getting close to Yonko level.

Zoro is a bit above King/Katakuri

Sanji is a decent margin above Queen

Jinbe is probably as strong or stronger than Jack/Cracker

Marco and Yamato are both a bit above King/Katakuri
Having both of them join would mean that Strawhat's high end fighters would collectively completely eclipse the high end fighters of BM/beast pirates.


Strawhats + Marco + Yamato + Grand Fleet >> Beast Pirates/BM Pirates

I don't think it'd be that broken yet since Luffy's going to be going up against tougher and tougher opponents, like Blackbeard. He probably has more dangerous crew members because of their devil fruits.

 

[grey matter]

They'd be a useful combo against tougher opponents like the Marines and Blackbeard. If the Monster Trio gets hurt, heal them quickly and get them back in action, and whatever damage they get in the end can be healed by Chopper.

Marco's flames are perfect for the quartet, actually, as they will fight through injuries, as Luffy did from Impel Down after being poisoned to Marineford, when he asked Iva to inject him again.

Yeah,

Funny how that didn't happen in Marineford lol. Marco could've healed up the stab from Squardo, but he didn't

Guess that's just Oda introducing the "healing others" aspect of Phoenix fruit later on

That's the thing though, from my questionable memory he has had no feat of beating someone, just being able to take their hits.

Yeah, but that really boils down to Marco only fighting very strong characters. All of his fights were against 3 admirals, a Yonko, and a 1v2 against two yonko commanders (while expending significant energy healing up thousands of soldiers).

Still, he has demonstrated high attack power feats, like:
- kicking Kizaru across hundreds of metres
- equaling the attack power of Akainu long enough for Jinbe to take Luffy and get out of the vicinity,
- attacking hard enough to make King and Queen, two very durable ancient Zoans, bleed.

He was also fast enough to fight about equally with Kizaru, and be on the offensive almost all the panels against King + Queen, and King himself is a very fast character

IMO Marco's attack power and speed/CQC gets slept on, because of how broken his durability is which outshines everything else, plus him always taking on top tiers of the verse, or handicapped fights

I think so, but they could also change their mind upon realizing Momonosuke might need them. Though they're also helping Luffy, so that increases the chances of them joining, as nearly all of the Straw Hats have helped Luffy in one way or another.

You're saying Momonuske might join the strawhats?
That would be interesting!

Or you are saying Momonuske might need their help in stabilizing and ruling Wano?
Yamato, I can see her staying for that purpose, considering the "guardian deity" DF she ate. But why would Marco stay behind? He doesn't care about Momonuske.

I don't think it'd be that broken yet since Luffy's going to be going up against tougher and tougher opponents, like Blackbeard. He probably has more dangerous crew members because of their devil fruits.

I see where you are coming from. It is a possibility.

BB has like 10 commanders, and all of them are portrayed as somewhat powerful.

But multiple characters above King/Katakuri?
I assume Sanji will reach above that level by the time BB fight starts. Zoro is already above that level.
Adding two more characters, Marco and Yamato, above that level would mean BB crew itself has at least 4 characters above King/Katakuri level.

I find it hard to believe. These levels are near the pinnacle when it comes to non Yonko pirates. I doubt BB has 4 characters above that level.

 

[M3J]

You're saying Momonuske might join the strawhats?
That would be interesting!

Or you are saying Momonuske might need their help in stabilizing and ruling Wano?
Yamato, I can see her staying for that purpose, considering the "guardian deity" DF she ate. But why would Marco stay behind? He doesn't care about Momonuske.

I meant Yamato, I call Yamato a they as I'm not sure about their gender. Marco and others wouldn't have any reason to stay, but Yamato would, as well as reasons to join the Straw Hats or even Law.

 

[JStackz26]

I don't think Marco joins.

Not just because he's stronger than Zoro and Sanji. Something seems off here, can't exactly point to it. I don't think he....fits well. He was the first mate of WB, and had unshakable loyalty to him.
I don't think he can view another person as his captain. Him helping Luffy is moreso him carrying Ace's and WB's wishes/wills. Marco saw Ace as a younger brother, and so he does Luffy who is Ace's sworn younger brother.
Jinbe on the other hand, had some loyalties to WB, but he wasn't strictly a member of WB pirates or a commander.

Strength of newer members was not an issue for Oda I think.
Jinbe was stronger than Sanji when he joined, for eg. But Sanji soon overtook him.

Yamato is around as strong as current Zoro, and is above current Sanji. But her joining likely won't disturb the monster trio dynamics either, cause I'm sure than Sanji will surpass her in the next arc.

But yes, Marco and Yamato does somewhat look too strong to join.
Not just because of monster trio dynamics issues. But also because they both operate above King and Katakuri, two right hand men of current two Yonoks.
The strawhats themselves become too strong if they join.

I do wonder the same stuff myself. But technically, Jinbe's real Captain was Fisher Tiger and there was definitely a strong loyalty to him. Yet he did join Luffy. Brook the same. In fact, Brook's goal is a promise he kept on behalf of his old crew. Jinbe's goal is something related to Fisher Tiger technically. Marco's helps guide the new age. Plus he was never technically part of Roger's crew who went to Raftel so it isn't like Luffy is getting a Roger Pirate. It does something though. He gets an ex-Warlord and now an ex Yonko crewmate. Jinbe was part of the 3 world powers. Plus as a Yonko First Mate he was basically in the top 8 strongest of that power. Jinbe is one of the top 7 strongest in the Warlord power. But none as strong as a Yonko or even as strong as Blackbeard before the timeskip, who was not Yonko level pretimeskip.

He fits depending on how the enemies look moving forward. And this here in Wano would be basically be his Franky moment he shares going into battle with the crew.

--- Double Post Merged, Jan 20, 2022, Original Post Date: Jan 20, 2022 ---

Another thing about Marco which fits uniqueness is basically the fact that he is literally an ancient Zoan, not Logia or special paramecia (which Oda needs more of) talking with a sword straight through his head. Unique trait. His style of speech is unique as well. And it makes sense to have him join late since he would've been stronger than Luffy, if he joined anytime before. Wano is his perfect time period where Oda has given us when Marco and Luffy were first on the same battle field, he was stronger. Now on the same battlefield, Luffy has far surpassed him. Plus Blackbeard is someone Luffy is bound to cross paths with.

 

[Melo]

Personally I would love Yamato to join the Mugiwaras. For me she has reasons, her father is not a father, he mistreats her, wants her to become his puppet, to do whatever he says without questioning etc... he put explosive handcuffs on his daughter's wrists at a very young age, he starved his daughter, all the people who dared to help his daughter were killed so imagine the terror he put on his daughter at a very young age. The notebook of Oden we do not know what it contains, I really think that there is nothing written on the One piece, the secrets of the world and the last island. Oden would have to be really stupid to write all that in a notebook when everything is in his head and if he wrote all those things it would be too dangerous for the world because it's not the time, he was present when Roger said they arrived too early, for me he just wrote his impressions on the world maybe Wano secrets, Kozuki clan, etc... will of the D we don't know if he wrote on it. Yamato is not too powerful for the crew. Maybe she is level Zoro BUT sanji will surpass her very soon in addition in this arc it has been confirmed several times that Sanji is indeed the 2 commander of Luffy so no worries. The rest of the crew except Robin Jimbei maybe Franky and Brook are weak Nami despite Zeus we have to take away her climact tact and is completely useless , has no haki because of that not able to protect herself from Ulti . Usopp very very useless during this war, no haki to protect himself, his plants no use, he was saved 4 times during this war so Nami and Usopp were useless balls. Chopper I loved his role he held Queen back even if queen was having fun with him, he held him back to avoid him making a carnage until his friend arrived but Chopper needs the haki especially as he’s a hand-to-hand fighter . Franky rather good fight but not of difficulty nothing rather easy, it is necessary that he has the hakis him also all the crew normally. So no Yamato is not too powerful, they are a future crew of Yonko and they are not very numerous, among its members there are some who are still weak so no it will be of great use I point out that after Wano the opponents will be even more powerful. His fruit does not give him the obligation to stay in Wano, Luffy in gear 4 looks like a god protector of Wano but we know that he will not stay forever. Yamato has never known freedom and wants to travel and it would be selfish to make her stay in Wano to protect her.

It is not his role but that of the red sca and other samurai of this country .
To stop trying to destroy his dream just to protect Momo is selfish and if the author does it I will be very disappointed.