One Piece fans have long theorized about who might join Luffy’s crew as the 10th and final member. While Princess Vivi remains a popular choice among One Piece fans, Bonney has emerged as a dark horse candidate that more and more fans think weirdly makes sense.
After the events unfolding on Egghead Island, speculation has grown that the gluttonous pirate Jewelry Bonney could soon find herself flying under Luffy’s jolly roger. At first glance, the moody Bonney may seem an unlikely choice. However, when examining some subtle clues Oda has sprinkled throughout recent chapters, the possibility holds more weight than some may think.
Will Bonney join the Straw Hats? Clues that hint she might
Looking beyond speculative theories, Bonney simply has many attributes that fans want to see in a Straw Hat pirate. Her initially brash personality has been fleshed out over the lengthy Egghead Island arc to showcase greater complexity.
1) She is the perfect match for Pizzaro
A key reason Bonney fits well with the Straw Hats is the looming confrontation with Blackbeard and his fearsome Titanic Captains. Luffy’s crew remains one member short of having enough fighters to directly match Blackbeard’s 10-person team. And among the candidates for 10th member, Bonney stands out as a perfect nemesis for one of Blackbeard’s most dangerous subordinates – Avalo Pizarro.
- Pizarro earned the epithet “Corrupt King” for his cruel reign over an island kingdom. This echoes the false rumors about Bonney’s father Bartholomew Kuma being a “Tyrant” king. As Kuma’s daughter, Bonney would be highly motivated to defeat the man who mirrors the lies told about her own parent. Her age-changing powers also line up well against Pizarro, who relies heavily on a brawling fighting style. By turning him into a frail old man, Bonney could counter him without needing to match his strength blow for blow.
The parallels between Pizarro and Kuma, along with Bonney’s personal reason to see the Blackbeard Pirates fall, make her destined to fill the last Straw Hat spot. With all of Luffy’s crew finally assembled, they can challenge the Titanic Captains head-on:
- Luffy VS Blackbeard
- Zoro VS Shiliew
- Sanji VS Burgess
- Nami VS Devon
- Usopp VS Van Augur
- Brook VS Laffitte
- Franky VS “Colossal Battleship” Sanjuan Wolf
- Robin VS Kuzan
- Jinbe VS Vasco Shot
- Bonney VS Avalo Pizarro
2) Bonney does not have a crew to return to
Some argue Bonney is unlikely to join since she served as the “princess” figure during the Egghead Island arc, similar to past characters like Rebecca. However, that honorific has not stopped Straw Hats from joining the crew before.
- Nami and Robin both occupied princess-like roles on their introductory arcs before becoming permanent members. While Bonney parallels previous princesses in needing Luffy’s help, that’s not her entire character. She no longer has a kingdom or subjects in Sorbet – she’s a lone pirate looking for purpose.
And arguably, it is the scientist Vegapunk who fulfills the traditional “damsel in distress” role in need of saving this arc. Bonney has greater narrative freedom. With no family or home left, joining Luffy is her best opportunity to get revenge on their shared enemies.
3) Bonney can either serve a Yonko or join them
As Law observed, most pirates in the New World either serve under one of the Four Emperors or oppose them as a rival. Bonney, however, remains unaffiliated with any major faction – with her old crew gone, she is a lone agent.
The only Emperor Bonney has directly antagonized is Blackbeard, back in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Marineford. Meanwhile, other Supernovas like Hawkins seemingly abandoned their crews to serve under Emperors Kaido.
- With no crew left to command, Bonney’s only real path forward is aligning with a top power. Her lack of ties to any Emperor make joining Luffy a sensible direction. She clearly has no love for Blackbeard or Big Mom. Becoming a Straw Hat Pirate would give her the allies and resources needed to continue sailing the treacherous New World seas. It also fits with Luffy’s demonstrated pattern of recruiting fellow Supernovas into his orbit.
Rather than trying to captain a new crew of strangers, teaming up with the Straw Hats allows Bonney to stick to piracy on her own terms. Their alignment in goals and enemies makes the pairing a great fit. Of all the Supernovas adrift, Bonney joining Luffy seems the most logical outcome.
Why Bonney makes the perfect Straw Hat:
We’ve seen Bonney’s vulnerability, playfulness, rebellious spirit, and determination. These additional dimensions would make her more than just a bratty big eater among the crew. She can bond with members in endearing new ways.
- Bonney’s traumatic past also suits the Straw Hat criteria. Like her future crewmates, she endured tragic loss at a young age. Losing her father and crew to the ruthlessness of the World Government left deep scars. This heart-wrenching backstory makes fans invested in seeing her achieve happiness.
- Bonney’s age manipulation powers are also narratively promising. The endless versatility of altering ages opens up exciting possibilities both in and out of action. Her abilities seem strong without risking overshadowing the crew’s original fighters. She could credibly battle top officers of enemy crews while leaving room for the Monster Trio to shine against the captains.
With well-rounded characterization, a sympathetic backstory, and creative powers, Bonney ticks all the boxes fans want in a new Straw Hat. She’s primed to be more than just a background Supernova – Bonney can captivate fans for years to come if only Oda gives her the chance.
Conclusion:
The evidence continues mounting that the edgy, gluttonous Supernova Jewelry Bonney is destined to fill the final Straw Hat spot. Her uncanny connections to the crew, complementary abilities, and desire for vengeance against their mutual enemies all perfectly align. While Bonney maintains her abrasive facade, her tragic past reveal a character worthy of earning Luffy’s trust.
As the Straw Hats’ world-shaking voyage builds toward a final clash against the World Government, Bonney has all the makings of a perfect crewmate to help Luffy seize victory. She possesses the complexity and power to not just stand among their ranks, but to thrive at their side for adventures yet to come. If the future Pirate King needs one more ally in his corner, we hope to see Bonney pledge her loyalty to the Straw Hats sooner than later.
