The Straw Hat Pirates stand as a prominent Yonko crew and are regarded as one of the most formidable groups in the realm of One Piece.

Originating from the East Blue, this crew has etched its name in history with numerous remarkable achievements since embarking on their journey. Currently, they are set on their path to dominate the seas, with their captain, Luffy, aiming to claim the title of Pirate King. While the identity of the Straw Hat Pirates’ captain is well-known, there have frequently been misunderstandings regarding the role of Vice Captain among One Piece enthusiasts.

The Vice Captain position holds significance for many pirate crews across the seas, and the Straw Hat Pirates have their unique interpretation of it.

The Misconception Surrounding The Vice Captain Or First Mate Of The Straw Hat Pirates

Zoro Joined Luffy Before Anyone Else

Fans Mistakenly Call Zoro First Mate

It is essential for fans to understand that the titles of Vice Captain and First Mate are synonymous. A common misconception among fans is that First Mate refers explicitly to the first crew member to join. This notion is incorrect. The term First Mate is officially used to designate the Vice Captain position within a crew. Therefore, the Straw Hat Pirates lack a First Mate, unlike the Roger Pirates or the Red-Haired Pirates.

Many fans erroneously assume Zoro occupies the Vice Captain role within the Straw Hat Pirates. However, this is a misunderstanding, as there has never been an official indication from Oda designating Zoro as the crew’s Vice Captain. This misconception arises in two principal ways. Firstly, fans often presume that every One Piece crew has a Vice Captain, leading them to conclude Zoro’s status in the crew without a valid basis. Although numerous pirate crews possess a Vice Captain, the Straw Hat Pirates distinguish themselves from these other crews, with Zoro not serving in that capacity.

The second aspect contributing to this misunderstanding stems from mistranslations found in both the manga and various anime fansubs. During the Sabaody Archipelago Arc, Urouge refers to Zoro as the First Mate in certain translations of the manga, including Viz’s version. However, the accurate translation of Urouge’s term is ２番手, which translates directly to “second best of the crew.” This characterization is not incorrect, as Zoro is widely recognized as being Luffy’s second strongest ally.

Interestingly, Bartolomeo, another pirate in the New World, also addresses Zoro as the Vice Captain, indicating that he considers Zoro to hold that title in his perspective—yet this is not a universally accepted designation in the One Piece universe. Within the context of the Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro does not fulfill the role of Vice Captain. Instead, he has a defined role, as indicated by Oda: 戦闘員 or Sentō-in, which translates to Combatant. As such, Zoro’s contribution is centered around combat, without extending into the Vice Captain territory.

Moreover, Oda further clarifies that Zoro is neither the Vice Captain nor the First Mate during his response to a query about the color spread in chapter 1031 of One Piece. In the cover, he depicted the “Number Twos” of various groups, leading to the following exchange:

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.

The Real Vice Captain Of The Straw Hat Pirates

The Straw Hat Pirates Do Not Have Any Vice Captain

Since it is established that Zoro does not serve as the Vice Captain or First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates, the question arises of who does hold that position. The clear response is that the Straw Hat Pirates do not have a Vice Captain or First Mate. This crew operates more like a family, where each member plays a distinct role and Luffy stands as the sole captain. In various situations, other characters like Jinbe, Sanji, or even Nami may prove to be more reliable than Zoro in decision-making processes.

In most scenarios, Jinbe and Robin provide experience and reliable leadership. Sanji often takes the lead in devising strategies and is known to be the crew’s strategist, showcasing more level-headedness than Luffy at times. In combat scenarios, Zoro shines due to his unparalleled fighting abilities, underscoring his vital presence within the crew. Additionally, Robin frequently takes on leadership roles during explorations and other events.

The Straw Hats Are All Equally Important

Clearly, the Straw Hat Pirates boast multiple dependable leaders, each possessing unique strengths. Unlike other pirate crews in the One Piece universe, the Straw Hat Pirates form a closely bonded family without a strict hierarchy. Different situations call for different characters to step up, sometimes even surpassing Luffy in leadership.

Luffy is truly a one-of-a-kind captain. He openly acknowledges that without his crew, he would struggle to progress through the first half of the Grand Line. He draws numerous qualities and strengths from his crew, and in turn, he protects and guides them on their journey. This family dynamic is unmatched in the One Piece world, emphasizing the equal importance of every crew member. It’s crucial for fans to recognize that Luffy values each member equally, as they embody unwavering loyalty towards him as well.