The question of who will be the final member of the Straw Hat Pirates is one of the most hotly debated topics in the entire One Piece fandom, and as of
The possibility of a giant joining the crew has been a long-standing desire among fans, and Loki’s dramatic introduction, coupled with his deep ties to the central conflict of the World Government, gives him a unique narrative weight. His story is one of betrayal, misplaced power, and a desperate need for freedom, all elements that resonate perfectly with the core themes of the Straw Hat crew. We break down the most compelling arguments and the latest evidence that suggests the 'Accursed Prince' might soon be sailing under the flag of the Future Pirate King.
The Tragic and Powerful Biography of Loki, Prince of Elbaf
Loki is one of the most recent and significant characters to be fully revealed in the One Piece manga, despite being mentioned as far back as the Whole Cake Island Arc (Chapter 858) as a potential suitor for Big Mom's daughter, Lola. His full, tragic profile only recently came to light, fueling the current wave of fan theories.
- Full Name: Loki
- Title: Prince of Elbaf, The Accursed Prince, The Shame of Elbaf
- Family: Second-born son of King Harold of the Warlord Kingdom (Elbaf)
- Race: Giant
- First Mention: Chapter 858
- First Full Appearance: Confirmed in recent chapters, following his initial mention.
- Alleged Crime: He is known as 'The Shame of Elbaf' for the crime of killing his own biological father, King Harold, a shocking detail that gives him a tragic, dark backstory akin to other Straw Hat members.
- Power & Abilities: Possesses the immense natural strength of a giant. Fan theories strongly suggest he is a Devil Fruit user, possibly a powerful Zoan or even a Mythical Zoan, sometimes speculated to be a 'God Fruit' or a 'false Nika fruit,' which ties into his belief that he is a savior figure.
- Current Status: His current whereabouts and immediate plans are directly tied to the unfolding events on Elbaf, which is set to be a major location in the final saga.
Loki is a character defined by his colossal power and his pariah status within his own kingdom, a perfect recipe for a character who needs a new purpose—a purpose Luffy could provide.
The 7 Most Compelling Arguments for Loki Joining the Straw Hats
The "Loki for Straw Hat" theory is not based on wishful thinking but on specific narrative parallels and recent events in the manga. These points highlight why he is currently the leading candidate for the final crew spot.
1. The Fulfillment of the Giant Crew Member Trope
Since the beginning of the series, the idea of a giant joining the Straw Hats has been a persistent fan desire, especially after the introduction of Dorry and Brogy and the subsequent formation of the New Giant Warrior Pirates. Loki, as the Prince of Elbaf, a figure of immense strength and stature, would instantly fulfill this long-standing trope. His presence would not only add a massive physical force to the crew but also provide a direct, high-level connection to the most powerful military kingdom in the world: Elbaf. This addition feels necessary for the final war arc.
2. The "Luffy Invitation" Precedent
A key indicator for a future Straw Hat is often an explicit invitation from Luffy himself. Multiple fan discussions and theories suggest that Luffy has already extended an invitation to Loki, or will do so soon, recognizing the giant’s strength and underlying good nature, much like he did with Jinbe and others. Luffy's instinctual judgment of character, regardless of a person's reputation (like 'The Accursed Prince'), is a hallmark of his recruitment style.
3. The Perfect Tragic Backstory and Redemption Arc
Every Straw Hat member carries a significant emotional scar or a tragic past that fuels their desire for freedom and adventure. Loki's backstory—being condemned as a pariah for killing his own father—fits this pattern perfectly. A crew member who is the "Shame of Elbaf" is exactly the kind of person Luffy, who champions the rejected and oppressed, would welcome. His journey with the Straw Hats would be his redemption, allowing him to escape his cursed title and find true freedom.
4. Loki's Potential Devil Fruit and Unique Role
The latest theories suggest Loki may possess a highly unique and powerful Devil Fruit, possibly one with mythological ties to the Norse legends that inspired Elbaf, or even a 'God Fruit' that mirrors or opposes Luffy's own Nika fruit. If true, this power would give him a distinct and necessary combat role in the crew, one that no other member currently fills. Furthermore, his alleged shapeshifting powers, often attributed to the Norse Loki, would also add a new layer of utility to the crew, similar to how Robin's or Chopper's abilities are used.
5. Parallels to Zoro's Introduction
Some fans draw a parallel between Loki's introduction and that of Roronoa Zoro. Zoro was introduced as a "bad guy" chained up and condemned by the World Government's system, only to be freed and recruited by Luffy. Loki, as a giant with a dark reputation who may be imprisoned or chained up due to his actions or the machinations of others (possibly Shanks, as one theory suggests), is in a structurally similar position, making him a prime candidate for a dramatic rescue and recruitment.
6. The Need for a "Final War" Ally Against Imu
The final saga of One Piece is building towards a massive conflict against the World Government and the mysterious Imu. Loki's backstory and alleged crime are intricately linked to the power structure of Elbaf and the secrets of the world. By having a powerful giant from Elbaf with a grudge against the established order, the Straw Hats gain a crucial ally and a key player for the inevitable final war, especially if his revenge is tied to Imu's indirect actions.
7. The Narrative Build-Up in Recent Chapters (1130-1152)
The sheer amount of attention dedicated to Loki, Elbaf's history, and the giants in recent manga chapters (like 1130, 1141, and 1152) is a strong signal that he is not just a minor character. Eiichiro Oda rarely spends so much time building up the lore and tragedy of a character who is meant to be a simple side-arc antagonist or ally. This extensive build-up suggests a major, long-term role, and for a character introduced at this stage of the story, that role is highly likely to be the final Straw Hat.
The Strongest Counterarguments: Why Loki Might Stay on Elbaf
Despite the compelling evidence, the theory of Loki joining the Straw Hats is not without its strong counterarguments. Oda is known for subverting expectations, and several factors suggest Loki's destiny might lie on his home island.
The Duty of the Prince
Loki is the Prince of Elbaf, and while he is currently an outcast, his ultimate narrative purpose might be to reconcile with his people and take his rightful place as king, or at least co-ruler alongside his brother or Hajrudin. This would make him a crucial ally on the grand scale, but not a permanent crew member. The Straw Hats' pattern is to recruit those who have severed their ties to their past, not those who are destined to rule a kingdom.
Oda's Recruitment Patterns
Throughout the series, Luffy has asked numerous powerful and interesting characters to join his crew, including Trafalgar Law, Vivi, and Kin'emon. While many have a strong bond with the crew, they do not ultimately join. Oda often uses these characters to build alliances and emotional connections without them becoming official members. Loki could easily fall into the category of a powerful, final-saga ally who is key to the war but remains an independent leader.
The Question of Crew Role
The Straw Hats typically recruit members who fill a specific, named role on the ship (Musician, Doctor, Shipwright, etc.). While Loki could be the "Warrior" or "Giant," his primary identity as a prince and a powerhouse might overlap too much with existing roles, making his permanent inclusion less narratively clean than a new role would be.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Loki's Membership
The question "is Loki joining the Straw Hats?" remains officially unanswered, but the current, up-to-date manga evidence points to him being the strongest non-allied candidate for the final crew spot. The narrative setup is almost too perfect: a powerful giant with a tragic backstory, a massive link to the final saga's central location (Elbaf), and a potential motive for revenge against the World Government.
While his duty as Prince of Elbaf is a major obstacle, the need for a giant in the final war and the clear parallels between his history and the recruitment of early Straw Hat members make his candidacy incredibly strong. Loki's arrival would not just add a fighter; it would add a colossal, dark, and complex history to the crew, perfectly setting the stage for the final battles for the 'One Piece' treasure and the freedom of the world. Fans should pay close attention to the next few chapters of the Elbaf Arc, as they will undoubtedly determine whether The Accursed Prince finds his true freedom on the decks of the Thousand Sunny.
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