Zoro Joins at Shells Town
The journey of One Piece crew recruitment began in Shells Town, where Monkey D. Luffy met his first mate, Roronoa Zoro. Known as the "Pirate Hunter," Zoro was held captive by the corrupt Marine Captain Morgan and his son, Helmeppo. Luffy, impressed by Zoro's reputation and his display of honor, decided he wanted the swordsman as his first crew member. After Luffy retrieved Zoro’s three swords and helped him defeat the Marines, Zoro agreed to join, officially marking the start of the Straw Hat Pirates. This iconic moment set the tone for how Straw Hats joined the crew: through mutual respect and shared conviction.
Nami's Recruitment
Nami’s story of how Straw Hats joined is one of the most complex in the series. Initially, she joined as a "partner" in Orange Town for mutual benefit, but her true recruitment didn't happen until the Arlong Park arc. As the crew's navigator, Nami was secretly working for the Arlong Pirates to buy back her village, Cocoyasi. It was only after Luffy defeated Arlong and freed her from her burden that she truly joined the crew. Her recruitment was a turning point, proving that Luffy would go to any lengths to protect those he considered his friends.
Usopp at Syrup Village
In Syrup Village, the crew met Usopp, a habitual liar with a brave heart. When the Black Cat Pirates threatened his village and his friend Kaya, Usopp stood his ground despite his fear. Luffy, Zoro, and Nami fought alongside him to protect the island. Recognizing Usopp’s potential as a sniper and his desire to become a "brave warrior of the sea," Luffy invited him to join the crew. Usopp’s recruitment also brought the Straw Hats their first real ship, the Going Merry, which became a beloved member of the family.
Sanji at Baratie
One Piece crew recruitment continued at the sea restaurant Baratie, where Luffy sought a first-class cook. There he found Sanji, a talented chef with a unique "Black Leg" fighting style. Initially, Sanji refused to leave his mentor, Zeff, out of a sense of debt. However, after the Straw Hats helped defend the Baratie against the pirate Don Krieg, Zeff and the other cooks staged a "fake" dismissal to encourage Sanji to pursue his dream of finding the All Blue. With a tearful farewell, Sanji joined the Straw Hat Pirates as their fourth member.
Chopper at Drum Island
The search for a doctor led the crew to Drum Island, where they met Tony Tony Chopper, a reindeer who had eaten the Human-Human Fruit. Rejected by both reindeer and humans, Chopper was raised by the kind-hearted Dr. Hiriluk and later Dr. Kureha. Luffy was instantly enamored with Chopper's unique transformations and kind spirit. After defeating the tyrant Wapol, Luffy spent hours chasing Chopper around the island to get him to join. Chopper eventually accepted, finding a place where he was accepted for who he was.
Robin After Arabasta
Nico Robin’s recruitment is unique because she essentially invited herself onto the ship. Following the defeat of Crocodile and the collapse of Baroque Works, Nico Robin—who had been Crocodile’s partner under the alias Miss All Sunday—had no place to go and wished to die. Luffy saved her life against her will, prompting her to show up on the Going Merry and ask to join because he "gave her no choice but to live." While the crew was initially suspicious, her loyalty was eventually solidified during the Enies Lobby arc, where Luffy declared war on the world to save her.
Franky at Water 7
The recruitment of Franky, the crew’s shipwright, began with him as an antagonist who stole the crew’s money. However, during the events of Water 7 and Enies Lobby, Franky became a vital ally. As a cyborg and the disciple of the legendary shipwright Tom, Franky dreamed of building a ship that could sail the entire world. After the Going Merry’s retirement, Franky built the Thousand Sunny. The Straw Hats, led by Robin’s "persuasion," convinced Franky to join them to see his masterpiece fulfill its journey.
Brook in Thriller Bark
Luffy’s desire for a musician was finally fulfilled in the Florian Triangle when the crew encountered a ghost ship inhabited by a living skeleton named Brook. Having eaten the Revive-Revive Fruit, Brook’s soul had returned to his body decades after his crew, the Rumbar Pirates, had perished. He had spent 50 years in isolation, protecting a promise to a whale named Laboon. After the Straw Hats defeated Moria and returned Brook’s shadow, he officially joined the crew, bringing music and joy to the Thousand Sunny.
Jinbe's Long Journey
Jinbe has the longest recruitment history of any Straw Hat. He first allied with Luffy at Impel Down and Marineford, later assisting him during the Fish-Man Island arc. Luffy invited him then, but Jinbe declined, citing unfinished business with Big Mom. He finally officially joined during the Wano Country arc, arriving at the raid on Onigashima to fulfill his promise to Luffy. As the crew's helmsman, Jinbe provides veteran experience and immense strength, completing the current lineup of the Straw Hat Pirates.
FAQ
Who was the first person to join Luffy's crew?
Roronoa Zoro was the first person to join, recruited by Luffy at Shells Town.
How many Straw Hat Pirates are there currently?
There are currently ten official members: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, and Jinbe.
Which Straw Hat took the longest to officially join?
Jinbe took the longest, with several years passing between his initial invitation at Fish-Man Island and his official joining in Wano.
