Oda Already Revealed Why Loki Won't Join The Straw Hat Pirates

This post contains spoilers for One Piece.

In almost every new One Piece arc, Eiichiro Oda introduces new characters who form a connection with the Straw Hat Pirates. In the Alabasta arc, it was Vivi, and then it was Carrot in the Zou arc. The trend continued with the Wano Country and Egghead arcs.

In Wano, Yamato looked destined to join the Straw Hat Pirates, while in Egghead, it was Lilith who seemed closest to the pirate crew. By now, One Piece fans know that Oda doesn’t always make the new character join the Straw Hats. However, they still have high hopes for Loki, who debuted in the Elbaf arc.

Loki Was Introduced In The Elbaf Arc

Loki Has Become A Fan Favorite In A Short Time

Loki possesses the power of Elbaf’s legendary Devil Fruit
Loki will likely stay in Elbaf

Loki is the son of the late King Harald, who was believed to be the best ruler Elbaf ever had. In addition to being benevolent, Harald was also a capable fighter. In fact, he was one of the few people to rival Davy D. Xebec. Harald’s desire was to change Elbaf and open its borders to the rest of the world. He wanted to form a friendship between the Giants and humans. For ages, they had been treated as a dangerous race who only caused harm. Unfortunately, Harald was never able to realize his goal.

The people of Elbaf loved Harald, which is why Loki was chained when he killed the king. At least, this is the narrative pushed by the people of Elbaf, but Loki doesn’t seem like a person who would murder his father. It’s likely Oda will reveal the truth about Harald’s death once the God Valley flashback is over.

harald and loki one piece chapter 1155 spoilers

Despite his status, One Piece fans have warmed up to Loki. They love his design, the lore, his weapon of choice, and his persona. It would be remiss not to mention that Loki shares certain traits with Luffy. All these things have made Loki a big hit with the fans, and they desperately want him to join the Straw Hat Pirates.

Loki Will Ruin The Dynamic Of The Monster Trio

Loki Is Stronger Than Zoro And Sanji

zoro-sanji-haki — Zoro and Sanji from One Piece

Even though Loki would be a great addition to the crew, there is a low chance of him actually joining, and the reason is rather simple— he would ruin the entire Monster Trio dynamic. Since the East Blue Saga, the Monster Trio has consisted of Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji. Together, the three have won many important fights and helped the crew to overcome several hurdles. It is safe to say that without them, the crew would not have made it so far into the New World.

Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji are all capable fighters, but they’re not on the same level. Luffy is head and shoulders above the two, as proven by his victories over Kaido, Katakuri, Lucci, and Doflamingo. Meanwhile, Zoro and Sanji are on a similar level. If Loki were to join the crew, he would instantly become the second-strongest member, only behind Luffy. While Loki has not fought anyone yet, there are a couple of statements that are indicative of his strength. It is said that only Shanks was able to stop Loki’s rampage in Elbaf. Considering Gaban was in the country as well, it means that Loki was stronger than him.

Shanks tells Beckmann that is time to claim the One Piece - One Piece

Another piece of evidence is that the Holy Knights tried to recruit Loki to their ranks. Shamrock presented the offer to Loki, who flat out refused to join them. These things prove that Loki is an incredible combatant who can hold his own against the mightiest fighters. So, if someone like him joined the Straw Hat Pirates, it would effectively end the Monster Trio.

The only way to circumvent the problem is if Oda makes Zoro and Sanji stronger than him in the Elbaf arc. However, that would be too reckless, as it would require both of them to be on a similar level as Shanks. If they become Yonko-level fighters, Luffy would also need a massive power-up to stay ahead of them, which is why Loki won’t join the Straw Hats.