I was thinking the other day about Jinbe’s decision to join the Straw Hats.
There were a lot of important events during Dresrossa and Whole Cake Island, but in my opinion, this one is the most significant.
Right now the whole world is basically divided between Yonko and Marines. If you are a strong pirate and you are aiming to reach the top you will eventually clash with either of them.
You could try win, but you will almost certainly lose.
Ace refused to join Shichibukai (= refused to join Marines), tried to beat Whitebeard and instead was forced became his subordinate. Boa Hancock, Mihawk, Trafalgar Law and others joined Schichibukai. Others like Crocodile, Moriah, Eustass Kid, Apoo, Hawkins, and Urogue tried to play some “little pirate games” and got their assess whooped.
Also, a strong pirate won’t serve under another “ordinary” strong pirate. Can you imagine Drake joining Kid as an ordinary crew member? Someone like Edward Weevil serving under Trafalgar Law’s command? There is no way such strong people would work under anybody except for Yonko or Marines.
And now we have Jinbe.
He worked under two Yonko (Whitebeard and Big Mom) and he knows exactly how strong they are.
He experienced fisthand the strength of Admirals.
He is more than anyone should know that there are only two options – Yonko and Marines.
Despite all of that, he bets on Luffy. He leaves Yonko and his own pirate crew and joins Straw Hats as a crew member. He puts Luffy on the same level as Marines and Yonko.
Luffy claims to be the future Pirate King? Well, he and hundreds of other pirates. No big deal.
Bartolomeo claims that Luffy is going to be the next Pirate King? Has Bartolomeo ever fought against Yonko or Admirals? No? Then he can continue playing his “little pirate games” and being delusional about Luffy.
Jinbe leaving Big Mom and claiming that Luffy is going to be the next Pirate King? Well … This is serious. This is not “little pirate games” anymore. This is not a random pirate who doesn’t know what he is talking about.
The bells should be ringing across the World Government.
Individual strength is important and Luffy’s victories against Doflamingo and Sweet Commanders are very significant steps towards the title of the Pirate King.
Jinbe’s decision to support Luffy’s claim is not a step, it is a giant leap.
Only then you become the King when such strong people start calling you one.
*Theory by fandrfa