We fans waited for this for quite a time, from Fish-Man Island to Whole Cake Island and then to Wano. Jinbe was around the Straw Hats but did not get into Sunny and became an official member. So? When does Jinbe officially join Luffy’s crew in One Piece?
If you want the exact episode and chapter number, you are in the right place. This post breaks down the first invitation, the delay, and the exact moment he finally stands there and says he is part of the crew.
When Does Jinbe Join Luffy’s Crew?
Anime: In the anime, Jinbe becomes a Straw Hat in Episode 980, titled “A Tearful Promise! The Kidnapped Momonosuke”, which aired on June 27, 2021. He rises from underwater, destroys the enemy ship, and states that he is joining as helmsman.
Manga: Jinbe officially becomes a Straw Hat in the manga in Chapter 976, titled “Begging Your Pardon!!!”. It was published in Weekly Shonen Jump 2020 Issue 19 and officially released on April 6, 2020. This chapter is part of Volume 97.
The story confirms him as the crew’s helmsman, and his bounty is shown as 438,000,000 berries. The anime gives him a full new-member spotlight in Episode 981, titled “A New Member! ‘First Son of the Sea’ Jimbei!”, which aired on July 4, 2021. That episode adapts Chapter 977 and shows him officially standing on deck with the crew and beginning his helmsman duties.
When Did Luffy First Invite Jinbe to Join?
The first time Luffy invites Jinbe happens at the end of the Fish-Man Island Arc. In the manga, it occurs in Chapter 648, titled “The Road Toward the Sun”.
In the anime, Luffy invites Jinbe in Episode 568, titled “To the Future! The Path Toward the Sun!”, which aired on October 14, 2012 and adapts Chapter 648.
After the fight on Fish-Man Island, Luffy is in critical condition. Jinbe steps forward and gives him a blood transfusion. Once Luffy regains consciousness, he immediately asks Jinbe to join his crew.
The conversation continues in Chapter 649, titled “The Dance of Sea Breams and Flounders”. On the Thousand Sunny, Luffy repeats the invitation. Jinbe said that he cannot join at that moment. He says he is happy to be invited and asks Luffy to invite him again after he finishes his own business.
READ MORE: Who Does Luffy End Up With?
Why Did Jinbe Not Join the Crew Immediately?
At that time, Jinbe was still connected to Big Mom’s side. He knows cutting ties will create serious consequences. That unresolved situation becomes central during the Whole Cake Island Arc. In Episode 831, Jinbe formally declares to Big Mom that he is quitting her crew to join the Straw Hat Pirates. Big Mom demands a “leaving fee” by taking his lifespan.
Then we got that iconic scene where Jinbe had no fear of Big Mom. Her power only works on those who show fear.
Jinbe says,
“I am a man who wants to be part of the future Pirate King’s crew… I can’t be intimidated by a mere Emperor of the Sea!”
That was goosebumps…
In Episode 876, he tells the Straw Hats he cannot abandon the Sun Pirates. He stays as a rear guard during the escape and promises Luffy that he will return alive and meet them in Wano. In that same chapter, Luffy openly calls himself Jinbe’s captain.
What Happened When Jinbe Finally Returned in Wano?
His return in Wano is one of the most satisfying entrances in the series.
In Episode 980 of the anime, the alliance fleet faces an enemy battleship firing long-range cannons. This was right before the Onigashima assault. The Straw Hats were struggling to counterattack. Then Jinbe suddenly emerges from underwater. He destroys the attacking ship with Fish-Man Karate and announces that he kept his promise.
The formal celebration happens in Episode 981, right before the raid begins. Jinbe explains he arrived late because he was tending to injured comrades, and a farewell happened before he could depart. Usopp reacts strongly to the fact that a former Warlord is now a Straw Hat. Robin calls the moment heartening. Nami and Chopper praise Jinbe’s steering, and Franky becomes excited because a real helmsman can draw out the Thousand Sunny’s full performance.
READ MORE: Has Luffy Ever Killed Someone In One Piece?
Final thoughts
We fans wanted Jinbe as part of the crew long before Wano. From Marineford to Fish-Man Island, he already carried himself like someone worthy of sailing under Luffy. Jinbe’s words against Big Mom made his conviction towards the Straw Hats very clear.
Comment below if you liked Jinbe as the next Straw Hat. Or do you think someone else was a better fit?