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The Thousand Sunny may not be the Straw Hats' last ship in One Piece

In the One Piece series, Thousand Sunny has been a loyal and iconic ship for the Straw Hat Pirates, representing their dreams and growth throughout their journey. However, as the crew faces the challenges of the Final War in One Piece, many believe the Sunny may not be their last ship.

A recent theory by X user @chanchancilchan suggests that the Straw Hats might need a new vessel that shows their ultimate growth - one with advanced technology, unique features, and great adaptability. Inspired by the Chimera, a mythical creature, this final ship could symbolize the crew’s unity, strength, and legacy, marking an important milestone in their adventure.


Chimera symbolism of the Straw Hat Pirates ship in One Piece

The Thousand Sunny ship as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
The Thousand Sunny ship as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The Thousand Sunny, with its lion figurehead, followed the Going Merry’s goat theme. The final ship might take inspiration from the Chimera, a mythical creature with a lion, goat, and serpent, and feature a serpent figurehead to complete the trio.

This new ship could symbolize the crew’s growth, unity, and readiness for the challenges of the Final Saga. Just as the Going Merry marked their humble start and the Thousand Sunny represented their growing ambitions, the final ship would show their ultimate strength and determination. It might also include elements to honor the Sunny’s legacy, just as the Sunny kept the Mini Merry from the Going Merry.


The new ship may have advanced features thanks to Dr. Vegapunk, Franky, and Wapol

The Mother Flame in Dr. Vegapunk’s laboratory (Image via Shueisha)
The Mother Flame in Dr. Vegapunk’s laboratory (Image via Shueisha)

The Straw Hats’ final ship is expected to feature advanced technology and unique upgrades to face their toughest challenges. It could be powered by Mother Flame, an undying flame developed by Vegapunk, which ties to the Chimera myth of eternal fire.

Franky might incorporate elements from the Pluton blueprints he memorized, equipping the ship with powerful weaponry to confront the World Government and other formidable enemies. Constructed with the strongest materials, such as the Jewel Tree Adam wood from Elbaph for durability and Wapometal, a shape-memory alloy invented by Wapol, for flexibility, the ship would be both resilient and adaptable.

Enel as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Enel as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

It might also include an airship mode, drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy airships and One Piece technologies like Enel’s Ark Maxim, allowing the Straw Hats to reach the Sky Islands, the moon, or other inaccessible locations.

Previous designs, such as the Thousand Sunny’s Emperor Penguin Mode and the Going Merry’s flying adaptation, paved the way for this innovation. These upgrades would make the ship versatile for any environment, from deep seas to outer space, while also providing the growing crew additional comfort and space for their long voyages.


The legacy of the Straw Hat Pirates ship

This new ship wouldn’t just be a tool for the Final War, it would symbolize the Straw Hats’ incredible journey and cement their place as legendary pirates. Its design could reflect each crew member’s unique personality, making it truly feel like their home.

Wapol (Image via Toei Animation)
Wapol (Image via Toei Animation)

From a story perspective, introducing the final ship would mark an important turning point, setting the stage for new adventures and battles. The Straw Hats could gather the resources and collaborators needed, such as Vegapunk, Wapol, and Vivi, while in Elbaph, where many key materials might be found.

The serpent motif ties to other ships in Luffy’s journey, like Hancock’s Perfume Yuda and Dragon’s Wind Granma. These allies could offer critical support in the Final War, strengthening the connection between the ship and the story’s larger themes.


Final thoughts

The Straw Hat pirates as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
The Straw Hat pirates as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Ultimately, the final ship would be more than a warship or airship. It would represent the Straw Hats’ strength, unity, and the legacy they leave behind. By combining mythological inspiration, advanced technology, and their shared dreams, this ship would be the perfect conclusion to their epic story.


Related links:

  • One Piece's biggest spinoffs prove how One Piece worldbuilding is based on rumors
  • Luffy's actions in One Piece Elbaph Arc may give Koby a major promotion
  • One Piece may soon give Nami the Usopp treatment
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