When does Jinbe join the crew?

During the Fishman Island arc, Monkey D. Luffy asked Jinbe to be part of his crew, but Jinbe refused as he had ties to the Big Mom Pirates. As such, he couldn't join Luffy until he severed ties with the former Emperor. Jinbe recognised Luffy as his captain during the conclusion of the Whole Cake Island arc when he and the Sun Pirates aided the Straw Hats in escaping from Totto Land, Big Mom's territory. However, he officially joined the group moments before the raid in Onigashima at the Land of Wano.

Episode Number

Episode 876

Episode 980 (officially)

Episode Name

876 - The Man of Humanity and Justice- Jinbe, a Desperate Massive Ocean Current

976 - A Tearful Promise! The Kidnapped Momonosuke

Manga Chapter

Chapter 863

Chapter 976 (officially)

Summary of the Episode

When the Big Mom Pirates were near Cacao Island, they looked at the wreckage that was left of the Thousand Sunny and rejoiced in their victory. However, when they looked closer, they realized that the wreckage wasn't the Thousand Sunny, but the Sun Pirate's ship.

In a flashback, we can see that Aladine had ordered Wadatsumi to put their ship in the Sunny's place and the Sunny was pulled underwater into Wadatsumi's mouth at the last minute. The Big Mom Pirates don't waste any time and start going after the Straw Hats, but Wadatsumi stops them and holds them off until the Straw Hats get away. Before leaving, Wadatsumi thanks Jinbe, and he and the Sun Pirates protect Jinbe as a way of thanks for what he did for them in Fishman Island.

The Sun Pirates start fighting the Big Mom Pirates, but they're outnumbered and are overwhelmed by the fleet’s cannon fire. Meanwhile, on the Sunny, Jinbe tells Carrot and Luffy to drain any water that is flooding the ship and to repair the broken sails so that they can escape Totto Land. Jinbe is at the edge and tells Luffy that he can't leave his old crew behind without ensuring their safety.

Jinbe requests Luffy to allow him to aid the Sun Pirates before he officially joins his crew. As his captain, Luffy accepts his request and orders him to come back alive and join them in Wano Country. Jinbe humbly accepts and joins the Sun Pirates in helping the Straw Hats escape. Later, he tends to fellow wounded fishmen before he departs towards Wano Country. Jinbe makes his entry in Wano Country moments before the raid in Onigashima as he strikes down the Beasts Pirates ship and requests Luffy to officially share a ceremonial cup of sake as a tradition to joining the pirate crew.

Highlights of the Episode

The highlight of this episode was the scene when the Sun Pirates saved Jinbe and the Straw Hats, and the moment of friendship between Wadatsumi and Jinbe, where he thanked Jinbe for all his service.
Secondly, it was heart-touching seeing Luffy respect Jinbe’s request and concern for his well-being.

FAQs

In which episode does Jinbe join the crew?

Jinbe officially joined the Straw Hat Pirates during the Wano Country arc before the raid in Onigashima in episode 980. However, he recognised Luffy as his captain in episode 876 during the conclusion of the Whole Cake Island arc.

Why does Jinbe join the crew so late?

During the conclusion of the Whole Cake Island arc, Jinbe and the fishmen aided the Straw Hats in escaping Totto Land where Luffy ordered Jinbe to join them in Wano. Jinbe tended to the wounded fishmen after they made sure the Straw Hats left the Totto Land. Later, the Sun Pirates threw Jinbe a farewell party before he left for Wano. Jinbe only arrived moments before the raid in Onigashima to officially join the crew.