Fans have long debated the true structure of the Straw Hat crew, with one rumor asserting that Roronoa Zoro is the vice‑captain.. Another popular myth claims that creator Eiichiro Oda later regretted introducing the Alabasta villain Crocodile so early in the series.

Zoro’s “Vice‑Captain” Claim Stems From Fan Inference

According to the source, Zoro was the first member to join Luffy’s crew and often steps into a leadership role, such as insisting Usopp apologize during the Water 7 Arc. Yet the report notes that neither Luffy nor Oda have ever officially designated him as vice‑captain. The only character to call him that is Bartolomeo, a fan favorite. The series deliberately avoids formal titles among the crew, so the myth is a product of fan inference rather than canon.

Oda Never Expressed Regret Over Crocodile’s Early Appearance

The article states that many fans believe Oda regrets introducing Crocodile early because he is a powerful antagonist. However, according to the source,Oda has never made such a statement in any interview or SBS column. Crocodile’s return during the Impel Down and Marineford arcs actually showcases how well he was utilized later, proving that his early defeat did not diminish his impact.

The Myth‑Making Engine of a 1,100‑Episode Saga

As the source explains, One Piece’s sheer length—over 1,100 episodes—creates a fertile ground for speculation. fans fill gaps with theories about Devil Fruits, ancieent weapons, and the nature of the One Piece treasure. Oda’s deliberate ambiguity encourages speculation, but it also leads to misconceptions being terated as canon.

What Fans Still Don’t Know About Crew Hierarchy

The report highlights that the only official crew titles are captain and crew member;no vice‑captain role exists in the canon. Yet fans continue to assign ranks based on behavior. Until Oda or Luffy explicitly assigns a title, the vice‑captain myth remains unverified.

Why Crocodile’s Reappearances Matter More Than Regret

Oda’s world‑building often reintroduces former enemies with new roles, as seen with Crocodile’s later appearances. The source notes that this pattern shows Oda values long‑term narrative threads over early regret. Fans should therefore focus on how characters evolve rather than on unsubstantiated claims of remorse.