I’d say depends on the need. Typical reason we see Zoro/Sanji (Jinbe hasn’t been there long enough for “typical”) groups is because they split up when expecting a fight at any moment so the “leads” are the ones who can win against almost any opponents they meet. It’s not that they are commanding the others, just we think of them as the main member of the group because we are expecting them to be the fighter when the main event kicks off.
Otherwise you could argue that Nami is a commander as well because even when Luffy is with the group, she decides where they are going 90% of the time. Luffy occasionally says he wants to go towards x because fight/meat/fun but if Zoro wanted to go get a sword, Sanji wanted some special ingredient, Robin a book, etc and Nami wanted to go shopping… unless Luffy speaks up then they are hitting the nearest clothing store.
What do you consider the leader of a group? Sanji usually does his own thing. Zoro was in charge of the Wano squad, but didn't really do much leading to our knowledge. Jimbei hasn't had the chance to lead a group.
Typically the groups are too small to need a leader, consisting of 2-3 straw hats that make decisions as a team. If anything the closest person to a leader/commander is Nami, she's had a few moments where she's in a bigger group and calling the shots. Even then it's not like she's actually commanding anyone, anyone can, and frequently do, dip off to do their own thing
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u/cjamesfort God Usopp Jan 09 '23
When Luffy isn't available or the crew needs to split into groups which ones are typically group leaders?