It hasn't you are right, but then doesn't entirely step on Bonney's fruit?
I would have loved it if Hiyori was a legitimate kunoichi with a sadder past than they gave her, but it doesn't look like that is the case.
Honestly, as much as I hate to say it rn, Carrot has a few things going for her:
- Pedro's death and dream was for Carrot to specifically carry on that dream: Leading Luffy to Dawn. Admittedly, this could just be her leading the Nox pirates as part of the fleet.
- Possible revenge against Perospero. If this happens, to me it helps support the above.
- The amount of focus she got during WCI's climax. Not to mention, she's heavily featured on Volume 88 just like Jinbe (She's on the spine with Jinbe too) and every other Strawhat Crew Member; the other characters on the cover are yellowed out (Chiffon/Pudding/Bege).
- Unique, nimble fighting style. Yes, Electro is a common element between some Minks, but if none of their Sulong's are like her's, then we truly have a unique style where she can manipulate how she moves midair.
- Her constantly being shown on the perch/as a lookout.
- Her unique female personality. No other female character is as curious, combat and adventure ready as she is.
This is not me advocating for her. I really don't care if she joins or not, but she has had the highest chance of joining out of any character in the timeskip. She has clear tells no other character has and this is something no one can deny.
I WILL say that if she does not receive enough focus in Wano (probably within the next 20-30 chapters), then I think thats probably it for her.