@GrandmasterChef Zonji Some ZoNa thoughts using Whitebeard and Stussy:
What if Whitebeard and Stussy were Xebec's first core crewmates, even before Shiki, recruited through Davy Back Fights? That would make them somewhat mirror Zoro and Nami as Luffy's first crew members. Plus, I've noticed quite a few other similarities.
BTW, this might be a stretch, but I can't help noticing that Zoro prominently appears in most of the chapters where Buckin and Weevil either appear or are mentioned. Chapter 802 is Buckin and Weevil's debut, and Zoro is the main focus of a Wano-themed color spread. In Chapter 909, Marco brings them up, and that's also the chapter when we finally see Zoro again after WCI, as well as where he kills the magistrate. Then, in Chapter 1073, Zoro has his first clash with S-Hawk, a clone created by Vegapunk. In the same chapter, Buckin claims Weevil is related to Whitebeard and says Vegapunk could prove it to Marco. Finally, in Chapter 1096, we see the beginning of the God Valley flashback, and Zoro appears on the cover page. Pretty odd.
What if Whitebeard and Stussy were Xebec's first core crewmates, even before Shiki, recruited through Davy Back Fights? That would make them somewhat mirror Zoro and Nami as Luffy's first crew members. Plus, I've noticed quite a few other similarities.
Whitebeard-N/A-Mihawk-Zoro
Whitebeard and Mihawk both hold Sekai Saikyō titles and have Supreme Grade blades. They represent the peak of power within their respective groups. Perhaps Whitebeard was even stronger than Xebec, if not during his time with the Rocks Pirates, then later in life. Both want a simple life despite their strength, as the Pirate King title does not interest either of them. Zoro was mentored by Mihawk and is the future WSS. He also embodies strength since we consistently see him training more than anyone else. All three are said to favor alcohol: alcoholic beverages for Whitebeard, red wine for Mihawk, and sake for Zoro.
Whitebeard and Mihawk both hold Sekai Saikyō titles and have Supreme Grade blades. They represent the peak of power within their respective groups. Perhaps Whitebeard was even stronger than Xebec, if not during his time with the Rocks Pirates, then later in life. Both want a simple life despite their strength, as the Pirate King title does not interest either of them. Zoro was mentored by Mihawk and is the future WSS. He also embodies strength since we consistently see him training more than anyone else. All three are said to favor alcohol: alcoholic beverages for Whitebeard, red wine for Mihawk, and sake for Zoro.
Stussy-Devon-Alvida-Nami
Stussy had the epithet of 'Science Robber' or 'Tech Bandit' and is money-oriented. Devon's draft design had cat ears, and she seems to collect beauty. Alvida is obsessed with beauty, and her Devil Fruit made her noticeably beautiful. Nami is a money-driven thief with the epithet 'Cat Burglar.'
Stussy had the epithet of 'Science Robber' or 'Tech Bandit' and is money-oriented. Devon's draft design had cat ears, and she seems to collect beauty. Alvida is obsessed with beauty, and her Devil Fruit made her noticeably beautiful. Nami is a money-driven thief with the epithet 'Cat Burglar.'

