User blog comment:GrilloSama/Jinbe For 1st Mate/@comment-24850639-20170927171533

Jinbe's maturity, leadership, and experience doesn't mean that he's obligated to serve in some kind of official leadership capacity. Also, first mate and vice captain aren't roles that it's absolutely imperative to have. Zoro and Sanji have played the role of acting leader in several situations where they have been separated from Luffy, and people listen despite them not necessarily being the oldest or most experienced pirates on the crew. Same goes for Jinbe, he will fulfill the roles of a leader in situations where one is not present, but he's not necessarily looking to give orders.