Roronoa Zoro‘s position in the Straw Hat Pirates crew is a topic of significant discussion among ‘One Piece‘ fans, with many considering him Monkey D. Luffy‘s right-hand man, or first mate. This designation comes from his status as the first person recruited by Luffy, establishing a foundational bond and dynamic crucial to the crew’s structure. His unparalleled combat power and unwavering loyalty are key factors defining his role.
He does not seek attention but remains the steady force that keeps the Straw Hats united, a quiet yet essential figure whose loyalty and discipline secure the crew’s foundation. Here are five reasons why One Piece fans believe he is Luffy’s right-hand man.
5. Mutual Dreams and Shared Destiny
Zoro’s dream to become the world’s greatest swordsman is intertwined with Luffy’s ambition to become the Pirate King. Zoro believes that for Luffy to be the Pirate King, he must be the strongest swordsman in his crew. This shared ambition and mutual support for each other’s goals solidifies their bond and Zoro’s indispensable position by Luffy’s side.
4. Exceptional Strength and Combat Prowess
Zoro is consistently the second strongest fighter in the Straw Hat Pirates, part of the “Monster Trio” alongside Luffy and Sanji. He regularly takes on the second-strongest opponent in major battles (e.g., King, Kaku), serving as a primary combat force that allows Luffy to focus on fighting the main antagonist. The World Government and other pirates even recognize him as Luffy’s “number two”.
3. Second in Command & Voice of Reason
While not officially titled “Vice-Captain” as per Oda, Zoro acts as the de facto second-in-command and the crew’s moral compass and disciplinarian when needed. He has a more serious and perceptive nature than Luffy and the “weakness trio”, and at critical moments, he is the one who steps in to enforce the reality and seriousness of being a pirate, such as when he demanded Usopp formally apologize before being allowed back on the crew.
2. Unwavering Loyalty and Trust
Zoro has demonstrated absolute, steadfast loyalty to Luffy on numerous occasions, most notably during the Thriller Bark arc when he absorbed all of Luffy’s pain and injuries to save his captain and crew, nearly dying in the process. He also swallowed his immense pride to beg his rival, Dracule Mihawk, to train him, purely so he could become strong enough to protect Luffy and help him achieve his dream.
1. First Crewmate
Zoro was the very first person Luffy recruited, establishing a foundational bond and dynamic within the crew. Their meeting in Shell Town saw Zoro tied up for standing against corrupt Marines. Luffy, recognizing Zoro’s honor and strength, freed him and offered him a spot. Initially skeptical of pirates, Zoro was won over after witnessing Luffy’s resolve and integrity. He then entrusted his life and his dream of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman to Luffy. This initial interaction solidified their relationship, with Zoro becoming the loyal anchor of the Straw Hats and the man who was there from the very beginning; a parallel often drawn to the relationship between the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, and his first mate, Silvers Rayleigh.
