We all know that Roronoa Zoro‘s position in the Straw Hat Pirates crew is a topic of significant discussion, especially when it comes to ‘One Piece‘ fans. The reason is obvious because majority of the fandom consider him as Monkey D. Luffy‘s right-hand man, or first crewmate.
So far, we all know that Zoro does not seek attention but remains as the steady force that keeps the Straw Hats united, and he is also an essential figure whose loyalty and discipline secure the crew’s foundation.
5. Mutual Dreams and Shared Destiny
Zoro’s dream to become the world’s greatest swordsman shares a very common theme when it comes to Luffy’s dream to become the Pirate King. Zoro believes that for Luffy to be the Pirate King, he must be the strongest swordsman in his crew.
4. Exceptional Strength and Combat Prowess
There is no denying that he is the second strongest fighter in the Straw Hat Pirates (because he possesses Conqueror’s Haki), part of the “Monster Trio” alongside Luffy and Sanji. He regularly takes on the second-strongest opponent in major battles (e.g., King, Kaku), and the World Government and other pirates even recognize him as Luffy’s “number two”.
3. Second in Command & Voice of Reason
Although we know that he is not officially titled as the “Vice-Captain,” but 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 apologizing before being allowed back on the crew).
2. Unwavering Loyalty and Trust
Zoro has demonstrated an 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.
1. First Crewmate
Zoro was the very first person Luffy recruited, establishing a foundational bond and dynamic within the crew. 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 crewmate, Rayleigh.
