Summary
Zoro’s backstory remains a mystery, unlike other crew members whose origins have been explored in previous story arcs.
Zoro’s connection to the Shimotsuki family holds significance, hinting at possible future developments in his character arc.
Fans hope for a major reveal of Zoro’s full backstory, potentially leading to the creation of a Black Blade and completing his character arc.
The Straw Hats are the main characters of the One Piece franchise and, over the years, they have arguably become the most iconic team in the entire anime industry. Each member brings something new to the table in terms of designation and personality, with each being a layered and beloved character whose backstories have played a huge role in who they are as well as their irreplaceable part in the story.
A look into the various Great Grade Blades that have currently been identified in One Piece.
What Is Known About Zoro So Far
Everything Currently Revealed About Hi
First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 3, “Introducing Pirate Hunter Zoro”
Debut Date
August 4, 1997
Story Arc
Romance Dawn
Very early on in the story, Zoro’s backstory is first revealed, where he is shown as a student at a dojo learning the art of sword fighting, making friends with his master’s daughter, Kuina. Although Kuina was always a better fighter than him, she was upset at the prospect of never being the strongest swordsman in the world due to being a girl, which Zoro found preposterous. Here, the two made a pact to challenge each other to eventually hold the title of the world’s greatest swordsman. However, shortly after, Kuina died.
As it turned out, Zoro was distantly related to Kuina as they both belonged to the Shimotsuki family. Zoro’s great-uncle was none other than the last Daimyo of the Ringo region of Wano, Shimotsuki Ushimaru, which was a relation revealed in SBS Volume 105. This confirmed that Zoro’s family belonged to Wano as well, and he was not only a distant relative of Kuina and Shimotsuki Kouzaburo, but that this entire family shared the legendary ancestor, Shimotsuki Ryuma, said to be the greatest swordsman of all time. Citizens of Wano even recounted how Zoro looked exactly like Ushimaru and Ryuma, the latter of whom was also a one-eyed swordsman.
The dreams that most characters have in One Piece are all tall orders to achieve, but Tashigi’s takes the cake for being the most impossible!
What Could This Mean For The Future?
Are Zoro’s Full Backstory and Origins On The Horizon?
The main point of contention that people tend to have about Zoro’s whole situation is the fact that he is the only Straw Hat whose origins/backstory hasn’t been shown to be a huge deal yet. In fact, every other character has had an arc with them as the central focus or, at least, their origins have had a huge part to play. Although Zoro has always been a huge part of every story arc that he’s in, he has never been the focal point of it nor has his backstory been given an emphasis like those of the others.
I have found that fancy titles mean nothing when it comes to fighting!
Theorizing is the only thing fans can do right now, but such a reveal that’s clearly being built up is sure to have a massive payoff. The mere fact that Zoro’s belongs to the Shimotsuki family has to mean something important regarding the character is coming, especially with his connection to how Ryuma looked and fought. This seems to be building up to the fact that Zoro will eventually create a Black Blade down the line, likely from his Wado Ichimonji.