Roronoa Zoro is undoubtedly one of the most loved characters in One Piece. He is the first crew member that joined the Straw Hat Pirates and plays a crucial role as Luffy’s right-hand man. Zoro has been an integral part of the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey, right from the start. As one of the main characters, Zoro has had many unforgettable moments throughout the series. Here are the top five most memorable moments of Roronoa Zoro in One Piece.
1. “Nothing Happened”
During the Thriller Bark arc, the Straw Hat Pirates faced off against Gecko Moria. They put up a fierce fight and, in the end, emerged victorious, but not without many difficulties. Despite Moria’s defeat, the Straw Hat Pirates were not out of danger yet. Another Shichibukai, Bartholomew Kuma, appeared to annihilate the crew.
With the crew exhausted, Zoro was the only one who could face Kuma. Kuma made a deal with Zoro that he would spare the crew if Zoro accepted all the pain inflicted upon Luffy. Zoro accepted the deal, even though it nearly killed him. Sanji witnessed the event, but Zoro told him to keep it from Luffy. With pain coursing through his body, Zoro only said, “Nothing happened.”
2. Challenging Mihawk at the Start of His Pirate Journey
Dracule Mihawk was the reason Zoro set out to sea. To fulfill his promise to his childhood friend Kuina, Zoro wanted to defeat Mihawk and become the strongest swordsman in the world. Sadly, their first meeting was premature.
Zoro encountered Mihawk at the Baratie while the Straw Hat Pirates were battling Don Krieg. Despite knowing that Mihawk was far superior to him, Zoro still faced him. As expected, Mihawk defeated Zoro effortlessly using only a small knife.
The impressive aspect of this fight was Zoro’s courage. He was not afraid to confront someone he could not beat. Furthermore, Zoro believed that death was better than dishonor for a swordsman. Respect!
3. Defeating Daz Bones
During the Alabasta arc, Luffy was battling Crocodile, while Zoro faced Daz Bones, one of his most potent foes. Zoro found it tough to fight Daz because of the latter’s Supa Supa no Mi ability, which turned his body into sharp blades made of steel.
Despite the difficulty, Zoro’s ambition to become stronger kept him going. In the end, Zoro managed to defeat Daz Bones by cutting through his steel body.
4. Inflicting a Permanent Scar on Kaido
Kaido, the strongest creature in the world, had been executed numerous times, but no weapon could wound him. Before the great battle in Onigashima, Zoro managed to accomplish what only Kozuki Oden had done before him. He inflicted a permanent scar on Kaido by using Oden’s sword, Enma, and coating it with Haoshoku Haki.
5. Refusing Usopp’s Return to the Crew
During the Water 7 arc, Usopp was unwilling to accept the decision to replace the Going Merry, which led to him leaving the Straw Hat Pirates. However, he still fought alongside them in Enies Lobby using the alias Sogeking.
When they returned to Water 7 and Luffy wanted to reunite with Usopp, Zoro refused. He believed that Usopp had dishonored their captain’s decision, and if Luffy persisted in bringing Usopp back, Zoro would leave the crew. It was because he didn’t want to be led by a captain without dignity. Zoro would only accept Usopp’s return if he apologized first to Luffy.
Zoro has had many unforgettable moments throughout One Piece, with each one demonstrating why he is one of the most iconic characters in the show. What’s your favorite moment among the five mentioned above?
