Roronoa Zoro is a key character in One Piece, known for his unwavering ambition to become the world’s strongest swordsman and his status as Monkey D. Luffy’s right-hand man. Beyond his fearsome skills and loyalty to the Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro has a rich history and some lesser-known facts that only true fans may be aware of. Here are 10 intriguing facts that showcase Zoro’s complexity, from design quirks to character origins.
10. Zoro’s Scarred Eye: Design Issues After the Time Skip
Zoro’s appearance has evolved since One Piece debuted in 1997. Notably, after the two-year time skip, he returned with a new, more rugged look, including a prominent scar over his left eye. However, in the original Jump edition of chapter 598, this scar was mistakenly drawn over his right eye. Creator Eiichiro Oda quickly corrected this in the next chapter. Another mix-up occurred in chapter 698 when Zoro’s distinct diagonal scar was mistakenly replaced with an X-shaped burn scar—an error that was eventually fixed in volume 70 of the manga.
9. Zoro’s Alternate Career: Police Officer
Despite his pirate lifestyle, Oda once revealed in the SBS (Shitsumon o Boshū Suru, or “I’m Taking Questions”) column of volume 76 that if Zoro weren’t a pirate, he would likely be a police officer. While it may seem ironic for an infamous pirate to embody law enforcement, Zoro’s strong sense of justice and desire to protect the innocent aligns with this alternate career path. His stern and no-nonsense attitude would certainly suit the role of a tough cop, but his loyalty to Luffy always wins out.
8. The Zoro/Zolo Name Confusion
The name confusion surrounding Zoro stems from Japanese-to-English translation quirks, specifically the interchangeable nature of the “L” and “R” sounds in Japanese. However, the more common reason for this difference lies in copyright issues. In the 4Kids dub of One Piece, Zoro was renamed “Zolo” to avoid conflict with the famous fictional swordsman Zorro. Funimation and other subsequent adaptations reverted his name to Zoro, though Viz Media still uses the “Zolo” spelling in some releases.
7. The Only Straw Hat Luffy Wanted Before Meeting Him
Zoro holds a unique position among the Straw Hat Pirates as the only member that Luffy sought out before actually meeting him. Early in his journey, Luffy learns of Zoro’s fearsome reputation from Coby and becomes determined to recruit him, believing Zoro’s strength and swordsmanship would be valuable assets. This preemptive desire to have Zoro on the crew highlights their close bond and the mutual respect that has developed between the two over time.
6. Zoro’s Many English Voice Actors
When it comes to English voice acting, Zoro holds the distinction of having more voice actors than any other Straw Hat Pirate. As a child, Zoro is voiced by four different actors, including Andrew Rannells in the 4Kids dub and Brina Palencia in the Funimation dub. As an adult, he has been voiced by several actors as well, including Marc Diraison for 4Kids, Brian Zimmerman for the Odex dub, and Christopher R. Sabat for Funimation. Sabat’s deep, gruff voice has become synonymous with Zoro for many English-speaking fans.
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5. Zoro’s Decade-Long Popularity Reign
In the six character popularity polls conducted by One Piece over the years, Zoro has consistently ranked among the top favorites. For over a decade, he held the number two spot, right behind Luffy. This reign was briefly interrupted in 2014 when Trafalgar Law overtook him in the fifth popularity poll. However, Zoro reclaimed his position in the sixth poll in 2017, once again establishing himself as the second-most popular character in the One Piece world.
4. Zoro Never Calls Sanji by His Name
Despite their numerous battles together, Zoro and Sanji have one of the most notorious rivalries among the Straw Hats. Fans have noted that in the original Japanese manga, Zoro has never once referred to Sanji by his actual name. Instead, Zoro uses various insults and nicknames to address the cook, further emphasizing their playful yet contentious relationship. On the other hand, Sanji has addressed Zoro by name on several occasions, though this never prompts Zoro to return the favor.
3. Zoro’s Dragon-Slaying Feat
Zoro’s combat skills are legendary, and his ability to take down powerful enemies is unmatched. He achieved a particularly notable feat after the time skip when he killed a dragon, making him the first character to do so since the legendary samurai Ryuma of Wano. Ryuma, who first appeared in Oda’s earlier one-shot Monsters, is considered part of the official One Piece canon, and both he and Zoro decapitated their respective dragons while airborne—a tribute to Zoro’s immense strength and Ryuma’s legacy.
2. Zoro’s Original Role as Buggy’s Bodyguard
Zoro’s place as a Straw Hat is iconic, but his character design went through several iterations before the final version was settled. According to Oda, Zoro was originally conceived as one of Buggy the Clown’s bodyguards, alongside Mohji and Cabaji. The trio was envisioned as a dysfunctional family, with Zoro as the older brother. Fortunately, Oda changed his mind, making Zoro Luffy’s first mate—a decision that has significantly shaped One Piece as we know it.
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1. Zoro’s Pirate Namesake
The name “Roronoa Zoro” isn’t just a cool-sounding moniker—it’s actually inspired by a real-life pirate. François L’Ollonais, also known as Jean David Nau, was a ruthless buccaneer who terrorized the Caribbean in the 17th century, earning the nickname “Flail of the Spanish.” His cruelty and reputation for violence made him a feared figure among pirates and navies alike, making it fitting for Zoro, a man known for his deadly swordsmanship and unyielding ambition, to share his name.
These lesser-known facts about Roronoa Zoro add even more depth to his already fascinating character, solidifying his place as a fan favorite in the One Piece universe. His strength, loyalty, and mysterious past make him one of the most enduring and beloved characters in the series.