One Piece’s main character is an enigmatic ball of sunshine. What makes him so unique is the fact that he always has a charming smile on his face no matter how many times he gets pushed down. Contrasting to him, exists Zoro. They both complement each other perfectly and the swordsman is the perfect second in command of the Thousand Sunny.
Luffy’s jolly attitude may form a prejudice for all the menacing villains because of how childlike he appears to be. This makes them underestimate their opponent. However, through Gear 5, a testament to his power can easily be formed. Zoro, on the other hand, is the complete opposite; because, unlike the emperor, he doesn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve.
Zoro’s Expressiveness Doesn’t Define His Feelings
Zoro has always had a hard childhood, teaching him the ups and downs of life much before he should have learned. Kuina’s death was the primary example of the same. His cold attitude and stoic personality often give out the idea that he is an unfeeling man. Eiichiro Oda never made Zoro this shell man but rather someone who is goal-oriented. From a very early age, he learned that no matter what, you have to move on.
Hardships come and go, creating the idea that mercy isn’t an aspect of probability but possibility. Zoro comes off as a guy who just does not care. That is far from the truth, seeing that he found a family in the Straw Hat Pirates. He may not care for everybody and he does not have to. Attachment is a luxury for someone like him and he values all those who support him.
During the most emotional scenes, it could be interpreted that Zoro is unfeeling and unkind in the way he talks and the way he reacts in melancholic moments often gives out the idea that he cares naught of many people, barring those who have made their way to his heart.
One Piece Did Not Make Zoro Cruel
Zoro isn’t easy to get close to. Having the swordsman care for you is perhaps a bigger feat than joining the Straw Hat Pirates. He has a very simple formula; feelings cannot define your actions. You have to move on no matter what obstacle stands before you. Hurdles are meant to be jumped over. It is because of him that even during the worst of the worst, the pirates keep going.
[MANGA SPOILERS] Regarding Zoro…
byu/HemaBrewer inOnePiece
He is a logical man who puts rationality before his emotions take over him. Feelings of such intensity can lead to haste decisions and for people as powerful as his crew, they simply cannot afford that. With great power comes great responsibility. His growth as a character is defined through not just his turmoils, but also how he manages to keep everyone together.
Misconceptions have painted a faulty picture when in reality, he is always by their side. Zoro jumps to the opportunity to save the people he cares for, no matter the consequence, even if it would cost him his life. As such, he was ready to give up his arm for the sake of all those he cared about.
One Piece is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
