While some fan theories are too good to be true, others are just too ridiculous to even consider. One Piece is a hotspot for all kinds of theorists, but not all of them are reliable. In fact, one theory about Zoro’s loyalty could even make Eiichiro Oda roll over while laughing.
As you all know, Zoro is the dangerous yet dumb swordsman of the Straw Hat crew. He has one of the biggest fanbases among all characters due to his undying loyalty to the crew, and overall strength and charisma (also add his killer looks to the list). Yet, a fan theory questions everything about Zoro and his existence in the crew.
Zoro is Waiting to Betray Luffy and the Straw Hats in One Piece
Before he became a pirate, Zoro was a pirate hunter by profession. In fact, he is a well-known pirate hunter, as proved by his reputation among pirates. But his profession was not explored much in the series and he was quick to join Luffy’s crew.
According to a fan theory, he had recognized Luffy’s potential to become the Pirate King early on in One Piece. Thus, he had decided from the very beginning that he would stick to Luffy till the perfect time for betrayal shows itself. His capture by the Marines in the early stages of One Piece was a set-up so that he could bond with Luffy.
Zoro is sticking to the Straw Hats because he wants to capture them all in the very finale when their heads would cost billions together. If he is successful at capturing the Pirate King, his name would go down in history and he would never face another struggle in life. To Zoro, this is the gamble of a lifetime. However, his motivation might not just be money, the World Government could have promised him something unattainable (like bringing back Kuina).
The Loopholes Eiichiro Oda Left in Zoro’s Character
Zoro was introduced as a pirate hunter, yet his biggest flaw is that he is directionally challenged. It’s so bad, that he would probably not be able to find the washroom in his own home. But isn’t it weird that a pirate hunter cannot find his own way? How did he ever find pirates then? The theory states that Zoro knows his way around but he simply feigns ignorance to either stall the Straw Hats or avoid suspicion.
Sanji is the only one who is still at odds with Zoro. There is a possibility that Sanji would remain suspicious of Zoro till the very end until a huge battle deepens their friendship. The tipping point would come soon after as Zoro would betray the entire crew in one go. This will successfully deliver a killer blow to Sanji as well as the other Straw Hats.
Of course, the theory is full of holes and any One Piece reader/watcher will be able to find them. However, it is a simple theory and not a suggestion of what will happen so take it with a grain of salt. Zoro has put his neck on the line too many times for him to betray Luffy.
You can read One Piece on Viz Media and watch the anime on Crunchyroll.
