Zoro understands Luffy

Luffy and Zoro throughout One Piece

[Last updated in 02/2025; contains info up to chapter 1139]

The bond and growth between Luffy and Zoro is my favorite one in One Piece. There are a lot of thoughts I have about it so I chose to write this down. Zoro is Luffy’s first crewmate and acts as his First Mate. He is rational where Luffy is impulsive and generally more harsh, composed and cautious than Luffy but can often be as enthusiastic and simple-minded as his captain. Both of them have a terrible sense of direction with Luffy, being unbothered by it and Zoro acting like he doesn’t. Their confidence in becoming the Pirate King and World’s Greatest Swordsman is unwavering. Shanks’ strawhat and late Kuina’s katana are their most precious possessions. Both Luffy and Zoro care deeply about justice, oftentimes doing what is right, regardless of the consequences. Their similarities are what makes them a great team. Their differences are what makes them balance each other out. Luffy and Zoro’s relationship is based on their shared values, trust in each other’s abilities, promises they’ve made to themselves and each other and their willingness to die in order to fulfill said promises. As the story progresses, so does their relationship. The following is my attempt at summarizing and analyzing their bond’s development throughout the manga.

Hi. Thank you for your kind words ^-^

Actually, Luffy couldn't tell right away that that wasn't Zoro in Impel Down. He believed that Bon Clay was Zoro when he first saw him. It's only when Bon Clay denied being Zoro and he did a pirouette that Luffy realized he wasn't Zoro. Let's also not forget that Luffy believes Sogeking to be a different person. I think him, falling for (ugly) imposter Zoro is not out of character😅 That's our sweet, gullible captain~

We should stock up on meat, too, right? Knowing you, you won’t be at your best if you don’t eat!

op 1140

Okay so basically, old man Gyaban seems to have only wanted to "test" Luffy and Zoro's skills, for some reason. Which is almost a shame cuz those two work the best together and they were just getting started when the fight already ended lol. I especially liked that moment when Zoro told Luffy to dodge but then managed to get in front of him in time to deflect the attack, making sure none of it hit his captain. Fucking dream team T-T

onepiecenetflix: Straw Hats, our course is set! Season 2 production has officially wrapped, and the Grand Line is fast approaching! 🌊 Destiny awaits, are you ready to answer the call? 🏴‍☠️

The latest chapter hit me right in the zolu feels with that one brief interaction T-T Cuz it just goes to show — for the millionth time — how attuned Zoro is to Luffy. Noticing the change in his demeanor enough to ask him about it. We also got to see this in chapter 1130, actually. Zoro is always so focused on his captain. And so protective. This is what the first mate is for, being the voice of reason when Luffy is being a little too gullible. Ah, I love their bond! Plus, Luffy made it a point to not tell Gerd about his meeting with Loki when she asked but of course, he didn’t keep that secret from Zoro (despite what Loki said). And it looks like we’re getting a little excursion with Luffy and Zoro and Nami. Which makes perfect sense because, yes, they would absolutely lose their way without Nami. I’m really looking forward to the rest of this. I assume Zoro and Nami will be level-headed enough to see thru Loki’s bs but at the same time, his character seems to be set up for something bigger so he may get released regardless. We’ll see~

mackenyu: Luffy&Zoro&Cook  Season 2 is gonna be AWESOME🏴‍☠️⚔️🚬 Kiki’s been working out😏

Further proof that no-sense-of-direction-Zoro will in fact always find his way when it involves Luffy, cuz that’s the only place his internal compass points to T-T