Warning! Spoilers for Berserk chapters 277 and 278!
Nearly 100 chapters ago, Berserk hinted that Guts and Griffith's fearsome apostle Zodd the Immortal are somehow connected more so than just by hatred. But now that Berserk is back on track to return later this month, hopefully Kentaro Miura's close friend Kouji Mori who's overlooking the project will answer fans' burning questions sooner rather than later.
Although Berserk began when apostles running amuck was a common occurrence, the first time Guts ever faced these demons was during the Golden Age when no such creatures were supposed to exist - when things, for the most part, were relatively normal. And the apostle whom Guts had the misfortune of crossing was Zodd himself. Their initial meeting was therefore momentous, not just for Guts, but the series as a whole. It served as a sobering realization that their world is much bigger and more terrifying than anyone could have possibly imagined.
From that moment when they first crossed swords during the Golden Age's Hundred-Year War, the relationship between Zodd and Guts was more than just normal enemies. Zodd is easily one of Berserk's strongest apostles. But Berserk chapter 277 takes that dynamic to a whole other level when a flashback shows Zodd receiving a prophecy from Griffith's young but powerful medium. The prophecy foretells how Zodd must fight alongside a supposed enemy, and although the medium's words are cryptic, the apostle later realizes the medium had been referring to Guts when the two face a powerful apostle. But it's these words from Griffith's medium that stand out: "You have a choice to make ... as does your counterpart. The one you're drawn to."
Of course, skeptical fans could just attribute "counterpart" as being a reference to the moment when Guts and Zodd later have to decide in chapter 277 whether to fight against that powerful apostle together. But the fact that she also refers to Guts as the one Zodd is drawn to adds additional meaning to Guts' status as Zodd's counterpart. This is especially the case when considering Zodd's actions every time he's had a chance to slaughter Guts or give into his innate desire to complete the sacrifice by feasting upon his flesh. Zodd has repeatedly allowed Guts to live for reasons he attributes to various forces outside of his control. During the Golden Age, the apostle leaves Guts to his fate rather than interfere once he realizes Guts' future status as a sacrifice for Griffith's Eclipse. Then in chapter 278, Zodd blames duty and servitude - even a desire to battle Guts when he is at his strongest. If fate still plays a major part in Zodd's role as Griffith's royal servant, then, like before, fate is what's prolonging their longstanding feud to persist and allowing them both to survive.
Ever since that moment when they fought together, Guts and Zodd haven't crossed paths again, as the apostle continues to aide Griffith as he reclaims the world in Berserk while Guts concludes his time on Skellig island. But it's clear that the two will have to face each other again, whether just to cross swords on the battlefield or to learn more about the prophecy. Guts is undoubtedly still affected by the first day he met Zodd when the immortal warrior singlehandedly killed off the majority of Guts' personal battalion, the Raiders. In essence, Guts has had a bone to pick with Zodd the Immortal longer than he's had a desire to seek vengeance on Griffith, and that's saying something.