While Roronoa Zoro might not have the greatest sense of direction, there is no doubt that he is one of the greatest swordsmen in One Piece. Fans of Zoro will have loved the most recent arc in the anime, Wano, where we fully got to see Zoro's swordsman chops for the first time since entering the New World.
And as any One Piece fan knows, Zoro's well on his way to defeating Hawkeye so he can proudly take his rightful place next to King of the Pirates, as The World's Greatest Swordsman. Other than the intense action sequences and the brave resolve he shows, Zoro keeps coming up with words of wisdom or dialogues that show his goal is always on his mind - as well as his crew.
Zoro Doesn't Believe In Frivolous Titles
“Aren’t Titles Useless When It Comes To Fighting? The Stronger One Wins, That’s All.”
This line shows that a rank does not matter to Zoro; only one's strength and resolve will determine whether they win a fight or not. He said this during the scuffle at Whiskey Peak when the First Mate of the Straw Hats was facing off the Baroque Works members.
In the latter organization, the lower the number of a worker, the higher his skill land status will be within the organization. But this does not impress Zoro, who just wants to face off against the strongest person.
The True Mark Of A Great Swordsman
“Scars On the Back Are A Swordsman’s Shame.”
Being the greatest swordsman does not mean that Zoro is never defeated. After his brutal defeat against Mihawk, which also turned out to be one of the most action-packed episodes of One Piece, he looks him eye to eye proudly even after his loss.
This is also why Mihawk decides to spare his life. Zoro did not want Mihawk to think that he was a coward, which made Mihawk gain a tremendous amount of respect for the swordsman. He thinks that Zoro has a lot of talent and drive, which can be used for even greater things in the future.
Being Complacent Can Cost His Crew Their Lives
“Being Caught Off Guard Could Cost Us Our Lives From Now On!”
A great swordsman is not only good at defending and attacking when the need arrives, but he also needs to be aware of his surroundings at all times, especially when his and his friend’s lives are in danger. When Zoro was defeated at Sabaody two years before this incident, he became determined to never let that happen again.
But when Luffy let Caesar Clown catch him off guard, Zoro started scolding Luffy that in the New World, their lives are much more vulnerable than ever before, showing that Zoro cares for and fears for his crew and his drive to become the greatest swordsman, is in part, to protect them all.
Zoro Doesn't Believe In Showing His Pain
“Nothing Happened.”
When Luffy is apprehended by Kuma the Warlord, the Straw Hats rush to his defense, but only Zoro is left standing. When Kuma realizes that Zoro will go to any extent to save Luffy, considering he is the First Mate, he offers Zoro a deal. He promises to spare Luffy’s life if Zoro can endure the pain Luffy has. Zoro quickly agrees, and Kuma, using his devil fruit powers, transfers the pain from Luffy to Zoro.
Zoro barely survives, and when Sanji wakes and asks him what happened, he simply replies “nothing happened.” Zoro will be the greatest swordsman, and not just because of his talent, but because of his willingness to protect Luffy and the others at all costs, which also works to drive him forward towards his goal. This entire scene is still one of the most rewatched moments in One Piece.
Nobody Has The Right To Judge Zoro's Dream
“Only I Can Call My Dream Stupid.”
Zoro knows the risks of aiming to become the greatest swordsman ever, and he recognizes how someone might think that he is ill-advised for trying to follow his dream, despite being one of the most powerful characters in One Piece.
But when Sanji calls his and Luffy’s dream stupid, it infuriates Zoro. Zoro says that only he himself can call his dream stupid. He might never become the greatest swordsman, but someone who doesn’t even dare to chase their dream will surely never achieve it.
Nobody Can Deter Zoro Until He Gets His Revenge
“There Is Someone I Must Meet Again. And Until That Day…Not Even Death Himself Can Take My Life Away.”
When Zoro is fighting Hachi, one of Arlong’s cronies in the Arlong Park Arc, he still hasn’t recovered from his injuries after his fight with Warlord Mihawk. He gets to the brink of death and collapses on the ground.
But even after this, Zoro gets back up. He then tells people that until he is able to defeat Mihawk again, nothing can break his resolve. This resolve is what helped him survive even the darkest of times.
Zoro Has To Survive To Achieve His Dream
“Fine! I’d Rather Be A Pirate Than Die Here.”
When Zoro meets Luffy for the first time, he is a prisoner on a Marine Base. During this time in the show, Zoro is a pirate hunter. But when Luffy gives him an ultimatum, Zoro decides to switch his career path.
He would rather be a pirate and have a chance of achieving his dream than die. As long as a profession does not interfere with his goals, he will gladly take it up in order to achieve something bigger.
Zoro Wants To Immortalize His Name
"I'll Be The World's Greatest Swordsman So That My Name Will Reach Heaven!"
This line might be the clearest indication of what Zoro aims to achieve in his life. He said this in the second episode of the series during one of the flashbacks he goes through while captured by the marines.
In the flashback, Zoro makes a promise to Kuina's sword on the day of her death. He promises that he will become the world's greatest swordsman to both himself and his friend. This is the beginning of his incredible journey of achieving his dream.
Zoro Needs To Strive For Greatness
"To Face One Who Is Extraordinary, I Cannot Allow Myself To Be Ordinary."
Zoro's fight with Hachi was an amazing spectacle. But when he was just about to be executed, he remembers that to be the greatest swordsman, he will have to surpass Mihawk one day. And to be able to defeat him, he cannot just be ordinary.
This line shows the grit and determination that Zoro has, that even when he an inch away from his death, he cannot stop thinking about being the greatest swordsman. This scene should be a solid contender as one of Zoro's most iconic scenes in One Piece.
Zoro Knows The Cost
"When I Decided To Follow My Dream, I Had Already Discarded My Life."
Zoro said this line in the Thriller Bark Arc of the series while fighting Bartholomew Kuma. He said this because he could do anything in the pursuit of chasing his dream, which was to be the world's greatest swordsman.
He was even ready to give his own life if, towards the end, he would become a better swordsman. Sometimes, following one's dreams will need a lot of sacrifices, but it is the price they have to pay to try to achieve it.
