![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
nest.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
ship_manifestoAuthor: Quatrina Raberba @ ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
luffykins
Fandom: One Piece
Pairing: Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro
Spoilers: Until the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs, at least.
Word count: About 5,700.
Special thanks tomisu for being awesome and taking some of these caps for me, and to starlite_gone for beta-ing, discussing ideas with me, and getting some other caps for me. Also, shout-out to everyone who helped out by giving me some recs, particularly drakyrna, who was kind of enough to recommmend a list of fics written over the years. You guys rock! ♥
Also, I'm sorry this is a day late. I had some nasty Internet problems last night, so I hope that isn't a problem.
Note: I will be referring to both the anime (non-filler) and manga in this manifesto (though I‘ll distinguish between them when I think it's necessary). Take note that I’m mostly relying on scanlations, Stephen’s translations, and fansubs, as a chunk of the English manga has not been domestically released, and, as of this writing, the English dub has been heavily edited and altered by 4Kids Entertainment. I will also be using the spelling “Zoro” as opposed to the 4Kids rendition of “Zolo,” as the former is spelled that way in English during various points of the Japanese manga and anime, which leads me to believe that this is the true canonical way to spell it.
Also, I’ll be using the word “nakama” a lot, which is Japanese for “comrade” or “co-worker”. The reason I’m doing this is because it seems to take on a stronger, distinct meaning when Luffy uses it, to the point where it’s its own special word that’s used differently from similar phrases.
What is One Piece?
One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eichiro Oda and is currently being published in the popular weekly publication Shonen Jump. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy as he sets out to form his own pirate crew, obtain the legendary treasure One Piece, and ultimately become the Pirate King. Its main themes center around the pursuit of dreams and the importance of friendship. Since its debut, it’s become the third highest selling manga in Weekly Shonen Jump’s entire history. An anime adaptation, eight movies and several TV specials have also been created. It’s been translated into multiple languages, including German, French, Italian and Greek, and it continues to be a beloved series throughout the world.
+++
Monkey D. Luffy: The Future Pirate King
I’m not afraid of pain at all! Next time, bring me out to sea! I want to be a pirate, too!
- Monkey D. Luffy, vol. 1
Despite his big dreams, Monkey D. Luffy seems to have come from humble origins. When we first meet him in the manga, he is a child growing up in the small seaside village of Fuchsia. He’s loud, stubborn and opinionated...and has a deep-rooted admiration for the great pirate Red-haired Shanks.
As a result, Luffy is determined to join Shanks’ crew, though Shanks himself doesn’t seem to take him very seriously and is more likely to make fun of him than to consider letting him aboard his ship. Even when Luffy stabs himself in the face in order to prove himself worthy of being a pirate (resulting in a permanent scar beneath his left eye), Shanks laughs at him and tells him not to do something so stupid again.
It is during this period in Luffy’s life that he accidentally consumes a Devil Fruit that Shanks’ crew had found. These fruits are so rare that many people think that they don’t exist, and one fruit can fetch quite a sum of money. By eating it, however, Luffy has placed himself under a fateful curse that will follow him for the rest of his life. His body has taken on rubber-like qualities, which gives him the ability to stretch like a rubber band. In addition, the sea rejects whoever has eaten the devil fruit, which means that Luffy will never be able to swim again - a serious handicap for someone who wants to spend the rest of his days traveling the open seas.
Despite this shocking turn of events, Luffy seems to get over his initial panic rather quickly, as in the next scene (in the manga) he proclaims to a local villager: “That’s all right! I’ll just be a pirate who doesn’t fall into the sea!..After eating the rubber fruit, I’ve become even happier!” Clearly, Luffy is an optimist who refuses to become bogged down by any obstacles that block his path to success. Even though he has been told repeatedly by his idol that he doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell in becoming a pirate, even though he’s practically become a freak of nature, even though he’s lost one of the most basic survival skills a sailor should have, Luffy only smiles and maintains that he’ll just make the best of the situation and succeed.
Not long after his transformation, Luffy has a nasty run-in with a group of bandits that he resents for harassing Shanks a few days prior. In a brave show of loyalty, Luffy tries to stick up for his friend, but only falls victim to the men’s brutality. The leader of the group decides to take him out to the sea and drown him. As Luffy struggles in vain against the waves, a vicious sea-monster emerges from the sea, destroys the bandit’s boat and immediately makes a move for Luffy! But just as it’s about to eat him, Shanks appears and rescues him from the monster’s clutches. As Shanks gently thanks Luffy for sticking up for him, all Luffy can do is cry.
Shanks’ arm has been bitten off.
Luffy now understands why Shanks didn’t want to take him along for his travels: the ocean is a dangerous place, and he was only trying to protect Luffy from getting hurt. Instead of wallowing in guilt or pity, however, Luffy develops a deeper respect for his friend, and he’s even more determined to become just like him someday.
When Shanks finally leaves the village, he teases Luffy that he still doesn’t have what it takes to become a pirate. Indignant, Luffy proclaims that he will, in fact, become a pirate. Not only that, but he’ll do it without Shanks’ help, develop his own crew, find the legendary One Piece, and become the Pirate King. Impressed by Luffy’s determination, Shanks places his treasured straw hat upon the boy’s head and tells him to return it when they meet again...when Luffy becomes a great pirate. Understanding the gravity of such a promise, Luffy is reduced to tears as he watches his friend sail away.
10 years later, Luffy begins his journey with nothing but a row boat, Shanks’ hat, and a promise he intends to keep.
+++
This story is extremely important to understand Luffy’s character because it illustrates some basic components of his personality: He’s undaunted by any obstacle that come before him, deeply optimistic, stubborn to a fault, and he takes promises very seriously. Even so, he can come across as rather foolish and naive, even stupid. It also lets us understand why he’s never seen without his straw hat and why it’s so precious to him, to the point that it becomes one of his distinguishing traits throughout the world. (He later becomes known to government officials and unsavory pirates alike as “Straw Hat Luffy.”)
But one of the strongest components to Luffy’s personality is that he’s deeply and utterly loyal to his crew, his nakama. It’s a trait that his friend Shanks demonstrates, and it’s something Luffy has adopted into his own lifestyle. His nakama are truly his family, and he cares for them more than anyone else. Luffy repeatedly risks his life for the sake of his crew, even going as far as to chase after Nami and free her from the clutches of a widely feared, extremely powerful pirate named Arlong, even though she supposedly betrayed him and ran away with his ship. Fortunately for Luffy, he’s pretty good at reading people. He’s perfectly willing to look past any unsavory reputation or previous faults and see the good in people, especially his nakama. Consequently, he expects his nakama to be “good people,” and this seems to be one of the leading criteria in selecting who joins his crew.
Roronoa Zoro: Best Swordsman in the Making
I will become the world’s greatest swordsman, so famous that even heaven will hear of my great name!
- Roronoa Zoro, vol. 1
We have even less information on Zoro’s childhood than we do about Luffy’s. All we know about him is that he trains very hard throughout his boyhood at a dojo - and that he has a fierce rival in a girl named Kuina. She’s so much better than him that out of the 2,001 times they fight, Kuina wins every single match. Humiliated and angry, Zoro continues to train hard in hopes of both beating Kuina and someday becoming the best swordsman in the world. After suffering defeat at Kuina’s hands once more, he’s stunned to hear her confess that being a girl puts her at a disadvantage and that Zoro will ultimately surpass her someday. Her father told her that she will never become the best swordsman because she is a woman.
Furious at her words, Zoro shouts, “That’s unfair! To become like you is my ambition!” If he were to ever beat Kuina, she would only attribute Zoro’s victory to his mere gender and not the skills he’d worked so hard to develop. The thought is enough to send his blood boiling, and he demands that Kuina promise him she will work to become the best swordsman. In turn, he will also try his hardest to gain the title before she does. Stunned, Kuina agrees, and they seal the deal with a handshake.
She never gets to fulfill her end of the bargain.
The next morning, Kuina breaks her neck in an accident and dies. Zoro is shocked by how suddenly the tragedy happened, but he soon grows angry at what he feels is Kuina’s way of running away from their deal. Determined, Zoro asks Kuina’s father for the sword Wadou Ichimonji - the priceless blade that Kuina herself had used. He will use it along with his two other swords as a way to keep a piece of Kuina with him as he fights to become the best swordsman in the world.
Several years later, Zoro leaves the dojo with three swords and a promise he intends to keep.
+++
What transpired during this time in his childhood is a huge driving force in almost everything Zoro does. Since Kuina is dead, he is obligated to become the best swordsman, period. Failure is not an option, as fulfilling this goal is the only way he can keep his promise to his former rival. This is what keeps Zoro moving, even when times are tough. Like Luffy, Zoro takes his promise very, very seriously.
Out of the other crew members, he and Luffy are the only ones whose goals revolve around specific promises. The other crewmembers’ dreams are undeniably tied to people they care about, but outright promises come into the picture only in Zoro and Luffy‘s ambitions. Zoro wants to be the best swordsman because he promised Kuina he would, while Luffy wants to be the Pirate King because he promised Shanks he would.
Zoro shares other characteristics with Luffy, though. They are both incredibly blunt and are not afraid to speak their minds, have a terrible sense of direction, tend to see situations in a simpler, black-and-white way and often lack common sense about many things.
As many similarities as they share, however, Zoro is very different from Luffy in a lot of ways. First of all, he is generally more reserved. When there’s a party going on, Luffy is more likely to be out in the middle of the crowd, eating to his heart’s content, while Zoro is usually found lurking in some out of the way place, drinking a mug of booze. When they are bathing in Arabasta, Luffy freely parades around in his birthday suit while Zoro modestly wears a towel around his waist. If Luffy’s excitedly perched on the bow of the ship and staring out into the horizon, or raiding Sanji’s kitchen for a bite to eat, Zoro is usually sprawled on the deck somewhere taking a nap.
Luffy’s childlike curiosity and deep sense of adventure deeply contrast with Zoro’s generally calm, more mature nature. Where Luffy is happy and cheerful to many people he meets, it is not unusual for Zoro to put up a tough front and give the impression that he’s not one to mess around with. When Luffy is faced with death in Loguetown, he puts on a smile and tells himself that he tried his very best to survive and accepts the situation. When Zoro faces a firing squad early in the series, on the other hand, he’s filled with deep regret that his promise to Kuina has not been fulfilled. The list could go on and on.
But, despite all the differences between them, Zoro is like Luffy in that he truly has a heart of gold. He would never intentionally hurt an innocent, and he is not above going out of his way to help someone in need, even if it’s a stranger. Really, even with the tough guy act he pulls, Zoro is a kind, good person who generally looks out for those around him and puts others’ needs before his own. (He has nothing to gain from going to prison for the sake of Rika’s village, but he chooses to anyway. He also tries to cut off his own feet during the Little Garden arc so he can escape from the wax cake and save everyone.)
It’s this careful balance of shared and contrasting traits that allows Zoro and Luffy to complement each other well. The core values they hold dear are almost identical, which allows them to easily relate to one another and function as an effective team. But some of the stark differences in their personalities play off of one another so well that the interactions between them are both interesting and endearing.
Why do I like Zoro/Luffy?
Luffy: If you fight the marines with me here and now, in the eyes of the government, you’ll be one of the bad guys! Of course, you could obey the law...and let them kill you!
Zoro: You must be a child of the devil. But I’m not ready to die without a fight! All right, dammit! You’ve got yourself a pirate!
- Volume 1
I’m not going to lie. One Piece is first and foremost a series about the very platonic friendships that exist between Luffy and his crew. There are very few, if any, actual pairings that exist in the canon as a whole, and I really wouldn’t have it any other way. Most of the pairings I’ve ever shipped in other fandoms weren’t canon simply because I find that instead of having romantic ties served to me on a silver platter by the creators, I enjoy watching the interactions between characters and letting my own imagination mull over the what ifs, the hows, and the whys of the possibility of a not-so-platonic relationship between characters.
For me, the Zoro/Luffy pairing is the same kind of story. When I first picked up a copy of the manga, the connection they share was one of the first aspects of the story that I noticed. The first scene I saw with them was where Cabaji is beating Zoro, and Luffy’s watching with no signs of stepping in to save his friend. At first, I was like Nami, wondering why the hell Luffy was just watching without saying or doing anything. They were friends, right? Didn’t he care? But then I was struck by the way Luffy believed in Zoro, choosing not to step in out of respect, only getting involved when Buggy teamed up with Cabaji.
They deeply respect and admire one another on levels that aren’t quite the same as the other crewmembers. Only a small handful of characters in the series ever call attention to it, and when they do, it’s usually brief and fleeting. Mihawk doesn’t even have to see them fight together in order to decide they make a good pair, and he takes an unusual interest in these two during their rise to infamy. The strength of their friendship is subtle and understated, yet it’s undeniably there.
They are equals in sheer will and strength, and yet one willingly follows the other across the uncharted world because of a promise made between them. They are an asset to one another and help each other grow and develop over the course of the series. It’s not something that hits you over the head or that’s served to you on a silver platter, but once you take a moment to really think about their friendship, it becomes apparent that their bond is unique and strong.
In truth, there’s a lot I could say about these two, with all the bits of dialogue, every look shared between them, and every scene that says something about their dynamic, but for the sake of this essay, I will try and explain the nature of their relationship without writing a novel.
Zoro and Luffy in canon
“I was only following captain’s orders. You don’t have to thank me, okay? It’s just one of his whims.”
- Roronoa Zoro, vol. 19
To me, one of the most important things about Zoro and Luffy is that they’re bound together in more than one instance by promises. Just about everything they do is driven by promises made during their childhoods. Coincidentally, they both have material possessions that symbolize their promises and goals: Zoro’s Wadou Ichimonji and Luffy’s straw hat. The fact that they are men of their word to the point that it makes up an integral part of their personalities automatically gives them a deep, common thread they share.
Knowing this, the fact they team up as a result of a deal made between them becomes that much more significant.
When we first meet Zoro, he’s quite a sight - tied to a stake in the middle of a compound, battered and having been without food or water for days. As it turns out, he’s being held prisoner in order to spare the townspeople a grueling punishment from their corrupted government. In order to get Zoro to join him, Luffy tells him he will not only free him from the marine base that’s holding him prisoner, but he’ll also get his prized swords back from the marine fortress! Evidently Luffy’s got a pretty strong grasp on how Zoro’s mind functions by now, because the tactic works. As soon as Luffy frees him and gives him his swords, Zoro’s first action is to block off an onslaught of soldiers from killing them both.
By fighting against the Marines, Zoro has become an outlaw, and sets himself up to join Luffy’s crew under one condition: Luffy cannot do anything to make Zoro go against his becoming the best swordsman. If he does, Luffy must commit seppuku. It’s interesting to wonder why Zoro feels that Luffy could somehow make him go against his promise to Kuina. After all, Zoro is perfectly capable of living his own way and defending himself.
One must assume that Zoro takes his position as Luffy’s follower very, very seriously. He is not one to let others tell him what to do; in fact, he refuses to join Baroque Works because he’s not allowed to become the boss. Yet, he willingly joins this dorky kid who doesn’t even have a proper crew or a ship. There’s nothing to keep him from saying, “Screw you!” and bailing out (particularly when Luffy gets carried off by that giant bird) except the loyalty he’s pledged to his captain. A loyalty that, apparently, he can only relinquish if Luffy does something truly unworthy of it, such as asking Zoro to give up pursuing his dream.
It’s doubtful Zoro would have done something so serious if he didn’t sense that Luffy was a good person, or at least someone who valued promises as much as him (hence why he added the bit about not making him go against his dream). True, Zoro probably would have died if he hadn’t agreed, but it’s likely he also knew that this kid was a kindred spirit who could lead him towards a brighter future. Otherwise, I think he would have been a lot more grim and reserved once the battle with Morgan ended.
Regardless, it’s this pledged loyalty that binds Zoro to Luffy tightly, in a way that is different from the rest of the crew. One could argue that the oaths made between them create a sort of “secondary bond” the others don’t have. The devotion Zoro demonstrates for his captain seems to have few limits. When Luffy is locked in a steel cage during the Buggy arc, Zoro picks up the cage despite his terrible wounds and carries him to safety. Luffy’s well-being is extremely important to Zoro, and the way he further injures himself in order to ensure his safety after only knowing him a short while is really telling.
When Nami runs away with the ship, Zoro’s first impulse is to let her go and find themselves another vessel. Luffy asks Zoro to go find her, and at first Zoro tries to convince him that it isn’t worth the effort. Once he’s met by Luffy’s silent, serious gaze, however, Zoro finally relents. In fact, he’s still set on going even after he sustains a nasty injury to the torso. (We later find out that he actually has it roughly sewn together so he can keep moving.) When things get dangerous, Johnny and Usopp want to bail out, but Zoro is dedicated to keeping his word to Luffy and finding Nami. (Ultimately, Usopp and Johnny have to tie Zoro up to keep him restrained from going off into Arlong’s territory.)
When they abandon Zoro to be captured by the mermen, Usopp reverently says that he’ll tell Luffy that Zoro was very brave; apparently, he understands why Zoro was so hell-bent on bringing Nami back to the crew while the others weren’t. From this, we can gather that Luffy’s opinion is extremely important to Zoro, which is pretty interesting for a guy who initially claims that he doesn’t care what people think of him.
If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the infamous Mihawk fight during the Baratie arc.
When the legendary Mihawk first arrives at Baratie, Zoro sees it as a prime opportunity for him to seize his dream of becoming the best swordsman in the world. Unfortunately, Mihawk makes Zoro’s santoryuu sword-style look like child’s play, and it becomes apparent right away that Zoro is simply no match for him. Johnny and Yosaku try to intervene, but Luffy immediately pulls them back and tells them to stay out of the fight. Luffy obviously respects and trusts Zoro too much to allow anyone to interrupt something so personal and important to him.
Meanwhile, as Zoro realizes he can’t win against Mihawk, he recalls Luffy’s previous exclamation that a true Pirate King wouldn’t “settle for anything less” than the greatest swordsman. It’s at this point Zoro decides to embrace death over accepting defeat, and, severely wounded, he plunges into the ocean. Luffy is enraged enough that he finally steps in and tries to challenge Mihawk to a fight, giving little to no regard to how strong the man really is. As it turns out, Zoro is actually alive, and, despite being on the brink of death, he calls out to Luffy.
Zoro tells Luffy that if he doesn’t become the strongest swordsman, he will be hindering Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King. With tears running down his face, he raises his sword in the air and vows to his captain that he will never, ever lose again until he’s defeated Mihawk. “Is there a problem with that, Pirate King?” Zoro asks him, to which Luffy responds with a chuckle and an enthusiastic, “Nope!”
After this point, Zoro is constantly seen putting himself through rigorous training and holding himself to extremely high standards in self-discipline. It’s interesting to note that, during his fight with Mihawk, he thinks of Luffy alongside his old promise to Kuina. Not only does he feel he must fulfill his childhood dreams for the sake of his dead rival, but Zoro also strives to be worthy of Luffy’s friendship and loyalty. Perhaps, in his mind, their dreams go hand-in-hand. After all, the Pirate King doesn’t need a swordsman who isn’t the best, and the greatest swordsman shouldn’t pledge his loyalty to a pirate captain who’s just some nobody.
In this sense, Zoro and Luffy need each other to fulfill their goals, and, because of this, they need each other in order to actually accomplish them. They both work so hard to stay worthy of one another and the dreams they aspire to reach, and this helps them further their own efforts in becoming the best. It’s rarely something they speak about, but this quiet aspect of their relationship is very much there, and it will occasionally resurface when either of their abilities, either as captain or swordsman, are called into question.
An example of this is Zoro’s speech at the end of Enies Lobby, when he declares he will leave Luffy if he allows Usopp back into the crew without a proper apology and demonstrates that he’s incapable of maintaining order on his own ship by allowing the affair to hang over the crew without a definite resolution. It’s worth noting that Luffy doesn’t argue with Zoro at all (even though I doubt it was easy to hear), and he follows the advice. They both go as far as to ignore Usopp until he says he’s sorry, something I doubt Luffy takes lightly, considering he starts crying after the conflict is resolved. In some ways, I think Zoro is ultimately what keeps Luffy from ever doing something that compromises himself as a person and a leader. Luffy likely realizes this and respects it. He probably would have argued about not accepting Usopp into the crew, otherwise.
Perhaps it’s this bond that allows them to understand each other so well, and so deeply. There are many times when Zoro and Luffy share this quiet, subtle understanding between them, but my favorite example of this is during the Jaya arc when the crew’s visiting Mocktown and trying to find information about Sky Island. While Zoro, Luffy and Nami are questioning people in a pub, Bellamy the Hyena approaches them and, after buying Luffy a drink, brutally slams his face into the table in a deliberate attempt to provoke Luffy into fighting him. Zoro is the first one to leap to Luffy’s defense. It looks like a brawl might break out…but then Bellamy catches wind that they’re trying to find a way to Sky Island.
Bellamy trashes their dreams in their faces, going as far as to call them worthless pirates who’re too caught up in imaginary treasures to keep up in a new era, where dreams don’t come true, and those who believe otherwise are doomed to die as pathetic losers. Nami is humiliated and urges Luffy and Zoro to kick some serious ass. But Luffy is adamant in not lashing out, and he simply tells Zoro not to accept the fight. The swordsman silently complies, ignoring Nami’s protests, and, together, they endure an awful, degrading beating at the hands of Bellamy and his crew.
It subtly mirrors an event earlier in Luffy’s childhood where he watches Shanks get beaten by a lowly bandit, and it’s an important moment that shows how much Luffy’s really developed and changed since then. (It’s interesting to note that it’s Zoro whom Luffy shares this moment with. Would the others have silently accepted the request not to fight? Nami certainly didn’t, and I can’t really see the others going along with it without at least protesting.) Still, not a word is spoken between them during this scene, but, rather, there’s a silent understanding that, as men who aspire to become great, there are simply some people who aren’t worth hitting, some fights that are won by walking away. In this sense, they understand each other in ways the others don’t.
Nami has to drag both of them, beaten and bloody now, out of the pub amidst the cruel jeering and laughing of the other patrons. Zoro and Luffy might have endured public humiliation, but their dignity is left in tact because of something they chose to do (or, rather, not do) together.
That’s not to say Luffy and Zoro don’t have their differences, however. As I stated earlier, they’re opposites in many ways, and this is bound to cause some conflict eventually. In fact, Luffy and Zoro clash at Whiskey Peak when Luffy discovers the swordsman has attacked a lot of the town’s citizens, a shocking display of ingratitude for their hospitality in Luffy’s mind. As it turns out, the town that had greeted them with open arms was really filled with Baroque Work agents who were keen on cashing in on Luffy’s bounty. But Luffy doesn’t know this, and, enraged beyond reason, he immediately turns on Zoro. Though Zoro initially holds back for fear of injuring his captain, the two engage in a serious battle that both are determined to win.
This scene strikes some fans as odd, especially since, during the Arlong arc, Luffy has so much faith in his nakama that he refuses to believe Nami killed Usopp. Still, Whiskey Peak is an entirely different matter, especially since the people Zoro attacked aren't actually members of their crew, and Luffy sees the evidence of Zoro’s destruction himself. Not to mention Zoro really does attack those people -- his reasons for doing it are what confuse and anger Luffy. Given what we know about them already, it’s possible Luffy feels like Zoro betrayed him by somehow being unworthy for their partnership, and lashes out with rage.
Even in the middle of battle, however, the two suddenly become united in keeping Miss Valentine and Mr. 5 out of their fight. Fortunately, the quarrel is short-lived when a few, well-delivered punches from Nami finally puts them in their places (and right minds) again. Once Luffy hears the real story behind what happened, he laughs and essentially says, “Hey, no worries!”
And that’s it. No apology, no brooding over what happened, nothing. Zoro and Luffy simply move on and go back to being the way they’ve always been with each other. This shows they’re capable of working through personal problems (albeit with some help from friends), not holding grudges over the past, and moving forward.
It’s worth noting that Luffy never, ever doubts Zoro again. When Mr. 5 tells Luffy that he’s caught Zoro and Nami, he stoutly replies, “You caught Zoro? Then you’re gonna be hacked to pieces.” (Incidentally, Zoro reacts in a similar manner when Mr. 5 tells him he finished off Luffy personally.) During the anime version of Skypiea, there’s a scene where Luffy states he’s not worried about Nami, Robin, Chopper, or their ship because Zoro is with them. Later, in both versions, he’s absolutely shocked to find that Zoro has been electrocuted by Enel. “How did this happen if you were here?!” he screams while shaking his unconscious body. In Arabasta, Luffy tells Zoro to save Smoker’s life, even though it means letting Luffy drown and helping out an enemy, and Zoro (quite reluctantly) follows through on the order. He obviously places a lot of faith in Zoro, despite any conflicts they may have had in the past, even to trust him to do the things that Luffy himself can‘t do at the time, no matter how difficult they might be to carry out.
Zoro also deeply trusts and relies on Luffy, both as his captain and his friend. Even when Luffy tells him to abandon him to save Smoker, he has enough faith in his captain to do it. (Sanji’s particularly miffed at him for rescuing an enemy, captain’s orders or not, but Zoro sticks with his position.) After that tense exchange, Zoro watches Luffy with a fond expression. He understands and accepts Luffy for who he is, and he’s willing to do what Luffy asks of him. In this sense, it’s possible he treats Luffy’s position as captain more sacredly than the others -- it’s how he first addresses Luffy when he joins him, and it’s often what he says when he carries out one of Luffy’s strange requests.
Zoro is also often there to lend Luffy his support during difficult times. Since the beginning of Luffy’s adventure, Zoro has been one of the constant anchors in his life. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that when Usopp leaves the crew, Zoro is the only one who stays behind in the room with Luffy while the others run out to stop him, and I doubt it's something Luffy's oblivious to. After his heart-breaking duel with Usopp, Luffy is choked up, and manages to say, “It’s heavy,” to which Zoro immediately replies, “That’s the captain’s burden. Don’t hesitate. If you falter now, who can we trust?”
It’s Zoro who quickly understands this burden Luffy carries as their captain. He’s the only one who doesn’t question Luffy’s choice to duel Usopp, and he’s the one who seems to offer him encouragement during this dark and gloomy time. In fact, he’s the only person who even speaks to Luffy at all. Everyone else is understandably disturbed by the duel, and while I doubt Zoro is okay with what happened, it’s Luffy he focuses on and speaks to. The next morning, while Luffy is sitting on the inn’s roof, brooding over what happened, Zoro is sitting near Chopper, just a stone’s throw away from his captain.
As of this writing, One Piece isn’t finished yet, but it’s easy to get a definite feel for Zoro and Luffy’s relationship with what we have. We’ve seen them endure good and bad times together, stretching and strengthening each other in a way only good friends can. I’m sure they’ll continue to move towards the future in a similar manner, as long as they stay true to their promises they‘ve made to people long gone, and to each other.
Why should you like Zoro/Luffy?
With the way they trust each other, strive to be worthy just to stand beside each other as great men, and encourage each other to be the best they can be, it’s evident that Zoro and Luffy have an incredible, close bond. Although I won’t go as far as to say they’re “closer” than the other members of the crew (I think Luffy loves his nakama the same, they just occupy different places in his heart), it’s obvious their relationship is very unique.
Their ambitions in life are driven by promises, which are further strengthened by the oaths and promises they make to each other in turn. They both have personal investments in the other’s dreams because their goals tie in so neatly together, and they’re both very aware of this fact. They’re equals in sheer will and strength, and, as Mihawk himself once said, they make a “good team,” both on the battle field and in dealing with the problems they face in their day-to-day lives. They’ve known each other the longest, and they’ve both become better people from simply being around each other.
It’s apparent they’re in this together for the long haul. Zoro is the only one out of the crew who outright promises to stay by Luffy‘s side, and he vows to Luffy that he will fulfill his dream. He’s been Luffy’s faithful companion since the beginning. In turn, Luffy takes these promises very seriously, and it’s one of the factors that encourages him to become a captain great enough to be called Pirate King. In a way, they help complete each other.
Like most characters in One Piece, Zoro and Luffy are depicted with a platonic friendship in canon. Still, it’s clear they love, respect and support each other, and, despite their differences, they have a quiet, deep understanding shared between kindred spirits. The idea of them becoming lovers isn’t so far-fetched. As outlaws on the fringes of society who are sailing the high seas, it’s unlikely either of them would have inhibitions about that sort of thing. Neither of them hesitate to do what they feel is right, and they could be very frank and honest with each other if they decided they wanted to go in that direction someday. It would likely be sudden and not too terribly awkward, because they’re both generally shameless people who don’t get embarrassed easily. In fact, I doubt a whole lot would change in their overall dynamic to begin with, which is one of the reasons why I like this pairing so much.
They’re comfortable around each other, they respect, admire, and even fight for each other’s dreams. If they were in such a relationship, they wouldn‘t selfishly hold each other back. Rather, they’d push each other onward until they became the best they could be. That’s why whenever I think of Zoro and Luffy, this quote comes to mind:
“You lift me, and I’ll lift you, and we’ll ascend together.”
If that isn’t the stuff of a great, life-long relationship, I don’t know what is.
Zoro/Luffy Fandom
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
luffyzoro_yaoi - An LJ community devoted specifically to the Zoro/Luffy pairing.
The Hero Never Dies - The official fanlisting for the relationship between Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro.
Fanfiction
Another Day by Keyascribe - Just another day on the Going Merry… This is a very lovely one-shot that does a good job bringing up the subtle aspects of Zoro and Luffy’s relationship with a bit of humor on the side. The fact it’s from Nami’s point of view makes it even more interesting to read.
Grace by Fire Tears - It isn't who you are that determines how you deal with a tragedy. It's what you lose. An incredibly sad piece that delves into how the crew might cope if one of their own were to die. Be sure to have a tissue nearby if you cry easy, because this one can be a bit of a tear-jerker.
Loyalties by dethorats - It all starts with a fish… A fascinating take on everything that happens after chapter 438 in the manga. I really like, among other things, how the author approaches Luffy’s characterization, and the parallels she draws between Luffy and Zoro and Shanks and his first mate, Ben Beckman.
Port Town Moon by Luz Nocturnal - After ridding a town of its bandit problem, Zoro decides that rooftop brooding is in order. Although, it's difficult for anyone to sulk properly in the company of Luffy. A short (but very sweet) fic that delves into a simple moment shared between Zoro and Luffy.
Eye of the Beholder by Quatrina Raberba - Although a picture speaks a thousand words, an afternoon doodle of Luffy’s holds volumes. I’m not the type to do any self-plugging, but I thought this story was worth listing since I’ve seen it appear on other rec lists in the past, and it won third place in AnimeFest’s 2004 fan fiction contest.
Laws of Inertia by sasori-katana - Robin teaches Chopper about the laws of inertia, using Zoro and Luffy as examples. A very cute one-shot that makes an interesting comparison to Zoro and Luffy's dynamic. The fact it takes place from Chopper's point of view is even better.
Thanks for taking the time to read this essay. I hope it was enjoyable, and that it shed some light on why this pairing appeals to me so much.
luffykinsFandom: One Piece
Pairing: Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro
Spoilers: Until the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs, at least.
Word count: About 5,700.
Special thanks to
misu for being awesome and taking some of these caps for me, and to starlite_gone for beta-ing, discussing ideas with me, and getting some other caps for me. Also, shout-out to everyone who helped out by giving me some recs, particularly drakyrna, who was kind of enough to recommmend a list of fics written over the years. You guys rock! ♥Also, I'm sorry this is a day late. I had some nasty Internet problems last night, so I hope that isn't a problem.
Note: I will be referring to both the anime (non-filler) and manga in this manifesto (though I‘ll distinguish between them when I think it's necessary). Take note that I’m mostly relying on scanlations, Stephen’s translations, and fansubs, as a chunk of the English manga has not been domestically released, and, as of this writing, the English dub has been heavily edited and altered by 4Kids Entertainment. I will also be using the spelling “Zoro” as opposed to the 4Kids rendition of “Zolo,” as the former is spelled that way in English during various points of the Japanese manga and anime, which leads me to believe that this is the true canonical way to spell it.
Also, I’ll be using the word “nakama” a lot, which is Japanese for “comrade” or “co-worker”. The reason I’m doing this is because it seems to take on a stronger, distinct meaning when Luffy uses it, to the point where it’s its own special word that’s used differently from similar phrases.
One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eichiro Oda and is currently being published in the popular weekly publication Shonen Jump. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy as he sets out to form his own pirate crew, obtain the legendary treasure One Piece, and ultimately become the Pirate King. Its main themes center around the pursuit of dreams and the importance of friendship. Since its debut, it’s become the third highest selling manga in Weekly Shonen Jump’s entire history. An anime adaptation, eight movies and several TV specials have also been created. It’s been translated into multiple languages, including German, French, Italian and Greek, and it continues to be a beloved series throughout the world.
- Monkey D. Luffy, vol. 1
Despite his big dreams, Monkey D. Luffy seems to have come from humble origins. When we first meet him in the manga, he is a child growing up in the small seaside village of Fuchsia. He’s loud, stubborn and opinionated...and has a deep-rooted admiration for the great pirate Red-haired Shanks.
As a result, Luffy is determined to join Shanks’ crew, though Shanks himself doesn’t seem to take him very seriously and is more likely to make fun of him than to consider letting him aboard his ship. Even when Luffy stabs himself in the face in order to prove himself worthy of being a pirate (resulting in a permanent scar beneath his left eye), Shanks laughs at him and tells him not to do something so stupid again.
It is during this period in Luffy’s life that he accidentally consumes a Devil Fruit that Shanks’ crew had found. These fruits are so rare that many people think that they don’t exist, and one fruit can fetch quite a sum of money. By eating it, however, Luffy has placed himself under a fateful curse that will follow him for the rest of his life. His body has taken on rubber-like qualities, which gives him the ability to stretch like a rubber band. In addition, the sea rejects whoever has eaten the devil fruit, which means that Luffy will never be able to swim again - a serious handicap for someone who wants to spend the rest of his days traveling the open seas.
Despite this shocking turn of events, Luffy seems to get over his initial panic rather quickly, as in the next scene (in the manga) he proclaims to a local villager: “That’s all right! I’ll just be a pirate who doesn’t fall into the sea!..After eating the rubber fruit, I’ve become even happier!” Clearly, Luffy is an optimist who refuses to become bogged down by any obstacles that block his path to success. Even though he has been told repeatedly by his idol that he doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell in becoming a pirate, even though he’s practically become a freak of nature, even though he’s lost one of the most basic survival skills a sailor should have, Luffy only smiles and maintains that he’ll just make the best of the situation and succeed.
Not long after his transformation, Luffy has a nasty run-in with a group of bandits that he resents for harassing Shanks a few days prior. In a brave show of loyalty, Luffy tries to stick up for his friend, but only falls victim to the men’s brutality. The leader of the group decides to take him out to the sea and drown him. As Luffy struggles in vain against the waves, a vicious sea-monster emerges from the sea, destroys the bandit’s boat and immediately makes a move for Luffy! But just as it’s about to eat him, Shanks appears and rescues him from the monster’s clutches. As Shanks gently thanks Luffy for sticking up for him, all Luffy can do is cry.
Shanks’ arm has been bitten off.
Luffy now understands why Shanks didn’t want to take him along for his travels: the ocean is a dangerous place, and he was only trying to protect Luffy from getting hurt. Instead of wallowing in guilt or pity, however, Luffy develops a deeper respect for his friend, and he’s even more determined to become just like him someday.
When Shanks finally leaves the village, he teases Luffy that he still doesn’t have what it takes to become a pirate. Indignant, Luffy proclaims that he will, in fact, become a pirate. Not only that, but he’ll do it without Shanks’ help, develop his own crew, find the legendary One Piece, and become the Pirate King. Impressed by Luffy’s determination, Shanks places his treasured straw hat upon the boy’s head and tells him to return it when they meet again...when Luffy becomes a great pirate. Understanding the gravity of such a promise, Luffy is reduced to tears as he watches his friend sail away.
10 years later, Luffy begins his journey with nothing but a row boat, Shanks’ hat, and a promise he intends to keep.
This story is extremely important to understand Luffy’s character because it illustrates some basic components of his personality: He’s undaunted by any obstacle that come before him, deeply optimistic, stubborn to a fault, and he takes promises very seriously. Even so, he can come across as rather foolish and naive, even stupid. It also lets us understand why he’s never seen without his straw hat and why it’s so precious to him, to the point that it becomes one of his distinguishing traits throughout the world. (He later becomes known to government officials and unsavory pirates alike as “Straw Hat Luffy.”)
But one of the strongest components to Luffy’s personality is that he’s deeply and utterly loyal to his crew, his nakama. It’s a trait that his friend Shanks demonstrates, and it’s something Luffy has adopted into his own lifestyle. His nakama are truly his family, and he cares for them more than anyone else. Luffy repeatedly risks his life for the sake of his crew, even going as far as to chase after Nami and free her from the clutches of a widely feared, extremely powerful pirate named Arlong, even though she supposedly betrayed him and ran away with his ship. Fortunately for Luffy, he’s pretty good at reading people. He’s perfectly willing to look past any unsavory reputation or previous faults and see the good in people, especially his nakama. Consequently, he expects his nakama to be “good people,” and this seems to be one of the leading criteria in selecting who joins his crew.
- Roronoa Zoro, vol. 1
We have even less information on Zoro’s childhood than we do about Luffy’s. All we know about him is that he trains very hard throughout his boyhood at a dojo - and that he has a fierce rival in a girl named Kuina. She’s so much better than him that out of the 2,001 times they fight, Kuina wins every single match. Humiliated and angry, Zoro continues to train hard in hopes of both beating Kuina and someday becoming the best swordsman in the world. After suffering defeat at Kuina’s hands once more, he’s stunned to hear her confess that being a girl puts her at a disadvantage and that Zoro will ultimately surpass her someday. Her father told her that she will never become the best swordsman because she is a woman.
Furious at her words, Zoro shouts, “That’s unfair! To become like you is my ambition!” If he were to ever beat Kuina, she would only attribute Zoro’s victory to his mere gender and not the skills he’d worked so hard to develop. The thought is enough to send his blood boiling, and he demands that Kuina promise him she will work to become the best swordsman. In turn, he will also try his hardest to gain the title before she does. Stunned, Kuina agrees, and they seal the deal with a handshake.
She never gets to fulfill her end of the bargain.
The next morning, Kuina breaks her neck in an accident and dies. Zoro is shocked by how suddenly the tragedy happened, but he soon grows angry at what he feels is Kuina’s way of running away from their deal. Determined, Zoro asks Kuina’s father for the sword Wadou Ichimonji - the priceless blade that Kuina herself had used. He will use it along with his two other swords as a way to keep a piece of Kuina with him as he fights to become the best swordsman in the world.
Several years later, Zoro leaves the dojo with three swords and a promise he intends to keep.
What transpired during this time in his childhood is a huge driving force in almost everything Zoro does. Since Kuina is dead, he is obligated to become the best swordsman, period. Failure is not an option, as fulfilling this goal is the only way he can keep his promise to his former rival. This is what keeps Zoro moving, even when times are tough. Like Luffy, Zoro takes his promise very, very seriously.
Out of the other crew members, he and Luffy are the only ones whose goals revolve around specific promises. The other crewmembers’ dreams are undeniably tied to people they care about, but outright promises come into the picture only in Zoro and Luffy‘s ambitions. Zoro wants to be the best swordsman because he promised Kuina he would, while Luffy wants to be the Pirate King because he promised Shanks he would.
Zoro shares other characteristics with Luffy, though. They are both incredibly blunt and are not afraid to speak their minds, have a terrible sense of direction, tend to see situations in a simpler, black-and-white way and often lack common sense about many things.
As many similarities as they share, however, Zoro is very different from Luffy in a lot of ways. First of all, he is generally more reserved. When there’s a party going on, Luffy is more likely to be out in the middle of the crowd, eating to his heart’s content, while Zoro is usually found lurking in some out of the way place, drinking a mug of booze. When they are bathing in Arabasta, Luffy freely parades around in his birthday suit while Zoro modestly wears a towel around his waist. If Luffy’s excitedly perched on the bow of the ship and staring out into the horizon, or raiding Sanji’s kitchen for a bite to eat, Zoro is usually sprawled on the deck somewhere taking a nap.
Luffy’s childlike curiosity and deep sense of adventure deeply contrast with Zoro’s generally calm, more mature nature. Where Luffy is happy and cheerful to many people he meets, it is not unusual for Zoro to put up a tough front and give the impression that he’s not one to mess around with. When Luffy is faced with death in Loguetown, he puts on a smile and tells himself that he tried his very best to survive and accepts the situation. When Zoro faces a firing squad early in the series, on the other hand, he’s filled with deep regret that his promise to Kuina has not been fulfilled. The list could go on and on.
But, despite all the differences between them, Zoro is like Luffy in that he truly has a heart of gold. He would never intentionally hurt an innocent, and he is not above going out of his way to help someone in need, even if it’s a stranger. Really, even with the tough guy act he pulls, Zoro is a kind, good person who generally looks out for those around him and puts others’ needs before his own. (He has nothing to gain from going to prison for the sake of Rika’s village, but he chooses to anyway. He also tries to cut off his own feet during the Little Garden arc so he can escape from the wax cake and save everyone.)
It’s this careful balance of shared and contrasting traits that allows Zoro and Luffy to complement each other well. The core values they hold dear are almost identical, which allows them to easily relate to one another and function as an effective team. But some of the stark differences in their personalities play off of one another so well that the interactions between them are both interesting and endearing.
Zoro: You must be a child of the devil. But I’m not ready to die without a fight! All right, dammit! You’ve got yourself a pirate!
- Volume 1
I’m not going to lie. One Piece is first and foremost a series about the very platonic friendships that exist between Luffy and his crew. There are very few, if any, actual pairings that exist in the canon as a whole, and I really wouldn’t have it any other way. Most of the pairings I’ve ever shipped in other fandoms weren’t canon simply because I find that instead of having romantic ties served to me on a silver platter by the creators, I enjoy watching the interactions between characters and letting my own imagination mull over the what ifs, the hows, and the whys of the possibility of a not-so-platonic relationship between characters.
For me, the Zoro/Luffy pairing is the same kind of story. When I first picked up a copy of the manga, the connection they share was one of the first aspects of the story that I noticed. The first scene I saw with them was where Cabaji is beating Zoro, and Luffy’s watching with no signs of stepping in to save his friend. At first, I was like Nami, wondering why the hell Luffy was just watching without saying or doing anything. They were friends, right? Didn’t he care? But then I was struck by the way Luffy believed in Zoro, choosing not to step in out of respect, only getting involved when Buggy teamed up with Cabaji.
They deeply respect and admire one another on levels that aren’t quite the same as the other crewmembers. Only a small handful of characters in the series ever call attention to it, and when they do, it’s usually brief and fleeting. Mihawk doesn’t even have to see them fight together in order to decide they make a good pair, and he takes an unusual interest in these two during their rise to infamy. The strength of their friendship is subtle and understated, yet it’s undeniably there.
They are equals in sheer will and strength, and yet one willingly follows the other across the uncharted world because of a promise made between them. They are an asset to one another and help each other grow and develop over the course of the series. It’s not something that hits you over the head or that’s served to you on a silver platter, but once you take a moment to really think about their friendship, it becomes apparent that their bond is unique and strong.
In truth, there’s a lot I could say about these two, with all the bits of dialogue, every look shared between them, and every scene that says something about their dynamic, but for the sake of this essay, I will try and explain the nature of their relationship without writing a novel.
“I was only following captain’s orders. You don’t have to thank me, okay? It’s just one of his whims.”
- Roronoa Zoro, vol. 19
To me, one of the most important things about Zoro and Luffy is that they’re bound together in more than one instance by promises. Just about everything they do is driven by promises made during their childhoods. Coincidentally, they both have material possessions that symbolize their promises and goals: Zoro’s Wadou Ichimonji and Luffy’s straw hat. The fact that they are men of their word to the point that it makes up an integral part of their personalities automatically gives them a deep, common thread they share.
Knowing this, the fact they team up as a result of a deal made between them becomes that much more significant.
When we first meet Zoro, he’s quite a sight - tied to a stake in the middle of a compound, battered and having been without food or water for days. As it turns out, he’s being held prisoner in order to spare the townspeople a grueling punishment from their corrupted government. In order to get Zoro to join him, Luffy tells him he will not only free him from the marine base that’s holding him prisoner, but he’ll also get his prized swords back from the marine fortress! Evidently Luffy’s got a pretty strong grasp on how Zoro’s mind functions by now, because the tactic works. As soon as Luffy frees him and gives him his swords, Zoro’s first action is to block off an onslaught of soldiers from killing them both.
By fighting against the Marines, Zoro has become an outlaw, and sets himself up to join Luffy’s crew under one condition: Luffy cannot do anything to make Zoro go against his becoming the best swordsman. If he does, Luffy must commit seppuku. It’s interesting to wonder why Zoro feels that Luffy could somehow make him go against his promise to Kuina. After all, Zoro is perfectly capable of living his own way and defending himself.
One must assume that Zoro takes his position as Luffy’s follower very, very seriously. He is not one to let others tell him what to do; in fact, he refuses to join Baroque Works because he’s not allowed to become the boss. Yet, he willingly joins this dorky kid who doesn’t even have a proper crew or a ship. There’s nothing to keep him from saying, “Screw you!” and bailing out (particularly when Luffy gets carried off by that giant bird) except the loyalty he’s pledged to his captain. A loyalty that, apparently, he can only relinquish if Luffy does something truly unworthy of it, such as asking Zoro to give up pursuing his dream.
It’s doubtful Zoro would have done something so serious if he didn’t sense that Luffy was a good person, or at least someone who valued promises as much as him (hence why he added the bit about not making him go against his dream). True, Zoro probably would have died if he hadn’t agreed, but it’s likely he also knew that this kid was a kindred spirit who could lead him towards a brighter future. Otherwise, I think he would have been a lot more grim and reserved once the battle with Morgan ended.
Regardless, it’s this pledged loyalty that binds Zoro to Luffy tightly, in a way that is different from the rest of the crew. One could argue that the oaths made between them create a sort of “secondary bond” the others don’t have. The devotion Zoro demonstrates for his captain seems to have few limits. When Luffy is locked in a steel cage during the Buggy arc, Zoro picks up the cage despite his terrible wounds and carries him to safety. Luffy’s well-being is extremely important to Zoro, and the way he further injures himself in order to ensure his safety after only knowing him a short while is really telling.
When Nami runs away with the ship, Zoro’s first impulse is to let her go and find themselves another vessel. Luffy asks Zoro to go find her, and at first Zoro tries to convince him that it isn’t worth the effort. Once he’s met by Luffy’s silent, serious gaze, however, Zoro finally relents. In fact, he’s still set on going even after he sustains a nasty injury to the torso. (We later find out that he actually has it roughly sewn together so he can keep moving.) When things get dangerous, Johnny and Usopp want to bail out, but Zoro is dedicated to keeping his word to Luffy and finding Nami. (Ultimately, Usopp and Johnny have to tie Zoro up to keep him restrained from going off into Arlong’s territory.)
When they abandon Zoro to be captured by the mermen, Usopp reverently says that he’ll tell Luffy that Zoro was very brave; apparently, he understands why Zoro was so hell-bent on bringing Nami back to the crew while the others weren’t. From this, we can gather that Luffy’s opinion is extremely important to Zoro, which is pretty interesting for a guy who initially claims that he doesn’t care what people think of him.
If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the infamous Mihawk fight during the Baratie arc.
When the legendary Mihawk first arrives at Baratie, Zoro sees it as a prime opportunity for him to seize his dream of becoming the best swordsman in the world. Unfortunately, Mihawk makes Zoro’s santoryuu sword-style look like child’s play, and it becomes apparent right away that Zoro is simply no match for him. Johnny and Yosaku try to intervene, but Luffy immediately pulls them back and tells them to stay out of the fight. Luffy obviously respects and trusts Zoro too much to allow anyone to interrupt something so personal and important to him.
Meanwhile, as Zoro realizes he can’t win against Mihawk, he recalls Luffy’s previous exclamation that a true Pirate King wouldn’t “settle for anything less” than the greatest swordsman. It’s at this point Zoro decides to embrace death over accepting defeat, and, severely wounded, he plunges into the ocean. Luffy is enraged enough that he finally steps in and tries to challenge Mihawk to a fight, giving little to no regard to how strong the man really is. As it turns out, Zoro is actually alive, and, despite being on the brink of death, he calls out to Luffy.
Zoro tells Luffy that if he doesn’t become the strongest swordsman, he will be hindering Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King. With tears running down his face, he raises his sword in the air and vows to his captain that he will never, ever lose again until he’s defeated Mihawk. “Is there a problem with that, Pirate King?” Zoro asks him, to which Luffy responds with a chuckle and an enthusiastic, “Nope!”
After this point, Zoro is constantly seen putting himself through rigorous training and holding himself to extremely high standards in self-discipline. It’s interesting to note that, during his fight with Mihawk, he thinks of Luffy alongside his old promise to Kuina. Not only does he feel he must fulfill his childhood dreams for the sake of his dead rival, but Zoro also strives to be worthy of Luffy’s friendship and loyalty. Perhaps, in his mind, their dreams go hand-in-hand. After all, the Pirate King doesn’t need a swordsman who isn’t the best, and the greatest swordsman shouldn’t pledge his loyalty to a pirate captain who’s just some nobody.
In this sense, Zoro and Luffy need each other to fulfill their goals, and, because of this, they need each other in order to actually accomplish them. They both work so hard to stay worthy of one another and the dreams they aspire to reach, and this helps them further their own efforts in becoming the best. It’s rarely something they speak about, but this quiet aspect of their relationship is very much there, and it will occasionally resurface when either of their abilities, either as captain or swordsman, are called into question.
An example of this is Zoro’s speech at the end of Enies Lobby, when he declares he will leave Luffy if he allows Usopp back into the crew without a proper apology and demonstrates that he’s incapable of maintaining order on his own ship by allowing the affair to hang over the crew without a definite resolution. It’s worth noting that Luffy doesn’t argue with Zoro at all (even though I doubt it was easy to hear), and he follows the advice. They both go as far as to ignore Usopp until he says he’s sorry, something I doubt Luffy takes lightly, considering he starts crying after the conflict is resolved. In some ways, I think Zoro is ultimately what keeps Luffy from ever doing something that compromises himself as a person and a leader. Luffy likely realizes this and respects it. He probably would have argued about not accepting Usopp into the crew, otherwise.
Perhaps it’s this bond that allows them to understand each other so well, and so deeply. There are many times when Zoro and Luffy share this quiet, subtle understanding between them, but my favorite example of this is during the Jaya arc when the crew’s visiting Mocktown and trying to find information about Sky Island. While Zoro, Luffy and Nami are questioning people in a pub, Bellamy the Hyena approaches them and, after buying Luffy a drink, brutally slams his face into the table in a deliberate attempt to provoke Luffy into fighting him. Zoro is the first one to leap to Luffy’s defense. It looks like a brawl might break out…but then Bellamy catches wind that they’re trying to find a way to Sky Island.
Bellamy trashes their dreams in their faces, going as far as to call them worthless pirates who’re too caught up in imaginary treasures to keep up in a new era, where dreams don’t come true, and those who believe otherwise are doomed to die as pathetic losers. Nami is humiliated and urges Luffy and Zoro to kick some serious ass. But Luffy is adamant in not lashing out, and he simply tells Zoro not to accept the fight. The swordsman silently complies, ignoring Nami’s protests, and, together, they endure an awful, degrading beating at the hands of Bellamy and his crew.
It subtly mirrors an event earlier in Luffy’s childhood where he watches Shanks get beaten by a lowly bandit, and it’s an important moment that shows how much Luffy’s really developed and changed since then. (It’s interesting to note that it’s Zoro whom Luffy shares this moment with. Would the others have silently accepted the request not to fight? Nami certainly didn’t, and I can’t really see the others going along with it without at least protesting.) Still, not a word is spoken between them during this scene, but, rather, there’s a silent understanding that, as men who aspire to become great, there are simply some people who aren’t worth hitting, some fights that are won by walking away. In this sense, they understand each other in ways the others don’t.
Nami has to drag both of them, beaten and bloody now, out of the pub amidst the cruel jeering and laughing of the other patrons. Zoro and Luffy might have endured public humiliation, but their dignity is left in tact because of something they chose to do (or, rather, not do) together.
That’s not to say Luffy and Zoro don’t have their differences, however. As I stated earlier, they’re opposites in many ways, and this is bound to cause some conflict eventually. In fact, Luffy and Zoro clash at Whiskey Peak when Luffy discovers the swordsman has attacked a lot of the town’s citizens, a shocking display of ingratitude for their hospitality in Luffy’s mind. As it turns out, the town that had greeted them with open arms was really filled with Baroque Work agents who were keen on cashing in on Luffy’s bounty. But Luffy doesn’t know this, and, enraged beyond reason, he immediately turns on Zoro. Though Zoro initially holds back for fear of injuring his captain, the two engage in a serious battle that both are determined to win.
This scene strikes some fans as odd, especially since, during the Arlong arc, Luffy has so much faith in his nakama that he refuses to believe Nami killed Usopp. Still, Whiskey Peak is an entirely different matter, especially since the people Zoro attacked aren't actually members of their crew, and Luffy sees the evidence of Zoro’s destruction himself. Not to mention Zoro really does attack those people -- his reasons for doing it are what confuse and anger Luffy. Given what we know about them already, it’s possible Luffy feels like Zoro betrayed him by somehow being unworthy for their partnership, and lashes out with rage.
Even in the middle of battle, however, the two suddenly become united in keeping Miss Valentine and Mr. 5 out of their fight. Fortunately, the quarrel is short-lived when a few, well-delivered punches from Nami finally puts them in their places (and right minds) again. Once Luffy hears the real story behind what happened, he laughs and essentially says, “Hey, no worries!”
And that’s it. No apology, no brooding over what happened, nothing. Zoro and Luffy simply move on and go back to being the way they’ve always been with each other. This shows they’re capable of working through personal problems (albeit with some help from friends), not holding grudges over the past, and moving forward.
It’s worth noting that Luffy never, ever doubts Zoro again. When Mr. 5 tells Luffy that he’s caught Zoro and Nami, he stoutly replies, “You caught Zoro? Then you’re gonna be hacked to pieces.” (Incidentally, Zoro reacts in a similar manner when Mr. 5 tells him he finished off Luffy personally.) During the anime version of Skypiea, there’s a scene where Luffy states he’s not worried about Nami, Robin, Chopper, or their ship because Zoro is with them. Later, in both versions, he’s absolutely shocked to find that Zoro has been electrocuted by Enel. “How did this happen if you were here?!” he screams while shaking his unconscious body. In Arabasta, Luffy tells Zoro to save Smoker’s life, even though it means letting Luffy drown and helping out an enemy, and Zoro (quite reluctantly) follows through on the order. He obviously places a lot of faith in Zoro, despite any conflicts they may have had in the past, even to trust him to do the things that Luffy himself can‘t do at the time, no matter how difficult they might be to carry out.
Zoro also deeply trusts and relies on Luffy, both as his captain and his friend. Even when Luffy tells him to abandon him to save Smoker, he has enough faith in his captain to do it. (Sanji’s particularly miffed at him for rescuing an enemy, captain’s orders or not, but Zoro sticks with his position.) After that tense exchange, Zoro watches Luffy with a fond expression. He understands and accepts Luffy for who he is, and he’s willing to do what Luffy asks of him. In this sense, it’s possible he treats Luffy’s position as captain more sacredly than the others -- it’s how he first addresses Luffy when he joins him, and it’s often what he says when he carries out one of Luffy’s strange requests.
Zoro is also often there to lend Luffy his support during difficult times. Since the beginning of Luffy’s adventure, Zoro has been one of the constant anchors in his life. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that when Usopp leaves the crew, Zoro is the only one who stays behind in the room with Luffy while the others run out to stop him, and I doubt it's something Luffy's oblivious to. After his heart-breaking duel with Usopp, Luffy is choked up, and manages to say, “It’s heavy,” to which Zoro immediately replies, “That’s the captain’s burden. Don’t hesitate. If you falter now, who can we trust?”
It’s Zoro who quickly understands this burden Luffy carries as their captain. He’s the only one who doesn’t question Luffy’s choice to duel Usopp, and he’s the one who seems to offer him encouragement during this dark and gloomy time. In fact, he’s the only person who even speaks to Luffy at all. Everyone else is understandably disturbed by the duel, and while I doubt Zoro is okay with what happened, it’s Luffy he focuses on and speaks to. The next morning, while Luffy is sitting on the inn’s roof, brooding over what happened, Zoro is sitting near Chopper, just a stone’s throw away from his captain.
As of this writing, One Piece isn’t finished yet, but it’s easy to get a definite feel for Zoro and Luffy’s relationship with what we have. We’ve seen them endure good and bad times together, stretching and strengthening each other in a way only good friends can. I’m sure they’ll continue to move towards the future in a similar manner, as long as they stay true to their promises they‘ve made to people long gone, and to each other.
With the way they trust each other, strive to be worthy just to stand beside each other as great men, and encourage each other to be the best they can be, it’s evident that Zoro and Luffy have an incredible, close bond. Although I won’t go as far as to say they’re “closer” than the other members of the crew (I think Luffy loves his nakama the same, they just occupy different places in his heart), it’s obvious their relationship is very unique.
Their ambitions in life are driven by promises, which are further strengthened by the oaths and promises they make to each other in turn. They both have personal investments in the other’s dreams because their goals tie in so neatly together, and they’re both very aware of this fact. They’re equals in sheer will and strength, and, as Mihawk himself once said, they make a “good team,” both on the battle field and in dealing with the problems they face in their day-to-day lives. They’ve known each other the longest, and they’ve both become better people from simply being around each other.
It’s apparent they’re in this together for the long haul. Zoro is the only one out of the crew who outright promises to stay by Luffy‘s side, and he vows to Luffy that he will fulfill his dream. He’s been Luffy’s faithful companion since the beginning. In turn, Luffy takes these promises very seriously, and it’s one of the factors that encourages him to become a captain great enough to be called Pirate King. In a way, they help complete each other.
Like most characters in One Piece, Zoro and Luffy are depicted with a platonic friendship in canon. Still, it’s clear they love, respect and support each other, and, despite their differences, they have a quiet, deep understanding shared between kindred spirits. The idea of them becoming lovers isn’t so far-fetched. As outlaws on the fringes of society who are sailing the high seas, it’s unlikely either of them would have inhibitions about that sort of thing. Neither of them hesitate to do what they feel is right, and they could be very frank and honest with each other if they decided they wanted to go in that direction someday. It would likely be sudden and not too terribly awkward, because they’re both generally shameless people who don’t get embarrassed easily. In fact, I doubt a whole lot would change in their overall dynamic to begin with, which is one of the reasons why I like this pairing so much.
They’re comfortable around each other, they respect, admire, and even fight for each other’s dreams. If they were in such a relationship, they wouldn‘t selfishly hold each other back. Rather, they’d push each other onward until they became the best they could be. That’s why whenever I think of Zoro and Luffy, this quote comes to mind:
“You lift me, and I’ll lift you, and we’ll ascend together.”
If that isn’t the stuff of a great, life-long relationship, I don’t know what is.
Zoro/Luffy Fandom
luffyzoro_yaoi - An LJ community devoted specifically to the Zoro/Luffy pairing.The Hero Never Dies - The official fanlisting for the relationship between Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro.
Fanfiction
Another Day by Keyascribe - Just another day on the Going Merry… This is a very lovely one-shot that does a good job bringing up the subtle aspects of Zoro and Luffy’s relationship with a bit of humor on the side. The fact it’s from Nami’s point of view makes it even more interesting to read.
Grace by Fire Tears - It isn't who you are that determines how you deal with a tragedy. It's what you lose. An incredibly sad piece that delves into how the crew might cope if one of their own were to die. Be sure to have a tissue nearby if you cry easy, because this one can be a bit of a tear-jerker.
Loyalties by dethorats - It all starts with a fish… A fascinating take on everything that happens after chapter 438 in the manga. I really like, among other things, how the author approaches Luffy’s characterization, and the parallels she draws between Luffy and Zoro and Shanks and his first mate, Ben Beckman.
Port Town Moon by Luz Nocturnal - After ridding a town of its bandit problem, Zoro decides that rooftop brooding is in order. Although, it's difficult for anyone to sulk properly in the company of Luffy. A short (but very sweet) fic that delves into a simple moment shared between Zoro and Luffy.
Eye of the Beholder by Quatrina Raberba - Although a picture speaks a thousand words, an afternoon doodle of Luffy’s holds volumes. I’m not the type to do any self-plugging, but I thought this story was worth listing since I’ve seen it appear on other rec lists in the past, and it won third place in AnimeFest’s 2004 fan fiction contest.
Laws of Inertia by sasori-katana - Robin teaches Chopper about the laws of inertia, using Zoro and Luffy as examples. A very cute one-shot that makes an interesting comparison to Zoro and Luffy's dynamic. The fact it takes place from Chopper's point of view is even better.
Thanks for taking the time to read this essay. I hope it was enjoyable, and that it shed some light on why this pairing appeals to me so much.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 12:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 03:38 pm (UTC)I'm so glad you enjoyed the essay! <333 I was really trying to convey why they're so great together in canon without making any grand declarations or huge jumps in logic, so I'm happy I was able to hit their dynamic on the head. Thank you so much for reading! :D
no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 03:49 pm (UTC)And that you didn't go on grand gestures is probably why I loved the essay so much. It's not really a dramatic pairing, even if they have their moments.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 02:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 03:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 05:12 pm (UTC)<3
no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 05:51 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 08:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-11 06:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 05:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 02:54 am (UTC)This was a very great read. :D
no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 06:00 am (UTC)Anyway, thanks very much for reading and for commenting. I really appreciate it!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 10:36 pm (UTC)Seriously, this is a great read that covers a lot of ground and gets the point across without actually beating you over the head with it.
And the use of canon to back up the arguments is well researched and used throughout the essay. It also reminded me of some of my favorite One Piece moments in the series, so double kudos for you ;p
If I wasn't already such a huge fan of this pairing, you'd have convinced me with this. Great job! ^^
no subject
Date: 2007-09-15 11:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-13 05:07 am (UTC)Thanks also for providing links to some excellent fics. Although I will have to beat you with a licorice whip for providing a link that made me cry. Grace didn't just tug at my heartstrings; it tore them right out.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-15 11:06 am (UTC)Fire Tears is a lovely author. She's written other things that are just as touching and heart-breaking. I just wish she still wrote for the fandom.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-15 06:31 pm (UTC)So do I! I've read and reread her fics countless times, especially her Smoker/Ace works.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-14 08:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-15 11:07 am (UTC)Super long comment ahead :P
Date: 2007-09-16 11:15 pm (UTC)Even for jokey stuff, like the way they eat, etc (e.g. when they first meet Nami, she says they're in trouble and Luffy goes "Yea, we have no meat onboard!" And Nami gets annoyed that he said something so stupid, and Zoro goes "She's right, we don't have any booze either"). XD
I think because of these personality traits, his understanding of Luffy and respect for his position as captain, that Zoro's the perfect first mate, even without that officially being his title. It's like the Usopp vs. Luffy example, when they first started fighting, Zoro told them to calm down. But after that point, as the argument escalates to the breaking point, Zoro remains silent, the only member of the crew to not attempt to intervene.
There are so many examples why I love Zoro and Luffy, and your essay covered a lot of them, and really well. That was a great read!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-21 02:44 pm (UTC)Thank you.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-22 02:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-05 08:14 pm (UTC)Being a long time ZoLu fan I enjoyed this. I think you should update it though with everything thats happened in the manga and anime so far. Like Zoro being ready to give his life up to save Luffy from Kuma, that would be a great thing to add to this along with all the other stuff thats happened.
OTP~~
Date: 2010-07-08 12:34 am (UTC)