Buzz
Zoro is indeed a descendant of the Shimotsuki clan in the Wano kingdom, as many fans speculated.
One Piece author Eiichiro Oda finally unveils one of the biggest mysteries about Zoro, his connection to the samurais in Wano country.
In episode #105 of the One Piece Q&A segment (SBS), Oda confirms that Zoro is definitely a descendant of the Shimotsuki clan in Wano. Thus, the origin of the swordsman has been officially revealed.
Legendary blacksmith Shimotsuki Kouzaburo - who forged the sword Enma for Oden - left Wano 55 years prior to the current events. Among the samurais who left Wano was Shimotsuki Furiko, who later married Roronoa Pinzoro. They gave birth to Roronoa Arashi - Zoro's father.
Previously, fans have always speculated about the possible relationship between Zoro and the samurais in the land of Wano. These suspicions were further reinforced after Yamato's flashback revealed the resemblance between Shimotsuki Ushimaru and Zoro. Another flashback shows Kouzaburo living in Zoro's village and giving him his first sword.
However, Oda mentions that despite there being a backstory about Zoro's past, the author probably won't delve into it in the manga. Ultimately, while Wano is one of the best arcs of One Piece, it disappoints fans by not exploring the mystery of the relationship between Zoro, Ushimaru, and Ryuma, the legendary samurai known as the 'Sword God'.
Zoro first encounters Ryuma, or more accurately, Ryuma's zombie, at Thriller Bark. After being defeated, the zombie Ryuma bequeaths his sword - Shisui - to Zoro. Later on, Hiyori beseeches Zoro to return Shusui to Wano Country. In exchange, she offers him another worthy sword, her father's sword, the famed blade known as Enma, which inflicted a unique scar on Kaido.
Furthermore, Oda's new revelation makes Zoro's surrounding relationships even more intriguing. Zoro is not only related to Ushimaru and Ryuma but also to Kuina - his childhood friend who tragically inspired him to become the world's greatest swordsman.
Oda's decision to omit Zoro's family history is understandable. One Piece is nearing its conclusion with a plethora of characters and many interconnected storylines. Considering Zoro's personality and the absence of his parents since childhood, he likely knows little about his family's origins.
However, fate is a wondrous thing in One Piece. Zoro discovers the legendary lineage of his ancestors and liberates his homeland from Kaido's tyranny, fulfilling his duty as a descendant of Shimotsuki.
