Buzz
Author Eiichiro Oda's decisive move to illuminate one of One Piece's biggest mysteries, the parentage of Straw Hat swordsman Roronoa Zoro, has finally come to fruition. Previously a lingering question mark, Zoro's tale receives closure in SBS Volume 105, as Oda narrates the full story.
One Piece has amassed approximately 105 tankobon volumes in circulation worldwide. Oda, known for his engagement with fans through the SBS corner, often delves into character backstories, the cultural aspects of the One Piece universe, and even the powers of Devil Fruits. It is through addressing these fan inquiries that Oda decides to shed light on Zoro.
Many have pondered: Is Zoro linked to Wano? With the story venturing into Wano, expectations were high for Zoro's past to be unveiled, yet it remained unexplored. While he may have ties to Wano, Oda didn't see fit to delve into these intricacies within the main storyline.
In SBS Volume 105, Oda unveils a revelation: a group of Samurai from Wano set sail across the globe. Among them were Shimotsuki Kozaburo and Furiko, sister of former Ringo lord Shimotsuki Ushimaru. Furiko married a swordsman in the village and bore a son named Roronoa Arashi, who is Zoro's father. Unfortunately, both of Zoro's parents passed away - Arashi in battle against pirates, and his mother due to illness.
In the pages of SBS Volume 105, Oda discloses the voyage of a group of Wano Samurai across the seas. Among them, Shimotsuki Kozaburo and Furiko, sister of former Ringo lord Shimotsuki Ushimaru, stand out. Furiko's marriage to a swordsman in the village led to the birth of Roronoa Arashi, Zoro's father. Tragically, both of Zoro's parents met their demise - Arashi in combat against pirates, and his mother due to illness.
Therefore, Zoro is connected to other prominent figures in One Piece. Shimotsuki Ushimaru is the descendant of legendary Wano swordsman Shimotsuki Ryuma. Zoro's grandmother also belongs to this lineage. Remember the samurai zombie who battled Zoro at Thriller Bark? That was Ryuma.
And finally, the leader of the samurai group departing Wano, Shimotsuki Kozaburo, is the father of Koshiro, the blacksmith who forged the Enma sword. When this group arrived in East Blue, they rescued a village from bandits. Ten of them, including Kozaburo, decided to settle there and founded the Shimotsuki village. Koshiro established a dojo in the village, got married, and gave birth to Kuina. Hence, Zoro and his childhood friend Kuina are distant relatives.
