Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro were two of the first Straw Hats introduced to the One Piece series. The former was the crew's intrepid—and often foolish—captain, while the latter was a hardened and merciless swordsman recognized as a pirate hunter.
Although Luffy has been presented as the anime's protagonist, there are many reasons—and instances—in which Zoro would have been a better fit. Through identifying the most glaring examples of when this was the case, we can better appreciate the many ways that the green-haired warrior has influenced the story.
10 Zoro Willingly Sacrificed Himself To Spare A Village
When Zoro was first introduced, he was the captive of Ax-Hand Morgan. While the tyrannical marine and his henchmen could never capture their quarry through conventional methods, he surrendered willingly after the nearby villagers were threatened and volunteered to be taken, prisoner.
Through his intervention, Luffy put both Roronoa and the local civilians at grave risk. Although the captain's actions ultimately produced better results, Zoro's were nuanced and more thoughtful for the lives of anyone other than his own. Monkey's reckless is especially glaring on account of his inexperience at the time.
9 Zoro Saved Chopper From Ohm
During the battle in Upper Yard, Zoro came face to face with Ohm, Eneru's last remaining high priest. His malleable iron rendered him the most deadly adversary of God's servants, though Roronoa could defeat him anyway.
In doing so, he saved the life of Chopper since he had been injured during his own battle against Gedatsu and could no longer resist his adversaries. If Zoro weren't there, The Straw Hats would have lost an excellent doctor and a loyal friend.
8 He Was The Only Straw Hat Able To Defeat Mr. One
Daz Bonez was also known as Mr. One—Crocodile's strongest agent. His devil fruit allowed him to make his body hard as steel, rendering him an impossible threat for Luffy to defeat at the time because he had not yet unlocked any of his gears and on account of his vulnerability to piercing attacks.
Even Zoro initially struggled since he had never cut through metal before. However, by defeating Mr. One, he displayed tremendous adaptability and capacity for improvement, excelling like a traditional anime hero.
7 He Stood Up To Mihawk Despite Being Outclassed
Zoro's aggressive ambition in becoming the greatest swordsman in the world became prevalent early after the series began. With Don Krieg arriving at the Baratie and Mihawk close behind, Roronoa challenged the latter for the right to claim himself as the world's strongest warrior.
Predictably, his defeat was swift and brutal. However, Zoro refused to relent until he was physically unable to continue the battle, bearing a massive scar across his torso that he would maintain for the rest of his life. The hero's drive to fulfill his dreams greatly surpasses that of the ship's captain.
6 Zoro Defeated Hatchan Despite His Injuries
Hatchan was a member of Arlong's pirates who wielded many swords, each over three hundred pounds. Considering his competence at using them and Luffy's natural vulnerability to piercing attacks, as well as an absence of blades by which to defend himself. He was almost as formidable of a threat as his captain.
Even though he was still recovering from the injuries Mihawk dealt, Zoro could fight the squid-like villain and defeat him. This illustrated a tremendous amount of tenacity, selflessness, and loyalty to his friends.
5 Zoro Defied Eneru Despite His Godlike Power
Zoro was one of the few heroes remaining to pose a threat against Eneru, passing his trial where almost everyone had failed—including Luffy since a great snake swallowed him.
While he was ultimately unsuccessful in ripping apart the god's electric body, his courage allowed Wyper an opportunity to deal meaningful damage against him through the power of the impact dials. Should he not have been present for the fight, the other combatants may have suffered more severely or even died because Luffy wasn't there to protect them.
4 He Put Aside His Rivalry With Sanji To Defeat Foxy's Henchmen
During the Davy Back Fight Foxy issued to Luffy, Sanji and Zoro were forced to work together to overcome the ostentatious pirate's designated crew. In addition to having a perfect win streak until that point, the game's referee was also partial to the home team.
Not only was Zoro able to overcome his larger foes despite his many disadvantages, he simultaneously put aside his rivalry with Sanji to do so. This illustrated a willingness to levy his friends before his pride, which Luffy struggled with during the same arc.
3 Zoro Advocated For Gender Equality To His Master
Koushirou was Zoro's former mentor and Kuina's rival. Despite the many ways he helped Roronoa excel as a swordsman, his antiquated views on gender were a palpable character flaw.
With the way the young hero was progressing, he intended to make him his heir rather than Kuina—despite her superior performance at the time. Zoro himself would object to this, especially after her death. This displayed maturity at a young age and nobility becoming of his character.
2 Zoro Has Reliably Been More Mature & Stable Than Luffy
When measuring the worthiness and achievements of Zoro, it's impossible not to compare the innate qualities of his personality as contrasted to his captain. Roronoa may not be particularly garrulous, though his superb judgment rarely errs.
Conversely, Luffy is extremely reckless and willing to put both himself and his allies in harm's way to chase an ephemeral goal or even placate his own pride. An example of this can be found through the games against Foxy, where he staked the crew's entire future—and lineage—because of his own irresponsibility.
1 Zoro Held His Own Against Two CP9 Agents
Zoro's predicament in Enies' Lobby was even more difficult than many of the other characters. He fought two CP9 agents simultaneously, but he also did so with Usopp tethered unwillingly to his arm.
This was a feat that arguably surpassed even Luffy considering that he was only forced to contend with Lucci. It is especially true since he was not as debilitated through Usopp's whimpering and squirming. Roronoa's battle against Jabra and Kaku remains one of the most thrilling encounters of the arc.
About The Author
