The Hidden Depth of ZORO | The Anatomy of One Piece

The hidden depth of Zoro's character is an analysis I've wanted to dive into for quite some time. Mostly because for the majority of the time I've enjoyed One Piece, I've actively been sort of lukewarm on him as a part of the Straw Hats. But today that all changes as I correct the record. Diving deep into the sublte character work Oda has offered this character I want to demonstrate just how wonderful, complex and yet beautifully simple Zoro's character is. This is the Anatomy of One Piece!
Thanks to ‪@PrinceVegeta‬ for voicing Zoro in an unadapted scene
SUPPORT US ON PATREON: / totallynotmark
MUSIC USED:
Zoro's Battle Theme
Zoro's Theme (Cover by Yottorai)
What Do You Fight For (Guilty Gear)
Snow (Katana Zero)
Decisive Battle (World Seeker)
The Showdown (White Bat)
Red Rose - Tragic Hero
Thornfelt Swamp (Ori)
Burned To Ashes (Unlimited Red)
The Very Very Strongest (Cover by Carameii)
To The Grand Line (Cover by GuildMasterMusic)
To The Grand Line (Cover by Joris van Rheden)
Memories (Cover by SLSMusic)

[@n.nirbhai1072]

"Zoro was the first one to look the big bad world in the eyes, and lived to tell the tale" .. Mark you killed this brother.

[@keinoh493]

Totally agree. A helluva bar.

[@marxist-leninist-protagonist]

just like Akainu

[@SOFOB]

Zorro to Luffy is like Ryuma or someone who we dont know yet to Joy boy. Surely Joy boy had not only emeth and zunisha on his side but also the greatest swordsman from Wano

[@MrGalRoz]

The Mad Lad did it, he made the "no one understand zoro" video before Nux did.

[@AprilSamurai]

Good nuxs wouldn't have been good anymore he's washed

[@josephblackett5488]

🤣🤣🤣

[@1yoshi426]

MelonTree also made a video of Zoro, she has a bunch of videos like this one.

[@naahgol8608]

i used to watch him all the time now its just random sounds and odd phrases no real meat and potatoes@@AprilSamurai

[@notsosilentprotag]

O'Hara already did a Zoro analysis and over all on the crew and also specific moments years ago so who cares who has or hasn't. I'm enjoying Marks analysis so far. Can't wait for the next one.

[@sonic5993]

What makes the Water 7 such a pivotal moment for Zoro is that his words flipped everyone's dynamics on their head; Sanji who usually is Zoro's biggest critic, agrees with him wholly, and Nami who usually is the voice of reason, has no rebuttal. It's a wonderful scene.

[@yderga8707]

Water Seven brought all of the characters to a new level of writing to a peak that (imho) the show hasn't been able to reach again. At least not from a character perspective, from a story perspective it's still awesome. But when I think of the strawhats as a crew and what makes them different than most other shonen groups, I refer to the Skypiea-Enies Lobby period of one piece, because the buildup and connections formed there felt the most genuine out of any shonen I've ever seen.

[@IdgasAlpha]

The biggest point I feel about Zoro not letting Usopp come back to the crew was the point that even if Luffy is an idiot and not what a typical captain is, they will treat him with respect because he is the captain. And if they don't, what kind of crew could they be but children playing pirate.

[@Fazal12d]

Honestly i do feel He did that for Usopp's as well, He needed to man up and apologize for what he did so that their Friendship could be restored and there wont be any bad feeling between them, Zoro believed in usopp to do the right thing which he did

[@gazeboist4535]

I read it as the key pivot in the story of the Strawhats becoming a serious pirate crew. That thread is the main concern of the story from Long Ring Long Land and Water 7 (where we see how easily the crew fragments) through Enies Lobby (where they begin to truly come together), and on to Thriller Bark (which is all about showcasing their teamwork). That moment where Zoro demands Usopp's apology is him making sure that the bonds they've built over Enies Lobby truly set, so that the Strawhats as a crew will never face a disaster like Water 7 again. This is all resolved just in time for Luffy to be annealed into a true pirate captain, following a very similar thread from the initial arrival at Saobody, through Marineford and the timeskip, and then on to the triumphant return. The disaster of Saobody wouldn't be what it is if the crew hadn't already overcome the disaster of Water 7, and it wouldn't work as specifically *Luffy's* disaster if the crew was still vulnerable to a Water 7 style shattering. And of course Zoro marks the transition from one story thread to the other in the "nothing happened" moment - simultaneously showing how strong the bonds of the crew are, while also showing how Luffy is still being sheltered from the demands of his position.

[@newt2120]

​@@Fazal12ddamn i never looked at it that way

[@dothangbui4918]

that's how rocks is different to straw hat it seems

[@chingizzhylkybayev8575]

That's... that's literally what Zoro said

[@Animus_Altia]

I'm so glad you touched on the difference between Zoro and Sanji offering themselves up to Kuma. It's a subtle difference that you only really get the full grasp of after Whole Cake Island, but the fact that Sanji does so out of a lack of value for himself is so core to who he has been as a character. Meanwhile, Zoro values his strength and role as the Guardian of the Strawhat Crew so highly that he can't allow anyone else to take on such a burden. If he were to fail to do so, then he wouldn't be worthy of becoming the World's Greatest Swordsman. Such trials are another step on his road to that dream, and if he dies, then he wasn't good enough, but it's never an outright attempt at sacrifice.

[@sharkguy2340]

Those differences in character are why I love both of them throughout most of the series. Their arguments make so much sense, and when they work together is all the better.

[@omermuhammet6526]

Other time where zoro enormous strength was presented when he blocked the joint attack from Kaido and Big Mom and saved Luffy and the other captains with that That scene asserted that Zoro is presented to be the gaurdman of Luffy and Straw Hats

[@rimimimimimimimim4170]

I think it also speaks to Zoro being the NUMBER TWO in the crew, and why he is the right hand man of the two "wings" of the future king of the pirates. Zoro AND Sanji have always been the ones to look at it how they did with the Usopp situation, if you didn't notice, SANJI AGREES WITH ZORO, he ALSO saw what Zoro saw, but Zoro is the FIRST TO SEE IT and the FIRST TO STAND UP AND TAKE ACTION, that's why he was also first to stand up and take the pain, when Sanji was also ready to offer himself. That's what I would add to the video in terms of Zoro's character, but he still did a great job, an amazing video and it really does speak to Sanji's character too how he is truly KIND. Sanji is the best written character in the show, and the more you watch it's easier to see that, but Sanji is such an unbelievably kind and compassionate character, and it makes sense for him to put his crew before himself, even at the cost of his own life, like he was going to in Big mom later on in the series, but Zoro like you said, took it as a challenge and was - as usual - even more loyal than Sanji (Sanji does not get enough credit for how truly loyal he is, LUFFY AND NAMI WOULD HAVE DIED if he didn't sacrifice himself, at that point, worn out from battle, on the spot they would have died), but Zoro doesn't even stop to think before throwing himself for luffy, and is always the first to display his loyalty, really a fitting scene, showing how truly amazing Zoro is, but also Sanji.

[@rimimimimimimimim4170]

What I meant by they would die on the spot is if he didn't beat up Luffy, they would have died, Luffy and Sanji were BOTH not in a state to take on the big mom crew AND Germa alone, and Nami didn't have Zeus either

[@LeonaLeZard]

Nah it’s because Luffy is more important to him than his ambition, Mihawk said it himself

[@solidskullz5736]

Zoro is a badass swordsman yes, but my favorite thing about him is how loyal to the crew he is. He would go through hell and back for the sake of the straw hats and that scene where he took on all of Luffy’s suffering and came out standing is unforgettable

[@niceguyofgames9490]

He would give his life for everyone on the crew. Even Sanji, if it TRULY came down to it.

[@timurjack8773]

Sanji was going to sacrifice his life for Luffy as well. So its him being ''badass swordsman'' make people like him more.

[@Shiftarus]

It seems like he loves the crew but his loyalty lies mostly with Luffy. His vow was to the captain, and he will stop anybody who threatens his captains dream .... even the other crewmates.

[@rustygear447]

​@@ShiftarusWell said. That's why he's the second in command.

[@SpyralHax]

That scene in Thriller Bark really marked when Zoro overtook Luffy as my favorite character, personally.

[@trumpets101]

The complexity and depth that Oda gives each of his characters is astounding, and nothing short of perfection has he given to Zoro. He IS the cool guy. But it's not just the "cool" factor, its all of the underlying qualities that Oda has bestowed him. He also does the cool stuff. Zoro's fights are just as brilliant as Luffy's. The dynamic that the two have, Zoro is well deserving of First Mate.

[@AVarghul]

A detail i love about Zoro is that he speaks volumes about his character through the use of his swords. And i don't mean the flashy techniques and whatnot, but rather, how in most meaningful of moments, he will always sheathe back his swords and instead draw out the most important of his blades: His Wado Ichimonji, the literal reminder of his goal in life, and his friend's last token. You can see this even in subtle moments like Zoro making his stand on Ussop's return to the team.

[@tamaramoody1038]

I think this video is the perfect companion piece to MelonTeee's videos about Zoro and how his desire to be strong enough to protect the crew he loves is near desperate. Excellent work Mark, loving this series.

[@acetofresh1]

I’m glad people like Mark exist to help rectify and disseminate informations regarding popular narratives and their shortcomings. Because Zoro doesn’t become a completely different person, or because of a lot of his development already occurring anime fans would then reductively deem him one note or cliched, but he has a lot of depth including his emotional awareness, and he’s one of the best deuteragonist the Animanga has to offer.

[@Flameblade102]

I also want to mention MelonTeee's recent vid about the 'Nothing Happened'. She made the good point that, while that scene is still amazing in its own right, it should be looked at it being the closest the crew has come to almost losing a crew member and the Straw Hats barely scraped by at the end. Especially when you look at it in manga and how it implied the dead silence surrounding Zoro amidst his own blood whereas the anime used heroic OST, thus creating conflicting meanings between manga and anime But still great analysis Mark!

[@ellosteve]

FRR

[@oliverorchard6774]

You know that Zoro moment in the Post Enies Lobby arc is serious when even Sanji agrees with him.

[@TehDalek]

The only thing I love more than One Piece is good analysis of One Piece Oda is such a great story teller

[@TheDonmayo]

Zoro has been my favorite character out of any media ever for over 20 years, glad to see how he is still relevant to this day.

[@aquelgamermexicano]

The concept of the parallels between Luffy and Zoro when it comes to how they read people really resonated with me. We often get told to have a bigger appreciation for the "show, don't tell" narrative, and even IRL, you get told to pay attention to what people do rather than what people say. But then there's people like Zoro who think that speaking on its own is an action, that the fact that you are willing to say certain things to people IS indeed important. And how words are only cheap when we don't give them value to begin with.

[@catzzara]

my favorite part is that it's zoros original occupation as a bounty hunter that gives him the perspective that no matter how strong you think you are there's always going to be someone bigger and badder and stronger than you that will be ready to kill you. because he has always been that person finding these pirates that have these bounties and were no doubt cocky and so sure of themselves until they were being handed into the marines in bags for money. he understands the psychology of being the bigger fish and he won't let the crew fall fully into the trap of "we were so strong look who we took down before". he'll enjoy the victories of course but he's ALWAYS ready for that bigger fish to come knocking.

[@akshkumarsingh2668]

Your presentation never cease to amaze me how deep you go to expliain each subtle topic is insane and the like at the end of video gave me goosebumps Had been fan of channel from a long time and will be you are awesome

[@freshjuice457]

Wow! I was watching this video in a cafe and i still couldnt stop tears from falling! What an emotional take on Zoro and also so well explained! Thank you for this video!

[@sokkatoba2733]

We could argue that Zoro's dream evolved where protecting his friends and his captain is Zoro's definition of being the greatest swordsman in the world. A swordsman that could protect anyone.

[@tdb1726]

Awesome video! I love Zoro, and this analysis just got me so pumped up and a little emotional, if I'm honest. One of my favorite lines in the whole series is "Scars on the back are a swordsman's shame." Up there with Nami asking for Luffy's help and Robin's "I want to live" scene.

[@Pluveus]

Can we talk about that little montage at 18:10. Goddamn Editor-san, that was fire!

[@StrugglerNick]

A excellent analysis, and a well done video, sir! You basically selected my favorite moments in One Piece - Zoro is the greatest

[@Kobolds_in_a_trenchcoat]

Minor point of correction, none of the straw hats have ever called Zoro a first mate or vice captain. He effectively fills the role whenever Luffy isn't around and he is usually equated to the first mate whenever the straw hats are compared to other crews but he is never considered in that position among the straw hats themselves. Luffy is the captain but thats the entire hierarchy. Nobody else has any hierarchical ranks, only skills they provide.

[@uzairirfan-qp7sz]

Your thumbnails are actually insane man, So simplistic yet so compelling

[@MARSHALLDPREACH]

The greatest character in One Piece. great video Mark!

[@TheSoulHunter69]

thank you for actually putting the music used in the desc, actual youtuber

[@オラ-f8e]

"Humans are fragile creatures, Zoro!" Humans are weak creatures, no matter how strong and powerful they are, they will die, and no matter how much they escape death, their day will come when they will die, perhaps for some ridiculous reason, like falling down the stairs, for example. Do you know what's worse than hearing the news of the death of someone dear to you who suddenly left without fulfilling a promise or even saying goodbye to you? I think this is the message of Zoro's backstory. Its application is simple, but it is a reality that happens in anyone's life at any hour.

[@salmannader1762]

I think that also explains his recklessness in the heat of battle, often fighting wounded or otherwise with a disability. It's why he embraces death because he experienced it first-hand with his best friend dying in such a random way. In his eyes, if Fate has it, then he would die no matter if he is a novice or the world's greatest swordsman. That is why he has a close connection with Fate and Destiny

[@riduanaqil1452]

Zoro is such a simple man that people usually just overlook his character arc but if you noticed the subtle way he talks about things and how he address certain characters like kuina, tashigi and monet you'll start to realize that there might be more that we just haven't seen yet from Zoro

[@YaburuRunyaru]

I'm always so glad for analysis videos of characters I either think I already know or have never given too much thought to. People explaining things that I'd never otherwise be able to appreciate in a character without their insight. Zoro just instantly shot up in my list of favorite characters. I somehow never realized the core of his character is based on an attribute I've rarely seen in the world, but whenever I do, it always strikes me unexpectedly and impactfully. It's a quality I really admire, to mean what you say and to hold people to the same expectation. Thank you for finally posting a "No One Understands Zoro" vid ^^ (jkjk) Bc I only now realize just how little I understood him.

[@guilhermecoelho6474]

The one thing I love about Zoro (and conqueror's users) is that they show throughout the chapters why people with this haki are the strongest. It's not because they were born with it, but because their will is so strong and set on that one ambition, that they do the impossible and rise above others. Training harder, facing stronger enemies, walking towards death because "not even Death himself can take my life". And, it seems that this haki comes as a reward, like the world recognizes the will of a king in that person and gives him something special. They are not special because they have conqueror's haki, they prove why they have, and that proof makes them special.

[@Omegateck16]

Love your OP vids Mark!

[@OnePiecePreacher]

I’ve been reading and watching one piece for about 6 years now. in fact, right now I’m bulking up to cosplay Zoro at a con this year in August. During that time, Zoro wasn’t really a character that I took another glance at. This video really helped me think about and understand his character. Thank you Mark!

[@HollowKonpaku]

THANK YOUUUUUUU for giving your time to One Piece and filling the fandom with amazing video essays!

[@adamundaneedge2472]

Chills. Literal chills. Beautifully written video Mark.

[@CrawlerCarter]

Zoro has been one of my favorite character tied with sanji sense both of them entered the picture.

[@13cheshirecats19]

He’s always been my favorite character in any media. Thank you for putting the resins into words!

[@mathewzuniga1760]

That was so beautiful. Quite poetic. Well put together and presented in a manner that befits a professional and someone who is very knowledgeable of the story and characters. BRAVO!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

BEST first mate luffy could have asked for but his utter lack of sense of direction will always be funny 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@kiragamer7520]

ugh, this video was so good, man. 😭 i got emotional several times, but especially towards the end, i was wet in the eyes for the rest of the video. thank you for somehow making me appreciate one piece even more than i already do. i wish i could show this video to my friend, but unfortunately they have yet to reach the point in the story where this will not spoil the crap out of them XD (gear 5)

[@annesavisaboochuy]

no way you thought he was boring pre water 7

[@Peapod901]

For a video that talks about Zoro's hidden depth, this really only scratches the surface. MelonTeee made a video on Zoro that, while touching on this, also touches on a lot more

[@bwiz1447]

Luffy’s biggest flex is having Zoro as his right hand man

[@atrain-wr9je]

Zero is such a pillar of tenacity and principle in one piece.

[@diaryofagoat-lass1023]

Another interesting thing about Zoro is his parallel with Sanji in regards to why they both fight so much with each other. Zoro got his butt handed to him repeatedly by a girl as a kid, someone who when he first arrived at the dojo shrugged off as "just a girl" but learned real fast, she was more than worthy a rival, let alone a friend and equal on every front, in other words, he learned to treat her like a human being, not colored by a boy/girl antagonistic view. However, after she died, if I recall a line of his dialogue, he felt she was running away from their promise, ie "breaking" the promise, clearly giving him trust issues, and especially with women. Look at how long it took him to trust Robin, yet even during Skypea, because his Capitan saw something in her, Zoro obeyed in protecting her, even calling Enel out for a lowly cheapshot, despite Robin having a Devil Fruit. For Zoro, women generally, because of a broken promise, are manipulative, emotionally unstable (seeing kuina cry and acknowledging her adolescent growth no doubt messed him up too, when watching the OG anime.) and overall can't be trusted. however, if one poses a serious threat to the crew, like with Monet he will not hesitate to use deadly force if necessary, the inverse being if an opponent is weak, like at Whiskey Peak, he will employ the bare minimum. the fact still stands, Zoro has no problem battling women because he knows women can fight too. As for Tashigi, childhood trauma can be a real pain and (personal theory) the reason he regards all female warriors as weak or below him is because he has never found one that could match Kuina. If Kuina were alive (which I sure hope Oda doesn't do) she would/should be able to boot Zoro into next week like it was nothing. Sanji in stark, polar contrast, the only nice people in his life were his mother and sister, his brothers were all asses and his father an abusive psychopath. For Sanji, women are comfort, love and trust, while men are harsh and brutal, especially because of how his father treated his mother, basically letting her die. :( Sanji fully embraces true masculinity as a protector and a man who does not respect or protect the weak, is worse than scum. (not saying Zoro has no capacity to protect the weak, far from it, the death of close friends/family give any sane person that protective drive)

[@RastaGamesful]

I think Zoro is my favourite of the crew. Yes, he has his shortcomings, such as when he forgets where to go on the road, excessive laziness and bad character, but this is probably his feature and that’s why the fans love him so much. He has a rather tragic story, he wants to become the world's greatest swordsman and almost his whole life was not full of love and fun. So he gets close to the Straw Hats and goes with them on a search for adventure and One Piece and becomes a friendly team, perhaps even a family where everyone matters and everyone is needed intercede.

[@Oharafolk]

Wow, thanks Mark, great analysis of one most favorite characters!

[@XxLUIGIxX56]

Catching up on MelonTeee's One Piece vids only to see Mark posting his character vids now is perfect timing. Great vid man! Zoro may not know the right directions, but he's found his way into the fana' hearts for sure!

[@McBehrer]

2:20 I like how you didn't include this section in Luffy's video, because we don't know what Luffy's actual DREAM is yet

[@Jdirjrbtbjdi]

Finally, no one understands zoro

[@xyzbeast1982]

Its been so long since i heard that name come out of nux's mouth Never thought i would hear it again

[@cyberslink1320]

"Zoro granted Luffy legitimacy on that chapter. He made him for the very first time a real Capitan, no longer a kid playing pirate and Zoro will ensure that remains reality or die trying." This is awesome, remarkably poetic. Only fate could have bring those two together at the right time. I never really thought about it that way.

[@Kaltar_]

Zoro is loyalty, personified.

[@FormerGovernmentHuman]

I hope Kuina’s spirit shows up when Zoro achieves his goal. Maybe even something as simple as Kuina holding him up as his body struggles to stand after his final battle. Or holds his arm up as he holds it high in triumph to the straw hats.

[@Phatnaru0002]

Problem is, that like most of the strawhats, he stopped having any character development, or even character moments in general, after the timeskip.

[@tlungu962]

yup, Sanji is lucky he had WCI. B/c he was one of the worst flanderizations in post timeskip. Oda saved his character, hopefully he can do the same for the rest of the straw hats in the final saga

[@kauanjos3199]

People like to complain about Nami, Robin or chopper (They all had their moment in wano) not having development in the time skip but the one that actually suffered the most was Zoro, Bro just became the strong side character, even the whole Ryuma plot line that was meant to develop him was underdeveloped because, uh oh we have to end wano faster to get shanks to appear to make a cameo about a character (Uta) that's gonna appear in a non canon movie. Leave to the anime to have a best conclusion for the arc that took 4 years in a filler episode.

[@wreetgupta6135]

Beautifully made. Great analysis. I loved the music and clips. You even added Memories and the To Be Continued!

[@pumpkicheeks3292]

I don’t know why I expected an hr long video I believe what has been said about zoro so far is not enough 😊

[@alexmabey7791]

A great character analysis! 👍👍

[@TryForce]

Thank you for that bit. I now, too, see Zoro in a different light! Much appreciated!

[@LaidBackAI]

Zoro's sheer badassery never fails to amaze! ⚔💥 His dedication to his goals and unwavering strength are truly inspiring. Can't wait to see more epic moments from our favorite swordsman! #ZoroFanForever 🗡🔥

[@jeroencrucke]

Aarghrrrr, I liked everything you had to say here EXCEPT the very last sentence where you, as basically everyone else, mistakenly calls him a "first mate." Being a first mate means you are second in command and assume captaincy upon the fall of the captain. Neither of those apply to the way this crew functions.

[@DonNinja05]

I also love that, while Zoro has no sense of direction when it comes to finding his way around. He will ALWAYS be there when his crewmates and captain need him.

[@Tao_Tennou]

What. A. Video! This doesn't just show the importance of Zoro, it highlights why One Piece is what it is. Incredible 👏🏾👏🏾

[@jpatrenz95]

Dude you made me tear up on that outro 😢

[@maxmartin5469]

This video was so beautifully done i cried

[@uroy8371]

I already acknowledged most of these aspects from Zoro. But the way you analyzed them were truly magnificent. You keep getting better and better. Yeah, probably Zoro is gonna have to learn how not to be a slave of gratitude.

[@omni1139]

I hope you haven't forgotten about the hajime no ippo review.

[@itsrose129]

I haven't seen the whole of OP but the one relation that I love is the sun and shadow rep we see with Luffy and Zoro. We may have the sun and though as brightly as it may shine, it won't be grounded until we have a shadow.

[@apaul7502]

this shit got me fucking HYPE. i already love zoro dearly, i just sometimes wanna hear other people talk about how sick he is lol.

[@meowrimo]

to add to the promise thing there's also a moment in whiskey peak where nami and zoro were arguing about debt and she said something along the lines of "can you not even keep a single promise?" and zoro was visibly affected by that line. just a little detail that people tend to miss.

[@Emimilliemoo]

This is amazing but I do have just one issue i have with this and the fact you kept bringing up how Zoro feels or is indebted to Luffy, and that is how it started, but after Mihawk and the respect Luffy showed for his dream he began to put Luffy first not because of a debt but because he believed in Luffy and had accepted him truly as his captain and to Zoro that meant he became his second and so his dreams and ambitions came second only to Luffy. Everything I feel you got spot on, but maybe we have slightly different interpretations on this one thing absolutely phenomenal video though.

[@realsaiyan]

"There's more to Zoro than meets the eye" Perhaps but what meets the eye is more than enough. Zoro is him

[@Mystikbvsn]

15:40 I was like why do I have Ori and the Blind Forest open? and then I realised its the soundtrack. you sir, are cultured.

[@Duthum]

this is just why Zoro is my favourite character. The honor honesty and truthfullness is just so important in this small world

[@MissGallivanter]

Damn, you just explained one of my most faourite charachter so beautifully.

[@dog9302]

Oden fell for the exact same fake promises that Zoro fell for at the begining of the story when we first met him.

[@buttonsforbooks]

If I remember right if was filler, but I always remember the scene in alabaster between Zoro and Chopper where Zoro explains what teamwork is to him, that really exemplified his position on the crew as well as his relationship to his and Luffys dreams respectively. That scene really helped to set up all the moments later wherein various strawhats would declare that their captain would be the king of the pirates

[@symbolik4372]

Zoro slinks to the background during the crews discussions most times, but when he speaks, everyone listens. And when he acts, everyone falls in line behind him. If that isn't the perfect idea of a first mate, i don't know what is.

[@anjankumar8687]

This is why I love mark's videos. I have seen one piece 3 times and some arcs more than 5 times. Still I haven't noticed many things in the writinga and the characters that mark did.

[@isootsu]

bro just killed every possible critic to zoro, fr took it to the next lv with this analysis. w

Wow never see it that way or let’s say I mist it out like you did first! Good video mate

[@brief1281]

Thank u man ...u can never demonstrate zoro's character any better

[@Drogenmuffti]

That was a fucking amazing video. You perfectly put to words what I think of Zorro and why he's my favourite character.

[@redrosedancer]

That 'Honor Conviction & Conduct' is going to stay with me for a long time. Zoro was already my favourite, but all the more so now.

[@lewriansbrighter5494]

absolutely beautiful the way you made this video, the way you shared your thoughts is nothing less than a genius🖤 it's one of those moments I'm really glad that I'm your subscriber🖤 from the depth of my heart thank you very much

[@drillz8945]

i dont get how people dont instantly get drawn to zoro, right from the first episode you see him, you see the brilliance of a character who fights for his own justice and unwaving loyalty to his path and his captain. He does not stop for no one to get to his path of becoming the strongest swordsman, truly a man that has the greatest character development and mentality of steel.

[@ricardotalbert8264]

That black suit zoro wore in that usopp vs luffy arc was raw asf

[@catnipnapkin3329]

Zoro was always my favourite strawhat, and one of my favourite characters in fiction. Honour, honesty and conviction aren't just quick buzzwords to litter his wiki page with, they're major tangible narrative structures that hold up his character, his actions AND his place in the story. I also find it fun how even his abyssmal sense of direction says something about him as a character; he *literally* needs direction, he would never, as Mark describes in the beginning of the video, work as a captain of his own crew. He is and must always be the world's greatest number 2. Also, I remember the first time I read his backstory flashback, when I was maybe 11 or 12 years old (2004-ish?) and I for some reason interpreted it, not as a tragic accident, but as Kuina actually killing herself. The way I read it, she was never confident that she could keep her promise to Zoro, she just pretended because he would never understand her. She believed in him so much that she gave up her life for him to live their collective dream. Which would be all the more poignant, when considering the weight of promises that Mark talks about; even before Luffy, Zoro NEEDED to be the best, because he promised. To fulfill that dream he only needed direction. Which he found in the world's greatest captain. Addendum: holy fuck I love One Piece you don't even understand.

[@ade1174]

Zoro's unwavering loyalty to Luffy is what makes the "Nothing Happened" moment hit so much harder on Thriller Bark.

[@dexie135]

there's a reason zoro is the right hand of luffy. they both aim to be the greatest. while zoro is mature than luffy and have more experienced since he sail first. he may haven't lead a team, but his experience as a lone hunter is enough to give a deep knowledge on how to lead yourself and how to act. every moment when luffy had no idea how to take action in the crucial moment. he always there to respect and value him as the leader. so far we just got zoro's backstory by showing his father. but sometimes i wish oda give him more deep backstory (like kuma) so i could respect more where's zoro maturity came from.....

[@DarthNoox]

14:55 Touching upon this, a little bit further in the story, in one of my favorite Zoro moments, this is almost stated outright. In chapter 597 of the manga, and episode 515 of the anime, Zoro bows his head to Mihawk, asking him to train him. Mihawk naturally scoffs at him, believing to be faced with a disappointment, only to realize that this is not the case, he had finished what he started, he could have left the island, but instead he puts his pride aside not just for himself, but more importantly for the sake of his captain. Mihawk states the following: "Seems you have found something more important than your ambition" and he follows this up in his own thoughts with "When a man like you swallows his pride, it's always for the sake of another". Mihawk has not only acknowledged Zoro's desire to challenge him and become the greatest swordsman in the world, in accepting to train Zoro, he also acknowledges his dedication to Luffy and what that means to Zoro.

[@ItMeRobin]

I feel like it could have been easy to make Zoro just the cool, edgy guy that plays with swords, but I really appreciate how much more Zoro is than that. Not only is he loyal to Luffy and makes sure to keep him in check when crucial, but he's also kind of a goof. He likes to drink and is absolutely terrible with directions, which often makes for some hilarious moments. He could have so easily been the angsty main character that's #2 to the protagonist, but he's not, and that's what I love about him.

[@Fjmartineez]

Amazing video, i cant get enough of you analyzing my favourite work of art

[@HonzyandFriends]

Brother, keep putting videos out like this and you're going to hit a million subs. No doubt.

[@drsai9]

Insane the title of "The end of the dream" for that chapter. It makes so much sense.

[@frandaesquina]

Luffy basically said to zoro in East Blue what he said to Robin in Ennies Lobby: "If you want to throw your life away, do it in pursuit of your dream" the thing that made Zoro stand by Luffy all this time is not the fact that he was saved, but the fact that he was not when he fought Mihawk

[@SuperNobody64]

If you're looking for a challenge you could always do a manga review of Kochikame. You don't have to worry about new chapters.

[@Souper-l776]

I like how fatherly Zoro is towards Copper.

[@Pierced_Light]

Love the video. Zoro from the beginning has been my favorite character and you put into words exactly why. Good job. Can’t wait to binge more of your channel😊

[@NintendoBoy64]

I've only seen Zoro cry twice: When he was granted the Wado Ichimonji by his sensei to carry on his promise to Kuina to become the world's greatest swordsman. The second after his defeat against Mihawk when Zoro raised the Wado Ichimonji to the sky and vowed to his captain because the future king of the pirates won't settle for any lesser swordsman.

[@lucasb.8461]

Damn, this was so good I teared up a little. I'll be aspecting the next one. Great work

[@mechajay3358]

I never liked how brutal Zoro was about having Luffy welcome Usopp back. But over time, I understand what he said was for the best for both of them.