« Canon: One Piece (Netflix Live Action)
« Age: 21-ish
« Designation: Submissive
« Orientation: Demi-flexible
« Information: HERE
« Preferences: Here
« Visuals:

Name: Roronoa Zoro
Door: Door Pass - Submissive

Canon: One Piece (2023 live action)
Canon Point: After the cast-off ceremony in episode 8

Age: 21-ish
Appearance: Zoro is muscular and broad-shouldered with short, moss-like green hair and three tear-drop earrings dangling from one ear. He often wears T-shirts with an old-fashioned haramaki wrapped around his belly. He almost always has at least one sword within reach, whether hanging from his hip, strapped to his back, or propped right next to him.

History:

Childhood

Zoro's childhood was characterized by loss and determination. Arriving at the dojo in Shimotsuki Village as an angry orphan, Zoro was always driven by an innate desire to become the strongest. Kuina was his rival and only friend, and surpassing her became a stepping stone to that end in Zoro's mind. When he learns that Kuina doubts her ability to keep up with him because of her sex, Zoro becomes furious with her for preemptively giving up and making excuses for what she feels will be her inevitable plateau. They share a vow to train hard and kick each other's butts every single day until one of them becomes the greatest swordsman (or woman) to ever live.

Much to Zoro's shock, Kuina dies the next day after a seemingly senseless accident. Zoro realizes that we only have the time that we're given and that bad fortune can just as easily cut a person's life short as a blade can.

Fueled by grief, Zoro pulls his whole heart into honing his craft as a swordsman with the goal of becoming the greatest. With the death of his only friend, Zoro grows even more emotionally guarded and reserved, yet he remains steadfast in upholding his promise to Kuina. He wields her sword, the Wado Ichimonji, to honor her memory.

Bounty Hunting

A few years later, Zoro left Shimotsuki Village with the intention of fulfilling his promise to Kuina. Years passed, and Zoro found himself in a never-ending cycle of hunting pirates just to sustain himself with food and ale. Despite his typically poor sense of direction, Zoro gained a reputation as an unstoppable hunter who never lost sight of his target once his killing intent was awakened. It was said that he relentlessly pursued pirates for days without rest. Whispers of "Pirate Hunter Zoro, Demon of the East Blue" followed him wherever he went.

While Zoro had no trouble taking care of himself, his life was devoid of joy. His opponents proved to be no challenge, he had no friends, and most potential allies viewed him merely as a weapon to further their own agendas. Zoro maintained his independence and humanity by refusing to join forces with those who sought to exploit his skills, such as Baroque Works and Axe-Hand Morgan. "I've got my own thing going on," he would say. "Doesn't leave much time for playing dress-up."

People did not appreciate his sass. After defending a little girl who had fed him from the Marines, he agreed to let them tie him to a cross as punishment, in exchange for being allowed to continue hunting bounties, alone, once his sentence was served.

A Pirate's Life

When Zoro was freed by pirate Monkey D. Luffy, it marked a turning point in his life. Despite his solitary and independent nature, he recognized the genuine compassion and ambitious nature of Luffy, which resonated with his own values. Choosing to join forces with Luffy and Nami of his own accord, Zoro's loyalty and protective instincts were ignited, making him an invaluable member of the Straw Hat crew (despite his protests that he was not a crewmember). With his formidable swordsmanship, he helped ensure the safety and success of his newfound comrades.

However, by doing so, Zoro became a wanted man. Bounty hunting was no longer a viable career for him, a fact which deeply annoyed Zoro whenever they defeated notorious pirates during their travels.

Still, Zoro slowly made an effort to get to know his crewmates, especially Nami, whom he sensed was carrying some dark secret.

Duel with Dracule Mihawk

Zoro's defeat at the hands of the legendary swordsman Dracule Mihawk was a humbling and pivotal moment for him. Recognizing that he was merely a big fish in a small pond, Zoro made a solemn vow to Luffy to become stronger and surpass his own limits in order to protect his captain and fulfill his dream of becoming the greatest swordsman. In turn, Luffy assured Zoro that he could never be disappointed in his swordsman. Realizing that he now had a family who valued him beyond his usefulness, Zoro found the strength to be there for Luffy when his captain needed him the most. He pledged to remain by Luffy's side until the end as his right-hand man.

Zoro was always willing to die for his dream as he worked to surpass the memory of his deceased friend. And now, he has someone he is determined to live for as well.

To the Grand Line

When Zoro accompanied Luffy, Usopp, and Sanji to Conomi Islands to free Nami from her servitude to Arlong, he maintained a cautious and observant demeanor. While Luffy remained optimistic about Nami's true nature, Zoro reminded him of Nami's explicit desire to not see them again. However, as events unfolded, Zoro realized that Luffy's unwavering belief in Nami's goodness was not misplaced. When Nami finally reached out for help, Zoro showcased his swordsmanship by clearing the way for her and Luffy, enabling them to retrieve their map to the Grand Line and confront Arlong.

After liberating Nami and her village from the Arlong pirates, Zoro and the rest of the Straw Hat crew set off for the perilous Grand Line to chase their individual dreams together.

Personality:
+ Loyal: Zoro's loyalty is one of his defining traits. Even years after Kuina's death, he remains steadfast in his commitment to the promise they made as children. Although he is the most reserved and stoic member of the crew, Zoro is also the first to wholeheartedly dedicate himself to Luffy's cause. This is evident in his solemn vows to never experience defeat again, and to always stay by Luffy's side. Zoro willingly puts his life in jeopardy to safeguard his friends and honor his commitments, such as when he goaded Cabaji the acrobat into throwing knives at him to distract him from Nami's lock-picking, so that they could save Luffy together. By the end of the series, he takes his role as protector and Luffy's right-hand man very seriously.

- Prideful:. While Zoro's pride can be viewed as a source of motivation and determination, it can also cloud his judgment and result in reckless decisions. One example of his pride getting the best of him is during his battle against Mihawk. Despite sustaining a chest injury, Zoro stubbornly refuses to retreat from Mihawk's blade. Even when it becomes evident that he has been defeated, Zoro chooses to let Mihawk cut his chest open rather than turning his back in retreat, as he deems it shameful. Zoro's pride often leads him to face challenges alone, underestimating the importance of support from friends. This tendency is evident in his loner nature during his Bounty Hunter days. However, it can also negatively impact his few interpersonal relationships. For instance, when Nami tries to express concern for him before his battle with Mihawk, Zoro pushes her away with hurtful words.

- Cold: Zoro's perceived coldness is a character flaw that stems from years of detached observation and solitude during his time as a bounty hunter. His stoic demeanor often gives the impression that he lacks care for others, which can be challenging for those who struggle to interpret his protective actions for what they truly are. This is likely one reason why he remained friendless for so long. Moreover, Zoro's warrior training likely instilled in him the importance of non-attachment, which aids in emotional regulation and self-discipline but also makes it easier for him to accept the loss of friends in a way that seems callous or jarring to others. This is evident in how he readily accepts Nami's seeming betrayal and advocates for leaving her alone instead of pursuing her to the Conomi Islands (and ends up clashing with a certain waiter who vehemently disagrees). Although his perceived coldness can create misunderstandings and contribute to his unhealthy isolation, it is ultimately a result of his unique life experiences and training.

- Gluttonous: Zoro drinks alcohol every chance he gets, which is strange because it doesn't seem to make him drunk or affect his ability to function. However, it can anger hosts, like when he shamelessly drinks expensive alcohol at Kaya's mansion, going as far as swiping bottles from the cellar. It can also distort his priorities, like when Luffy is taken away for trying to pay for food with an IOU, and Zoro is content watching as long as he has a bottle of beer in hand. It probably also has a negative impact on his finances, considering he doesn't have much money despite being successful at bounty hunting. In the original manga, he also seems to get thrills from testing his luck with games of chance and gambling, which likely carries over into this iteration of the character as well.

Powers and Abilities: Zoro is the master and inventor of the three-sword style, a unique technique where he wields three swords simultaneously — including a blade clenched between his teeth. He is also skilled in dual-wielding and single-blade combat. Zoro’s fighting style showcases adaptability, as he effortlessly integrates his surroundings into his techniques.

When he opts not to draw his sword, he utilizes the environment creatively, using kicks to obstruct opponents or turning everyday objects like stools into obstacles. His resourcefulness extends to throwing mugs as improvised projectiles. Zoro’s versatile and inventive approach to combat makes him a formidable warrior in any situation.

Despite his questionable sense of direction, Zoro has a keen awareness of real threats in his vicinity. He is also an intense tracker when his killing intent has awakened, relentlessly pursuing his target for days on end. Those unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of his pursuit say it's like running from a demon. Zoro’s tenacity and single-minded focus make him a force to be reckoned with, instilling fear in most people who find themselves in his crosshairs.

Inventory:
Aside from his clothing:

- Wado Ichimonji (sword)
- Sword-cleaning kit
- A bottle of tangerine wine from Coco Village

Samples:
- TDM Top Level

- Network Thread