Oda Unveils Zoro's Family Background: An End to Long-standing Fan Theories

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the widely popular manga One Piece, has finally provided insights into a highly debated topic among fans. He has addressed a significant question about Zoro and his family background, which has sparked numerous theories.

Fan speculation about Zoro's potential ties to the land of the Samurai has gained momentum after Yamato's flashback. This narrative sheds light on Shimotsuki Ushimaru, who bears a striking resemblance to Zoro. Another flashback reveals the connection between Zoro's village and Kozaburo, who not only lived there but also gave Zoro his first set of swords. This revelation has sparked a variety of theories and speculations among fans.

Although the Wano arc in One Piece is highly regarded, many fans were left unsatisfied as it did not explore the mystery surrounding Zoro's relationship with Ushimaru and his legendary samurai ancestor, Ryuma, also known as the "Sword God." In SBS Volume 105, Oda addressed fan questions about Zoro's lineage.

He stated, "The younger brother of Shimotsuki Furiko, who sailed from Wano and encountered 'so-and-so' that Yamato met as a child, was Shimotsuki Ushimaru, a former daimyo of Ringo and the descendant of Wano's mythical samurai, Shimotsuki Ryuma, whom Zoro met back at Thriller Bark. In other words... What does that mean...?! This is a strange and mysterious story of fate that even Zoro himself is unaware of."

And there it is, the secret of Zoro's lineage is revealed. He is the grandchild of Pinzoro, the child of Arashi, and the grandnephew of Ushimaru.