Zoro’s Ancestry Revealed: Is he a descendant of Ryuma and the Shimotsuki clan?

Badass as he is, Roronoa Zoro’s backstory has been lackluster so far, to say the least. I mean, so far, you could sum up Zoro’s character in a few sentences: he’s angsty from his history with Kuina, and he wants to be the world’s greatest swordsman.

We all love a rags-to-riches story, and heaven knows Zoro has worked insanely hard for nearly two decades to be where he is today. But would having a connection to some legendary character of the past invalidate all his hard work?

As much as we love our tropes, I feel that giving Zoro a richer backstory and a deeper connection to the One Piece world would make things more interesting and flesh out his character.

Fans have speculated for some time now that Zoro could have a connection to Wano Country, particularly the Shimotsuki Family, and it seems Chapter 1023 might’ve solidified those suspicions.

Zoro shares many similarities with Ryuma Shimotsuki, which Chapter 1023 highlighted. Hyougorou also stated Zoro reminded him of Ushimaru Shimotsuki. Zoro could be Ushimaru’s grandson. One of Zoro’s parents could have been aboard Kozaburo’s ship, which landed in the East Blue at Shimotsuki Village 55 years ago.

Who Is Ryuma Shimotsuki?

Ryuma Shimotsuki is the legendary swordsman hailing from Wano whose actions established the Shimotsuki family as a renowned and respected clan of the country.

The Straw Hat Pirates first encountered Ryuma during the Thriller Bark Arc, when his corpse had been zombified by Gecko Moria and animated by Brook’s shadow. After Ryuma was defeated, he offered his sword, the Shusui, to Zoro, which Zoro later returned to Wano.

How Is Zoro Connected To Ryuma?

When Ryuma was alive, he shared a striking resemblance and had similar ambitions as Zoro. They both have a scar over their left eye, have the same general facial structure, and aspire to be the strongest.

As Zoro and King’s battle raged on in Chapter 1023, Hyougorou made a very peculiar comment, stating that Zoro reminded him a lot of Ushimaru Shimotsuki from when he was younger and that the two even had similar fighting styles. Kawamatsu and Hyougorou even commented on how Zoro returning the Shisui (which belonged to none other than Ryuma Shimotsuki) to Wano must’ve been fate.

The side panel of Ryuma, besides the panel of Zoro fighting King, highlights their similarities. Although this isn’t explicit confirmation by Oda, the chapter definitely hints at the theory about Zoro being a Shimotsuki having some truth to it.

Could Zoro Be A Shimotsuki?

Shimotsuki Village was founded by Kozaburo Shimotsuki, who landed there after fleeing from Wano. Kozaburo was also revealed to be Kuina’s grandfather. Based on the hints Oda has dropped, one of Zoro’s parents, who were possibly Ushimaru’s children, was likely aboard the ship that reached the East Blue.

Ever since the existence of Wano, a country of samurai, was introduced in Thriller Bark Arc, many fans have wondered whether Zoro could have a connection to the said country. More so, since Oda confirmed Ryuma’s last name to be Shimotsuki, the name of Zoro’s home village.

In the SBS section of Volume 92, Oda revealed a ship that had sailed from Wano had reached the East Blue a few decades ago and that fans were very familiar with one of the descendants of someone aboard the ship.

Merely four volumes later, Oda revealed in the SBS section of Volume 96 that Shimotsuki Village, Zoro’s home, was in fact founded by Kozaburo Shimotsuki, who left Wano 55 years ago and landed in the East Blue to establish Shimotsuki Village. This confirms that the ship Oda mentioned in Volume 92 was very likely Kozaburo’s.

Kozaburo saved the locals from mountain bandits, later deciding to settle there after teaching the villagers swordplay. Oda also revealed that Kozaburo is Kuina’s grandfather and the same old man Zoro mentioned in Chapter 955 from whom he learned the term  ‘Sunacchi.’

The familiar descendent Oda mentioned could very well be Kuina. Still, it wouldn’t make sense for him to maintain the mystery only to reveal the truth four volumes later, so the descendent is very likely Zoro.

Since Kozaburo is Kuina’s grandfather, that rules out the possibility of him being Zoro’s ancestor. That leaves only Ushimaru, the last daimyo of Ringo, who, conveniently enough, was pointed out to also share similarities with Zoro in Chapter 1023.

Of course, Kozaburo’s ship could have carried other samurai from Wano or even simple folk like the carpenter Minatomo who settled in Foosha Village. Any of these people could be one of Zoro’s parents, linking him to Wano. But, the similarities pointed out between Zoro and both Ushimaru Ryuma are too evident to ignore.

It is likely that in the event of the rebellion, Ushimaru sent his children away with Kozaburo or Ushimaru’s children fled of their own accord, later settling in the newly founded Shimotsuki Village and eventually giving birth to Zoro.

About One Piece

One Piece is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine since July 22, 1997.

The man who had acquired everything in this world, the Pirate King, is Gol D. Roger. The final words he said at the execution tower were “My treasures? If you want it, I’ll let you have it. Look for it; I left all of it at that place.” These words sent many to the seas, chasing their dreams, headed toward the Grand Line, in search of One Piece. Thus began a new age!

Seeking to be the greatest pirate in the world, young Monkey D. Luffy also heads toward the Grand Line in search of One Piece. His diverse crew is joining him along the way, consisting of a swordsman, marksman, navigator, cook, doctor, archaeologist, and cyborg-shipwright, this will be one memorable adventure.