Original artwork, not a still
I will become the world's greatest swordsman!
— One Piece · 1999
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
This is the promise behind every swing Zoro takes, and it is why he is the only crewmate who doesn't need telling that the goal is worth dying for. It also explains why he so readily follows Luffy, who treats the same kind of dream as obvious. Fans quote it as the series' purest ambition line, and it reappears on wall art, tattoos and gym posters.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for One PieceShow the scene
The vow comes from Zoro's childhood in Shimotsuki Village, told as a flashback while he stands tied up at the Marine base in Shells Town (manga chapter 5). As a boy he lost to his dojo rival Kuina two thousand times, and they once promised that one of them would become the greatest swordsman in the world. The next day Kuina fell down the stairs and died. Standing over her, Zoro angrily called her a runaway, then asked her father for her sword and swore to reach the title for both of them. The anime moved the full flashback to the start of the Baratie arc (episode 19). Back in the present, Luffy takes the bullets meant for Zoro and Koby, and Zoro joins his crew.
Sources (3)
- One Piece Wiki: Chapter 5Long Summary, Zoro's flashbackReference checked
- One Piece Wiki: KuinaBiography and Anime DifferencesReference checked
- One Piece Wiki: Episode 3Short SummaryReference checked
Context reviewed
