What Happens After Zoro Becomes the World’s Greatest Swordsman: His Journey and Legacy

Zoro’s Dream Fulfilled: What Comes Next?

From the moment Roronoa Zoro swore on Kuina’s grave that he would become the greatest swordsman, fans of One Piece have eagerly anticipated the day he fulfills that dream. But once Zoro conquers Dracule Mihawk, claiming the title as the world’s best, what lies ahead for the swordsman? Will his story end with that achievement, or will new challenges emerge?

Zoro’s journey doesn’t stop at just being the world’s greatest swordsman. In fact, achieving that goal will likely lead him to face even more responsibilities, relationships, and adventures.

Supporting Luffy: The Pirate King’s Right Hand

One of Zoro’s primary motivations for becoming the strongest swordsman is to support Monkey D. Luffy in achieving his goal of becoming the Pirate King. As noted by Mihawk himself, being the Pirate King is an even more difficult task than defeating him. Zoro’s power is essential to ensuring Luffy’s success in the final battles, particularly as the Straw Hats face their greatest foes in the series’ final saga.

It’s possible that Zoro’s final opponent will not be Mihawk, but rather a swordsman from Blackbeard’s crew, such as Shiryu, or another formidable rival. Regardless, once Luffy’s dream is fulfilled, the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey will come to an abrupt end, much like Gol D. Roger’s crew disbanded after achieving their goals. This will lead to Zoro’s next chapter.

Returning to Shimotsuki Village: Honoring His Roots

After the adventure ends, Zoro may return to Shimotsuki Village, his home in the East Blue. Along the way, fans can imagine Zoro stopping at Shells Town for a nostalgic reunion with Rika, the young girl he saved at the beginning of the series. There may also be a brief visit to Johnny and Yosaku, his former companions who have likely settled down.

Zoro’s return to Shimotsuki Village would be a significant moment. He might lay Wado Ichimonji—the sword that once belonged to Kuina—back to rest, symbolizing the completion of his journey. He could also face the infamous “stairs” that led to Kuina’s tragic accident, possibly confronting this personal demon once and for all.

A Life of Wandering: Zoro the Ronin

Another possibility is that Zoro continues his journey as a wandering swordsman, much like the ronin of Wano. As someone with a poor sense of direction, it’s easy to imagine Zoro wandering the world—or even getting lost for years—while continuing to seek out new challenges. He could spend his time dueling powerful swordsmen or protecting people in need, further cementing his legend.

If the oceans lower to pre-Void Century levels, as some fans speculate, Zoro might even travel across vast expanses of land without needing a ship, becoming a true wandering samurai. His sense of direction could become infamous, turning him into a legendary figure who is impossible to find, thus retaining his title as the world’s greatest swordsman simply because no one can challenge him.

A Return to Wano: Zoro’s Connection to the Land of Samurai

Zoro’s connection to Wano is undeniable. Raised in a Wano colony, Zoro understands the culture and is revered as a hero there. After the crew disbands, Zoro could return to Wano, either to reunite with Hiyori or to return Enma, the sword of Kozuki Oden, to its rightful place. As a master swordsman, Zoro could even serve as a protector of Wano, living out his days in peace while ensuring that the land remains safe.

There’s even speculation about Zoro’s potential relationship with Hiyori. While romance is rare in One Piece, end-of-series pairings aren’t unheard of in long-running shonen series. Zoro and Hiyori’s interactions have sparked discussions about a possible future together, but only time will tell if Zoro will settle down or remain focused on his swordsmanship.

Tashigi’s Dream: The Next Mission?

Zoro’s story could also take a surprising turn if he decides to help Tashigi fulfill her dream of collecting the world’s most famous swords. Tashigi has long aspired to take dangerous swords out of the hands of criminals, and Zoro could join her in this quest. Together, they would hunt down the 12 Supreme Grade Swords and the other legendary blades scattered across the world.

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This partnership wouldn’t just be about collecting swords—it could also be a way for Zoro to continue honing his skills and ensuring that he remains the strongest swordsman alive. His respect for Tashigi’s dedication and his understanding of swords’ unique personalities could lead him to support her dream, just as he once supported Kuina’s.

Zoro’s Endgame: A Legacy of Strength and Honor

While some fans joke about Zoro becoming lost forever, it’s more likely that he will spend his life defending his title and continuing to train. As revealed in One Piece, Zoro eventually masters Four-Sword Style and even Five-Sword Style, proving that his ambition to improve never fades.

But Zoro’s ultimate goal might extend beyond just Earth. With the confirmation of outer space and advanced civilizations in One Piece, Zoro could set his sights on becoming the greatest swordsman in the universe, facing new foes beyond the seas of Earth.

In any case, Zoro’s journey doesn’t end with Mihawk’s defeat. Whether he’s protecting Luffy, wandering the world, or training the next generation of swordsmen, Zoro’s legacy as the World’s Greatest Swordsman will live on, inspiring future generations of pirates, marines, and swordsmen alike.