The Straw Hat Pirates are among the most beloved crews in the One Piece franchise, and with good reason. Not only are they the main characters of this world-famous series, but they are also among the kindest and funniest pirates in Bluestar. Most impressive of all, they have accomplished several monumental feats, despite being a relatively small team.

While there is no doubt about Luffy’s friends being a part of one the strongest crews in the world, they are also among the least organized organizations in the series. Besides Luffy being the Captain, there has never been an official designation of roles. Such is the case with Zoro, who is considered by many fans as the crew’s Vice Captain. Yet, according to Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the series, the swordsman’s role is far more complex than readers might believe.

Zoro Is the Vice Captain, Although Only Occasionally

Oda Confirmed Roronoa’s True Role

Zoro Roronoa, Luffy’s right-hand man and one of the strongest fighters in One Piece, has been a somewhat confusing character in of roles throughout the series. Even though he has been accompanying the captain since the very beginning of his adventure, he has never claimed to be the second in command. Most of the other crewmates, including his bitter rival Sanji, see him as a figure of authority due to his strength, short temper, and willingness to put his life at risk to protect his friends.

The series might have never officially assigned him as Vice Captain, but he has been fulfilling the role in fans’ eyes for decades. Nevertheless, as revealed in volume #102 of the manga’s special column, also known as SBS, Zoro has not always been working under that title. When asked about the special spread included in chapter #1031 of the manga, which depicted the characters commonly regarded as Vice Captains in several crews, Oda replied by stating that these pirates were not selected to be the second in command, but rather the second strongest in their crews.

The author’s words made fans a lesser-known detail included in the Vivre Cards, special collectibles that contain information about the series’ characters. According to Zoro’s card, he has never been officially regarded as the Vice Captain by Luffy or any other member of the Straw Hats. Still, he has taken on the role when he feels like the crew needs a secondary leadership role, whether in battle or during difficult situations. As such, it can be officially confirmed that, despite popular belief, Zoro is not Luffy’s Vice Captain.

Zoro Is Still Among the Most Reliable Straw Hats

All His Friends Know They Can Always

Even though Zoro may not be the official Vice Captain of the Straw Hat Crew, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he is an amazing teammate. Behind his stoic and nonchalant attitude, hides one of the kindest and biggest hearts in One Piece. The green-haired swordsman has never been good at expressing his feelings, but his actions have always spoken louder than his words. A perfect example, as well as one of the best moments in the entire series, was his sacrifice during the Thriller Bark arc, specifically in episode #377.

Zoro is a man of his word, who is loyal to a fault and hates seeing injustices occur in front of his eyes. While he might never it it, he wants to see the people in his life be happy, even those whom he fights constantly, like Sanji. The fact that fans see him as a Vice Captain does not come only because he was the second member of the crew. It is based on the multiple times he has willingly put himself in danger to protect his crewmates, even when he could likely die by doing so.

Zoro Might Start Acting Like an Official Vice Captain

His Attitude Has Become Stricter Lately

Ever since the end of the Land of Wano arc, fans have noticed a significant shift in Zoro’s attitude. He has become stricter, ruder, and more willing to go against Luffy’s orders. Many readers attribute this to fear, as the swordsman has been on the verge of death several times since the Straw Hats regrouped in Wano. Although not all followers of Oda’s work agree with these changes, they might be what Zoro needs to establish himself as a true Vice Captain.

He will no longer solely rely on Luffy’s orders to act, as he will become more vocal about his disagreements, as seen in chapter #1140 during the battle against Gaban. He might also be harsher on the rest of the crew, preventing them from doing something that might endanger them or the rest of the family. Nevertheless, Roronoa needs to be careful, as he could end up becoming a cruel Vice Captain, following in the footsteps of some of the pirates he has beaten, like King. Regardless, it will surely be interesting how the One Piece manga handles Zoro’s new outlook on life.