One of the most intriguing mysteries in One Piece is the possible connection between Roronoa Zoro, the swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, and Shimotsuki Ryuma, the legendary samurai of Wano Country. Is Ryuma related to Zoro by blood? What is the significance of their shared sword style and sword? This article will explore the clues and evidence that suggest a link between the two warriors.
Contents
Who is Ryuma?
Ryuma was a legendary samurai who belonged to the Shimotsuki Clan of Wano Country. He existed long ago when Wano was known as the country of gold. He was revered for his mastery of swordsmanship that earned him the title Sword God, as well as his feat of slaying a dragon. He is also the direct ancestor of Shimotsuki Ushimaru, the former daimyo of Ringo, and Shimotsuki Kozaburo, a renowned swordsmith who left Wano 55 years ago.
Ryuma is the same character from Oda’s previous one-shot manga, Monsters, which is considered canon to One Piece. In that story, he slayed a dragon and defeated Cyrano, a famed swordsman. He also wished to fight against King, a warrior with a great reputation, but he did not know that King was actually himself, a moniker given to him by the people he saved.
Ryuma died of an unspecified illness at the age of 47. His corpse and sword Shusui were buried in the northern cemetery of Ringo, where they were consecrated for centuries. However, 23 years ago, his grave was ransacked and his corpse and sword were stolen by Gecko Moria, a former member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Moria used his Devil Fruit power to implant Brook’s shadow into Ryuma’s corpse, turning him into a General Zombie that served him on Thriller Bark.
How did Zoro meet Ryuma?
Zoro encountered Ryuma on Thriller Bark, where he challenged him to a duel for Shusui, which is considered one of the 21 Great Grade swords and a national treasure of Wano. Zoro recognized Ryuma’s sword style as the same as his own, which is called Santoryu or Three-Sword Style. Zoro also noticed that Ryuma had a similar scar on his left eye as him.
The two swordsmen fought fiercely, with Ryuma using some of the same techniques as Zoro, such as Oni Giri and Tatsu Maki. However, Zoro proved to be stronger and more skilled, and he managed to defeat Ryuma with his signature move, Ittoryu Iai: Shishi Sonson. Impressed by Zoro’s strength and spirit, Ryuma acknowledged him as his successor and gave him Shusui as a reward. He also asked Zoro to return his corpse to Wano and let it rest in peace.
There are several clues and hints that suggest a possible blood relation between Ryuma and Zoro. Here are some of them:
– They both belong to the Shimotsuki Clan, which is one of the oldest and most influential families in Wano. Zoro’s teacher, Koushirou, is also a member of this clan, and he is the son of Kozaburo, who left Wano with Shusui’s sister blade, Wado Ichimonji. Koushirou taught Zoro Santoryu and gave him Wado Ichimonji after his daughter Kuina’s death.
– They both have green hair, which is a rare trait in One Piece. They also have similar facial features, such as their eyebrows and nose.
– They both have a scar on their left eye, which they acquired in different circumstances. Ryuma got his scar from an unknown event in his life, while Zoro got his scar from his training with Dracule Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman.
– They both use Santoryu, which is a unique sword style that involves wielding three swords at once. They also share some of the same techniques, such as Oni Giri and Tatsu Maki.
– They both wield Shusui, which is a black blade that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Shimotsuki Clan. Shusui is said to have become black after absorbing Ryuma’s haki over many battles. Zoro inherited Shusui from Ryuma after defeating him on Thriller Bark.
– They both have a strong sense of honor and pride as swordsmen. They also have a similar personality, being calm, stoic, and determined. They also share a love for alcohol and a dislike for directions.
Final thoughts
While there is no definitive proof that Ryuma is related to Zoro by blood, there is enough evidence to suggest a strong connection between them. They are both descendants of the Shimotsuki Clan, and they share many similarities in their appearance, sword style, sword, and character. They also have a mutual respect and admiration for each other, as shown by their duel on Thriller Bark.
Whether they are blood relatives or not, Ryuma and Zoro are undoubtedly two of the greatest swordsmen in One Piece history, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of warriors.
