Zoro isn’t the most emotional member of the Straw Hat Pirates crew. That doesn’t stop him from developing meaningful relationships with the people he cares about. Though he’s not as affectionate as his One Piece crew mates, friendship and loyalty are exceedingly important to Zoro. He expresses this through the assertion of his principles.

RELATED: One Piece: 10 Anime Characters Zoro Would Be Friends With

Zoro may appear to be nonchalant and care only for his dream of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman, but Zoro’s morality and comrades are held in high regard as well. Zoro consistently upholds his honor as a swordsman, pirate, and most importantly as a friend. Though Zoro stays true to who he is, he manages to cater to each friendship differently. Zoro is tough in nature, but he cares deeply for the friendships he’s made throughout his journey thus far.

10 Brook & Zoro Maintain A Shared Love For Swordsmanship

Brook as Zoro for advice & interrupts his meditation

Like many of his comrades, Zoro also finds Brook to be very annoying at times. Brook’s eccentric personality puts Zoro off and causes him to lash out at Brook from time to time. Regardless of their difference in personality, Brook and Zoro share a common interest: they both have a love for swordsmanship.

Brook may not be as great a swordsman as Zoro, but he's shown an impressive amount of skill when fighting. Brook has even sought advice from Zoro on his preparations and looked to him for help in battle. Brook looks up to Zoro, and even though Zoro knows his company may incite aggravation, he still welcomes Brook whenever he asks.

9 Zoro & Nami Operate Like Brother & Sister

Zoro & Nami in Zou

Zoro's first experiences with Nami were not pleasant. He only knew her as a manipulative thief. However, Zoro has come to learn that Nami is more than just a lover of treasure. Still, they have continued to squabble like siblings. Nami gives Zoro a hard time quite often, but Zoro still looks out for her like a little sister. He shows concern for her whenever she’s in trouble and she listens to him when he’s serious. There may be many layers to Zoro and Nami’s friendship, but one thing is for certain - they care deeply for one another.

8 Robin's Sweet Nature Won Zoro Over

Robin & Zoro on the Sunny

From the moment Robin joined the Straw Hat Pirate crew, she took the role of an older sister. She’s charming, kind, and easygoing. This caused her to make kind gestures towards Zoro, like bringing him a coat to prevent him from getting a cold. Of course, Zoro’s lack of trust caused him to reject her at first.

RELATED: Anime's 10 Most Awkward Friendships

Eventually, Zoro and Robin would develop a friendship filled with care and mutual respect. Robin and Zoro look out for each other; they’ve saved each other in battle numerous times. Most importantly, Robin has managed to make Zoro blush by complimenting him, a rare reaction that only a true friend could achieve.

7 Mihawk Holds More Than One Important Role In Zoro's Life

Mihawk holding a glass of wine while training Zoro as Perona looks on from the wall.

Mihawk and Zoro have a unique and complicated relationship, as Mihawk is Zoro’s current rival and mentor. When Zoro first encountered Mihawk, he knew him to be the greatest swordsman in the world. Therefore he decided that in order to be the best, he must beat the best.

When Zoro nearly died after their battle, he was forced to face a shocking truth. He was a long way from becoming the greatest swordsman. Still, his defeat only motivated him further, as Mihawk inspired Zoro to train harder. Furthermore, when Luffy told his crew to spend time training, Zoro put his pride aside and asked Mihawk to train him. It was a strange request given that Zoro has vowed to defeat him someday. Nevertheless Mihawk agreed and has helped Zoro advance his skills as a swordsman.

6 Koby Helped Save Zoro's Life

Koby Unties Zoro & Informs Him Of The Navy's Plan to Execute HIm

Koby met Zoro at the same time Luffy did. Zoro was a prisoner of the Navy at the time. Though Koby desperately wanted to be a Marine, he risked his life to save Zoro by defying Axe-Hand Morgan, the current Marine Captain who operated as a ruthless tyrant. Koby asserted that he wanted to be an honorable Marine and believed freeing Zoro was the right thing to do.

Koby informed Zoro of their plan to execute him and encouraged Zoro to help Luffy because he was the one who defended him against the Navy. Zoro appreciated Koby immediately. He proved himself to be a kindhearted and fair individual, and they developed a friendship instantly. When they met again in Water 7, Zoro was visibly pleased to see his old friend.

5 Chopper Brings Out Zoro's Gentle Side

Chopper on Zoro's Shoulder

Chopper's adorable look and personality melts everyone’s heart. Each member of the Straw Hat Pirate crew is gentle with him, including Zoro. Zoro has a tough and masculine persona, and this makes his interactions with Chopper particularly entertaining as fans are given the opportunity to see Zoro express a softer side.

Two of the sweetest displays of Zoro’s affection for Chopper are seen when Zoro carried him on his head in Alabasta whenever they crossed deep rivers, and when he washed Chopper’s back during a bath. Chopper can also be seen hanging out with Zoro while he trains. Zoro and Chopper have a loving friendship - their bond allows fans to see a different side to Zoro.

4 They May Constantly Fight, But Zoro & Sanji Would Give Their Lives For Each Other

Sanji offers his life to Kuma to save Zoro

At first glance, Zoro and Sanji maintain a relationship filled with animosity and disdain. In actuality, fans know that these two care deeply for one another. Zoro and Sanji are constantly bickering, and they take pleasure in insulting each other. "Moss Head" and "Swirly Brow" are the embarrassing nicknames they’ve chosen to get under one another’s skin.

RELATED: 10 Of The Best Female Friendships In Anime 

Despite this, Zoro and Sanji demonstrated several times that they care about the other’s well being. Sanji was willing to give his life for Zoro’s in Thriller Bark, but Zoro wouldn’t let him. This moment of selflessness displayed the nature of their friendship. Although they can’t shake their need to argue, Zoro and Sanji genuinely care for each other.

3 Koushirou Gave Zoro Valuable Lessons On Swordsmanship During His Childhood

Zoro's Sensei Koushirou

Koushirou is Kuina’s father and was Zoro’s first teacher. He taught Zoro valuable lessons about swordsmanship that Zoro still applies today. After Kuina’s death, Koushirou allowed Zoro to keep her sword. Koushirou’s teachings continued to have an impact on Zoro long after he left his hometown.

Zoro’s remembrance of his words is what allowed him to cut Steele. Koushirou stated that “the strongest blade has the power to protect what you wish to protect and to cut what you wish to cut.” Zoro didn’t make sense of this statement until years later, illustrating that Koushirou still held influence in Zoro’s life as a sensei.

2 Luffy Recruited Zoro As The First Member Of His Crew & Has Earned His Undying Loyalty

Zoro & Luffy Pre Time Skip Zoro & Luffy Reunite in Wano

Zoro was the first to join the Straw Hat Pirates. Zoro was skeptical of Luffy’s capabilities at first, but quickly grew to respect him. Zoro is widely recognized as Luffy’s vice captain for obvious reasons. Not only does he recognize Luffy as his captain, but he demands that everyone gives Luffy the respect he deserves.

Luffy has shown that he’s willing to give his life for his comrades, and in turn, Zoro has been willing to give his life for Luffy. Zoro supports Luffy and pushes him to strive for greatness. Their friendship is filled with admiration and forces them to become their best selves.

1 Zoro Has Devoted His Life's Ambition To Kuina's Memory

Kuina holding sparing sword

Kuina is the greatest influence in Zoro's life. Kuina was Zoro’s childhood rival and friend. She was a skilled swordsman and shared the same goal as Zoro of becoming the world's greatest swordsman. Kuina envied Zoro for his masculinity, but Zoro dismissed her beliefs. He encouraged Kuina, and acknowledged her expert swordsmanship. They promised each other that one day one of them would become the greatest swordsman.

The following day, Kuina died in a tragic accident. Zoro was devastated, but immediately vowed to become the greatest in her honor. Zoro kept Kuina’s sword and honors her through his Kraft. His promise to be so great that his name reaches heaven is what pushes him to train so hard. Kuina is not only Zoro’s first friend, but she’s responsible for the man he is today.

NEXT: Fairy Tail: 10 Best Friendships Of The Series, Ranked