There are still lots of unsolved mysteries and unanswered questions in the world of One Piece. During the early phase of the One Piece manga, Eiichiro Oda revealed a lot of big names associated with the main and supporting characters of the series.
In the Straw Hat Pirate crew, the manga author has already revealed the origins of some of the members of the pirate crew. Some of these are Luffy’s father, Sanji’s relationship with Germa 66, and Usopp’s family. In the early days of One Piece, the author also shared the life of Zoro, but his real origin is not mentioned. However, it seems that the latest manga chapter of One Piece just hinted at Zoro’s real father.
Who is Roronoa Zoro’s father?
As of writing, there is still no confirmation in the manga of who is Zoro’s real father. But in Chapter 1024, Eiichiro Oda introduced a male samurai from the Wano Country that is too familiar with the One Piece fandom, especially for Zoro’s fans.
Previously, One Piece introduced a man in silhouette named Shimotsuki Ushimaru, the last daimyo of the Ringo Region in Wano. His silhouette already caught the attention of the One Piece community. That triggered a lot of theories suggesting that he was Zoro’s father.
While the manga is yet to confirm Shimotsuki Ushimaru’s relationship with Roronoa Zoro, the latest One Piece Chapter 1024, titled “Nobody Important”, just strengthens the possibility of a relationship between the two swordsmen.
In the new chapter, Shimotsuki Ushimaru finally gets his face revealed. His physical attributes, including his jaw, hair, and body, are almost identical to Zoro’s.
Shimotsuki’s physical attributes are not the only reason why he was Zoro’s father. In Chapter 1023, Hyogoro also recognized Zoro’s ability as he reminded him of the former Daimyo of Ringo when he was still young.
Could Shimotsuki Ushimaru be Roronoa Zoro’s biological father? If this was the case, why was Zoro in East Blue when he was young? Let us know your opinions and theories in the comments below.
My theory for Zoro coming from the East Blue is this:
The village that Zoro was shown to be a child in is called Shimotsuki Village, clearly named after the former Daimyo of Ringo. Perhaps Shimotsuki had moved to the East Blue for a brief respite from the conflict within Wano. He could have founded a small village and had Zoro. Afterwards, he and Zoro’s unknown mother fled the village to continue living in Ringo.
This is all speculation and could be completely untrue if it’s confirmed in the manga/anime or in an SBS with Oda that Shimotsuki isn’t Zoro’s father.
I believe Zoro’s mother is a descendant or relative of Ushimaru (sister/daughter). I also believe she “fell in love” with Kaido, and was part of the family’s migration to East Blue when she was pregnant. This was done to keep Kaido separate from the clan and avoid shame on the family.
I believe Zoro’s “demon presence”, as well as confirmed demon abilities with 9 sword style, are a result of him being half-Shimotsuki, and half-Oni