Summary
Quick Links
From early in the franchise’s lifetime, many fans have predicted that one of the Straw Hat Crew members inOne Pieceis going to die. While this is a morbid thought for a generally light-hearted show, many fan members are convinced that by the end ofOne Piece’sFinal Saga, one of the crew members will never see the One Piece itself. Although many are convinced that a crew member will die, each person has their own individual theories as to which character it may be.
One fan has determined a theory that the Straw Hat Pirate that will die by the end of the Final Saga will be Zoro, the swordsman of the crew. Overall, this theory explains that based on many elements of Zoro’s past damage, and his loyalty to the crew, Zoro is a prime candidate for death. While nothing has been confirmed, andthe Straw Hat Crewmay survive completely whole throughout the series, if one of the members were to die inOne Piece, it would most likely have to be Zoro.
Zoro Has Been Through a Lot in One Piece
Trauma and Loyalty
Zoro, unlike many of the other members ofOne Piece’sStraw Hat Crew, has taken the brunt of the damage throughout their adventures. In fact, at times, it feels like Zoro takes similar amounts of damage to Luffy himself, though he lacks the rubbery body that makes it so easy for Luffy to bounce back. Between moments like taking Luffy’s pain onOne Piece’sThriller Bark, being slashed by Mihawk, and being stabbed completely through his body by Killer on Wano, it’s a miracle that Zoro is alive to this day.
To face one who is extraordinary, I cannot allow myself to be ordinary. - Zoro
Additionally, when it comes to sacrificing himself to save the day,the extremely strong swordsman, Zoro, is always quick to put himself in danger in order to save his friends. In fact, Zoro often does these things without expressing concern for his well-being in the long run. Moments like suggesting he cut off his feet in order to escape Mr. 3’s trap, and the “Nothing Happened” moment on Thriller Bark once again come to mind.
This One Piece Theory States Zoro is Likely to Die
First Up For A Noble Sacrifice
User MadCatMed on Reddithas explained that for these reasons and more, Zoro will be the member ofOne Piece’sStraw Hat Crewthat will die by the end of the story. Firstly, the Reddit user mentions that all the injuries and damage that Zoro has taken over the years are bound to catch up with him. At one point or another, an attack may be too big for Zoro to just ‘tank,” and his mounting injuries may prove problematic.
Additionally, this user goes on Zoro’s complete loyalty to Luffy. They go on to explain how theOne Pieceauthor, Oda, once revealed that Zoro’s loyalty to Luffy runs extremely deep, deeper than any other Straw Hat Crew and follows most of Luffy’s orders. This loyalty paired with a penchant for stepping in front of danger is not a great recipe for Zoro’s survival.
Zoro’s Major Trial Is Coming
A Final Trial in the Final Saga
Finally, theOne Piecetheory explains that Zoro, unlike Sanji,the other wing of the Straw Hat Crew, has yet to face a major trial for the crew in general. The theory suggests that Zoro’s trial is coming in the Final Saga and it may be even larger than Sanji’s on Whole Cake Island. In fact, this trial may require Zoro to sacrifice not only himself, but his dream to become the greatest swordsman, to fulfill his duty to Luffy, helping him become the King of the Pirates.
Scars on the back are a swordsman’s shame. - Zoro
WhilethisOne Piecetheorybrings up some interesting points, it’s still completely up in the air whether a member of the Straw Hat Crew will die or not. With that being said, if one of the crew members were to die, Zoro would arguably be the best answer. Still, though it’s always Oda’s decision in the end, maybe killing off one of the most beloved characters in all ofOne Piecebefore he completes his lifelong goal isn’t the best way to end the series.
