One Piece has continued to reign as one of the best animes in the world today. Eiichiro Oda’s remarkable pirate story has brought fans joy for over 20 years. Fans have been looking forward to Luffy and his crew fulfilling their goals as the series enters its final saga.
Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro is one of One Piece’s strongest and most important characters. As Luffy’s trusted right-hand man and the second to join the crew, the world government recognizes his strength. Shimotsuki Kuina, despite her brief appearance, is a character of great importance. But it begs the question of how Shimotsuki Kuina is related to Roronoa Zoro.
One Piece: Who is Shimotsuki Kuina to Zoro?
Shimotsuki Kuina was the daughter of Zoro’s swordmaster and his biggest rival at the dojo. Like Zoro, Kuina has some relationships with the Wano country as her grandfather, Shimotsuki Kozaburo, is regarded as the greatest blacksmith for his unique swords, Enma and Wado.
While in the academy, Kuina was the best student, having bested the other members, including Zoro. Despite her father’s warnings that guys would eventually surpass her swordsmanship with age, Kuina persevered. After being challenged by Zoro in a battle with real swords, she uses her family’s Wado Ichimonji to defeat him.
She then tells Zoro about her insecurities as a female swordsman and that she will never be the world’s greatest swordsman. Infuriated by her words, Zoro cheers her on, telling her that only hard work and effort can prove everyone wrong. The two then promise to work towards being the world’s greatest swordsmen.
Unfortunately, Kuina dies after a tragic fall, which brings Zoro to tears as he accuses her of breaking their promise. He picks up her sword and promises to work hard for both of them and achieve their promise. Being a dual wielder, this was the birth of his Three Sword Style.
Kuina was Zoro’s rival and friend. While many teased their romantic relationship, knowing Oda’s take on romance, that is highly unlikely.
