Zoro’s absence during the Whole Cake Island arc sparked curiosity among fans. Despite being a core member of the Straw Hat crew, his whereabouts remained unknown. Let’s delve into the possible reasons behind his absence and unravel the mystery.
Why Wasn’T Zoro In Whole Cake Island?
Zoro, Franky, Usopp, and Robin departed from Zhou Island to embark on their journey to the land of Wano. Meanwhile, Luffy, Nami, Chopper, and Brook set out to rescue Sanji from his impending marriage and reunite him with the Thousand Sunny.
This marked the beginning of the Whole Cake Island arc. Consequently, Zoro’s absence during the Whole Cake Island arc can be attributed to his separate mission in the land of Wano.
Where did Zoro go in Whole Cake Island?
Bartholomew Kuma had sent Zoro to Kuraigana Island, coincidentally the same place where Perona was also sent. Initially, there was a sense of wariness between them, considering their past encounters as enemies.
However, a certain level of trust began to develop as Perona returned Zoro’s swords, and the two explored the island’s ruins together. During their exploration, Zoro unexpectedly came across a mysterious individual wielding a sword.
What would have happen if Zoro was in Whole Cake Island?
If Zoro had been present on Whole Cake Island, he could have provided assistance to Luffy, allowing him to conserve his strength. While it’s possible that Luffy may have chosen to face Cracker alone, if he had allowed Zoro to join the fight, it would have likely ended much quicker, sparing Luffy from exerting himself excessively.
Even with the arrival of the army after defeating Cracker, they would have been able to hold out for a bit longer before eventually getting captured. Jinbei would still have come to their rescue from the book prison, and overall, not much would have changed during the tea party considering the overwhelming number of enemies, particularly with Big Mom’s presence.
It is important to note that even with Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji combined, they would not have stood a chance against Big Mom, and their primary objective would still be to escape.
However, Zoro’s presence would have left Luffy in better condition to face Katakuri, as he would have had more energy. The rest of the Straw Hats, including Zoro, would continue fleeing from Big Mom, and in the event she landed on the ship, Zoro could have attempted to knock her off, knowing he would not stand a chance against her alone. Having Zoro there would have likely reduced the damage to the Sunny significantly.
As I previously mentioned, in a similar scenario, Zoro would most likely stay behind on the Sunny while Sanji goes to retrieve Luffy after his battle with Katakuri, expressing his frustration by saying something like, “This is your fault, crap cook. Go get him.” Additionally, Sanji’s speed would make him better suited to go alone, as he was already struggling to carry Luffy and escape even with his agility. Ultimately, the arc would conclude in a similar manner, with the Straw Hats managing to escape and moving forward to Wano.
What happened to Zoro in Wano?
After engaging in battles against the Beast Pirates, Zoro faced the formidable opponents Big Mom and Kaido, resulting in his defeat while fully conscious. However, a fortunate twist of fate occurred when he lost consciousness.
Upon awakening, he found himself prepared to confront King. While some attribute Zoro’s victory to the legendary sword Enma, it is important to clarify that this belief is unfounded.
Why did Sanji stay at Whole Cake Island?
In that pivotal encounter, Sanji finally succumbs to his emotions and confides in Luffy, revealing the truth behind his actions. He confesses that his presence on Whole Cake Island was motivated by his desire to safeguard everyone.
Touched by his sincerity, the Straw Hat captain warmly embraces Sanji, wholeheartedly accepting him back into the crew. With their determination renewed, they set their sights on disrupting the impending wedding.
Zoro’s absence in Whole Cake Island may be due to Oda’s decision to focus on other characters or to create suspense. It could also be a strategic move to showcase his strength in future arcs.
