ZOROBIN ENIES LOBBY ARC 3 - ZORO VS KAKU
(first article here; last article here)

At Enies Lobby Zoro faces Kaku, one of the strongest of CP9, second only to Rob Lucci: here the swordsman's fighting spirit is more bestial than ever, precisely in these circumstances in which Robin's life is at stake. He is ready to kill the enemy in order to have the key: at the end, among all the keys recovered by Luffy's group, it will be Zoro's key that will free Robin from her agalmatolite handcuffs. It should be noted that Zoro tells Kaku that, in the fight before Water Seven, his strength did not match that of now. And yet, we have not seen Zoro do any particular training before arriving at Enies Lobby: in essence, the Zoro that Kaku faces is the same as the Water Seven. So what's the difference? The difference is that Zoro is more decisive and determined here, once he understands Robin's motivations. Indeed, Kaku himself says that Zoro's fighting spirit here is impressive, similar to that of a wild beast: and one can't help but think that Zoro is like this because of Robin.

Zoro calls the Usopp-sword "Hana Arashi": a term that contains the word "hana" (flower), which is Robin's symbol and recalls her devil fruit, the Flower Flower or Hana Hana No Mi, in the original.

"I must have the key immediately, otherwise I'll be a loser!": quite a romantic phrase, isn't it? Indeed, Zoro defines himself as "loser" in case of failure means that he will lose someone important, precisely Robin. You've never seen a Zoro so fierce.

Zoro's definitive fighting technique to beat Kaku and obtain the key that will free Robin is impressive: it is a technique he has never used before and it is similar to Robin's, in which he multiplies his arms and body, in a manner similar to Robin's Hana Hana No Mi/Flower Flower. Besides, Zoro's technique is called "Asura", which is the name of a demon: another characteristic that unites Robin (nicknamed "the demonic child") and Zoro (considered a demon by people). Not to mention that its resemblance to the technique of Robin is honorific and simil...

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ZOROBIN ENIES LOBBY ARC 2 - EVERYONE READY TO ATTACK
(last article here.)

During the train ride to Enies Lobby, Sanji is with them: he failed to save Robin. Zoro doesn't scold the cook for his failure, which he often does in other cases. How come? It is likely that the reason is that Sanji, at that moment, is telling them some background on Robin's history, and they don't know anything about yet. So Zoro is attentive to what he says: among other things, the swordsman knows that Sanji has done everything possible against overwhelming opponents (he even warned him before!). Zoro's determination is also evident when he interrupts Nami: in fact, at that moment, the woman navigator had expressed some perplexity. It is clear that Robin is the priority for him.

Nami: It's true, but... Zoro: Forget it...we're going to save her anyway.

Once they arrive at Enies Lobby and have sided against the CP9, the moment of truth arrives: Robin's confession. She, even if is still handcuffed, explains to them the reason for her behavior. Faced with Robin's confession, Zoro is the only one to actually comment on the fact. The others either repeat her name or are thoughtful. This shows how much Zoro cared to know why Robin had acted like this. Usually, Zoro listens to other people's stories with disinterest, but here it's quite different. Zoro cares Robin, and a lot.

Robin: You will only consider me a burden in the end! You will betray me and abandon me like the others! This is what I fear the most! That's why I didn't want you to come and save me! If this is a life I'm going to lose...I'd rather lose it now! Chopper: Robin...Sanji: Robin-chan... Rufy: ... Zoro: Here's how things stand...Nami: !!

Zoro: Here's how things stand...

It's time for the real attack to Enies Lobby to free Robin: and it's also the first time that Zoro shows an "evil face" (following Nami's own words), due to another person's pain. Zoro is shown to be very eager to go into battle to free Robin as he has never been seen before: this also shows how much Robin is important to him. And it is also the first time that Zoro is seen so furious...

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ZOROBIN ENIES LOBBY ARC 1 - CLASH WITH T-BONE
(previous story arc: Water Seven; last article here.)

Sanji has reached CP9, who has captured Robin, and contacts Rufy, who tells him to attack them. Zoro tells him not to: it should be better that Sanji wait for them. The next scene is really curious: Rufy's observation suggests that he knows well the relationship between Zoro and Robin, despite the apparent detachment of the swordsman. Who is actually a little embarrassed to hear what Rufy says (and the look of the reindeer shows it all!).

Rufy: OK, Sanji, go beat them up! Zoro: Rufy! Do not joke! Tell him to wait for us!

Zoro: Hey, cook! Can you hear me? Those dudes are dangerous! Rufy: Leave it alone, Zoro. If you were in his place, you wouldn't listen to us either.

Of course, Zoro never hesitates when it comes to killing an enemy... but in this scene, where he goes up against Captain T-Bone "Ship Cutter", his determination is very strong, a hidden sign of how badly he wants to reach Robin.

Zoro: I JUST TELL YOU ONCE! GET OUT OF THE WAY OR DIE!

Zoro knows that the enemy is strong, but attacks without hesitation and continues to focus attention on the destination of Enies Lobby...Robin remains in his mind, there is no doubt about this. Also, the same fighting techniques used recall Robin: T-Bone uses an attack named after a bird ("Chokkaku Hikou Poon" = "Perpendicular Flying Bird"), and the bird is Robin's symbol. Zoro uses an attack called "demon" ("Santoru Gyuki" = "Three-sword bull demon technique") and Robin is called "the demon child" (not to mention Zoro, who is famous for being a demon in the shape of a man).

Here Zoro points to Robin as someone very important to him, even if this is implied. In front of a Marine like T-Bone, for whom Justice is everything, Zoro states that there are things more imp...

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ZOROBIN WATER SEVEN ARC 3 - PUFFING TOM
(previous article: here)

When Robin left the crew (hence she was "lost"), Zoro, at the same time, in the fight with the CP9, has lost his sword Sandai Kitetsu, which is the "cursed sword" among the three swords of Zoro. And Robin is also called "cursed", just like Kitetsu. Curious as a parallelism, not to mention that Zoro had immediately noticed the presence of the Kitetsu in Chopper's hand: then, Zoro considers the Sandai as an important sword... and it recalls how important Robin is to him.

Zoro (to Chopper): Anyway...are you carrying my "kitetsu" sword with you? Chopper: Huh? This katana?! It is true! How did you figure it out? Zoro: I figured it out by myself! It is a cursed sword, after all. Thanks for bringing it to me. Put it in my hand! Soon!

Also, Zoro's enraged face is similar to Rufy's (they're both equally enraged), only that Rufy learned from Nami the reasons for Robin's actions, while Zoro is still unaware of it. In fact, there was no scene in which Chopper explained to him what lies behind Robin's false betrayal: so Zoro cares about her rescue, even if he doesn't know the truth yet.

The shark is the symbol of Zoro (in the pre-time skip period: this). Now, the main carriage of the Puffing Tom train, which will take him to Enies Lobby and then to Robin, has the shape of a shark. Old Kokoro's comment is curious: she said the shark's head was put there as a joke. With this, Oda made it clear that any animal could have been chosen, or even no animal at all. Instead, Oda actually put in a shark. Which certainly doesn't have great importance for the train, but it does for Robin...

It is clear that the reason for the fight is Robin: but it is clear that Zoro is the one most focused on the goal. He shows he's in a great hurry: in Dressrosa, even though Big Mom's ship had appeared against Sanji's group, he wasn't so agitated. Yet it was one of the Emperors'ship. It's not that Zoro is disinterested in anyone, but it really seems that this event involves him more, since this time Robin is involved. This can be seen from his own words: "the reason for this battle is to take back what (..) they took from us", and what ...

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ZOROBIN WATER SEVEN ARC 2 - ZORO MEETS ROBIN
(previous article: here)

This page shows how much Zoro cares about finding Robin: his phrase "find Robin" is written in bold, to indicate his will and determination. Also, even if he uses the plate of swords, he still does damage (Nami says so too). He's only focused on finding her, so he clearly tells the others to get out of the way. More than for Robin's betrayal, he acts as if he really fears he will never see her again, as Robin had said earlier to Chopper.

Zoro: There's no point going around the building! We must charge inside and find Robin! Chopper: But they are just carpenters! They are not enemies! Zoro: No problem...I'll hit them with the flat of my swords! GET OUT OF MY WAY! Nami: But you hurt them all the same!

When Zoro and Robin meet again, both exclaim "Rufy": in all the panels, only the two of them are addressed to the captain. Oda doesn't use panels for no reason: Rufy's appearance surprises both Zoro and Robin alike, even though they are now in opposite camps: an implied Zorobin situation.

In this conversation below, Zoro uses the word "friends" (nakama), so he still sees her as a friend, despite her betrayal, and angrily asks her why. But he's not angry about the betrayal: he's angry because he can't understand why she's acting like this. In fact, Iceburg himself notices it, telling Zoro that he must not try to understand her... Furthermore, Robin becomes hesitant only when Zoro addresses her (his face is obscured at that moment), while, before, at the request of Rufy and the others, she replied impassively, making the figure of a "dirty traitor". But, in front of Zoro, she hesitates, even if for a moment. This is significant…

Nico Robin: To achieve my goal ... I will sacrifice everything! Zoro: So...is that why you let people think that your friends were murderers, without hesitation? What would this "goal" of yours be? Nico Robin: I'm not obligated to tell you. Iceburg: Don't try to understand her! She is...

Even after everything that's happened, Zoro says: "Looks like Robin...

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ZOROBIN WATER SEVEN ARC 1 - ZORO'S DOUBTS
(precedente arco narrativo Zorobin: Zoro vs Aokiji)

The Water Seven arc is one of the most dramatic in the One Piece saga. Not only Usop leaves the group after a furious fight with Rufy, but Robin also leaves, having abandoned her comrades, who come under suspicion for the murder of Iceburg, the mayor of Water Seven. Indeed, it seems that this happened because of Robin, who would therefore have betrayed the group. Let's move on to the analysis of the Zorobin which are present. First, let's take into account Nami's famous betrayal in the Arlong story arc. Arlong tells Zoro that Nami is a heartless woman, who even overlooked the death of her own mother, Bellmer. And Nami jumps to hear this: but she doesn't show it to anyone. But Zoro noticed it and therefore understood that there is something not right in Nami's "betrayal". While before he was sure that Nami had really betrayed them, now he begins to have some doubts: Nami's expression is the proof.

Zoro begins his analysis on Robin: unlike what happened with Nami, however, he has no evidence that can prove that Robin has not betrayed. While, about Nami, he had assumed that she had cheated, about Robin, however, he does not exclude the possibility that she has not cheated...yet, as I said, Zoro has no evidence to support this thesis. Start by saying "it's time to wake up", as if they were living in a nightmare...from Zoro wants to wake up from? Also, Zoro starts saying of Robin's discrediting data:
- at first she was their enemy
- she was with them
- she didn't leave for fear of the adventures they face (perhaps Zoro refers to the courage she had against Ener? Implicitly, he is praising her...)
But, in any case, here Zoro gives her a chance just the same... and we're talking about Zoro, a tough guy who goes fast!

Zoro: It's time to wake up. In the beginning, Robin was our enemy. Then she joined the crew. After everything that's happened, it's clear she's not the type to walk away in fear. Before the sun goes down, we need to figure out if that woman is friend or foe.

Below Zoro has a rather significant hesitation. After hearing from Chopper about Robin's last farewell to the crew, he comments: "It's like she meant she's going to..." with a visible pause wit...

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ZOROBIN: ZORO VS AOKIJI
(previous Zorobin story arc: Davy Back Fight)

After Skypiea, it is clear that Zoro and Robin are no longer strangers. Now, in the following scene after the Davy Back Fight, Rufy's crew must face Admiral Aokiji, who has designs on Robin (arrest or kill her). Aokiji's appearance immediately shocks Robin and infuriates the others, when the Admiral says that Robin will betray them. Zoro remains calm: but he is the person behind the group and follows Robin, not too closely because she doesn't think Zoro doesn't believe her, or because he doesn't want to be explicit. The fact is that Zoro is clearly after Robin, and that means he's worried about her, even if he doesn't want to show it. And he is already combat-ready.

As soon as Aokiji is about to hit Robin, Zoro immediately blocks him, without hesitation regarding the Admiral's nods about her probable "betrayal". Clearly, for Zoro, Robin is not a traitor and Aokiji's words have little value for him. It's a very strong Zorobin moment. Rufy didn't order Zoro to attack; not to mention that Zoro was the furthest from the others. Yet, he was still the first to stop Aokiji, even getting ahead of Sanji, who is often the first to protect a woman. Also, Oda showed Zoro in a whole panel, where you can see his expression of fighting fury: so he used that panel to show Zoro's feelings, which is very significant. Furthermore, in the next panel, we see Aokiji's surprise, albeit contained, in seeing Zoro's recoil: a sign that that was no small action (we're talking about an admiral...). And it's the second time that Zoro defends Robin from someone stronger than him (the first time was against Ener in Skypiea).

It could be my impression, but here Robin is in front of Zoro as if she was there to protect him, with one hand turned towards him... who knows. The fact remains that Robin remains in that position in front of Aokiji.

Here Aokiji transforms Robin into a piece of ice. Rufy shouts to Robin to get away from him (but now the damage is done); Sanji shouts "Robin!", the others are off stage. And Zoro? He doesn...

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ZOROBIN DAVY BACK FIGHT - 3/END
(Here the first article on Davy Back Fight Arc; here the previous article.)

The cover of chapter 309, in full Davy Back Fight, has the title "The groggy monsters": it is like saying "the monsters dazed and not right with their heads".

In fact, the opponents of Zoro and Sanji, in the competition for the ball, are huge monsters with a slightly stupid air. On the cover, we see Nico Robin walking on the beach, in front of the sea and, next to her, we see a turtle with a sailor hat on its head. The sea and the turtle with the hat are a connection with the giant Big Pan, half fish (hence the connection with the sea), with the ball on his head. Besides, even the turtle doesn't look intelligent. Now, in this chapter Zoro who acts in a particular way in front of everyone, when Chopper is forced to pass among the Foxy pirates. And the cover depicts Robin... who, among other things, carries two shoes in her hand: two is Zoro's number.

In this chapter, Chopper is very sad and starts crying: practically, all of Luffy's crew is worried. But only Zoro reacts very strongly: he tells Chopper that, in this situation, he has to act like a man. Chopper understands and changes his attitude. If Robin acts like a mother to Chopper (she gives him a stick of powdered sugar, for example, in this story), Zoro acts like a father. Chopper is a frequent Zorobin element.

Chopper: You all! I...I don't want! I went to sea with you...Rufy!! Rufy asked me...Rufy asked me to come!! I don't want to go with them!!!

Zoro: Stop it, Chopper! You are shameful!

After this scene, Zoro says it's time for round two, and meets the giant monster Big Pan, along with the other two. One of them, Pickles, who, by the way, uses a sword like Zoro, has 7 circles on his suit, and 7 is Robin's number.

(Continues here)

HERE ARE ALL THE ZOROBIN LINKS

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ZOROBIN DAVY BACK FIGHT - 2
(Here the previous episode.)

This scene, right after Zoro's victory, makes Robin appear indifferent to Zoro and attentive to Sanji. But it's one of Oda's many deceptions: Robin smiles at Sanji, but with her eyes closed, not with her eyes open, as if she were complimenting him to do him a favor. In fact, Robin had begun to smile only after Zoro's victory. Furthermore, there is another hidden detail: while Sanji joyfully raises his arms in front of Robin (and Nami), Usopp raises his arms to Zoro (even if he does it to give him compliments). Both Robin and Zoro, therefore, are in front of a person who raises his arms in happiness: a hidden link...but there's more.

In fact, shortly after Zoro's victory, Robin is sitting next to Zoro and Chopper (Zoro's victory had freed him). And Chopper is a bit like the "son" of Zoro and Robin. Also, being a doctor, Chopper cured Zoro, and therefore Robin will have been close to Zoro the entire time. It's quite significant as a Zorobin moment...Also, it should be noted that Zoro, Chopper and Robin's speeches are connected (Nami's sentence doesn't count, as she is out of the "group"). Not to mention that the body language shows that all three are at ease (Zoro is rubbing his shoulder, Robin is in contact with Chopper as if she was his mother...)

Zoro: What are they doing? Nami: They are having fun? Chopper: Are they really going to fight there? Robin: It's just the show before the race.

Below Zoro has an annoyed look, shown by a cloud that comes out of his mouth: the same that comes out of the mouth of Luffy, who is furious with Foxy's gang. But why should Zoro be furious, or at least annoyed, by Nami's behavior (and there's no doubt about that: he looks at her and scolds her)? She has combined a trick of her own and, now that they scold her, she pretends to cry on Robin's chest saying that everyone is bad because they are mad at her, and Robin consoles her. Well, why is Zoro annoyed? Maybe because...she would like to be in Nami's place?

When Foxy threatens the Straw Hat gang for the final showdown, it's notable that Robin and Zo...

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ZOROBIN DAVY BACK FIGHT - 1
(previous story arc: SKYPIEA)

Here are all the data on Davy Back Fight Arc. After receiving the challenge from Foxy and after Luffy accepts, Zoro and Sanji have no intention of going back. Nami protests, but Robin does not: on the contrary, she comments saying that "men are made like this", that is, they must be accepted like this. And she says it next to Zoro.

Zoro: I'd rather die than retire. Sanji: So do I. Nami: But what's wrong with you all!! Robin: Resign yourself ... men are always like this.

This is a good continuation of Zoro's comment on Skypiea about Robin, when he says to Ener: "She is a woman". It's like Robin saying to Zoro, "You understand my nature as a woman, but I also understand your nature as a man." A really smart woman. Look at the next scene:

Nami: But then...Sanji: Rufy accepted. Zoro: Perfect. Robin: Interesting...

Only Robin and Zoro smile at Luffy's decision. Zoro smiles for the sake of confrontation and Robin for the sake of adventure. But clashes and adventures are always together in One Piece, as Oda says.
So it seems like an implication of Zoro and Robin being together.

Below is an important Zorobin moment: the race list was in Zoro's hands in the beginning, then it passed into Robin's hands. This list should have been passed to either Usop or Nami, because they are the first members after Zoro. Instead the swordsman hands it to Robin, who not only isn't an original member, but he didn't trust her at the beginning.
It's a hint that Zoro is attracted to Robin (who, by the way, looked at Zoro as he read the list), and it's also possible that their hands touched when he handed her the list...

Below is a move typical of Oda's symbolism: both rival groups have 3 members, right? Luffy's group consists of Nami, Usopp and Robin. Foxy's group consists of the girl Porche (the equivalent of Nami), by the swordfish-man Capote (wh...

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