The One Piece community has always been full of strange theories. From Crocodile being Luffy’s mom, to some fans originally thinking that Kaido was a Poneglyph, these theories offer some fun speculation as to why certain strange things occur in the One Piece universe. The worst part of these theories is that they seem completely plausible, outside of being a little odd, for the story so far.

Specifically, many of these theories delve into unraveling One Piece’s swordsman, Zoro, and his history. Many fans believe that he has the simplest of any Straw Hats backstory, and because of this, fans have constantly wanted more from the swordsman’s quiet origins. This has led to the creation of a theory that will not only fall in line with Zoro’s goal by the end of the series but also line up with Zoro’s backstory as well; Zoro will become the strongest swordswoman in the world of One Piece.

Zoro’s Quest to Be the Strongest Swordsman in One Piece

A Childhood Dream

Zoro’s backstory in One Piece follows the future Straw Hat crew member trying to grow stronger as a swordsman. Here, he meets Kuina, a young girl who proves to be far stronger of a swordsman than Zoro currently is. However, the future swordsman, Zoro, who both hates and admires her, learns that her father, and in turn, she, doesn’t believe she will ever become the greatest swordsman due to the limitations of her gender. However, both she and Zoro believe in their dream and both wish to become stronger regardless.

I want to be the world’s best too! – Kuina to Zoro

Sadly, tragedy strikes when Kuina falls down a flight of stairs while holding a sword and dies. This ignites Zoro’s quest, leading to his adventure to become the greatest swordsman in One Piece. While compared to other backstories, Zoro’s backstory is a bit straightforward, it still carries a lot of emotional weight, explaining why Zoro’s drive to become the best swordsman is so strong.

Zoro’s Backstory Has Plenty of Fan Theories

From Mihawk to Down D. Stairs

However, this simplicity has spawned many complex One Piece theories, mostly involving Ivankov, who is often used in theories like these. Theories that explain that Kuina is actually Mihawk after changing genders with the help of Ivankov, or that some Devil Fruit user made Kuina fall down the stairs are fairly common, albeit mainly for comedic value.

Specifically, some fans have created another theory that was making its rounds within the One Piece community, one that’s slightly more inconceivable than any other Zoro-related theory. In this theory, Zoro will defeat Mihawk by the end of the series, becoming the world’s strongest swordsman. After this, he would talk to Ivankov, asking the Hormone-Hormone Devil Fruit user to utilize his power in order to swap Zoro’s gender. This would in turn make Zoro the strongest swordswoman, completing Kuina’s dream.

Zoro Becoming the Strongest Swordswoman Would Be a Cheap Resolution

Falsely Fulfilling Kuina’s Dream

While this One Piece theory is hilarious, especially due to the speculative comedic relationship Sanji and this version of Zoro would have, there are a few reasons, storywise and lore-wise, why it probably should never happen. Firstly, if Zoro were to accomplish this and prove that he was the strongest swordsman as a man and then swap genders at the end, he wouldn’t be facing nearly any of the same struggles that Kuina, or someone like the Navy Soldier Tashigi, faces on their journey as a swordswoman. Additionally, in the lore, with the inclusion of Haki, and extremely physically strong female characters like Big Mom and Boa Hancock, having a “strongest swordswoman” isn’t nearly as far-fetched as early One Piece would want its audience to believe.

I’m gonna get stronger for her, too! I’m going to get strong enough that my name reaches to Heaven! I’m going to be the world’s strongest swordsman! – Zoro

In the end, when it comes to theories in One Piece, Zoro becoming the strongest swordswoman theory is up there with the Crocodile is Luffy’s mom theory, as something that probably isn’t going to happen, but it would be hilarious if it did. While Kuina is an important part of Zoro’s backstory, the real adventure now is his quest to become the greatest swordsman. Although it’s nice to think that Zoro would express his gratitude to Kuina with such a grandiose gesture, in reality, becoming the strongest swordsman in One Piece is probably enough.