💚⚔️ZoRobin🌸💜

Thank you for reading Part 1, continuing with the part 2 of this series, I will start with the Color spread that was cover of Chapter 369.

Foreshadowing at its finest. Robin with some chains, meaning her sea prism handcuffs, she's holding a japanese sword/katana, just like the ones Zoro uses... And then He's the one that got the key to free her. I also like that her picture is the closest to Zoro's and Chopper.

Both their names pointed out here, this will become a thing in the future, like when Vegapunk Shaka mentions both Zoro and Robin to Lilith.

The whole clash/fight sequence and subsequent post fight scenes are a treat (Zoro's fights are always the best 😏🤭).

I like how Zoro recognizes the justice sense of this marine but he firmly states that "But we have even more important things on the line!!!" How can this can't be shippy?! 🫣💚💜

I have seen this spread several times but for some reason I didn't paid enough attention as now. At this point, Ussop and Robin were no longer member of the Strawhats. So it makes sense, we have only 5 members in the spread.

I would like to focus in Sanji's yukata, sporting a Crane design, I did a bit of research and there is a Blue Crane in real life but not a green and its feathers tend to be grayish (it really is beautiful), so probably was inspired after that. (See this post for reference where I talk about things connecting Zoro and Robin from their birthdays, color scheme, animals representing them, etc).

Robin is represented by the Crane. (In Japan, the Crane or Tsuru, is a national treasure and is considered the bird of happiness. It symbolizes honor, good fortune, loyalty, and longevity). Cranes are native to the eastern regions of Hokkaido. Now, Zoro is represented by the Prefecture of Hokkaido (East) while Robin is represented by Osaka (West). These details connecting them like this cannot be coincidence.

So basically, we have Sanji dressed in a Yukata with a Purple Belt hinting a message about Robin, and Zoro's grim face telling us something (He really is conflicted in this arc, also it is so rare to have him so active participating and giving opinions on what to do or not to, so eager in catching Robin, finding about the truth, etc. Fighting so hard, to find the real meaning behind all of this) and his hand is placed on top of Wado's hilt. Not only that, this is picturing something that could be a normal scenery for Zoro, japanese style clothing and katanas. On the back there is a Sakura Tree. Chopper is using a Yukata with Pink Lotus designs. In Buddhism, the lotus is associated with purity, spiritual awakening, and faithfulness. The pink lotus flower is the supreme lotus and is considered to be the true lotus of Buddha.

This is interesting, from that scene we immediately get cut to the train instead of Luffy. And who's the first to speak in the panel? Zoro. (I like that his battle ready shirt is unzippered... Like what I read in someone's post a long time ago, "He slutted up for her" 🤭)

New Color spread for Chapter 377 (hint). See how is everyone paired up with the ones they are gonna fight. See how Ussop's slingshot placement is connecting Robin and Zoro. Zoro is specifically placed on top meaning he will fight Kaku.

I don't know how to categorize this but I'll say that everyone was in the train cart awaiting for the signal to enter, but he from what we have been seeing up until this point was eager in finding out about the truth behind Robin leaving. So it is safe to say this is Zoro being impulsive/eager to enter EL and is his way of preparing for battle.

Enbima Yonezu Onigiri. This Zoro attack was only used that one time. Without each other knowing probably, Robin's Demonio Fleur and Zoro's attack match each others. I have a lil post about it, you can check it out here

Now that they are a bridge of distance, is interesting to see the focus of this panel. So Robin is desperately yelling at Spandam to stop this madness of the Buster Call, trying fruitlessly to make him aware of what will happen if he pushes the button. It's not the Captain here, is Zoro who appears in the center of the second line of panels, on the Top right is an 8 year old Robin memory next to her adult self, and also specifically at the center in the last line of panels is her reaction after reliving that tragic memory. It makes you ask, of all the members, why Zoro is in the middle? 🫣🫢 now only that, already with a vein popping so hard, yes, he is mad.

Another focus on Zoro. Luffy is so Zoom out that although he's important in this sequence, it is almost so close that a bit more and he's leaving the pane. So the intention is to focus on Zoro.

In Chapter 394 "Ohara's Demons" the Colorspread features the crew visiting some ruins, Robin is distracted smiling to a lilttle dragon and Luffy is on top of a Tiger (this will be the animal that will represent Zoro in the New World/Post TS). In addition to that he's using a purple shirt. The little hints 🥰

Professor Clover, someone really close to Robin from her past. His name, his hairstyle, linked to the term "Good Luck" using a sweatshirt with a logo of a tiger on the back. I know this could be a reach but, this person being so close to Robin and those things are usually linked to Zoro (Tigers and Good Luck) he always leave things to Luck. I can't help it hahha.

The placement of the speech bubbles, interesting. And Chopper and Zoro's mad faces.

The most important thing here was everything she was saying and her reasons for being so guarded, so distant, so mysterious, so untrustworthy if you will, according to Zoro. To finally have a reply of none other than him. This is one of the most underrated ZoRobin moments.

Basically, him acknowledging her pain, like saying now I understand why you acted like that. I have seen so many posts from years ago analyzing this exact moment and can I agree, the reason why she left was important. But to me, is more like she finally bare herself wide open, let herself be vulnerable and it seems that the person most eager for that was Zoro. He knew she was hiding things from the very beginning and play along with it but still felt something was off, let her enter that's why when he's discussing with Nami, Chopper and Luffy about her betrayal before going to Iceburg's house he says "It's time to decide if that woman is a friend or foe" after analyzing the situation and her last message to Chopper he says "I'm not really on either side" "Whether to Believe it or Not" "If I pick one side and the truth is the opposite… (while unsheathing Wado) The instant in which I make my move, I'll be slowed down." - To me, he already believed in her but "tried" to remain neutral to avoid conflicting feelings getting in the way. He later in his second clash with Kaku says that if he let any feeling get in the way his techniques will be affected so this could be one of the reasons why he remains with that cold stance the majority of the time. As a swordsman he avoids letting himself be weak in time of needs.

The most awaited moment, a heartfelt cry and acceptance.

After those words and those tears... Oh Robin, girl, you don't have any idea the things you have done to him. What fire you lit "You just set his soul on fire". This man will destroy the world for you. -- For someone saying that he didn't pick one side or the other in trusting her, you sure are devilishly happy Zoro... With hands on Wado already and everything. 😏🤫😈

I like this small but really meaningful detail the anime showed to us. This is an old Samurai Practice called Kincho - The act of drawing and sheathing the sword means a vow that cannot be broken. He made a silent unbreakable vow to save her. How beautiful is this. Here is a lil video from katakuriballs tiktok about the same scene.

And this is just after that... 😈😡

You can tell Enies Lobby is my Favorite Arc, because of the emotional turmoil and Robin's backstory and how Zoro became so active in his search for answers about Robin. This a post from March that I did for Enies Lobby expanding a bit more about a few things that I haven't mentioned here.

I like that here he didn't wasted any time and arrived as quickly as possible to defeat Kaku. Not only that but with swords already drawn. Beware when Zoro starts smiling like that. 💀

Foreshadowing... And he did have the key of Robin's handcuffs... Is interesting that none of the other strawhats said something like that to their CP9 opponent. You can very much see the protagonism Zoro had in this arc. He was like the main character here.

Kaku, He has a girl to save you know... And not any ordinary girl for that matter.

He can't afford that.

This is just some random commercial, but here is one of those examples displaying his analytical mind. He's dumb for directions but aside from that...

I like how he's mentioning "World Government" as a whole because those are the guys that are threatening his girl.

Either way, I need to get the key quickly!!! I'd be a loser if I don't make it in time!!! 😏🤔

I had to put gifs here from the anime to better illustrate this, this is from Episode 300... I dunno how many times I watched it already but the final showdown its so good, and it is the first time Zoro uses this technique. The manga obviously can't add too much detail into certain scenes or moments due to the content/page limit that's why the anime compliments the manga so much.

This is one of my favorite ZoRobin scenes, because Kaku provokes Zoro so much to the point he snaps when Kaku mentions Robin and then "Ashura Ichibugin" comes into play.

"In the name of Justice, a mistake that severe can only be punished by death! The same goes for Nico Robin." (Kaku actually says あの女 ano onna/"that woman". But it is the same in the end). Thus triggering Zoro and he gets flashbacks of Robin crying for help saying "I want to live" then he says, "Kono…" the translation goes as "You Bastard" after a few seconds he then says: "Your mouth just crossed the line" "Now you are gonna pay you arrogant freak." I find this anime scene fit in perfectly, expanding what the manga showed.

The winner is... Zoro. In the anime I always find it a little long the time he stays staring at the doors when they began opening since he insisted so many times that he didn't have any time to waste but the post fight scene makes it look like he stayed a long time just standing there. But now checking Chapter 418 it is actually immediately that Sanji arrives and says "Oi Marimo, what happened to the key?" Zoro: "Ah I just got it".

There is too much in this arc to not include it in a post dedicated to ZoRobin. Definitely the image limit is a problem, because I don't want to bore you guys with too much text without something good to illustrate it 😅 please bare with me while I'll be preparing a Part 3!

Thank you for the time you take to read my posts. I do pour love to each of them, please excuse any grammatical errors or any mistakes, I tend to proofread it myself but sometimes I notice things after it is posted 🤣

PS. I strongly recommend checking out the link from the reddit I added about old samurai practice, called Kincho, it is worth checking, specially if you scroll down and read the complementary comments from 2 users under this deleted account comment:

"It could just be coincidence. But damn I sure hope it wasn't. Oda is just so good you know hed put in small subtle details like that."

Then click on the + next to that comment and the comments by hayashirice911 and HPsyche are so good!

ZoRobin Supremacy! 💚💜🌸⚔

At the end of Long Ring Long Island Arc when they encountered Aokiji.

For someone not trusting her, look at Zoro's reaction which is placed in the 2nd frame, this reaction is strategically placed in the middle of both Luffy and Sanji’s. To get us to focus on him as well. Not only that, Luffy is shocked/confused and Sanji as well but with Zoro, he's ready to attack, that face says it all.

Now check out the following page, pay attention who is in the middle.

Aokiji in the center of the first panel, then we get to see Robin's face she's in shocked and obviously scared of this man, and look who is in the center of the below interactions. The 3rd reaction (hint) and if you look closely the focus is on him like it has been zoom in, since the others are not occupying the whole frame, there's a space for actually see the background in the others. His face is so grim ready to do whatever it takes.

And that is to emphasize the following panel>>>

In the previous panel, Aokiji said to them "Don't get so worked up/murderous", "I'm not here under orders". And this is the part that I like, Zoro immediately said: "Orders?! What Organization do you belong to?! No one else pickup on that, but him. Look at his face, so mad that he actually was confronting the enemy, questioning him, and ready to take him on, he usually wait for captain's orders or to Luffy to attack.

For someone not trusting that woman, these actions speak a lot. 😏

So after this, Aokiji helped Tonjit and Shelly cross the land. In the anime there was a filler scene with some shipwreck survivors in a different island to introduce Aokiji. They got to know Aokiji Logia Fruit powers but during the whole time, Zoro kept close distance to Robin.

When Aokiji decided to "confront" them and Robin attacks him,

Now that Tonjit is not around, Aokiji just confronts them saying that he thinks of them growing stronger and dangerous and the main reason is Robin.

Then it comes this scene, one of the best ZoRobin scenes, Zoro stopping Aokiji from hurting Robin.

Look at that face, as saying… Dare to touch her and you are dead MF.

I like that in the anime Zoro complains to Sanji for buttin’ in, kinda like stealing his heroic moment. 🤭-- Also an special detail is that this scene happens in Chapter 320. Remember, that Oda likes to hint things with numbers as well, we have seen this in other occasions.

Now when Aokiji freezes Robin

Everyone is shocked. But I like the detail in Zoro's face because is saying a lot, in between shock the most apparent is rage. And showing Luffy and Sanji calling her, is as voicing out loud Zoro’s own thoughts.

Then Luffy saves Robin from getting crushed, Ussop saves her a lil after and runs with Chopper with Robin in their arms to give her first aid in the ship. Nami then interrupts Aokiji saying pirates are a collection of people like Robin, but Aokiji just pushes Nami and is when Sanji and Zoro were about to react>>

Obviously Zoro worries about Nami and everyone else in the crew, but his expression right here is for what Aokiji did to Robin. He had enough of this guy already.

Luffy decided to get a duel with Aokiji to avoid anyone else from getting hurt. Then Sanji and Zoro returned to the ship and Zoro yelled at Chopper desperate to find a way to defrost both of them arm and leg.

Ussop then comes and ask them where's Luffy and Sanji says Luffy decided to take Aokiji, in a Duel. Ussop reprimanded them for leaving Luffy behind even if it was captain's orders, so he and Sanji almost got into a fight to which Zoro intervenes saying its not the time or the place for that.

Chopper's "I don't know yet..." is what adds more fuel to Zoro's rage and desperation. They don't know if Robin is going to be okay and Luffy is in great danger.

Then later, see this, first his hands are resting on his hips, standing waiting for updates on their health conditions. He's in front of the door expecting the outcome.

Hands moved from hips to pockets after hearing the good news...

Here is important to note that we get to see the reactions of everyone, although we cannot see their faces, their reactions are relief and happiness after Chopper confirmed Robin and Luffy's hearts started beating again. But what I find interesting is the placement of Sanji's speech bubbles, Zoro is the only one whom we cannot see or deduct what expression he might have since his hands are in his pockets and he remains silent after the announcement.

The speech bubble looks like strategically placed as to serve the purpose of not only denoting Sanji's emotions. But it is through Sanji (another character) that the author could possibly convey a different character's feelings without him even speaking a word or demonstrating anything visibly. From a psychology point of view it is said that, "Keeping your hands in your pants pockets can indicate insecurity or can give your audience the impression that you're hiding something". So this is quite interesting 🤔

With Sanji's speech bubbles, we get to see a heart next to her name, "Robin-Chan♥" (the chan suffix was omitted in this translation) and next to it are two additional hearts, 3 in total. The hearts are going in the opposite way, leaning to the left where Zoro is. This is a minor hint that could be easily overlooked.

I like how here the Focus is in Zoro scolding Ussop to get some rest but he himself stood a guard position during the entire night and Robin is awake probably thinking how she is bringing them misfortune and problems, already feeling like a burden to them and remembering the events that transpired barely a few hours before and things from her past.

He didn't really sleep while staying in guard and alert, never really reached the deep sleep state.

In the manga we get this view,

But the anime adds the following,

Usopp was chatting with Chopper and the camera moves to Zoro and it stays with him until we hear the sound of a door being opened and the next frame happens,

He moves his sight to where that door is... Then the camera goes to Sanji and Nami and after that the focus goes to Robin.

Nami is the first to call her name and then Sanji.

Now already anchored in Water 7 while Luffy, Nami and Ussop left to exchange gold for berries, the following happens:

Waifu telling Husband where she's going to before leaving the ship. 🥰

There is a little something there, probably is just me, but I find the following interesting, we have a conversation between Sanji and Chopper after Robin's sudden disappearance.

And then the immediate panel after this is Zoro just thinking after what Kaku told him of the Going Merry current state.

And then the chapter shows Luffy in the Shipyard with Iceburg and the Galley-La guys. It's probably nothing and was just used to connect one frame with the next one, but still.

This is the last time he's seen "on-screen". A few chapters go by before we could see Zoro again, he reappears in Chapter 340.

And the very same chapter where Robin says goodbye to Chopper and Sanji, saying that she won't get back to the crew.

It has me thinking, in this arc Zoro started to call her by her name and that was before he got to know her "betrayal". He previously referred to her as "that woman".

She uses the word "Kokoro" but it is special when you search for the real meaning of this word in japanese, "Conceptually, it unites the notions of heart, mind, and spirit." So when you actually think about it, it is wild. These are really big words: "The life I once threw away, the Heart I lost.. The dreams I thought were dead... They bring these back to me, every time." These words have always left me thinking, for a person so broken like Robin to actually say something like that, I know this could only mean the ties she has with all of them the first 6 SHs but regardless, these words definitely have a deeper meaning than what we might think.

On a side note, I find poetic she's wearing a green cape to say her farewell and a purple eye mask. Coincidence?

I mean, this is self explanatory 😏

After hearing that Robin lied to protect them and got under custody to save their lives, Luffy says this to Zoro, look at his face... 😍... What Could've been if instead of Sanji it was Zoro trying to get Robin back? My... All the Possibilities!

I hate the limit there is for images 😤anyway haha - Now that I got inspired, probably I'll post a 2nd part, let me see.

I've been having the main idea for this one sitting in my drafts for some time now, but I wanted to investigate a bit more as I got interested in the meanings behind the cards motifs.

Hanafuda Cards means Flower Cards, it is a game brought to Japan by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. Hanafuda cards as they exist now first appeared in the mid-1800s. 

A Deck consists of 48 cards and is divided into twelve suits of four cards each. Each suit represents a month of the year and has an image of a flower or plant connected to that month.

Of course as a ZoRobin Shipper I will be focusing in the ones featuring Zoro and Robin.

Zoro is depicted in the September's Hanafuda Card. This card traditionally has a Red/Yellow Chrysanthemum with a Sake Cup.

This is Zoro's Eyecatcher and below is the Traditional Hanafuda Card with the same motif.

The Text in the Sake Cup is kotobuki which means "Long Life". Hanafuda Cards Wiki

Japanese Chrysanthemum's are Best viewed in: September to November.

Which means this is a Fall/Autumn Flower and this is something that caught my attention when reading a bit more about this Hanafuda Cards and the Flower behind it. Mainly because this season is something in common between Zoro and Robin, Autumn is their favorite season. You can see additional things they have in common in the following post "Interesting things about ZoRobin"

Kiku (Chrysanthemum): Embodying Endurance and Rebirth It represents endurance and rejuvenation, with the yellow chrysanthemum often associated with the sun. The chrysanthemum is also a symbol of royalty and nobility, featured prominently in the crest of the Japanese Imperial Family.

Japan has two unofficial national flowers: the sakura and the chrysanthemum, commonly referred to as “kiku”. The sakura is more popular, but the kiku is the one that appears on the Imperial seal. Interestingly, the kiku was once used for medicinal purposes, as people back then believed that it could help extend your life.

Another interesting aspect is that this flower is yellow and it changes to red when its blossoming. And Color Red is associated to Love.

In Japan there is a festival in honor to this flower.

Robin is depicted in the June's Hanafuda Card. This card traditionally has a Red Peony and Butterflies.

This is Robin's Eyecatcher and below is the Traditional Hanafuda Card with the same motif.

Peonies are Best viewed in: April to May. (Spring) - However, there's also Winter Peonies late November-mid February.

Botan (牡丹) means peony in Japanese and is considered the “King of Flowers” due to its beauty, elegance, and symbolism. It is associated with wealth, prosperity, and love, and is often featured in traditional Japanese art.

In Japanese art, red peonies symbolize passion, love, and good fortune (Zoro always leaves things to luck and is always depicted as having extreme good luck and fortune). They are often depicted in vibrant hues to convey intense emotions and vitality. Red peonies are particularly popular in romantic scenes, where they symbolize deep affection and desire.

Another interesting aspect is the numerology always associated to them, Robin is represented by the number 7th, but her birthday is Feb 6th (the was born in the beginning of spring). I have detailed the seasons and the Japanese calendar associated to this in this post "Interesting things about ZoRobin" also I mention the 7 Flowers of Autumn in here -

Seven is a lucky number in Japan and they have 2 customs associated to Spring and Autumn. Which are the Seven Herbs of Spring and Seven Herbs/Flowers of Autumn where festivals are celebrated. Reference: https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-number-seven-2028033 or https://geordiejapan.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/lucky-number-%E4%B8%83/ - They also have "The 7 Gods of Luck".

In one of Hapifangurl recent posts, she talks about the flowers associated to Robin (Casablanca Lily) and Zoro (Thistle and Wisteria), to review a bit more about it, please check it out here

Japan's flower per Season https://japancitytour.com/seasonal-flowers-in-japan/

During the broadcast of Episodes 927-931 of Wano, in Japan there was a special eyecatcher set celebrating the winners of a lotto, called "The Great Battle of Shibuya". Check out Zoro's and Robin's art composition.

I like the elegance in portraying both of them. The Samurai and The Beautiful Geisha.

The rest of the Strawhats are shown as scared/shocked or mad but not as fierce/deadly as them.

Eyecatcher's Wiki page

Both portraying the elegance of a Samurai and a Geisha. I still find it interesting their undercover roles for the infiltration in Wano Kuni. Samurais and Geishas were really interconnected in the Edo Japan.

Now talking about matching Eyecatchers, their Wanted Posters has always caught my attention. These wanted posters have evolved as their bounties were raised. Not only that but the amount put on their heads.

Zoro appears with his characteristic black bandana when he's serious in a fight, therefore having his face and forehead covered and Robin covering her mouth performing a fleur attack, but is really interesting how every time they are in sync or have pictures matching each other, plus Robin has a single fringe hair over her left eye simulating Zoro's left eye scar.

Roronoa Zoro "Pirate Hunter" Current Bounty 1,111,000,000

First Bounty: Zoro received a 60,000,000 bounty after he defeated the assassin Daz Bonez in the Arabasta Arc and for defeating 100 bounty hunters in Whisky Peak.

Second Bounty: After the events at Enies Lobby and for defeating Kaku of the CP9, Zoro's bounty was raised to 120,000,000. Third Bounty: For defeating elite officer Pica of the Donquixote Pirates, Zoro's bounty was raised to 320,000,000. His wanted poster got a new picture. Fourth Bounty: Zoro's bounty was raised to 1,111,000,000 and he was recognized as one of the Senior Officers of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet.

Nico Robin "Devil Child" Current Bounty 930,000,000

First Bounty: Robin has a 79,000,000 bounty from 20 years ago.

Second Bounty: After the events at Enies Lobby, Robin's bounty only had a slight increase, making it 80,000,000, and received an updated picture. Third Bounty: Robin's bounty was raised to 130,000,000, and received an updated picture. Fourth Bounty: Robin's bounty was raised to 930,000,000 and she was recognized as one of the Senior Officers of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet.

Even the bounties are matching in a way. Zoro's first having the number 6 (associated to Chopper and Robin) and Robin's 3rd and 4th having the 3 (associated to Zoro).

I really love how always there is something. Oda likes to play with numbers, the numerology is always important and a way to introduce hints in this story.

Apologies for the long post and thank you for reading!!!