Summary
There are many running gags inOne Piecethat help keep the story entertaining. They can act as small breaks between action scenes or even add to a character’s personality. One of the longest-running gags in thestory is Zoro’sterrible sense of direction, which is far worse than simply not knowing where to go. It’s so bad that the other Straw Hats make a concerted effort to never leave him alone.
Luckily, a lot of time is spent on a boat where it’s impossible to get lost, but there’s a risk on each island that Zoro will disappear while no one is watching. ThroughoutOne Piece’s lifespan, Zoro has gotten lost quite a few times, but eventually, the crew is able to adjust to his navigational issues, keeping his excursions to a minimum.
1Adrift At Sea
He Couldn’t Find His Way Home
Zoro getting lost actually starts very early in the story. After being saved from the marine base, Zoro agrees to be Luffy’s vice-captain, and the two leave Shells Town for the next island. Unfortunately, neither of them has any navigation skills, so they end up drifting for a long time. It’s a great example of whyNami was the nextperson to join the crew.
However, the real first instance of Zoro losing his way occurs off-screen. After hearing rumors about the strongest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, Zoro set sail to find and challenge him. After failing to do so, he couldn’t find his way home, so he began hunting pirates to survive instead.
2Hunting On Little Garden
This Tree Is Familiar
The Straw Hat Pirates' second stop on the Grand Line is Little Garden, a jungle island that is home to many wild animals, including dinosaurs. As the crew waits for the log pose to recalibrate, Zoro and Sanji have a small hunting competition to see who can bring back the biggest game, which results in both of them venturing into the jungle.
As expected, Zoro is unable to find his way back to the ship, and his only landmark in the jungle is a tree wrapped in vines. He doesn’t stay lost for long, since he’s kidnapped by Mr. 3 of Baroque Works soon after.
3Exercise On Drum Island
How Not To Do A Cold Plunge
While on the Grand Line, Nami falls ill, leaving her unable to chart the ship’s course. The only solution is to stop at the next island for help. Unfortunately, Drum Island is covered in snow and full of people who are hostile to pirates, but after some begging and pleading, they agree to help Nami.
Zoro stays to protect the Merry while the others search for a doctor, and to pass the time, he begins some intense training. A part of this training is swimming in the ice-cold river. He ends up getting lost after his swim and gets buried in an avalanche.
4Searching For A Cannon
Somehow Outside The City
The Alabasta arc is full of ups and downs, but Zoro miraculously avoids getting lost until the final fight in the city. Crocodile intends to blow up the citizens of Alubarna with a huge cannon, and the crew must find it and stop it. With Vivi’s guidance, they all search nearby buildings for any clues.
Eventually, Vivi realizes the cannon is in the clock tower in the center of the city. Usopp sends up a flare to signal the rest of the crew to return. While the others were nearby, Zoro managed to leave the city entirely.
5Heading To Town Square
These Marines Are Helpful
After seeing Usopp’s flare in the sky, Zoro returns to the city of Alubarna to reconvene with his crewmates. In typical Zoro fashion, he gets lost on the way, leaving him wandering the city streets. Soon, he encounters a platoon of Marines who are surprised to see him.
Instead of trying to arrest him, the Marines berate Zoro for his sense of direction and question why he’s so far from the main fight. They tell him to go north to find his friends, which he does, albeit a little bewildered by the entire interaction.
6On The Clock Tower
North Does Not Mean Up
Following the advice of the Marines, Zoro is able to return to the city square well before the rest of the crew. As Nami, Vivi, Usopp, and Sanji discuss the best way to reach the cannon, Zoro makes his presence known from the top of the building.
It turns out Zoro confused going north with vertical height. Rather than wait outside the building for his friends, he believed he needed to go up instead. It’s one of the more egregious examples of Zoro completely misunderstanding clear directions.
7Exploring Sky Island
They Were Meant To Stay Together
The Skypeia arc is a long one, which would normally leave a lot of room for Zoro to lose his way, but the Straw Hat Pirates have developed a good buddy system by this point in their adventure. They never leave him alone for too long. He only gets lost when the crew splits into two teams.
Luffy, Zoro, Robin, and Chopper become the exploration team heading for the ruins at the center of the island to investigate and look for treasure. Before they can get too far, however, they’re attacked by a giant snake, which causes them to go in different directions. Only Robin makes it to their destination.
8Back At The Start
Snatched By A Bird
Zoro has a terrible memory when it comes to landscapes and physical landmarks. After being separated from the rest of the exploration group, he finds himself at his starting point, but he’s not sure if he actually remembers it. In fact, a giant bird starts laughing at him because he’s so confused.
They get into a bit of a scuffle, leading the bird to take Zoro’s pack and him with it. Eventually, the bird drops Zoro as bait for the giant snake chasing after them, and he lands in a completely unknown area. Luckily, it’s close to where he’s supposed to be.
9Wandering The Halls
No Disguise Needed
The G8 arc is probably one of the best filler arcs in the entire series because it’s so fun and silly, which is nice after the excitement of Skypeia. When the Merry Go falls from the sky, the crew gets separated on different parts of a Marine base.
While the others are trying to hide or blend in, Zoro gets lost and starts wandering around the hallways looking for any familiar faces. When Nami spots him, she takes his swords and tells him to hide. A few moments after that, Zoro accidentally gets himself arrested.
10Escaping A Marine Base
Don’t Let Zoro Lead
By the end of the G8 arc, Zoro needs to be busted out of prison, and one explosion later, the entire prison comes falling down. Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji make their getaway while the Marines are trying to clear the rubble.
Initially, Usopp warns the group that Zoro will get them lost on the way to the ship. Cut to a few minutes later, and they do, in fact, get lost. They are so lost that the Marines fall into their own trap.
