Highlights

  • The vice-captains of the Straw Hats and Roger Pirates, Zoro and Rayleigh, share similar traits and ambitions, showcasing the dynamics that contribute to One Piece's success.
  • Both Zoro and Rayleigh are formidable swordsmen and second-in-command to their respective captains, showcasing their loyalty and strength within their crews.
  • The comedic dynamic between Luffy and Zoro resembles that of Roger and Rayleigh, providing some of the best comedy in the series. The unbreakable loyalty among these characters is a strong theme throughout One Piece.

With the plethora of formidable characters and pirate crews present within the One Piece world, not many are close to the Straw Hats and Roger Pirates. Both come from two completely different eras yet still hold some of the same traits, ones of which are needed to be the most free and powerful out on the vast seas in One Piece.

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While the similitude between Monkey D. Luffy and Gol D. Roger is clear as day, the combination of themselves paired with their vice-captains Roronoa Zoro and Silvers Rayleigh showcase dynamics that are ones to behold, and are a pivotal factor in One Piece's success.

1 Zoro & Rayleigh First Mates

Both Zoro & Rayleigh Were Opposed To Joining Initially

Zoro & Rayleigh

Not only are Zoro and Rayleigh the second-strongest members of their respective pirate groups, but they are the vice-captains and closest friends of Monkey D. Luffy and Gol D. Roger. While there are no official titles among the crews in terms of ranking or status, but rather roles, the aura and personality that both characters exude is one of a king-like ambition, which is also evident in their Conqueror's Haki.

Nicknaming themselves Dark King Rayleigh and King Of Hell, it is clear that Eiichiro Oda intended to have both characters maintain extremely similar traits. If not for their captains and the level of their leadership, both of these characters are those who would be in command.

2 Vice-Captain Swordsmen

Both Characters Are Second In Command By Default

Roronoa Zoro

While it is important to mention that Gol D. Roger, the captain of the Roger Pirates, himself was a swordsman and a very formidable one at that, it is yet another trait both vice-captains between Luffy and Roger also share. Before meeting Luffy and having the friendship grow exponentially, Zoro's ambition was to become the world's greatest swordsman, and he vowed to cut Luffy down if he ever came in the way of that aim.

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Now, this has changed entirely as Zoro has pledged his life and allegiance to Monkey D. Luffy, notoriously taking his pain and risking his own life to save his crew. This was again evident in him dropping his pride as a swordsman and asking his eventual rival Dracule Mihawk to train him during the two-year time skip. While the same hasn't been shown yet between Roger and Rayleigh, there is no doubt that Rayleigh would do whatever it took for his captain to become the Pirate King.

3 Comedic Dynamic

Luffy & Roger Share The Same Easy-Going Style

Roger, Gabaan, and Rayleigh

Just as fans are aware of how alike Luffy and Roger are, not only in physical appearance but also in their mannerisms, this also allows for the comedic dynamic between Luffy and Zoro to resemble that of Roger and Rayleigh. Particularly within the pre-time skip phase of One Piece, Luffy would put Zoro and the rest of the crew in some of the most dangerous yet funny situations, resulting in some of the best comedy the series has to offer.

Since the adventures of the Roger Pirates have only been explored more recently in the Wano Country arc, based on the few glimpses of their interactions, it suggests that the same dynamic was prevalent throughout their time together. With the manga gradually lifting the lid on the events of the God Valley incident and showcasing both the Roger and Rocks Pirates in their early days, fans may be in for a treat.

4 Strongest In Their Crews

Zoro Is Now A Yonko Commander

Gear 5th Luffy

While Luffy is in a league of his own after his awakening, both himself and Zoro stand far and above most of those in the crew, just as the same applies to Roger and Rayleigh. This does not downplay the capabilities of both the Roger and Straw Hat Pirates, with the likes of Sanji, Jinbei, Franky, and Scopper Gaban, but it is safe to say that the captains and vice-captains are the most feared and revered across the seas.

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As Eiichiro Oda approaches the end of his story with it finally entering its final saga, it will be exciting to see just how powerful Luffy and Zoro will become by the end of the story, and whether they will eclipse Roger and Rayleigh.

5 Unbreakable Loyalty

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Luffy & Zoro holding swords

If there is any choice of the biggest traits these set of characters share within their dynamics, it would most certainly be loyalty. While it has been primarily shown on Zoro and Luffy's part, with Zoro taking his captain's pain as aforementioned, and Luffy trusting him to have his back along with the rest of the crew, it is obvious the same goes for Rayleigh.

To become Pirate King among so many vicious and deadly pirates in the world of One Piece, would take a crew that is unshakable from its core. Since Roger achieved that, the backing from Rayleigh and the rest of his crew matched that of what fans are witnessing now with the Straw Hats, and it will remain a strong theme until the very final sequence.