Discover who among Zoro and Benn Beckman is the better second-in-command in One Piece. Also, explore their respective roles in the series.

One Piece features a variety of memorable crews who take to the seas in search of freedom, fame, and glory. While the captains of these crews may often steal the spotlight, their right-hand men don’t fall far behind, captivating viewers with their personalities, powers, and loyalties.
We have seen many such individuals throughout the series, but Roronoa Zoro and Benn Beckman stick out for their active roles in the current timeline. Serving as the second-in-command to two of the Four Emperors, fans may wonder who is better at their role.
Based on what we have seen in the story, Zoro is the better second-in-command when compared to Benn Beckman. This is due to his unwavering attitude and unparalleled dedication to his captain. Here is a closer look at why we believe so.
Who Are Zoro and Benn Beckman in One Piece?

Roronoa Zoro is one of the main fighters of the Straw Hat Pirates, aiming to become the strongest swordsman in the world. Initially known as the “Pirate Killer,” he is fascinated by Luffy’s attitude and follows him after being saved from Marine captivity.
Being the first one to join the Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro is a brave man with a no-nonsense personality, facing the most fearsome of enemies if necessary. His willpower to reach the pinnacle of his craft has allowed him to gain strength and accomplishments. As a result, Zoro has a bounty of 1,111,000,000 berries and has beaten the likes of King in Wano.

While One Piece heavily features Zoro, Benn Beckman is the exact opposite. This figure severely lacks screen time but has left his mark, nevertheless. Beckman is the first mate of the Red Hair Pirates and Shanks’ second-in-command.
Unlike Zoro, he is an easygoing individual but shares the same trait of level-headedness. Beckman is portrayed as one of the smartest and strongest in the entire series, wielding a rifle powerful enough to threaten Kizaru.
Zoro’s Relationship With Luffy
Despite having joined the Straw Hat Pirates the earliest, Zoro is one of its few members who has never left the crew. This stands as a testament to his deep bond with Luffy and his faith in his captain.

Zoro shows immense loyalty toward Luffy, never doubting that his captain will become the Pirate King. While one reason for Zoro’s growth in power is his own goals, the other is to support Luffy during battle.
Whenever Luffy’s life is in danger, Zoro rushes to the front lines without hesitation, disregarding his own well-being. This was best shown when he took all of Luffy’s pain to save him from Kuma in Thriller Bark. Recent events, such as his defending against Big Mom and Kaido’s attacks, proved that Zoro would never place his own goals above his captain’s.
At the same time, Zoro shares an equal relationship with Luffy. He does not quietly obey all of the protagonist’s commands, speaking out when necessary. He does this in the belief that Luffy can grow into an ideal captain worthy of the Pirate King’s title.
Hence, Zoro and Luffy are the pillars of their crew. To balance out Luffy’s carefree nature, Zoro reinforces the need for discipline and responsibility.
Benn Beckman’s Relationship With Shanks

Much like Zoro, Beckman is the most trusted advisor of Shanks and knows his captain best. The specifics of their relationship are largely unexplored, but Beckman trusts every decision his captain makes. He understands the different facets of Shanks’ personality but trusts him to make the right decision when necessary.
This is mainly because Beckman is aware of Shanks’ kindness and ability to see the future, showing pride when the red-haired pirate intervened to stop Kid’s attack. Beckman is a more laid-back individual and hence does not work hard to reinforce Shanks’ position of leadership.
However, he stays fiercely dedicated to his captain and refuses to tolerate disrespect. This was evident when Beckman wiped out Higuma’s entire crew in Foosha Village. Similarly, Beckman knows the risk and burden of being a Yonko, assisting in any manner on the battlefield. Hence, he was even willing to face an admiral of the Marines during the Marineford War.
Zoro’s and Benn Beckman’s Roles in Their Crews

Zoro is the combat powerhouse of his crew, often battling top officers so Luffy can defeat the main antagonist. He is a leader in his own right, boosting the Straw Hat Pirates’ morale while maintaining authority and control.
As the second-in-command of the crew, Zoro shows faith in other crewmates his captain chose. He trusts Sanji to return when he left for Whole Cake Island and constantly relies on Robin for her intellect.
He is committed to protecting Luffy and the other members, training hard with Mihawk during the time skip. At the same time, he despises insubordination, willing to cut ties with Usopp if he didn’t apologize for disrespecting Luffy.

Benn Beckman, while undeniably strong, has not had the same level of action as Zoro in the series. Due to his main weapon being an Armament Haki-infused rifle, it is reasonable to assume his role is more strategy-based than fighting on the front lines. The Red Hair Pirates are an incredibly balanced and powerful crew, with less emphasis on one individual taking charge in battles.
Therefore, from what has been seen of Beckman, he is dedicated to his captain, but the duties of his defined role as a second-in-command are minimal.
Why Is Zoro the Better Second-in-Command in One Piece?
From what we have seen so far, Zoro is the better second-in-command in One Piece. He shows undying fidelity to his captain, leads the crew in Luffy’s absence, and is a powerful force who can motivate others on his own.

However, this in no way demeans Benn Beckman’s role in the Red Hair Pirates. Shanks’ crew features a group of individuals who see him as a ray of light and mainly follow him. They have a more relaxed environment due to Shanks’ pacifism but act during major world events. Due to this, the crew is majorly dedicated only to the red-haired pirate’s ideals and vision, leaving little room for the duties of a second-in-command.
Therefore, Benn Beckman may be highly loyal to his captain but hasn’t displayed a unique position that separates him from the other crewmates. On the other hand, Zoro clearly has a distinctive role in the Straw Hat Pirates, making him a crucial member without whom Luffy can’t become the Pirate King.
Conclusion
While both Zoro and Benn Beckman are exceptional second-in-commands in One Piece, Zoro ultimately stands out as the better of the two. Compared to Beckman’s more ambiguous role in the Red Hair Pirates, Zoro is the second-most important figure in his crew, showcasing unfaltering loyalty, leadership qualities, and impressive combat prowess.
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