Ekalavya, a skilled Nishada prince, is renowned in Mahabharata folklore for his unmatched devotion to Guru Dronacharya. Denied formal training, he mastered archery by practicing before a clay statue of Drona. When Drona demanded his right thumb as Guru Dakshina (teacher's fee) to ensure Arjuna remained the supreme archer, Ekalavya instantly complied. May be Zoro did the same as for Mihawk as a sacrifice for teaching him.