It’s not that shallow but do you also believe someone obsessed with being the greatest will follow someone’s orders below him?
Zoro does know who’s stronger. Example right now, he fully believes only Luffy can take down Kaido.
Zoro does know who’s stronger. Example right now, he fully believes only Luffy can take down Kaido.
Zoro literally went to roof top to cut Kaido in half and he only came down because Luffy asked him to. It's simple as when Zoro tells Luffy to let him handle something doesn't mean Luffy can't do it.
It is respect between both of them.
Same reason why Zoro stayed behind even though he coulda easily gone and helped Luffy beat Doffy