Every Great Grade Blade We Know In One Piece

As a seasoned One Piece fan, I’ve sailed through countless stormy seas and navigated treacherous waters to reach this moment – discussing the intricate world of swords in Wano Country. The blades of these samurais are not just weapons, they’re symbols of honor, power, and tradition. Each blade carries a unique story that echoes through generations, and I must admit, it’s an absolute thrill to delve into their tales.

Meito, also commonly referred to as Legendary Swords, Renowned Blades, or similar titles, are exceptional swords of great prestige. A connoisseur in blades can easily identify them and they often fetch high prices while being wielded by skilled masters. The grade of each Meito is assigned based on its strength and quality.

The blades referred to as Great Grade are the second-highest quality swords, surpassed only by the 12 Supreme Blades. There are just 21 of these exceptional swords called Meito in existence worldwide. Interestingly, the five confirmed to the public hail from Wano Country, a region renowned for its master craftsmen. At present, these blades are held by individuals with connections to the area. This compilation aims to record all known Great Grade Blades.

6. Wado Ichimonji

One of Zoro’s Blades

  • Current Owner: Roronoa Zoro
  • Creator: Shimotsuki Kouzaburou

The sword known as Wado Ichimonji has been in possession of Zoro since his quest to achieve the title of the World’s Strongest Swordsman. Prior to this, it was used by his friend and sparring companion, Shimotsuki Kuina. This blade was created by her grandfather, Kouzaburou, who carried it from Wano. Upon reaching East Blue, he established Shimotsuki Village, where the sword has been passed down through generations. Eventually, both Koushirou, Kouzaburou’s son, and his granddaughter, Kuina, would wield this family heirloom.

In Koushirou’s class, Kuina and Zoro were his most gifted pupils. Their bond deepened into a blend of camaraderie and competition. During a fierce battle, Kuina employed Wado Ichimonji and emerged victorious against Zoro. However, her victory was met with minimal jubilation, for Koushirou’s old-fashioned views on gender skills in swordsmanship troubled her, particularly since she was nearing puberty. Zoro consoled her, emphasizing that talent and persistence were what truly mattered. In a heartfelt exchange, they pledged to each other that one of them would ascend to the title of the World’s Greatest Swordsman.

Following an unexpected demise at the tender age of eleven, Zoro sought the sword in order to honor his pledge to Kuina. Koushirou consented to this, and ever since, the weapon has been under the possession of the swordsman. In essence, it continues to be a part of the Shimotsuki lineage, as Zoro’s grandmother on his father’s side, Furiko, was also a member of that family. Wado Ichimonji holds such significance that Tashigi felt slighted by a pirate claiming custody over it.

5. Ame no Habakiri

One of Oden’s Blades

  • Current Owner: Kozuki Momonosuke (Tentatively)
  • Creator: Kozuki Sukiyaki

One of Kozuki Oden’s iconic swords, Ame no Habakiri, was renowned for its unique implementation of the Two-Sword Style. Its blade boasts a celestial palette of white and gold. The sword’s name is reminiscent of the legendary Japanese katana wielded by the Shinto deity, Susanoo, to vanquish the eight-headed beast, Yamata No Orochi. This association might stem from the fact that it was among a scant few weapons capable of inflicting damage upon Kaido in his dragon form.

The blade in question was skillfully crafted by Kozuki Sukiyaki, the father of Oden, an accomplished artisan. Following his son’s demise, Sukiyaki miraculously reclaimed Ame no Habakiri. Despite his desire for Momonosuke to bear the family legacy, Sukiyaki himself doubts that Momonosuke is ready to yield his late father’s sword.

4. Enma

A Demonic Meito

  • Current Owner: Roronoa Zoro
  • Creator: Shimotsuki Kouzaburou

As a sword enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the legend of Enma, Oden’s other signature blade. While Ame no Habakiri radiates a more celestial vibe with its white hue, Enma is a darker, fiercer counterpart, boasting a striking combination of deep purple and bold red.

Originally, Ame no Habakiri was meant to be Momonosuke’s birthright. On the other hand, Enma was supposedly owned by Momonosuke’s younger sister, Hiyori. Nevertheless, Hiyori gave up Enma and received Shusui instead when she traded it with Zoro.

Like, Ame no Habakiri, Enma was one of two blades to scar Kaido many years ago, resulting in the distinctive “x” shaped scar seen on his chest. The blade can release its wielder’s Arament Haki, resulting in gaining a feared reputation. Zoro’s arm was emaciated until he established control with the blade, and it apparently would emaciate a lesser swordsman’s entire body. Zoro not only wounded Kaido once again with Enma, but also used it to defeat King, which is especially notable when one considers he is of the resilient Lunarian species.

Sukiyaki proposes that if Zoro manages to convert Enma into a perpetual Black Blade, it could possibly elevate its rank, reaching Supreme Grade status. An intriguing aspect about Enma is that its size adjusts to fit Zoro and the larger Oden comfortably. This inconsistency is similar to Ame no Habakiri, but it’s more evident with Enma because it has been observed being used by two swordsmen of different sizes.

3. Nidai Kitetsu

A Cursed Sword

  • Current Owner: Kozuki Sukiyaki
  • Creator: Kotetsu

The legendary sword Nidai Kitetsu, infamously believed to be cursed, hails from the Kitetsu school. It’s said that those who wield it meet untimely and tragic ends. This blade was forged by Kotetsu, a forefather of the Kozuki Clan. Presently, Kozuki Sukiyaki is its custodian. Among the other Kitetsu Meito, Sandai Kitetsu is now possessed by Zoro. He found it in Lougetown and chose to challenge its fate. It’s worth mentioning that Sandai Kitetsu is the only sword Zoro currently uses that doesn’t fall under the Great Grade category; instead, it’s merely a Grade Blade, which is the lowest rank of Meito, with an uncertain number of them existing.

The quality of Kitetsu Meito seemed to decrease as they were produced more recently. Nidai Kitetsu is of lower quality than Shodai Kitetsu, a sword created before Kotetsu’s existence, but it is superior to Sandai Kitetsu, which was crafted by Sukiyaki, who is still alive today. Sukiyaki loaned the sword to Luffy, whose handling of the weapon drew harsh criticism from Zoro due to his tendency to throw the sword instead of using it in direct combat. Interestingly, the sword was later retrieved by Kikunojo at Udon.

2. Shusui

A Black Blade

  • Current Owner: Amibiguous, rests in the grave of Shimotsuki Ryuma
  • Creator: Unknown

Shusui, famously wielded by the mythical samurai Shimotsuki Ryuma, often referred to as the “God of Swords,” is an ancestor to Roronoa Zoro. Ryuma possessed a unique ability to transform Shusui into a Black Blade that was imbued with his own Haki, enhancing its strength and durability. In death, Ryuma and his sword were buried together, but the grave was later plundered by Gecko Moria.

Later on, the sword appeared with its wielder’s revived corpse at Thriller Bark. In a fierce battle, Zoro crossed swords with his ancestor’s zombie form, who eventually bestowed the blade upon Zoro himself. As the fight progressed, Zoro feared that his other blades would shatter if it continued against this one. After receiving training from Dracule Mihawk, the owner of Yoru – another Black Blade, Zoro became exceptionally skilled with this particular sword.

In a nutshell, Shusui holds a remarkable significance for Wano Country. Time and again, Zoro found his sword taken or requested back by its natives. Onimaru pilfered the blade from Zoro, eventually returning it to Ryuma’s tomb. The sword is so prized that Hiyori swapped her own sword, Enma – once belonging to her father – with Zoro, ensuring Shusui’s position within their country.

1. The Other Sixteen Great Grade Blades

Unclear At Present

The fate and relevance of these Meito in the narrative are yet to be determined. Unlike the five established High-Grade Blades, it’s plausible that some other Meito of this rank hail from beyond Wano Country. However, these assumptions are speculative at present. Interestingly, there are several Meito whose grades are unclear, suggesting that undiscovered Great Grade Blades might be in circulation without being recognized as such.

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2024-12-19 10:06