One Piece: Zoro’s New Sword After Elbaf, Explained

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece‘s Elbaf Arc.

Summary

  • Zoro’s three current swords are Wado Ichimonji, Enma, and Sandai Kitetsu.
  • Zoro values the Wado Ichimonji due to its spiritual connection from the beginning of his journey.
  • Zoro may replace the Sandai Kitetsu with the Nidai Kitetsu after the Elbaf Arc.

In the world of “One Piece,” Zoro is renowned as one of the most skilled swordsmen. His ambition doesn’t stop there; he aspires to surpass even the current top swordsman, Dracule Mihawk. Over time, Zoro has progressed significantly. From a relatively unknown swordsman, he has risen to be feared in the New World, earning a power that is worthy of great pride.

It’s fair to conclude that Zoro hasn’t yet scaled the pinnacle of his potential. Undeniably, he needs to grow in strength, and one way for him to do so is by acquiring more powerful weapons. While Zoro already possesses a formidable collection of swords, it seems there might be an upgrade coming his way soon.

Zoro’s Current Three Swords

  • Zoro Will Always Hold On To Wado Ichimonji
  • Zoro Received His Newest Sword Enma in Wano

At present, Zoro possesses several of the most potent swords ever forged within the realm of One Piece. His current collection includes Enma, Wado Ichimonji, and Sandai Kitetsu. Each one of these blades is incredibly powerful, with unique characteristics that set them apart. However, it remains uncertain which blade Zoro considers to be the greatest, but his spiritual bond with Wado Ichimonji hints that this sword may well be his preferred choice.

After I tame this sword, I will be stronger. – Zoro

At the start of his swordsmanship journey, Zoro obtained the Wado Ichimonji, one of the 21 Great Grade Swords. Originally wielded by Kuina, this sword was passed to Zoro upon her demise and serves as a symbol of the vow he made to her – to be the world’s greatest swordsman. Zoro will always hold onto this blade fiercely, and it may eventually become darkened towards the end of the story. It is significant for Zoro that this sword cannot be replaced, so even if he gains more powerful weapons in the future, the Wado Ichimonji remains an integral part of his collection until the very end.

Subsequently, you encounter the second blade, known as Enma, a difficult sword to find an equivalent for. It is this weapon that contributes significantly to Zoro’s current strength in combat. He acquired Enma during the Wano Country Arc of One Piece, substituting it for Shusui, which he returned to the country. Hiyori bestowed Enma upon Zoro. This blade is exceptionally potent, as it compels the Ryuo from within the user’s body, forcing it outwardly. It is widely speculated that only a few individuals in the One Piece universe can wield this sword effectively. As of now, Zoro hasn’t fully mastered Enma, making it highly unlikely for him to replace the weapon anytime soon.

Concurrently, Zoro can’t just pass on his sword Enma because it needs to be darkened first. This plot point was established during the Wano Country arc when Zoro trained with Enma and conversed with Sukiyaki. It became clear that Emma didn’t get darkened under Oden as he hadn’t had enough time, and Oden died prematurely. So, it’s expected that Zoro will have to darken the sword at some point later on in his journey. Since Zoro is still a ways off from darkening this sword, it seems likely that he’ll hold onto it until the very end.

Why Sandai Kitetsu Needs To Be Replaced

The Sandai Kitetsu Is Strong, But Not Strong Enough

Since Enma and Wado Ichimonji can’t be substituted, spectators can only look towards the Sandai Kitetsu as an alternative. Known as one of the 50 Skillful Grade Swords, the Sandai Kitetsu is exceptionally powerful. Zoro describes it as a blade that’s difficult to control due to its sharpness. This sword is notorious for having a bloodlust of its own, which isn’t surprising since it’s cursed. It comes from the Kitetsu line, and every sword in this line is said to bring a tragic end to its wielder.

In essence, during the Wano Country Arc in One Piece, it became apparent that there isn’t any such thing as “cursed” swords. Instead, these weapons are designed for killing, and when a user lacks control over them, they label the sword as cursed. In reality, the blades themselves select their wielders, and only those who are worthy can withstand their immense powers.

Are you telling me that Oden used to wield you as if you were light as a feather? – Zoro

Zoro has demonstrated he’s worthy of wielding the Sandai Kitetsu, yet regrettably, this blade isn’t as powerful compared to the other two. Even if Zoro manages to sharpen it further, it won’t reach the Supreme Grade like the others. Consequently, the Sandai Kitetsu needs an upgrade, and post-Elbaf Arc, there’s speculation that Zoro may acquire a brand new weapon. As for what blade Zoro might choose, fans aren’t sure. The ideal replacement for the Sandai Kitetsu could be the Nidai Kitetsu – this sword was introduced in Wano, but for some reason, Zoro didn’t claim it.

Regarding Zoro, it’s important to note that not receiving the Nidai Kitetsu during the Wano Country arc doesn’t rule out the possibility of him obtaining it later. Remember, Wano will join the Straw Hat Pirates once the main conflict in One Piece commences. This is significant because Pluton lies beneath Wano and the barriers around the country will need to be dismantled. When this happens, characters like Momo, Yamato, Kinemon, and even Sukiyaki, along with other Wano samurai, will likely become more involved. It’s conceivable that during this time, Zoro could replace the Sandai Kitetsu with the Nidai Kitetsu.

Why The Nidai Kitetsu?

Fans might ponder why Zoro needs to possess the Nidai Kitetsu instead of choosing another sword following the Elbaf Arc. To clarify, Oda has planned a duel between Zoro and Nusjuro, both wielders of Kitetsu swords. Since Nusjuro holds the Shodai Kitetsu, and Zoro has the Sandai, this appears to be a clash of Kitetsu blades orchestrated by Oda himself. Consequently, Zoro can’t enter this battle without a Kitetsu sword, so either he continues using the Sandai Kitetsu until the end, or if it gets replaced, it will likely happen with the Nidai Kitetsu. The potential for Zoro to acquire the Nidai Kitetsu exists within One Piece, and we eagerly await its realization in future storylines.

You can access ‘One Piece’ for reading through Viz Media. Fans are able to read it officially and free of charge on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus applications. Mark your calendars, as the next chapter, ‘One Piece 1136’, is scheduled to release on January 19, 2025.

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2025-01-09 01:04