One Piece Characters Who Lost Limbs: Their Inspiring Stories

Summary

Shanks lost his left arm to save Luffy, inspiring the latter to become a great pirate.
Zeff ate his own leg to survive on a barren island and taught Sanji all about his signature Black Leg Style.
Characters like Kid and Kuzan creatively adapted after losing limbs, showcasing resilience and their practical Devil Fruit powers.

In the realm of One Piece, there’s an enchanting yet perilous atmosphere. Numerous pirates, marines, and ordinary folks have met their end after crossing paths with a formidable adversary. Those lucky enough to survive such encounters often find themselves missing a limb or two.

This storytelling technique not only showcases a character’s resilience and the dangers lurking in their environment, but also it’s apt for a pirate-marine saga like “One Piece”. As you might expect, this popular series is filled with significant characters who have undergone limb loss, either through the storyline, off-camera events, or prior to their debut, and these instances are particularly striking in the show’s history.

1. Shanks

Sacrificed His Left Arm To Save Luffy

First Appearance: Chapter 1 (Manga), Episode 4 (Anime)

In the very first chapter of the One Piece series, I came across an iconic character who experienced a life-altering event – the pirate known as “Red-Haired” Shanks. This remarkable individual, who serves as Luffy’s role model, heroically rescued a young boy from a group of dangerous bandits. Later, in a selfless act, he sacrificed his left arm to protect this boy when they were ambushed by the Lord of the Coast at sea.

Back then, I secretly took a step that would shape the future of piracy – a gamble on the youngsters who’d rise through the ranks. As it turned out, my daring move ignited the ambition within Luffy to forge his own path as an extraordinary pirate. It’s fascinating how losing an arm didn’t hinder Shanks from ascending among the Four Emperors; instead, he continues to demonstrate his unwavering strength and mastery in swordsmanship with only one hand. The Haki coursing through his veins is merely another testament to his prowess.

2. Zeff

Ate His Own Right Leg To Survive

First Appearance: Chapter 43 (Manga), Episode 20 (Anime)

On the vast expanse of the Grand Line, a notorious pirate known as “Red-Leg” Zeff was infamous for his brutal tactics. His legs would often turn crimson from battling enemies, a sight that struck terror in all who witnessed it. Yet, an unexpected event occurred when Zeff found himself marooned on a small, desolate island alongside a young lad named Sanji. Despite their dire circumstances, Zeff generously shared half of the meager food supplies they possessed with the boy.

It seemed to Sanji that Zeff had made a sacrifice when he gave away all their food and was left with no other choice but to eat his own leg to stay alive. This grim act of honor taught Sanji the crucial value of nutrition and caring for others. After this incident, Zeff, the experienced pirate, took the young boy under his guidance. He trained him in the Black Leg Style and eventually they established a restaurant called Baratie together.

3. Sir Crocodile

Lost His Left Hand In The Past And Now Wears A Hook

First Appearance: Chapter 126 (Manga), Episode 76 (Anime)

It was quite unfortunate if Eiichiro Oda had not included a pirate character with a prosthetic hook, but fortunately, this was introduced at an early stage in the narrative. In the Arc of Arabasta, we were introduced to Sir Crocodile, one of the Seven Sea Warlords and the head of Baroque Works, who is notoriously known for wearing a large golden hook on his left hand.

It’s intriguing to note that the specific instance and time when Crocodile lost his hand remain unclear, but many fans speculate it was during a fight with Whitebeard in the past. Despite this limb loss, Crocodile adapted remarkably well, turning his replacement hook into a formidable weapon. He not only stabs opponents with it, but can also emit a toxic gas from it. In light of his distinctive fighting style, it appears that losing his hand unexpectedly turned out to be an advantage for him.

4. Eustass Kid

Lost His Left Arm To Benn Beckman During The Time Skip

First Appearance: Chapter 498 (Manga), Episode 392 (Anime)

Eustass Kid, one of the notorious members from the New Generation, attempted to confront the Red Hair Pirates in a battle following the two-year time skip. Unfortunately, he met defeat and suffered loss of his left arm at the hands of their chief lieutenant, Benn Beckman. This humbling experience served as a stark reminder to this overconfident young pirate that he was yet to fully prepare for the challenges ahead in the New World.

Unlike other One Piece characters who’ve lost limbs, Kid boasts a unique edge due to the powers of the Jiki Jiki no Mi. His magnetic abilities allowed him to construct large prosthetic arms from metal debris before his arm was amputated, making the permanent change after the event a logical progression. Moreover, in combat, he can adapt his prosthetic left arm, causing it to expand in size and transform into a potent rail gun.

5. Kuzan

Lost His Left Leg To Sakazuki During The Time Skip

First Appearance: Chapter 303 (Manga), Episode 225 (Anime)

The significant figure who suffered limb loss during the time skip is none other than Kuzan, formerly recognized as Admiral Aokiji. Given their contrasting ideologies and both vying for the position of Fleet Admiral, they engaged in combat on Punk Hazard to determine the worthy candidate.

Regardless of his strength and abilities, Kuzan found himself defeated in the face of Akainu’s fiery might. The battle left him marred with scars all over and a significant piece missing from his left leg. Interestingly, he employed his Devil Fruit powers to fashion a replacement for that lost limb, which is why you often see him standing on an icy prosthetic leg now.

6. Kyros

Cut His Leg Off When He Tried To Save King Riku

First Appearance: Chapter 702 (Manga), Episode 631 (Anime)

In the nation of Dressrosa, when the wicked Donquixote Doflamingo seized control and abducted their monarch, a valiant gladiator named Kyros attempted to intervene. He even went so far as to amputate his shackled leg in an effort to thwart the pirate and rescue King Riku. However, his actions were halted abruptly when Sugar, with her Devil Fruit abilities, transformed him into a toy soldier.

Kyros, renowned as the One-Legged Soldier, spent numerous years of his life. Despite challenging circumstances, he managed to care for his daughter, Rebecca. However, when Usopp neutralized Sugar and her powers ceased, Kyros miraculously restored his original human form, albeit with only one leg. Unlike other characters from the “One Piece” series who lost limbs, Kyros demonstrated remarkable combat skills even without his left leg, Devil Fruit abilities, or Haki. He displayed incredible valor against Doflamingo himself and even overpowered Diamante, one of his high-ranking officers.

7. Inuarasahi & Nekomamushi

Respectively Lost A Leg And A Hand While Being Tortured By Jack

First Appearance: Chapter 808 (Manga), Episode 756 (Anime)

Duke Inuarashi and Master Nekomamushi, the twin leaders of Zou, swiftly defended their territory when it was attacked by Jack, the Drought of the Beasts Pirates. Regrettably, they were captured, crucified, and tormented as Jack incessantly questioned them about Raizo’s whereabouts. Although Jack departed a few days later, the Straw Hat Pirates managed to save them. However, their ordeal left deep scars on both Inuarashi, who lost his left leg, and Nekomamushi, who lost his left hand.

Undoubtedly, these valiant Mink chieftains, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, didn’t allow the sorrowful incident to dampen their resilience. Instead, they persisted in their struggle against Kaido and his Beasts Pirates. Inuarashi replaced his lost limb with a sword, while Nekomamushi fitted a double-barreled gun onto his stump – weapons that proved incredibly effective in battle during the Onigashima Raid. Notably, Inuarashi avenged Jack by defeating him and delivering the final blow with the very same leg, which Jack had previously severed. This victory was particularly gratifying.

8. Charlotte Perospero

Lost His Right Arm In Pedro’s Sacrificial Explosion

First Appearance: Chapter 834 (Manga), Episode 795 (Anime)

Charlotte Perospero is Big Mom’s eldest child and her trusted assistant, a position he demonstrated was well-deserved when he employed the sticky abilities of his Devil Fruit to trap the Thousand Sunny with candy, thus preventing the Straw Hat Pirates from escaping. However, Pedro turned out to be the hero as he ignited some bombs hidden in his coat near Perospero, leading to a colossal fireball explosion that enveloped both characters.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Mink pirate met his end, whereas Perospero managed to survive, albeit not without consequence. He disclosed that he had lost his right arm in the blast. Much like Kid and Kuzan, he utilized his Devil Fruit abilities to craft a replacement prosthetic arm from his own candy, despite grumbling about its propensity to dissolve whenever he desired hot tea. However, this hastily-made limb eventually met its demise at the hands of Nekomamushi during the Wano Country Arc, leaving Perospero bitter and resentful over his loss.

2025-04-09 08:34