The Complete Guide to Roronoa Zoro’s Swords in One Piece

As One Piece continues its thrilling narrative through over a thousand chapters and episodes, the character Roronoa Zoro has wielded a variety of swords in his relentless quest to claim the title of the World’s Greatest Swordsman. Zoro’s unique ability to utilize up to three swords simultaneously leads him to a diverse arsenal, consisting of many weapons acquired out of need and others as strategic upgrades.

In his journey, Zoro has not only fought with notable blades and infamous cursed swords but has also made use of a number of less remarkable swords. Regardless of their fame, both types have proven vital in his battles, underscoring that Zoro’s mastery and skill are the real determinants of victory, rather than the swords he possesses.

10 Unnamed Katanas

First Seen and Used in Chapter #5

Zoro defeating Buggy in new One Piece remake concept art

Initially, Zoro utilized two unnamed katanas with black hilts, alongside the renowned Wado Ichimonji. Their debut occurs in chapter #5, during a critical moment when Luffy intervenes to rescue Zoro from an attack ordered by Morgan and his crew, thus inviting him to join the Straw Hat Pirates.

In chapter #1033, Zoro recalls that these katanas were gifted to him by Shimotsuki Kouzaburo. Despite the old man’s assertion that these swords were not exceptional, they served Zoro for nearly eleven years until an intense duel with Mihawk at the Baratie shattered them with a single strike from Yoru.

9 I confess Swords

First Obtained in Chapter #85

Zoro fighting Hatchan the Octopus at Arlong Park in One Piece

After losing two katanas to Mihawk, Zoro entered the fierce battle at Arlong Park relying solely on the Wado Ichimonji. This presented a considerable challenge against Hatchan, who wielded six swords. Fortunately, Johnny and Yosuke intervened, tossing Zoro their Nakiri swords to assist him.

These blades, resembling Japanese vegetable knives, made their first appearance in chapter #85. Though seemingly ordinary, Road to Laugh Tale Vol. 2 confirms that these Nakiri swords are classified as Famed Swords or Meito, although their precise ranking remains unclear.

8 Unnamed Tanto Blade

First Obtained and Used in Chapter #909

A remarkable moment for Zoro occurs in chapter #909 during the Wano Arc, where he faces severe accusations and is unjustly sentenced to seppuku. Instead of succumbing to his fate, Zoro seizes the small tanto blade designated for the ritual and turns it against the true killer, the Magistrate, demonstrating his quick thinking and combat prowess.

This tanto, typically used by samurai for both martial arts and seppuku, becomes a powerful weapon in Zoro’s hands, especially when enhanced with Haki.

7 Hitokiri Kamazo’s Scythe

First Obtained in Chapter #937

Zoro Saves Hiyori and Otoko in One Piece

During the events of Wano, Zoro unexpectedly wields a scythe, the weapon used by Killer when masquerading as Hitokiri Kamazo. Left without his Shusui after Gyukimaru’s theft, Zoro strategically adopts Killer’s scythe to safeguard Hiyori and Otoko.

This notable instance occurs in chapter #937, where he seizes the scythe to complete his signature Three-Sword Style attack, turning the weapon against its former wielder.

6 Wado Ichimonji

First Obtained in Chapter #5

Zoro using Wado Ichimonji in One Piece

A cornerstone of Zoro’s arsenal, the Wado Ichimonji is a blade crafted by the distinguished swordsmith Shimotsuki Kouzaburo. Ranked as one of the 21 Great Grade Swords in the One Piece universe, this iconic sword was originally owned by Shimotsuki Kuina and was later gifted to Zoro after her tragic death, symbolizing Zoro’s vow to honor her memory and pursuit of ambition.

Valued at over 10 million berry, the Wado Ichimonji is easily recognized by its white hilt and scabbard. Despite facing formidable adversaries such as Dracule Mihawk, this blade remains in prime condition and is poised to accompany Zoro through the series’ conclusion.

5. Yubashiri

First Obtained in Chapter #97

Zoro holding a rusty broken Yubashiri in One Piece

Zoro acquires Yubashiri in Loguetown during chapter #97. The shopkeeper, Ipponmatsu, is impressed by Zoro’s bravery in testing the cursed Sandai Kitetsu, leading him to gift Yubashiri for free. This sword is noted as one of the 50 Skillful Great Blades in One Piece.

Unfortunately, Zoro’s time with Yubashiri ends during the Enies Lobby Arc when it succumbs to corrosion inflicted by Marine Captain Shu’s devil fruit. Zoro ultimately leaves the sword at the resting place of the Rumbar Pirates on Thriller Bark once he secures Shusui.

4. Sandai Kitetsu

First Obtained in Chapter #97

Zoro and Kitetsu in One Piece

Another legendary sword in Zoro’s collection is the Sandai Kitetsu, which boasts a reputation for being cursed. This notoriety led the shop owner in Loguetown to hesitate selling it when Zoro found it among cheaper swords. After demonstrating his fearless nature by tossing the sword in the air, Zoro’s courage earns him both the Kitetsu and Yubashiri at no cost.

Notably, the Wano Arc reveals that Sandai Kitetsu was forged by Kozuki Sukiyaki, making it a Grade Sword valued around 1 million berry by Tashigi, despite being the weakest of its kind. The sword is characterized by its striking deep red and gold hilt, along with a matching scabbard. Zoro has battled numerous fearsome opponents wielding the Sandai Kitetsu and continues to thrive.

3 Shusui

First Obtained in Chapter #467

Ryuma as a Zombie in One Piece

Shusui, another esteemed member of the 21 Great Grade Swords, belonged to Ryuma, a storied samurai from Wano and is regarded as a national treasure. The sword was taken from Ryuma’s grave by Gecko Moria 23 years ago, but Zoro claims it after defeating his zombie in chapter #467.

Later, Gyukimaru takes the sword from Zoro in Wano, returning it to its rightful place. Hiyori then offers Zoro the Enma in exchange. Like Mihawk’s Yoru, Shusui is a black blade, identifiable by its magenta hamon pattern and ornate black sheath adorned with red split circles.

2 Enma

First Obtained in Chapter #953

Zoro and Enma in One Piece anime

Among the powerful swords Zoro has wielded, Enma stands out due to its ability to draw upon its user’s Armament Haki. Another one of the 21 Great Grade Swords, Enma carries a rich legacy as it was forged by Kozuki Sukiyaki and used by Kozuki Oden, famously being the only weapon to inflict a deep scar on Kaido.

Acquired from Hiyori in chapter #953 in exchange for Shusui, Zoro initially struggles to master Enma’s power. However, as the fight against King at Onigashima demonstrates, he is beginning to harness its potential. Interestingly, Enma has yet to become a black blade, indicating that Zoro may experience further growth with this weapon.

1 Nose-Storm the Killer Blade

First Used in Chapter #406

Zoro wielding sword in One Piece with Usopp dressed as Sniper King

Perhaps one of Zoro’s most unconventional weapons is the Nose-Storm, which he utilizes during the Enies Lobby Arc against Jabra and Kaku. After being handcuffed to Sniper King (Usopp), Zoro ingeniously employs a comical strategy where Usopp serves as an improvised hilt, holding Yubashiri while Zoro wields it.

Despite the hilarious premise leading to Sniper King feeling dizzy and inefficient in this arrangement, this moment ranks among the most amusing scenes in One Piece.

One Piece is currently available for streaming on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

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