Over the past two decades, if you were to look up the lists of favorite characters of the One Piece series, Luffy certainly tops the charts. However, there’s a very beloved character who manages to land among the top 3 favorite characters of all time. It’s none other than the popular swordsman- Zoro.
Gaining massive popularity worldwide with his distinct looks and excellent swordsmanship, Zoro certainly captured the eyes and hearts of many. Just like him, his swords also get equal attention. Many fans are still very drawn and interested when it comes to his swords.
Recently Zoro got a new sword, Enma and what can we say, fans are pretty excited and curious regarding the new sword at the same time and so are we. So to kill your curiosity, we have discussed everything there is to know about this new blade and more.
Before we get right into the topic, let’s know a little more about the wielder of these amazing blades.
Who is Zoro?
Roronoa Zoro or better known as Zoro was the first official member to join the Straw Hat Pirates. He was a strong combatant in the crew and possessed excellent battle skills. He was a very good friend of Luffy’s. Although he had his dream of becoming the greatest swordsman, he was very loyal to Luffy and helped him in his journey to becoming the Pirate King.
How did Zoro meet Luffy?
After deciding to become the world’s best swordsman, Zoro set sail into the vast oceans. During his journey, he arrived at the Shells town. There a wolf was set loose in the town by Helmeppo, who was the son of the Marine Captain, Axe Hand Morgan. The wolf was creating havoc in the town and attempted to attack a girl named Rika. Zoro stepped in and saved the girl by killing the wolf.
Helmeppo, enraged by Zoro’s actions, decided to punish him by tying him to a pole for a month. On the ninth day of Zoro being tied up, Koby and Luffy arrived in the town. Koby wanted to join the Marines and Luffy accompanied him to the town. There, Luffy met with Zoro and invited him to join his crew.
Zoro refused the offer as he didn’t want to become a pirate. Luffy was set on making Zoro his crew mate, so he offered him a deal, that if Luffy were to get Zoro’s swords back, he would have to join the crew, to which he agreed.
Zoro finally accepted the invitation, and together with Luffy, he fought against Morgan. Luffy knocked out Helmeppo and Zoro defeated the captain with his unique sword styles. As they were pirates, the Marines were supposed to take them in. However, they were delighted to see their bully leader finally defeated and in gratitude, let Luffy and Zoro leave the island without being reported to the headquarters.
Luffy and Zoro then left the town and sailed on their journey whereas Koby joined the Marines after he was finally accepted by Ripper.
Why did he want to become the best Swordsman?
To know the answer to this question, we have to go back to a few years back in the Shimotsuki Village, where Zoro was born.
When he was just 8 years old, he trained at a dojo run by Koushirou. He did train hard but was unable to beat Koushirou’s daughter, Kuina, which frustrated him. During his time at the dojo, he was given a pair of swords by Kuinai’s grandfather, Shimotsuki Kozaburo, to enhance his performance.
Using the swords, Zoro finally felt confident enough to challenge Kuina to a match with real swords. No matter how many times they would fight, it always ended with Kuina gaining victory. Frustrated with over 2000 defeats, Zoro shared his dreams of becoming the best swordsman in the world, to which Kuinai related as she too had the same dream. However, she was discouraged by her father, as he believed that girls wouldn’t be able to become swordsmen.
Listening to her side of the story, something sparked in Zoro. He was furious and told Kuina that it was all nonsense and that he would surpass her someday, indirectly admitting to Kuinai’s impressive skills. Looking at such determination, Kuina promised Zoro that someday, they will become the best swordsman in the world.
Sadly, the journey of achieving their dreams was cut short when Kuina fell off the stairs and died. This completely broke Zoro as he was unable to accept her death. Because they had made a promise to each other, Zoro took it upon himself to become the best swordsman and fulfill both of their dreams. Zoro asked Koushirou for Kuina’s sword and started to train himself to become the best swordsman in the world.
What kind of swords does he wield?
With such big dreams of becoming the best swordsman in the world, Zoro certainly needed lots of courage and training. And most important of all he needed the swords.
Throughout the series, Zoro owned seven swords. Each with its unique characteristics and strength. Here we have discussed all his former and current swords that he used in the series.
Former Swords
There were 3 swords that Zoro used at the beginning of the series which were either destroyed or traded
1. The two swords by Kozaburo
The first one or the ones were the two katanas that Shimotsuki Kozaburo gave to Zoro during his time at the dojo. They were the first real swords that Zoro used. He also used them during his last fight with Kuina. The swords were very special and he used them for a very long time until they were destroyed during his fight with Dracule Mihawk.
2. Yubashiri
It was one of the 50 skillful Grade Meito, making it a very high-quality sword. It was an heirloom of Ipponmatsi’s family which he gave to Zoro after he witnessed his great fortune. The Yubashiri sword was destroyed in the fight against Shu. When Zoro used it against him, Shu used the powers of his Devil Fruit, Sabi Sabi no me, that allowed him to rust metallic objects or weapons. Shu touched Zoro’s Yubashiri and rusted it to the point it crumbled into pieces.
After the battle, Zoro took the remnants of the sword and laid them at Rumbar Pirates’ gravesite on Thriller Bark.
3. Shusui
One of the strongest and known swords of the series is the Shusui. It is one of the 21 Great Grade Meito and a powerful Black Blade. The legendary samurai, Ryuma was the very first to wield the mighty sword.
It was also believed to be a treasured heirloom of the Wano Country. Along with Ryuma’s body, the sword was stolen by Gecko Moria and used by Ryuma’s corpse when it was animated into a zombie. It was bestowed to Zoro by Ryuma himself after he was defeated on Thriller Bark.
Current swords
Zoro uses three main swords in the present time of the series. The swords are:
1. Wado Ichimonji
It was one of the first swords that Zoro used since the beginning of the series. Zoro was given two katanas by Shimotsuki Kozaburo. The Wado Ichimonji was also a creation of Kozaburo and was owned by Kuina. After her death, promising to fulfill their dreams, Zoro was determined to become the best swordsman. He asked Kuina’s father, Koushirou, to give him her sword. The sword also survived the battle against Mihawk’s Supreme Grade sword, Yoru.
2. Sandai Kitetsu
The Sandai Kitetsu was crafted by Kozuki Sukiyaki, the great Wano swordsmith. The sword, despite being a Grade Meito, was believed to be cursed and bring great misfortune to whoever wielded it. The sword fell into the hands of Zoro in Loungetown with the help of Ipponmatsu, who was an arms dealer.
3. Enma
The latest addition to his collection was the Enma, one of the 21 Great Grade Meito. It was also forged by Shimotsuki Kozaburo. The sword was first made for the legendary samurai, Kozuki Oden. Oden’s daughter, Kozuki Hiyori inherited the sword. She gave it to Zoro in exchange for returning the Shusui to Ryuma’s grave. It was also the same sword that gave Kaidou of the Four Emperors his one scar, as it was one of the only two swords that could cut him.
The Enma had a unique trait of drawing out large amounts of the wielder’s Haki.
Meito
The Meito is a term for the blade which is given a name. The blades are ranked by the grade of their quality. They are generally very powerful and quite famous. Most of the Meito are swords and a great variety of blades fell under this term. However, many non-blade melee weapons are also included as Meito such as the clubs and polearms.
Some Meito is ungraded but still very popular. Currently, there are only four known grades of Meito.
1. Supreme Grade
Deemed to be the highest quality blades in the world, The twelve Supreme Grade Blades (最上大業物 Saijō Ō Wazamono) are some of the most popular and strongest blades. The blades have managed to showcase stunning achievements by their usages. They are strong enough to be used in harsh conditions without losing their edges. These swords are also able to cut through massive structures. Yoru, Shodai Kitestsu, and Murakumogiri are some of the Supreme Grade blades.
2. Great Grade
The twenty-one Great Grade Blades (大業物 Ō Wazamono), rank second among the highest quality blades in the world. They are comparatively weaker than the Supreme Grade blades. However, it all depends on the wielder’s strength. In the hands of a capable wielder, the blades are even able to stand up against the Supreme Grade blades.
These blades are best known for their incredible power and perfect strength, sharpness, and durability. Popular swords like Nidai Kitetsu, Wado Ichimonji, Shusui, and even Enma are some of the Great Grade Blades.
3. Skillful Grade
Prominently known for being the best sword for speed based on swordsmanship, the Fifty Skillful Grade Blades (良業物 Ryō Wazamono) are very high-quality blades. The most important element of these blades is their lightweights, making it easier for the wielder to use them on the battlefield. Such fine blades are only outmatched by The twelve supreme Grade and the twenty-one Great grade blades.
Kashu, Yubashiri, and Yamoroshi are some of the swords that fall into this category.
4. Grade
The Grade Blades (業物 Wazamono) are comparatively weaker blades than the rest of the grade. However, they still are blades of high quality that possess immense strength than regular blades. Their features are far superior to any normal blades and can only be outclassed by the Twelve Supreme Grade, Twenty-one Great Grade, and Fifty Skillful Grade swords.
Since they are the lowest classification for a Meito, they are deemed as blades of low quality. However, they are still a Meito and have exceptional stability and cutting power against strong enemies. Shigure and Sandai Kitestsu are some of the swords of this category.
Some of these swords are cursed swords. Cursed swords are blades that have a curse bound to them. The curse differs from blade to blade. However, generally, all the cursed swords bring great misery and misfortunes to the wielder. Even powerful Swords like Sandai Kitetsu and Enma are some of the cursed swords.
Besides his swords, there were some weapons that he used during the series. He used them while he was unable to use any one of his swords to use his Three Sword Style. These were called Situational Weapons.
1. Nakiri Swords
Against his fight with Hatchan in Arlong Park, he only had Wado Ichimonji. So, he used Johnny and Yosaku’s Nakiri Swords in the battle. Soon after the battle was over, he returned them to their owners.
2. Marine Sword
Similarly, in the battle on Enies Lobby Zoro lost Yubashiri to Shu’s devil fruit power to turn any metals to rust. To replace Yubashiri, he used a Marine sword and continued the battle which was also eventually destroyed by Shu.
3. Tanto
In the Wano Country, when Zoro was accused of killing some people he was sentenced to perform seppuku. However, he used the Tanto meant for the Seppuku and cut down Toyama Tsujigiro.
A tanto is a short sword or a dagger that was generally used to perform Seppuku. The seppuku also referred to as Hara-kiri, was a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment especially reserved for samurai in their code of honor.
4. Killer’s Scythe
To protect Toko and Hiyori, Zoro battled with Killer. During the battle, Zoro was distracted by Gyukimaru. Killer took this opportunity and managed to strike Zoro with his Scythe. The Scythe pierced Zoro, leaving him severely injured. However, Zoro seized the scythe and used it instead of Shusui to defeat Killer.
Now let’s get into the main highlight of this article- The Enma sword.
What type of Sword is Enma?
Crafted by one of the best swordsmiths of the Wano country, Shimotsuki Kozaburo, Enma was a moderately curved Shobu Zukuri Style Katana with a lilac and gold color scheme. The tsuba was trefoil shaped and each lobe was holed in the middle and thickly carinated. Unlike the other swords, its tsuka was lacquered with solid lilac and not cloth wrapped. The beautiful yet simple five-petaled golden flowers were embellished on both sides.
Enma was one of The twenty-one Great Grade Blades. The high-quality blade was originally wielded by Kozuki Oden, the Daimyo of Wano Country. He used it together with another Meito, Ame no Habakiri, to perform his two-blade style which he called, “Oden’s two sword style”. It was then passed down to his daughter Hiyori.
Enma also possessed an irregular flame-shaped Hamon and black no-hi. Despite its elegant and beautiful appearance, it was one of the cursed swords. Although it was a very strong blade, because of the curse it withdrew a huge amount of Haki from its users. However, both Oden and Zoro were able to use it just fine.
When did Zoro get Enma?
In episodes 956 and 957 of the series, Zoro encountered Hiyori, who offered him the Enma in an exchange with Shusui.
Zoro and Hiyori
During the Wano Country Arc of the series, Zoro’s sword was stolen by Gyukimaru. Zoro chased him to Ringo where they battled each other. Gyukiamru had already returned Shusui to its original owner, Ryuma’s grave, as he didn’t believe that Zoro obtained it rightfully. While they were fighting, Zoro encountered Hiyori and Toko, who came crashing at them asking Zoro to save them from Kamazo who was chasing them.
Zoro fought with Kamazo and got pierced by his scythe. However, Zoro took the scythe out and defeated Kamazo with his scythe. Seeing such bravery, Hiyori was fascinated by Zoro and trusted him. She even disclosed her identity as Oden’s daughter, Kozuki Hiyori as she was in a disguise at that time.
During their encounter, Hiyori came to know about Zoro’s possession of Shisui. As Hiyori was very devoted to her country, she wanted to let Shisui rest with its original owner, Ryuma, in his grave. Since Ryuma was a legendary samurai from her homeland, she thought it was only right to put the sword with its rightful owner.
Hiyori begged Zoro to leave the Shusui at its rightful place, as it was a national treasure to Wano. Zoro did rightfully earn the sword from Ryuma, but Hiyori believed it was the right thing to do. Hiyori was so set on bringing the Shusui to its home country, that she even proposed to Zoro to give him Enma, which she inherited from her father, Oden.
Despite Kawamatsu’s initial protest, Zoro agreed to Hiyori’s proposal to return Shusui for Enma. He finally traded Shisui for Enma and as soon as he got it, he tried it out and learned of its special attributes. Because Enma was such a difficult sword to tame and master, Zoro did have some trouble in the beginning. When he went up against the King on Onigashima, Zoro realized that the sword was just testing him and his rightness to wield it.
Was Zoro able to Master Enma?
The Enma had a bad reputation to itself for being the cursed sword that had some special features. No ordinary human or any samurai was able to wield such force. However, Oden was able to tame it and use it in battles. With Enma’s strong abilities, he was able to give Kaidou his scar. Soon after Oden’s Death, his father Kozuki Sukiyaki kept the sword safe to give it to Oden’s daughter, Kozuki Hiyori, as an heirloom.
After Zoro received the sword, he tried to test it out. However, in an attempt to cut down a tree with the sword, he ended up accidentally cut a part of the coastline. Because the Enma was a cursed sword, it took a huge amount of Haku from its user. Hence while using it, Zoro’s hand nearly emaciated. But because he had mastered the Busoshoku Haki, he was able to regain his Haki back.
In the anime, when Zoro accidentally cut up the coastline while trying out Enma, his strike generated fire. However, in the manga, the fire was not present.
In the Battle of Onigashima, Zoro went up against Kaidou of the Four Emperors. Such a strong foe, even Kaidou sensed a “Strange Haki ” emitting from Enma, producing a flame luke aura whenever Zoror released its power. Kaidou felt the presence of Oden in the Haki that Enma produced, making him realize that the sword was indeed the same one that Oden used.
Zoro used all of his techniques and managed to wound Kaidou in hybrid form, which left a permanent scar on him in his human dragon form. Zoro did use a technique with his three swords but was not able to master the Enma.
According to Tenguyama, Zoro would be able to master Enma well because the other two swords that he wielded, Wado Ichimonji and the two swords that were given to him at first, were all forged by the same swordsmith, Kozaburo. Even Sukiyaki mentioned that, if Zoro were to make Enma a permanent black blade, its rank might increase, meaning that it was able to rank it up to a Supreme Garde Sword.
Is Enma his strongest sword?
Despite not being able to master it yet, Enma is currently Zoro’s strongest blade in his possession. Although being a cursed blade and one of the 21 Great Grade Swords, it had the potential to become as strong as one of the 12 Supreme Grade Swords if turned into a permanent black sword.
By going up against strong opponents such as Ryuma, Kaido, Kamazo, and so on, The sword Enma had surely proven its worth. The sword itself was described by Kozuki Sukiyaki as being able to “cut through Hell”. That alone showed how strong the sword must have been.
Before getting the Enma, Shusui was the strongest sword that Zoro owned.
What sword styles did Zoro use?
First things first, let’s talk about his swordsmanship techniques.
Swordsmanship
From his childhood, Zoro had extraordinary skills when it came to swords. Just at the young age of 8, he was able to defeat adult swordsmen in duels. However, he was always defeated by Kuina. Before he could even beat her, sadly she passed away.
His swordsmanship style integrated his massive physical strength and inflicted powerful strikes on his opponents. This power was also aided by the quality of the swords he wielded.
Zoro used various sword styles in combat. He mostly used the Three Sword Style in battles, but usually finished his opponents by using only one sword. He mainly used six sword styles.
1. One Sword Style
Zoro usually used the One sword style to finish off his enemies with a single powerful strike. It is a sword fighting style that Zoro eventually mastered after lots of practice. He is exceptionally skillful in the One sword Style.
This sword style incorporated slashes and various unsheathing and resheathing techniques. These techniques were used to defeat and injure opponents with a single strike. By using such style, Zoro was able to finish off strong samurai like Ryuma and also incapacitated a fish man such as Hody jones underwater.
2. Two Sword Style
This sword style was Zoro’s original fighting style before he used the Three Sword Style. Just like any other sword style, with practice, Zoro was able to master the Two Sword Style as well. Just like the one sword style, the two sword style incorporated unsheathing and resheathing techniques, while Zoro wielded two swords to fight against his enemies.
With great power and precision, he used Wado Ichimonji and Sandai Kitetsu to fight Ryuma, which showcased his amazing two sword style skills. With this style, he was able to fight off strong opponents such as Monet, a logia User, and an officer of the Donquixote Pirates.
Despite having only two swords, he was able to easily defeat several members of the Orochi Oniwabanshu, the strongest ninja of the Wano Country.
3. Three Sword Style
The Three-sword style is Zoro’s main style of fighting. He performed this style by wielding three swords simultaneously. Any ordinary human wouldn’t even be able to hold one sword properly. However, Zoro was able to hold three swords all at the same time. He wielded two swords, one in each hand and the third one in his mouth.
This unique sword style allowed Zoro to strike and land multiple cuts to one or many opponents at the same time. While performing the three sword styles, Zoro was able to create whirlwind-like attacks that enabled him to land dozens of strikes on his opponents at once.
He was also able to go up against six sword-wielding Hatchan and eight sword-wielding Hyouzou, using his three sword style technique.
4. King of Hell three sword style
In the Wano country arc, Zoro developed the King of Hell Three Sword Style (閻王三刀流 En-Ō Santōryū) which was an enhanced version of the Three Sword style. In this style, Zoro allowed Enma to drain all his reserves of Busoshuku Haki and Haoshoku Haki, before infusing them into his three swords. In doing so, there was a massive increment in the range and cutting power of his attacks. With the help of this style, Zoro was able to defeat the Lunarian King.
5. Nine Sword Style
The Nine sword style was the most extreme application of Zoro’s spirit projection abilities. By using such a style, Zoro was able to create a solid illusion of himself with multiple heads and arms that could slice through even the strongest of opponents.
Gathering enough anger and a dark aura, Zoro was able to use this sword style giving him the essence of nine swords. By using such a sword style, he landed multiple cuts on Kaku in an instant. This type of sword fighting style was used by Zoro against Kaku on Enies Lobby and later against Pacisifista at the Sabaody Archipelago.
6. Foxfire Style
The Foxfire Style, was a very unique sword style that was developed by Kin’emon, the Nine Red Scabbards’ Leader. When Kin’emon used it against Smiley at Punk Hazard, Zoro developed an interest in the Foxfire Style.
During the battle at Onigashima, Zoro used the techniques against Kaidou and Big Mom. With the help of such a technique, he was able to cut through flames. Despite being his first time, Zoro was able to quickly adapt to using it. With his technique, he sliced through Kaidou’s Bolo Breath and even defeated King.
What abilities did he have besides his swordsmanship?
Well, if you think that Zoro is not strong enough without his swords, you have to think again because this swordsman is a man of many talents and abilities.
Haki
In the series, Zoro was among the few who were able to use all three types of Haki.
Kenbunshoku Haki
The Kenbunshoku Haki allowed Zoro to sense the presence, strength, and even emotions of those around him. He was indeed a very skilled user of this type of Haki as he was able to sense a wild beast in the Ryugu Palace. Similarly, he was also able to detect Batman trying to kill Tsuru with an arrow fired from a far Distance in the air.
Haoshoku Haki
The Haoshoku Haki was a very rare form of Haki that was believed to give the users abilities and qualities like that of a king. Zoro had this power laid dominant in him and was completely unaware of it until he went up against Kaidou. He first noticed this power when he hit Kaidou with his Nine Sword Style.
During his battle against King, he was able to use it against multiple low-ranked pirates. There he was also able to tap into its advanced application creating black bolts of lightning. He managed to control the advanced technique and infused it in all three of his swords which injured King.
Busoshoku Haki
Being able to use all the forms of Haki, Zoro was skillfully able to use Busoshoku Haki. He was able to master it within two years after learning it from Dracule Mihawk. It became his main expertise but he used it only during serious battles or with stronger opponents like Monet, who was a Logia user.
The Busoshoku Haki enabled Zoro to form a protective layer around him by using his spiritual energy. He also hardened his three swords. His hardened swords were also able to hold back Birdcage’s strings which were strong enough to slice up buildings and even mountains.
Using this Haki along with Haoshoku Haki, Zoro strengthened his swords and used Nine Sword Style to leave a permanent scar on Kaidou. He even used the haki as a shield against a point-blank fiery explosion in the Skull dome.
Strength
Standing tall at 181cm, Zoro had immense physical strength. Spending most of his time at sea lifting, he used to lift heavy and massively large weights to work on his strength. His strength was always prominent since his childhood. Being able to defeat adults is no joke, especially for eight years old. His physical strength aided his swordsmanship, as he was able to infuse great powers into his attacks. He was able to crush large and strong opponents and send them flying with ease.
Speed and Agility
During battles, Zoro showed incredible speed and agility to attack opponents and avoid attacks. He was more of a string and bruising fighter but was also considered to be one of the fastest members of the crew.
Due to his physical power, he was able to increase his running powers and cut his opponents in a blink of an eye. What’s more interesting is that he was also able to sheathe and unsheathe his swords before the enemies could even react.
No Sword Style
There were many times when Zoro didn’t have his swords with him. So to fight in those situations, Zoro used the No Sword Style. By using this style, he emitted shockwaves that resembled his sword slashes. To create such shockwaves, he used his body’s physical power. Just by throwing his arms forward, with the shockwaves, he created a whirlwind that sent his foes spinning in the air.
Durability and Endurance
A man with many talents and traits, Zoro had incredible durability and endurance. With such strengths, Zoro survived many serious injuries. Even after being severely injured, he still managed to get up and fight. He was also good at tolerating pain to an extreme level which proved his great warrior qualities.
When Mihawk left him barely alive after their duel, Zoro sustained very fatal injuries. Anyone with such injuries would take years to recover fully. However, Zoro started to walk around quickly afterward with just some elementary treatment. Later he fought and defeated several members of the Arlong Pirates, even in such a state.
Tactical Skills
Along with these abilities, Zoro is a warrior with great tactical skills. Although he didn’t plan out his actions and strategies beforehand, during battles he used to come up with plans that often granted him victory.
With such skills, he was able to take the lead, adapt to any situation and even learn all the strengths and weaknesses of enemies in a short time. This gave him a massive advantage in the battle as he was able to formulate plans to attack the opponents more effectively.
With the recent addition of Enma as the strongest sword in his collection, fans have a lot of new and exciting things to look forward to including great battles. With the series entering the final stages, many fans are excited to see if Zoro will be able to fully master the great sword Enma and upgrade it into a Supreme Grade Blade.
Well, as they say, patience is the key, so hopefully, we will get all our questions answered in the coming future. Well, that is unless Zoro gets lost in another dimension with Enma.
