Rorona Zoro, otherwise known as "Pirate Hunter Zoro," is a beloved character from the anime One Piece. As the combatant of the Straw Hat Pirates, one of the Senior Officers of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, and the righthand man of his crew's captain, Monkey D. Luffy, Zoro is one of the most formidable and skilled warriors in the entire series.
Throughout this iconic series, Zoro has wielded a huge number of swords. However, these are no ordinary swords, with each one boasting impressive designs, otherworldly skills, and immense power. From cursed blades to swords with special abilities, these extraordinary weapons are as famous as the man himself.
Any One Piece fan knows that Roronoa Zoro is a master of the Three Sword Style - his very own swordsmanship style. But every master swordsman needs the iconic weapons that help him on his way to greatness.
Zoro’s Formidable Sword Collection
All the swords in this collection are more than just examples of fine weaponry. They're each a huge part of Zoro's journey, defining his character as the story unravels. Each sword included on this list has helped this warrior gain new skills, embrace new power, and defeat his enemies.
Here's a look at some of his most famous weapons and how they've come to define him.
Wado Ichimonji
- First Appearance: Episode 2, Chapter 5
- Type: Katana
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Grade: O Wazamono
- Status: Currently in use
There is a reason why the Wado Ichimonji is one of One Piece's most legendary swords and also one of Zoro's prized weapons. It's because this sword, in particular, was the first one wielded properly by Roronoa Zoro in the world of One Piece.
Having been forged by Shimotsuki Kozaburo, this sword originally belonged to Kuina, Zoro's childhood friend and rival. However, Kuina soon met a tragic and sudden end, which was when the sword was given to Zoro. Its sentimental value is why this beloved sword is still very much part of Zoro's arsenal and why he doesn't wish to part from it.
Strong and well-balanced, it's no wonder why this O Wazamono-grade sword is one of Zoro's most trusted weapons.
Sandai Kitetsu III
- First Appearance: Episode 49, Chapter 97
- Type: Katana
- Grade: 0 Wazamono
- Status: Currently in use
Sandai Kitetsu III is actually a cursed sword, making it one of the most formidable weapons on this list. It's known to bring tragedy to whoever wields it, which is why only the bravest souls can take up the challenge. First appearing in episode 49 (chapter 97) and originally created by Kouzuki Sukiyaki, this sword ended up in Ipponmatsu's possession. However, when Zoro showed interest in purchasing the sword, Ipponmatsu was reluctant to sell it, worried that the blade's cursed nature would bring misfortune on the swordsman.
Zoro decided to test his fate by throwing the cursed sword into the air to see whether it would cut him. When the blade missed, Zoro knew he could overcome the curse and he had nothing to fear from this blade.
With a high cutting power and bloodthirsty nature, this sword is the perfect blade for Zoro to wield, which he does alongside Enma and Wado Ichimonji.
Enma
- First Appearance: Episode 955, Chapter 954
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Type: Katana
- Grade: O Wazamono
- Status: Currently in use
Enma is a sword where true power meets expert craftsmanship. Like the Wado Ichimonji, this sword was forged by Shimotsuki Kozaburo, who actually deemed this blade one of the most powerful weapons in the world of One Piece. And although it came much later in the series, in episode 955, chapter 954, this is one of the most iconic swords wielded by Roronoa Zoro.
After first being wielded by Kozuki Oden, the sword was then passed onto his daughter, Kozuki Hiyori, who eventually offered the sword to Roronoa Zoro as a replacement for Shusui. Impressed by the immense power of the sword, Zoro agreed to a swap.
However, what makes this sword exceptionally special is its ability to draw out an individual's Haki. With training and commitment, Zoro has learned to harness the power of the sword with greater ease. As an O Wazamono-grade sword, Enma is one of the most powerful swords that Zoro has ever wielded and one of the finest blades in the entire world.
Shusui
- First Appearance: Episode 342, Chapter 448
- Type: Katana
- Grade: O Wazamono (21 Great Grade)
- Status: Not in use
The Shusui is truly legendary, having once been wielded by legendary samurai Shimotsuki Ryuma of the Wano. He was so powerful, he was known as a Sword God. So impressed with Zoro's swordsmanship, Shimotsuki Ryuma passed this sword onto the former himself as a sign of great respect.
Although this was a formidable weapon when it was in Zoro's hands, he ended up parting ways with it in Wano, as the sword was considered a holy Wano treasure. In return, Zoro was given Enma, which became one of his big three swords and proved to be an even more powerful weapon.
Found in the Thriller Bark arc, this sword is particularly famous for its black blade, caused by all its extensive battles. This is also what gives the Shusui its incredible cutting power to aid Zoro and the legendary samurai warriors that came before him.
Yubashiri
- First Appearance: Chapter 97, Episode 49
- Type: Katana
- Grade: Skillful
- Status: Destroyed
Yubashiri may have been lightweight, but that didn't make it any less mighty. This sword belonged to Ipponmatsu, having been a family heirloom that was gifted to Zoro. Its well-balanced design made it a formidable sword in Zoro's grasp, proving to be a reliable and striking weapon in many different battles.
Unfortunately, this skillful grade sword met an untimely end in the Enies Lobby arc, having been destroyed by Marine Captain Shu. However, this wasn't because the sword wasn't powerful. After eating Sabi Sabi no Mi (known as the Rust-Rust Fruit), Shu was able to damage whatever he touched – including the Yubashiri blade, which turned to dust underneath his hands.
Yubashiri may not have been a Great-Grade Sword, but it was definitely one of Zoro's favorites. After its untimely demise, the remains of this blade were then left in Thriller Bark – a true mark of Zoro's respect for the sword.
Seppuku Blade
- First Appearance: Episode 892, Chapter 909
- Type: Tanto
- Grade: N/A
- Status: N/A
The Seppuku Blade may not be a Supreme Grade Sword ready for battle, but it is still a big part of Roronoa Zoro's journey in One Piece. In the Wano Country arc, Zoro was made to perform seppuku. However, he used the blade to his advantage, turning this very blade on his attackers instead, and managed to escape.
Everything You Need to Know About Zoro’s Swords
What is Zoro's Strongest Sword?
Roronoa Zoro has had many strong swords throughout his journey in One Piece. However, Enma is currently considered the strongest sword in Zoro's possession. Fearsome and formidable, this sword is classed as an O Wazamono-Grade blade, known as a Great Grade Sword. It has the immense cutting power and balance that characterizes the other swords in this class – however, the Enma is even more special. It can actually forcibly extract its wielder’s Haki, which proves a huge advantage during battle.
Zoro may have found this sword initially difficult to control, but he soon mastered the true power and potential of this blade. Although the Wado Ichimonji might remain Zoro’s most cherished sword, the Enma surpasses that blade in power and potential – and so does Roronoa Zoro with it.
Is Shusui better than Enma?
Both famously wielded by Zoro, Shusui, and Enma, are two incredibly powerful blades. However, they could not be more different. The Shusui features a permanently black blade and a durability like no other, which Zoro took advantage of throughout his time with this blade. He was able to strike his enemies effortlessly, performing a dance of devastating attacks.
As we've already mentioned, Enma is special in its ability to draw out a person's Haki, which helps the wielder harness and release immense amounts of energy. It may take more time for the wielder to learn how to properly master this blade, but once they do, it certainly has the potential to surpass the Shushui's power, especially once turned into a black blade. Zoro was given Enma as a replacement for Shushui after returning it to Wado.
It's this that makes Enma the superior sword in the long run and why Zoro wields this blade as one of his main three swords.
What is Zoro's All Sword Style Called?
Zoro's Three Sword Style, also known as Santōryū, is where Zoro wields three swords at once, with two in his hands and one in his mouth. Zoro first mastered the Two Sword Style, where he wielded two swords at once and then pushed himself to master three swords, which secured him as one of the greatest swordsmen in the One Piece world. His opponents who'd mastered the One Sword Style didn't stand a chance.
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Conclusion
There is a reason why Roronoa Zoro is one of the most beloved anime characters of all time. His skill, determination, and talent make him one of the most formidable swordsmen in popular culture. However, it's not just skill alone that has made him famous both on and off screen - it's also the legendary blades he wields. From the Wado Ichimonji, his first ever blade and one that still plays a huge role in his fights today, to the Sandai Kitetsu and its terrifying curse, these blades are more than just weapons – they're symbols of his character.
One thing's for sure: these legendary swords will always be as famous as the man who wielded them.