One Piece: Zoro's key to achieving his dream in One Piece may lie with Kuina's killer

Zoro's key to achieving his dream in One Piece may lie with Kuina's killer

Modified Nov 26, 2024 04:30 GMT

In One Piece, Roronoa Zoro's journey to become the world's greatest swordsman is deeply tied to the people, promises, and blades that have shaped his path. Among these, the Wado Ichimonji stands as a cherished symbol of his bond with Kuina, his childhood rival, and her untimely death.

While Kui͏na’s͏ fatal fall down the͏ stairs ͏has long been accepted as an accident, a deeper ͏connection between her demise and Wado Ichimonji’s hidden power͏ may exist. This blade, forged by the legendary Shimotsuki Kouzaburou, may hold the key ͏to Zoro’͏s ultimate destiny and the truth behind Kuina's͏ ͏mysterious death.

The connection between Enma, Ame no Habakiri, and Wado Ichimonji in the One Piece series

Enma and Ame No Habakiri as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

In Wano, we learn that Shimotsuki Kouzaburou, a master blacksmith, created the Wado Ichimonji alongside the infamous Enma. Enma is described as a fearsome blade, one that demands tremendous control from its wielder, as it is capable of draining their life force if they fail to master it.

Its counterpart, Ame no Habakiri, balances Enma, representing complementary powers in Oden’s arsenal. Despite Enma’s fame, Kouzaburou may have sought to surpass both swords, forging the Wado Ichimonji as a masterpiece of balance and perfection, a blade capable of cutting through anything.

While Enma’s fearsome nature has been displayed, Wado Ichimonji remains shrouded in mystery. This raises the question of whether Wado, when awakened, surpasses even Supreme Grade swords like Enma and Mihawk’s Yoru.

One Piece: Wado Ichimonji’s may have a role in Kuina’s death

Zoro is the current wielder of Wado Ichimonji (Image via Toei Animation)

Before her untimely death, Kuina borrowed Wado Ichimonji, a sword that later Zoro would have. However, Kuina’s death after falling down the stairs has always seemed suspicious given her strength and skill. Wano’s lore about life-draining swords provides a plausible explanation: Wado Ichimonji may have drawn Kuina’s life force when she was not ready to wield its power.

Swords in One Piece are described as having personalities and the ability to choose their master. Wado might have recognized Kuina’s potential but acted prematurely, claiming her life before she could master it.

Kuina and Zoro as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

This tragic event would explain why Wado later chose Zoro: out of regret for Kuina’s death, the sword may have resolved to slumber, refraining from harming Zoro until he could truly awaken its strength.

Alternatively, the life force Wado absorbed from Kuina could now serve as a protective force for Zoro, shielding him from harm and biding its time until he is ready to wield its true power.

Zoro may hold the key to unlocking Wado’s true strength in the One Piece anime series

A snapshot of Roronoa Zoro (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite its quiet demeanor compared to Enma’s aggressive nature, Wado Ichimonji may house far greater power. Zoro, though unaware of this potential, has consistently treated Wado with deep reverence.

This bond could be key to unlocking the sword’s latent abilities. Just as Zoro’s mastery of Enma reflects his growth as a swordsman, fully awakening Wado would signify Zoro’s readiness to transcend the limits of even the strongest swordsmen.

Dracule Mihawk as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

When Zoro eventually faces Mihawk, Wado Ichimonji may prove to be the deciding factor. Just as Mihawk’s Yoru shattered Zoro’s weaker blades during their first duel, Zoro’s mastery of Wado could culminate in him shattering Yoru - a Supreme Grade sword, thereby solidifying Wado as the strongest blade in the world.

This outcome would impact Luffy’s journey, where the Pirate King must have the greatest swordsman at his side.

Final thoughts

Shimotsuki Kozaburou as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro’s dream is not just about surpassing Mihawk but about becoming the embodiment of strength, skill, and the will of the blade. Wado Ichimonji, steeped in the legacy of Shimotsuki Kouzaburou and the tragedy of Kuina’s death, is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of Zoro’s growth and determination. To achieve his dream, Zoro must awaken Wado’s true strength, transforming it into the ultimate blade that transcends even Supreme Grade swords.