Zoro Roronoa is one of the most acclaimed characters in the history of anime, and the main reason is his unique fighting style showcased in One Piece. Battling with three katanas simultaneously —one in each hand and one in his mouth— he performs some of the most impressive techniques we have ever seen in an anime.
But it’s not just his fabulous techniques with incredible names that make him stand out; his own katanas have fascinating stories and significant names. While we eagerly await the live-action adaptation of the series on Netflix, let’s take a look at everything this character has accomplished throughout the original story. Here, we present the reasons behind the names of Zoro’s main swords in One Piece.
Wado Ichimonji
One of the first swords that Zoro possesses already has a name, as it is one of the 21 O Wazamono grade swords, which are the second most powerful in the world after the twelve Saijo O Wazamono grade swords. The katana originally belonged to Kuina, Zoro’s great friend and rival during their childhood, and he inherited it from her after her death at the hands of her father. It was forged by the legendary Shimotsuki Kozaburo, who also forged Enma. Despite the passage of time, it remains one of the three swords that Zoro wields.
Sandai Kitetsu
At the beginning of the anime, Zoro loses two of his swords while fighting against Mihawk —he only retains Wado Ichimonji—, so he decides to buy replacements in Loguetown. There, Zoro pulls out Sandai Kitetsu from a barrel, but the merchant warns him that it is cursed. This doesn’t deter Zoro, and after testing it out, he decides to keep it. Sandai Kitetsu is one of the weaker swords he has wielded, being a Wazamono grade sword.
Yubashiri
In the same arc, when the owner of the katana shop observes Zoro’s skills, he gives him a family heirloom for free. This sword is called Yubashiri, a Skillful Grade sword, which is more powerful than Sandai Kitetsu. During the Enies Lobby arc, the Marine officer Shu, who has eaten the Sabi Sabi no Mi fruit, corrodes the sword until it becomes a pile of rust. All that remains afterward is a small blade and the hilt, so Zoro buries it at the grave of the Rumbar Pirates in Thriller Bark.
Shusui
One of Zoro’s most well-known swords is Shusui, which he received in Thriller Bark from the zombie Ryuma, a legendary samurai from the country of Wano. Ryuma faced off against Zoro and recognized him as a worthy swordsman, entrusting him with the katana to carry on his legacy. Shusui is one of the 21 O Wazamono grade swords, and it has turned black after being imbued with Haki.
Enma
The last of Zoro Roronoa’s great swords is Enma, which has become very popular recently. During the Wano arc, Zoro returns Shusui to Ryuma’s grave, believing it should remain there. At that moment, Hiyori presents Enma to Zoro, telling him that she received it from her father, Kozuki Oden. Enma is a grade O Wazamono sword, but after being imbued with Haki, it may have risen in rank. With Enma, Oden was able to pierce through Kaido’s skin, and Zoro achieved the same feat later on. Thus, it is an incredible katana capable of dealing damage to one of the most powerful Yonko.
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