Make Way For The World’s Greatest Swordsman
While the mastery that is One Piece has no shortage of amazing characters, none have managed to epitomise the title of “badass” quite like the Vice-Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. Armed with three blades, inhuman strength and a burning desire to become the best swordsman in the world, Zoro has proven himself time after time to be one of the deadliest combatants to ever traverse the sea.
His deeds across the series are legendary, from single-handedly slicing apart monsters, taking untold amounts of punishment to having literally the worst sense of direction. Nonetheless, we stand by these three particular exploits as his greatest accomplishments, since they don’t just highlight Zoro’s excellent character, but are also considered some of the series’ best.
Fair warning, there are MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
#3: Zoro vs. Kaku
While many rightly consider the battle between Luffy and Lucci to be the standout clash of the Enies Lobby Arc, we still feel this confrontation between the three-sword user and giant giraffe assassin comes in at a close second. Almost overwhelmed by Kaku’s Devil Fruit and Six Powers abilities, Zoro is forced to pull out all the stops just to hold his own against the seemingly never-ending onslaught. At least until Kaku crosses a line by insulting Robin, to which he is given the honor of being the first to be cut by Zoro’s hellish nine-sword style. Ouch.
#2: The Promise
When coincidence leads Hawk-Eye Mihawk aka The World’s Greatest Swordsman right to the Straw Hat’s doorstep, Zoro takes the opportunity to finally take the title for himself. Despite his strength, he is totally outclassed and almost loses his life in the process. However, impressed with his commitment, Mihawk challenges him to get stronger so they can have a rematch one day. The painfully humbling experiences reaffirms Zoro’s drive, promising Luffy he will never lose again.
#1: The Sacrifice
He may be strong enough to lift up buildings and slice apart whole galleons, but Zoro’s most endearing aspect has always been his willingness to take on the burdens of those he cares about. Nowhere is this better displayed than when he makes a deal for Luffy’s life by taking on the physical presentation of all his pain and fatigue as his own. Such an act would kill a lesser man, yet Zoro manages to hang onto life by the skin of his teeth. The fact that he was happy to give up everything for the sake of his Captain speaks volumes. You couldn’t ask for a better first mate.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 One Piece Fights.
