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The combatant of the Straw Hat Pirates, Zorois a very powerful individual who many fans have come to love over the years. InOne Piece, it is safe to say that Zoro’s character is driven by the promises that he has made to his friends. His best friend, Kuina, is his main driving force, and his promise of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman to her moves him still. Similarly, Zoro’s promise to help Luffy become the Pirate King is also very important to him.
Right now inOne Piece, fans know that Zoro is making great progress in both cases, and, as far as his character goes, the key to him fulfilling both of these tasks is to get stronger. Strength is at the core of this character, which is why Zoro must get major boosts in terms of power in every passing arc. The Wano Country arc was massive for him, but Egghead did not see him grow as much. That said, Elbaf is certainly going to be massive for Zoro once again, especially given that Oda is paying special attention to the East Blue recruits of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Zoro’s Big Challenges In Elbaf
Zoro heads into Elbaf as a very powerful swordsman. There is no denying the fact that he’s skilled and, right now, certainly among the strongest swordsmen in the world. That said, there are those who can fight and defeat Zoro. This means that Zoro is not at the peak of his powers yet. But, Zoro has tremendous potential. This potential stems from his own natural talent, but, at the same time, it is also derived from his connection to Shimotsuki Ryuma. As fans know, Ryuma, Ushimaru, and Zoro, all have the same fighting style. This essentially means that Zoro carries a piece of them in him, and this inherited skill will certainly aid him in accomplishing his goal as well. Zoro can go on to become an individual like the Sword God from long ago, and all he needs to do is fulfill all his potential and reach the very top. But, right now, Zoro is still not the finished product.
Are you saying Oden used to wield you like a feather? – Zoro
Zoro is already called a monster swordsman, because he has mastered the three sword style, and his proficiency over the other styles is good as well. At the same time, his level of strength is impeccable as well, as is his control over Haki. Wano was a massive test for Zoro, given that this is where he had to strengthen his Haki tremendously. Zoro managed to tap into stronger versions of Armament Haki and, at the same time, gain access to Conqueror’s Infusion as well. With these skills, Zoro was able to unlock the King of Hell Style, which allows him to fight his enemies much better, and deliver deadly blows to them.
With this power, Zoro was even able to beat King, and when he unknowingly used his Conqueror’s Haki, he managed to scar Kaido. Undoubtedly, Zoro has the potential to reach the very top, but he still needs to work on his skills.
Zoro’s Biggest Problem Right Now
Zoro’s biggest problem right now is his haki isn’t as refined as it should be, and at the same time, he cannot control it properly. Zoro usually goes all out with his Haki and essentially, lasts only a few minutes in battle. This would work against someone like King, but against stronger enemies, who are closer to the likes of the Admirals or the Yonko in terms of power, this is never going to be enough.Zoro needs to grow in this regard, which is the biggest challenge that Elbaf poses to him.
If I keep using Haki at this level, I’ll die! – Zoro
In Elbaf, Zoro will inevitably end up facing some mighty powerful warriors. These warriors will likely push him to the very limit and force him to grow stronger. This is the only way to grow stronger, and fans also know that this is the only way that Haki blooms.Zoro needs to increase his Haki efficiency, to a point where he is able to wield Enma like a feather, which is what Oden did in Zoro’s own words. Zoro is not as strong as Oden right now, and isn’t anywhere close, but he certainly can reach a similar level once he goes on to master Enma properly.
Why Zoro’s Eye Could Be Focused On Next
Zoro’s Eye Holds A Massive Secret
While Zoro’s control over his Haki isa big part of his next power-up in Elbaf, fans know that there is more to come. Zoro also needs to tap into the deepest of his powers, which, for some reason, Oda has always linked to demons. For instance, in Enies Lobby, the World Government agents actually saw Zoro producing a demonic aura. Kaku referred to Zoro as a demon as well, and fans know, above all, that Zoro can manifest something like Asura out of absolutely nowhere, which there has not been an explanation for so far in the story. Zoro has a demonic aura, and, at the same time, fans know that this demonic aura could also be tied to his closed eye. Zoro lost his eye at some point during the timeskip, but Oda has, surprisingly, never addressed it. This closed eye isn’t just a design choice.
Oda mentioned around 1997-2000 that Zoro would eventually go on to close an eye, which means this is a significant detail. Even when Oda was asked by his friend about what happened to Zoro, he refused to answer, which certainly attaches importance to it. Perhaps, Zoro will open this eye, or something about this eye will be hinted at in Elbaf, and it will directly be linked to his Asura spirit. This could be Zoro’s final power that will allow him to reach a very high level.
Zoro’s Post-Elbaf Power Should Be Very High
Zoro Can Reach The Levels Of Admirals And More
Once Zoro improves his efficiency over Hakiand is able to wield Enma like a feather, he will be incredibly powerful. In fact, he could then fight against the Admirals and have a chance of winning. This will mean Zoro will be edging closer to the levels of the Yonko, and at the same time, be strong enough to go and fight against Mihawk. Then, all Zoro needs to do is to muster the power of Asura to the fullest, which may well be connected to his eye, and then head into battle.
This could be Zoro’s final challenge,and Elbaf will most likely prepare him for his battleagainst Mihawk. After Elbaf, Zoro should be ready for this challenge and to accomplish his dream, which is absolutely massive. As such, Zoro’s post-Elbaf strength should be close to Mihawk, potentially greater than the Admirals of the Marines, and at the same time, edging closer to the Yonko themselves. This is the only way that Zoro will have a shot at defeating Mihawk, and fans absolutely cannot wait for that battle.
One Piece is available to read via Viz Media. The series can be read by the fans officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and theManga Plusapps. The release date for the next chapter of One Piece, One Piece 1131, is set to be June 21, 2025.
