8 Most Memorable Zoro Moments in One Piece

Discover the 8 most memorable Zoro moments in One Piece. Explore what makes each of these scenes so iconic in the series.

8 Most Memorable Zoro Moments in One Piece
Zoro as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Roronoa Zoro is the main swordsman of the Straw Hats as well as one of Luffy’s wings, dedicatedly supporting him in becoming Pirate King. At the same time, Zoro also has his own ambition of defeating Mihawk and becoming the strongest swordsman in the world. While working towards his individual goal and staying loyal to his captain, he has faced a variety of challenges in the series.

These hurdles, in turn, have become unforgettable scenes that have helped define his character. Here are the 8 most memorable Zoro moments in One Piece.

1) Zoro Endures Kuma’s Attack 

8 Most Memorable Zoro Moments in One Piece
Zoro and Kuma as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro’s most iconic scene in One Piece came towards the end of the Thriller Bark Arc, where the exhausted Straw Hats were under threat from Bartholomew Kuma. When Zoro stepped up to defend his captain, Kuma was impressed and agreed to let the crew go under one condition. This involved Kuma transferring all of Luffy’s pain to Zoro, which the swordsman would have to endure.

Zoro never hesitated, withstanding all of his captain’s injuries in silence. When questioned later, he expressed the famous phrase “Nothing Happened,” solidifying his position as Luffy’s most loyal soldier.

2) Zoro vs Mihawk 

Zoro and Mihawk as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Zoro and Mihawk as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

As mentioned earlier, Zoro’s main goal in the series is to become the world’s strongest swordsman. He got the opportunity to do this in the Baratie Arc, where he ran into the Warlord Mihawk.

While Zoro was undoubtedly excited to face him, he soon faced the overpowering skill of his enemy. With nothing but a small dagger, Mihawk critically injured Zoro, brutally beating him down. Nevertheless, he respected his spirit, finishing the battle with Yoru.

This was a turning point for the Straw Hat, where he realized the level he would have to reach. He resolved himself to not lose and surpass Mihawk one day.

3) Zoro Defeats Daz Bonez 

Zoro defeats Daz Bonez as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Zoro defeats Daz Bonez as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro’s fight with Daz Bonez is widely considered to be the best battle in the Arabasta Arc, and for good reason. Bonez, also known as Mr. 1, was a formidable fighter who could turn his entire body into sharp blades.

By manipulating these, he nearly defeated Zoro, who was struggling to cut through his hardened body. Despite all his injuries, however, Zoro understood his teacher’s words when close to dying. He figured out the breath of all things, unveiling a One Sword Style that rapidly cut through Bonez’s steel.

This moment was a testament to Zoro’s endless pursuit of strength and his overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. It was also crucial in the Straw Hats’ endeavor to take down Baroque Works.

4) Zoro vs King 

Zoro and King as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Zoro and King as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

One of the key moments in the Wano Arc came during Zoro’s fight with the immensely powerful King. The Lunarian was an intimidating figure who could manipulate fire and showed great prowess with the sword.

As one of Kaido’s main officers, King was dominating for a long time, leaving great injuries on Zoro. Nevertheless, the Straw Hat persisted, realizing the significance of his battle. He mastered control of Enma, combining it with his Three Sword Style to gradually wither King’s armor and deal a finishing blow.

This battle nearly killed Zoro, but he still fought with all his heart since he knew Luffy was busy with Kaido. It showed not only his unbelievable physical prowess but also his mental strength.

5) Zoro Doesn’t Forgive Usopp 

Zoro and Luffy as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Zoro and Luffy as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

When the Going Merry was beyond repair and the Straw Hats had decided to move on from it, Usopp rejected the decision. Since the crew had received the ship from Kaya, Usopp held a special bond to it. This went to the degree where he openly fought Luffy and left the crew.

Later in the series, when Usopp wished to return, Luffy was willing to accept him with open arms. However, Zoro refused, pointing out Usopp’s disrespectful actions. He pushed Luffy to not easily forgive the sniper and to make Usopp apologize for his mistake.

This was a harsh yet practical moment from Zoro. It displayed how he helped Luffy maintain discipline in his crew and the importance of loyalty.

6) Zoro Trusts Sanji to Return

Zoro and Sanji as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Zoro and Sanji as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

When Sanji left for Whole Cake Island after being threatened by the Big Mom Pirates, the Straw Hats immediately wanted to set out and rescue him. At this point, Zoro was the only one who took Sanji’s letter seriously, which indicated he would be back in the future.

While Luffy did end up choosing to save Sanji, this short yet impactful sequence displayed how well the swordsman knew the chef. Despite their ongoing rivalry in One Piece, Zoro trusted Sanji’s skills, highlighting the depth of their relationship.

7) Zoro Uses Supreme King Haki 

Zoro Moments in One Piece
Zoro and Kaido as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

To protect an unconscious Luffy from Kaido, Zoro bravely stepped in front of the Yonko. Despite being injured, his spirit unconsciously unlocked Supreme King Haki during his Nine Sword Style. This was powerful enough to slash through Kaido, a feat only Oden had achieved before.

While Zoro fell soon after this, his attack was enough to stagger Kaido and provide the opportunity for Luffy to recuperate. Since Supreme King Haki is extremely rare and only used by the most powerful in One Piece, it solidified Zoro’s status among the strongest in the series.

8) Zoro Sees the Grim Reaper

Zoro Moments in One Piece
Zoro and Grim Reaper as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Soon after his battle with King, Zoro was on the edge of death when he saw a Grim Reaper in front of him. This shinigami swung its scythe at a distraught Zoro, with the scene cutting right after. This left viewers in shock, believing Zoro had died due to injuries.

Thankfully, we found that the swordsman had survived, having been saved by Franky and healed by Chopper. The Reaper remained enigmatic, not having been mentioned again. This was an extremely odd sequence that sparked endless fan theories.

While it symbolized Zoro’s resistance, it was a chilling sequence that many believe will be relevant later in the series.


Looking For More?

Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!