One Piece: Every near-death experience Zoro has ever had, ranked chronologically

In the One Piece series, Roronoa Zoro has consistently demonstrated his readiness to risk everything for his goals and his unyielding resolve. From his early battles in East Blue to the perilous confrontations in Wano Country, Zoro has faced numerous life-threatening situations.

Each encounter, from dueling Dracule Mihawk to fighting the Yonkos, has been pivotal in shaping his growth as a swordsman. This article will chronologically rank all of Zoro's deadly experiences, highlighting how each one has tested his combat skills, mental fortitude, and will to live. These moments are essential milestones in his quest to become the greatest swordsman in the world.

All of Zoro's near-death experiences throughout the One Piece series

1) Zoro vs Mihawk in East Blue

Zoro goes up against Mihawk in One Piece's East Blue Saga (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro's first near-death experience occurred at the Baratie in East Blue when he faced Dracule Mihawk, whom he had longed to defeat. Realizing he couldn't win, Zoro still stood firm against Mihawk. Impressed by his determination, Mihawk delivered a dangerous blow with his Black Blade, Yoru, to test Zoro's strength.

This encounter changed Zoro's life, as he survived a serious injury that could have been fatal. It not only gave Zoro a life-changing experience but also fueled his resolve to become the world's greatest swordsman.

2) When Arlong ripped off Zoro's bandages in Arlong Park

After sustaining life-threatening injuries from Mihawk at the Baratie, Zoro immediately joined the crew to help Nami at Arlong Park. Weakened from his previous battle, Zoro faced Hatchan, defeating him despite his condition. However, Arlong then captured Zoro, curious about the heavy bandaging covering his body.

Arlong tore the bandages off, revealing the gruesome wound on Zoro's chest, causing it to reopen. Shocked by the severity of the injuries, Arlong wondered how Zoro was still alive. At that moment, Zoro was teetering on the brink of death, determined to keep fighting despite being gravely injured.

3) Zoro vs vs Daz Bones is Alabasta

Zoro vs Daz Bones (Image via Toei Animation)

During his battle with Daz Bones in Alabasta, Mr. 1’s attack landed a direct hit, sending Zoro crashing against a pillar. Vulnerable and unable to defend himself, Zoro was struck again, suffering further wounds as the pillar and arch collapsed on top of him.

Despite the severe injuries and the overwhelming odds, Zoro experienced a moment of clarity, feeling as though he glimpsed the other side. Drawing upon this near-death experience, Zoro awakened his Observation Haki, rising again to continue the fight with newfound strength and determination.

4) When Zoro took all of Luffy's pain in Thriller Bark

Zoro in One Piece's Thriller Bark arc (Image via Toei Animation)

This was the closest Zoro came to death. After the battle with Moria, Bartholomew Kuma threatened to eliminate the Straw Hats. When they refused to let him take Luffy, Kuma created a powerful explosion, knocking everyone unconscious. As Kuma prepared to capture Luffy, Zoro desperately attacked him but only managed to slightly damage him.

Realizing Kuma was a Pacifista, Zoro offered to trade his life for Luffy's. Kuma agreed but instead transferred all of Luffy's pain to Zoro. Zoro endured the excruciating ordeal, shocking everyone by surviving. This moment cemented the belief that Zoro's willpower keeps him among the living.

5) When Kizaru nearly killed Zoro at Sabaody Archipelago

When Zoro came across Admiral Kizaru on the Sabaody Archipelago, he was faced with his fifth near-fatal experience. Zoro was still in the process of recovering from the severe injuries he had sustained while at Thriller Bark. Zoro was physically unable to defend himself against Kizaru's relentless attack due to his injured state.

Even though Zoro was trying to find some strength within him to hit back, his body was in such a bad condition that he couldn't react at all. Both the sheer power of Kizaru and Zoro's compromised state made him practically unable to do anything but lie there on the verge of death. It was clear that Zoro was dangling on the edge of life, which made it one of his most terrible brushes with death.

6) When Zoro countered Big Mom and Kaido's combined attack in Onigashima

Big Mom and Kaido face off against the Worst Generation (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro's next near-death experience occurred in the Wano Country in the One Piece world when he faced the combined might of the Yonkos, Kaido, and Big Mom. During a fierce battle, the two unleashed their powerful attack, Ocean Sovereignty, capable of wiping out everyone present.

Recognizing the danger, Zoro stepped up to counter the devastating attack. Despite his best efforts, the sheer force of the combined strike broke all the bones in his body, pushing him to the brink of death. Yet, Zoro remained standing, his willpower and determination keeping him conscious despite the excruciating pain and his severely injured state.

7) When Zoro used Asura after taking Big Mom and Kaido's combo attack in Onigashima

Zoro uses Asura on Kaido in One Piece manga (Image via Shueisha)

After countering the combined attack from Big Mom and Kaido, which left his body broken, Zoro mustered his remaining strength for a final assault on Kaido. Using Nine-Sword Style: Ashura, Zoro unleashed Ashura Bakkei: Moja no Tawamure, inflicting a deep cut on Kaido’s chest. Kaido, surprised by Zoro’s use of Supreme King Haki, commended him for the scar it would leave.

However, Kaido quickly retaliated with Raimei Hakke, further injuring Zoro and leaving him on the brink of death. Law teleported himself and Zoro to safety, where Sanji bandaged Zoro, who then fell into a deep sleep to heal.

8) Zoro vs King in Onigashima

Zoro faces-off King (Image via Toei Animation)

After battling two Yonkos and enduring a devastating attack from Kaido, Zoro faced another near-death experience in One Piece's Wano Country by challenging King, Kaido's strongest commander. In this intense battle, Zoro risked everything, allowing his sword Enma to drain all his Haki and spirit.

Despite the immense strain on his body and spirit, Zoro pushed through, defeating King in a fierce showdown. Exhausted and on the brink of collapse, Zoro declared himself the “King of Hell,” signifying his resolve to overcome even death itself. This victory marked another significant near-death encounter in Zoro's journey to becoming the greatest swordsman.

Final thoughts

Zoro's near-death experiences throughout One Piece highlight his extraordinary resolve and determination. From his harrowing battles against Mihawk and Kizaru to his defiance against Kaido and King, each encounter has pushed him to the brink, showcasing his unwavering will to become the world's greatest swordsman despite facing death itself.