One Piece: Zoro could get his first Supreme Grade Blade after fighting Nusjuro

In One Piece chapter 1117, the highly popular Roronoa Zoro showcased his exceptional strength by equally matching Saint V. Nusjuro, one of the Five Elders. As the struggle began, it was revealed that both the first mate of the Straw Hat Pirates and the ominous Celestial Dragon wield a sword from the Kitetsu series.

Zoro has had the Sandai Kitetsu ever since the Straw Hats entered the Grand Line. As for Nusjuro, fans have always speculated that his katana is the Shodai Kitetsu, one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades. This was finally confirmed in One Piece chapter 1117.

As the man who aims to surpass Dracule Mihawk and become the strongest swordsman in the world, if not in the entire history, Zoro is meant to own the most powerful weapons. Although he will likely achieve that by turning his swords into three Black Blades, there's also a chance that he will obtain his first Supreme Grade Blade by taking Nusjuro's Shodai Kitetsu.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers from the One Piece manga up to chapter 1118.

Zoro set his sights on Nusjuro's Shodai Kitetsu in the latest One Piece chapter

Zoro vs Nusjuro in the One Piece manga

Zoro and Nusjuro cross swords (Image via Shueisha)

After overpowering Sanji, Bonney, and the others, Saint Nusjuro sent an insanely powerful slash towards the gigantic cloud that holds Egghead’s laboratory. Nusjuro then targeted the Thousand Sunny, aiming to destroy the ship in order to prevent the Straw Hat crew’s escape.

To reach his goal, Nusjuro sped past Jinbe, who was carrying Zoro to keep him from getting lost. Just as Nusjuro was about to hit the Thousand Sunny, Jinbe used a special technique to throw Zoro at the Elder, so that the green-haired swordsman could reach the enemy before he could destroy the ship.

Zoro performed a Haki-enhanced version of the Two Sword Style: Rashomon, forcing Nusjuro to block the incoming blow with his sword, which was also coated in Haki. Zoro and Nusjuro then clashed their weapons once again, with their Haki generating a tremendous amount of black lightning all around.

Zoro and Nusjuro have an intense Haki clash (Image via Shueisha)

The power struggle ended in a draw, as Zoro and Nusjuro repelled each other. With both being blown back, Nusjuro went belly-up, while Zoro was assisted by Jinbe. Zoro then yelled to Nami and the others to sail off with the Thousand Sunny, as they would catch up later.

Before knocking each other away, both Zoro and Nusjuro couldn’t help but express their shock at the sight of the other wielding a Kitetsu sword. With the Nidai Kitetsu being in Wano, and the Sandai Kitetsu being the one used by Zoro, this event implicitly validated the popular theory, according to which Nusjuro’s sword is the Shodai Kitetsu.

The cursed swords of the Kitetsu series

Zoro testing the Sandai Kitetsu (Image via Toei Animation)

The swords of the Kitetsu series are all known as formidable Meito, i.e., high-quality blades that have been given a name. A further testament to their potency, the Kitetsu swords have earned a reputation for being “Cursed Blades” that kill their own wielder.

However, this was untrue. Being unable to handle certain swords, average fighters typically call these weapons “cursed”, blaming them for their misfortunes. For the most powerful swordsmen, no sword is cursed, as they are strong enough to handle every blade, regardless of its quirks and unique features.

Each Kitetsu sword was crafted by a different swordsmith during a different time. The Sandai Kitetsu that Zoro received from Ipponmatsu in Rogue Town was made by Sukiyaki, the father of Kozuki Oden. The Nidai Kitetsu was instead made by Kotetsu, an ancestor of Sukiyaki.

Nusjuro with the Shodai Kitetsu (Image via Toei Animation)

Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu has an even earlier origin. Its creator remains unknown, but there’s little doubt that the sword was crafted hundreds of years before the present One Piece narration. Such a thing would also fit with the alleged immortality of the Five Elders, the five Warrior Gods who are implied to have taken part in the very foundation of the World Government.

The Sandai Kitetsu is a Grade Blade, while the Nidai Kitetsu is a Great Grade Blade. The Shodai Kitetsu is one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades, which makes it one of the most powerful weapons in the franchise, along with the likes of Dracule Mihawk’s Yoru, Gol D. Roger’s Ace, and Edward Newgate’s Murakumogiri.

Since Nusjuro’s first appearance in the series, One Piece fans have noticed that, in terms of aesthetics, his weapon of choice is strikingly similar to the Sandai and Nidai Kitetsu. In particular, the hilt and handguard of Nusjuro’s sword bear an evident resemblance to the ones of the aforementioned Kitetsu blades.

The popular theory was proven true in One Piece chapter 1117, as, during the fierce clash between Zoro and Nusjuro, the latter’s sword was implicitly confirmed to be the fearsome Shodai Kitetsu.

Will Zoro get the Shodai Kitetsu by beating Nusjuro?

The aftermath of the clash between Zoro and Nusjuro (Image via Shueisha)

Since the beginning of his adventures in One Piece, Zoro has wielded a wide array of swords, each of which has its own significance. Of course, Zoro’s most prized possession is Wado Ichimonji, the blade that carries the soul of his deceased friend, Shimotsuki Kuina.

The combat effectiveness of a sword depends on the prowess of its user, but it’s quite evident that not all swords are the same. Some are inherently better than others, and this is the case of Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu, which stands out as one of the most powerful blades in the One Piece world.

Such a formidable weapon would be a great addition for Zoro’s arsenal. Needless to say, Nusjuro doesn’t strike as the type of person who would simply donate his sword, meaning that Zoro should have to take it by force. Admittedly, it wouldn’t be unprecedented for Zoro to get a new sword after defeating a powerful opponent.

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During the Straw Hat crew’s stay in Thriller Bark, Zoro defeated a zombie version of Shimotsuki Ryuma. Impressed by Zoro’s prowess, the unparalleled “Sword God” decided to honor the former. As a reward for the victory, Ryuma’s corpse gave Zoro the notorious Black Blade Shusui.

With this in mind, if Zoro were to defeat Nusjuro, he could claim the latter’s Shodai Kitetsu. The battle between Zoro and Nusjuro has just begun, and both seem keen to continue. Granted, defeating Nusjuro is anything but easy.

The overall power of each of the Five Elders is easily comparable to that of Admirals or even Yonkos, and this is especially true for Nusjuro, who is probably the second strongest Elder. Zoro is insanely powerful now, to the point where he can equal Nusjuro’s Haki with his own.

Zoro as seen during the Egghead Arc (Image via Toei Animation)

Based on this feat, it’s safe to say that Zoro has probably reached the Admiral level. Even then, however, the green-haired swordsman may not be able to defeat one of the Five Elders already now. In fact, not even Luffy was able to beat one of the Elders. Despite using Gear 5 extensively, Luffy was forced to quit the battle with Topman Warcury.

As the mightiest followers of Imu-sama, the Five Elders are bound to be defeated at some point, but the Egghead Arc is probably too early for that to happen. Nevertheless, sooner or later, Zoro and Nusjuro will have their fight to the death.

When that happens, chances are that Zoro will win the battle but lose his Sandai Kitetsu in the process. Overwhelmed by Zoro, the defeated Nusjuro may acknowledge the former as the second coming of “Sword God” Ryuma and, thus, give him his Shodai Kitetsu as a replacement.

One Piece: Zoro could get his first Supreme Grade Blade after fighting Nusjuro

Zoro set his sights on Nusjuro's Shodai Kitetsu in the latest One Piece chapter

Zoro vs Nusjuro in the One Piece manga

The cursed swords of the Kitetsu series

Will Zoro get the Shodai Kitetsu by beating Nusjuro?

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