All 3 Kitetsu Swords in One Piece and Who Currently Has Them, Explained

The Kitetsu swords featured in the series One Piece are among the most powerful blades, if not the absolute strongest, in the entire franchise. These swords are meticulously crafted by a highly skilled swordsmith with decades of experience in forging.

These three blades, with their impressive construction and immense power, are infamous for their curse which inevitably leads to the death of their wielder. This results in the sword eventually returning to its original seller, reminiscent of a classic horror tale.

The cursed nature of the Kitetsu swords can be overcome by the luck of the wielder, making them even more powerful weapons. The latest chapter of One Piece, chapter 1117, revealed the whereabouts of the final and strongest Kitetsu sword, reaffirming that only the most skilled swordsmen of the Grand Line can handle these blades. This article will explore the swordsmen who possess the Kitetsu swords in One Piece.

Please note: This article includes possible spoilers from the One Piece manga series and reflects the author’s personal opinions.

Discovering the wielders of Kitetsu swords in One Piece

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

The initial Kitetsu sword featured in the series was the Sandei Kitetsu, a regular-grade Meito blade. It was crafted by Kozuki Sukiyaki, the father of Kozuki Oden, and was designed after the Nidai Kitetsu, the second Kitetsu sword.

After Sukiyaki created the sword, it was shipped to Loguetown on the other side of the world where it was eventually sold to a merchant named Ipponmatsu. While in Loguetown, the infamous pirate Roronoa Zoro came across Ipponmatsu’s store and expressed interest in purchasing the Sandei Kitetsu.

Zoro risking his life to overpower Sandei Kitetsu's curse (Image via Toei Animation) — Zoro risking his life to overpower Sandei Kitetsu’s curse (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite the shopkeeper’s fear of the blade’s cursed nature, Zoro boldly took a risk by swinging it above him. He declared that if the sword were to harm him, its cursed nature would pose a danger to any swordsman.

To Ipponmatsu’s astonishment, Zoro effortlessly dodged the sword and it clattered to the ground. The shopkeeper, impressed by Zoro’s skill, presented him with Sandei Kitetsu and Yubashiri. To this day, Sandei Kitetsu remains one of the three swords wielded by the Straw Hat Pirates’ swordsman.

Luffy using Nidai Kitetsu like a bat (Image via Toei Animation)

The Nidai Kitetsu, a powerful sword known as a great-meito, was the second Kitetsu sword to be featured in the series. It was crafted by Kotetsu, a predecessor of Kozuki Sukiyaki. In the Wano arc, Luffy acquired this sword after rescuing Tama.

Luffy borrowed the item and headed to an open area to play with it. As he was playing, he spotted Zoro approaching in the distance. The two reunited after an arc and Zoro was relieved to see Luffy in good spirits, having returned safely from Whole Cake Island.

Kozuki Sukiyaki as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

However, Zoro’s focus was on the sword that Luffy possessed. Despite Zoro’s persistent pleas, Luffy refused to allow him a glimpse of Nidai Kitetsu. Their encounter was interrupted by Basil Hawkins, during which Luffy utilized the hilt of Nidai Kitetsu in battle, causing concern for its potential damage and leaving Zoro feeling uneasy.

The Beast Pirates eventually acquired the sword and brought it to Udon. However, during the later events of the Wano arc, Kiku was able to recover the sword and return it to its rightful owner, Kozuki Sukiyaki.

Zoro facing off against Saint Nusjuro (Image via Toei Animation)

The final Kitetsu sword, known as the Shodai Kitetsu, is said to be the most powerful among the other Kitetsu swords in One Piece. The identity of its wielder and creator has not been officially disclosed, although there have been strong hints within the series.

In chapter 1117, while Zoro and Saint Nusjuro were engaged in a conflict, it was revealed by the former that the latter was in possession of a Kitetsu sword. Since two of these swords have already been acquired, it is highly probable that Saint Nusjuro possesses the final and most powerful Kitetsu sword, known as the Shodai Kitetsu.