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

In chapter 1117 of One Piece, the widely acclaimed Roronoa Zoro displayed his immense power by holding his own against Saint V. Nusjuro, one of the Five Elders. As the battle ensued, it was disclosed that both the first mate of the Straw Hat Pirates and the menacing Celestial Dragon wield swords from the Kitetsu series.

Ever since the Straw Hats entered the Grand Line, Zoro has possessed the Sandai Kitetsu. Fans have long speculated that Nusjuro’s katana is the Shodai Kitetsu, one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades, and this was officially confirmed in One Piece chapter 1117.

Zoro, the man determined to surpass Dracule Mihawk and claim the title of the strongest swordsman in the world, is destined to possess the most formidable weapons. While he may achieve this goal by transforming his swords into three Black Blades, there is also a possibility that he will acquire his first Supreme Grade Blade by obtaining Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu.

Please be aware that this article includes significant spoilers from the One Piece manga up to chapter 1118.

Zoro’s Quest for Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu in the Latest One Piece Chapter

Zoro vs Nusjuro: A Clash in the World of One Piece

Zoro and Nusjuro cross swords (Image via Shueisha)

After defeating Sanji, Bonney, and the rest, Saint Nusjuro launched a devastating strike at the massive cloud housing Egghead’s laboratory. He then set his sights on the Thousand Sunny, determined to demolish the ship and prevent the Straw Hat crew from escaping.

In order to achieve his objective, Nusjuro hurried past Jinbe, who was holding onto Zoro to prevent him from becoming separated. Right before Nusjuro reached the Thousand Sunny, Jinbe employed a unique skill to launch Zoro towards the Elder, allowing the green-haired swordsman to confront the enemy before they could cause any harm to the ship.

Zoro utilized his Haki to enhance the Two Sword Style: Rashomon, causing Nusjuro to defend against the attack with his own Haki-coated sword. The two engaged in another intense clash, their Haki unleashing powerful bolts of black lightning.

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

The power struggle between Zoro and Nusjuro resulted in a stalemate, as they both pushed each other away. As a result, Nusjuro fell onto his back while Zoro received help from Jinbe. Zoro then instructed Nami and the rest of the crew to sail away on the Thousand Sunny, as they would meet up later.

As they knocked each other away, Zoro and Nusjuro were both surprised to see the other wielding a Kitetsu sword. This event only confirmed the popular theory that Nusjuro’s sword, which is the Sandai Kitetsu, is the Shodai Kitetsu as the Nidai Kitetsu is located in Wano.

The cursed swords of the Kitetsu series

Zoro testing the Sandai Kitetsu (Image via Toei Animation)

All of the swords in the Kitetsu series are renowned as powerful Meito, meaning they are high-quality blades with a unique name. The Kitetsu swords have also gained a notorious reputation for being “Cursed Blades”that bring about the death of their wielder, further demonstrating their strength.

Despite average fighters often labeling certain swords as “cursed”due to their inability to wield them effectively, this belief is unfounded. The most skilled swordsmen are able to handle any blade, no matter its supposed curses or unconventional qualities.

Each Kitetsu sword was created by a different swordsmith at various points in time. The Sandai Kitetsu, which Zoro obtained from Ipponmatsu in Rogue Town, was forged by Sukiyaki, the father of Kozuki Oden. The Nidai Kitetsu, on the other hand, was crafted by Kotetsu, who is an ancestor of Sukiyaki.

Nusjuro with the Shodai Kitetsu (Image via Toei Animation)

Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu has an ancient origin that predates the current One Piece narration. Although its creator is unidentified, it is widely believed that the sword was forged centuries ago. This theory aligns with the myth of the Five Elders, the five Warrior Gods who are said to have played a role in the establishment of the World Government.

The Sandai Kitetsu is classified as a Grade Blade, while the Nidai Kitetsu is considered a Great Grade Blade. The Shodai Kitetsu is one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades, making it one of the most formidable weapons in the franchise, along with other notable blades such as Dracule Mihawk’s Yoru, Gol D. Roger’s Ace, and Edward Newgate’s Murakumogiri.

Ever since Nusjuro made his debut in the One Piece series, fans have observed that his weapon of choice bears a striking resemblance to the Sandai and Nidai Kitetsu swords in terms of aesthetics. The hilt and handguard of Nusjuro’s sword, in particular, share a noticeable likeness to those of the aforementioned Kitetsu blades.

It was confirmed in chapter 1117 of One Piece that the popular theory was indeed true. This was evident during the intense battle between Zoro and Nusjuro, where it was implicitly revealed that Nusjuro’s sword was the infamous Shodai Kitetsu.

Will Zoro’s Victory Result in Obtaining the Shodai Kitetsu from Nusjuro?

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

Ever since his journey began in One Piece, Zoro has utilized a diverse range of swords, each holding its own unique importance. Undoubtedly, the most treasured sword in Zoro’s possession is Wado Ichimonji, which holds the spirit of his late comrade, Shimotsuki Kuina.

The effectiveness of a sword in combat relies on the skill of its wielder, but it is clear that not all swords are equal. There are some that possess greater quality than others, such as Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu, which is recognized as one of the strongest blades in the world of One Piece.

Acquiring such a formidable weapon would greatly enhance Zoro’s arsenal. It goes without saying that Nusjuro is not the type to freely give away his sword, so Zoro may have to resort to force in order to obtain it. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for Zoro to receive a new sword after triumphing over a formidable adversary.

During their time on Thriller Bark, the Straw Hat crew encountered a zombie version of Shimotsuki Ryuma, who was defeated by Zoro. Impressed by Zoro’s skill, the renowned “Sword God”decided to bestow an honor upon him. As a reward for his victory, Ryuma’s corpse gifted Zoro with the infamous Black Blade Shusui.

With this thought in consideration, Zoro has the opportunity to acquire Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu if he were to successfully defeat him. The fight between the two has only just commenced and it appears that both are determined to continue. However, it must be noted that defeating Nusjuro will not be an effortless task.

The collective strength of the Five Elders is on par with that of Admirals and possibly even Yonkos, with Nusjuro being considered the second strongest among them. Zoro has become incredibly formidable, able to match Nusjuro’s Haki with his own.

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

After accomplishing this feat, it can confidently be stated that Zoro has likely achieved the level of an Admiral. Nevertheless, he may still not be able to defeat one of the Five Elders at this point. Even Luffy, who utilized Gear 5 extensively, was unable to defeat one of the Elders. Despite his efforts, Luffy was ultimately forced to retreat from his battle with Topman Warcury.

Being the most powerful supporters of Imu-sama, the Five Elders are inevitably destined to be defeated, but it is unlikely that the Egghead Arc will be the occasion for their downfall. Regardless, it is only a matter of time before Zoro and Nusjuro engage in a deadly battle.

In the event of this occurring, it is likely that Zoro will emerge victorious in the battle but will also lose his Sandai Kitetsu. Nusjuro, who is defeated by Zoro’s overwhelming strength, may then recognize Zoro as the successor to “Sword God”Ryuma and offer him the Shodai Kitetsu as a replacement.