One Piece: Zoro’s Top Tier Observation Haki in Episode 1103

In the One Piece anime, episode 1103 covered chapters 1071 and 1072 from the manga and showcased a memorable moment with fan-favorite character Roronoa Zoro. Despite being asleep, Zoro effortlessly defended the Thousand Sunny from the CP0’s attack, creating a stunning and attention-grabbing scene.

One Piece episode 1103 highlighted Zoro’s exceptional reflexes and skill in using Observation Haki. While his Armament Haki and Conqueror’s Haki are his strongest abilities, renowned for their formidable offensive and defensive capabilities and impressive physical strength, the green-haired swordsman also possesses remarkable speed and agility.

Aside from his ability to swiftly strike his opponents without giving them a chance to react, Zoro is also highly skilled in dodging, parrying, and counterattacking. This was demonstrated once again in One Piece episode 1103, where Zoro displayed his dexterity by performing an impressive feat. In fact, only the most powerful characters in One Piece, such as Edward Newgate “Whitebeard”, possess the ability to sense attacks even while asleep.

Zoro’s Mastery of Observation Haki in One Piece Episode 1103’s Most Intense Moment

A brief recap of the events

Kaku attacking the Thousand Sunny in One Piece episode 1103 (Image via Toei Animation)

Upon their arrival on Egghead, Rob Lucci and Kaku, who have transformed into elite masked agents of CP0, wasted no time in launching their attack on the island with the goal of assassinating Dr. Vegapunk. When Lucci encountered Luffy, the two engaged in a fierce battle. Utilizing his newly acquired Zoan Awakening transformation, Lucci was able to initially keep up with Luffy, who was using his powerful Gear 5 form.

Despite Luffy eventually overpowering Lucci, the battle was not without consequences. In a ruthless move, Lucci managed to defeat Sentomaru, allowing the CP0 to gain control of the Seraphim cyborgs. As Vegapunk and his satellite bodies made preparations to escape from Egghead with the assistance of the Straw Hat Pirates, the Labophase’s defense system suddenly faltered.

As a result, Lucci, Kaku, and their associate Stussy circumvented the Frontier Dome and gained access to the Labophase, with the intention of cutting off any possible escape routes for Egghead. When they spotted the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hat crew’s ship, Kaku employed his Sky Slicer Rankyaku in an effort to obliterate it.

Zoro saves the Thousand Sunny in One Piece episode 1103 (Image via Toei Animation)

Two years prior to the current events in One Piece, Kaku was required to activate his Zoan transformation in order to execute the powerful Rankyaku attack. As demonstrated in episode 1103, Kaku has since mastered the ability to perform it using only his human form, indicating significant progress. Nevertheless, he was in for a nasty shock.

Despite being asleep, Zoro, the number two of the Straw Hat Pirates, somehow sensed the danger and appeared out of nowhere to block Kaku’s enormous Rankyaku before it could strike the Thousand Sunny.

Suddenly, Zoro snapped awake and swiftly employed his sword to dispel Kaku’s technique. This all occurred in the blink of an eye, just as Brook was emerging from the Thousand Sunny’s cabin and reaching for the door.

Zoro’s swift action played a crucial role, as if CP0 had succeeded in obliterating the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hats would have been left without their beloved ship and a means to escape from Egghead and Vegapunk. This situation further highlighted Zoro’s impressive ability in using Observation Haki.

The Meaning and Use of Observation Haki in One Piece

Observation Haki, also known as Kenbushoku in the original Japanese spelling, is a sixth sense that can potentially be developed by all characters in One Piece. This form of Haki, also referred to as the Color of Observation, allows its users to possess sensitive and precognitive abilities.

When Observation Haki users concentrate, they are able to sense the aura of living beings. This allows them to detect the “voice”of others, locate their presence, predict their actions and intentions, and estimate their overall strength. The Color of Observation is effective even when the user cannot physically see their targets.

“Future Sight”is a highly developed skill possessed by the most skilled Kenbushoku users. This ability enables them to accurately predict future events, including the exact sequence of what will occur. However, even with this foresight, a Future Sight user may still be vulnerable if they lack the speed and physical capabilities to evade or counter an attack. In such cases, their predictions will be of no use in defending themselves against the incoming strike.

Why Zoro has Exceptional Skills in Observation Haki

Zoro's "Breath of All Things" (Image via Shueisha) — Zoro’s “Breath of All Things” (Image via Shueisha)

As the chosen one to become the World’s Strongest Swordsman and stand by the side of the most triumphant Pirate King, Zoro must surpass formidable opponents such as Dracule Mihawk, Silvers Rayleigh, and even the legendary “Sword God”Ryuma. To attain such greatness, Zoro must harness all of his strength and power.

Despite having room for improvement, Zoro’s mastery of Haki is already impressive. He has the ability to utilize advanced forms of Armament Haki, although he has not yet mastered the internal destruction technique. Additionally, he possesses Conqueror’s Haki and is highly skilled in the use of Observation Haki.

Even if it was only on a subconscious level, Zoro may have utilized the Color of Observation during the Arabasta Arc. This is based on the assumption that the enigmatic “Breath of All Things”technique is a unique and potentially advanced form of Observation Haki.

Zoro dodging Kuma's attacks (Image via Shueisha) — Zoro dodging Kuma’s attacks (Image via Shueisha)

During his battle against Mr. 1, Zoro tapped into a heightened state where he could sense the energy and movement of his surroundings. This enabled him to deftly evade the incoming rocks that threatened to crush him, and quickly locate his sword buried beneath a heap of debris.

Before the timeskip, Zoro was able to effortlessly evade Bartholomew Kuma’s Tsuppari Pad Cannon, gracefully weaving through the onslaught of air projectiles despite their lightning-fast speed. Though Observation Haki was not explicitly mentioned in this instance, it is plausible that Zoro unknowingly utilized it, harnessing his untapped abilities.

During his two-year training with the skilled Haki user “Hawk Eyes”Mihawk, Zoro significantly improved his mastery of the Color of Observation. This was evident in Wano when Zoro was able to anticipate and deflect a Gifter’s attack before Luffy, a user of Future Sight Haki, even realized it.

Zoro traces King's high-speed movements (Image via Shueisha) — Zoro traces King’s high-speed movements (Image via Shueisha)

Despite being miles away on the other side of Onigashima, the green-haired swordsman was able to perceive the sound of a shamisen being played. While fighting against King, Zoro was able to track the high-speed movements of Kaido’s right-hand man, even as the latter utilized his Lunarian powers to enhance his speed.

As King attempted to outmaneuver Zoro, the swordsman with green hair was able to anticipate his movements and swiftly counter, catching the Lunarian off guard. By the time of the Egghead Arc, Zoro’s mastery of Observation Haki had progressed to the point where he could anticipate and defend against the attacks of even the most skilled CP0 agents, even while asleep.

Whitebeard sensing Ace's attack while asleep (Image via Shueisha) — Whitebeard sensing Ace’s attack while asleep (Image via Shueisha)

The ability to counter an attack while asleep is considered a top-tier feat in the world of One Piece, reserved for only the most formidable fighters. Aside from Zoro, only two other characters, Charlotte Linlin “Big Mom”and Edward Newgate “Whitebeard”, both powerful Emperors, have demonstrated such mastery of Observation Haki.

Without a doubt, Zoro’s strength is truly impressive as he has been able to replicate a feat that is only seen in Yonko-level characters. Just like Whitebeard, he was able to perceive Portgas D. Ace’s attacks even while sleeping. This remarkable accomplishment showcases the immense growth of Zoro and highlights the incredible potential of the Straw Hat Pirates.