Zoro’s Potential Battle Against Shanks in One Piece: A Chance for the Straw Hat Swordsman to Achieve New Heights

The Egghead arc, the first arc of the One Piece Final Saga, is currently in its final stage. Fans eagerly anticipate the next arc, which will reveal more secrets about the ultimate treasure pursued by every pirate in the world.

Currently, the situation for each member of the Straw Hat Pirates is complex. Nami’s group’s whereabouts are unknown, Zoro and Jinbe are engaged in a battle against the powerful Gorosei Saint Nusjuro, and Sanji and Luffy are aboard a ship fighting against the Gorosei who are attempting to hinder their progress.

Upon arriving at their next destination, which is believed to be Elbaf Island, the Straw Hat Pirates wonder what new challenges and experiences lie ahead. As many fans are aware, the infamous Shanks is also on the island, leading some to believe that Luffy may have a showdown with him. However, it is possible that the unexpected may occur. Perhaps it will be Luffy’s sword-wielding crew member, Zoro, who will have a significant role to play as he continues his quest to become the greatest swordsman.

Please be aware that this article may contain spoilers from the One Piece manga series and could also include the author’s personal opinions.

One Piece: Exploring Zoro’s Future as a Potential Opponent of Shanks

Zoro versus Mihawk (Image via Toei Animation)

After joining Monkey D. Luffy’s Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece, Roronoa Zoro became the first crewmate and left behind his bounty hunting days. However, his life took a drastic turn when he came face to face with Mihawk, the strongest swordsman in the world, during the Baratie arc. Despite being defeated, Mihawk commended Zoro’s honorable actions and offered him words of encouragement for his future endeavors.

Following this, it was observed by fans that Zoro’s smile became less frequent, and since the Straw Hat Pirates embarked on their journey through the Grand Line, his entire attention has been directed towards improving his skills as a swordsman. At present, in the manga series, Zoro is engaged in a fierce battle against Saint Nusjuro, who also wields a Kitetsu sword.

Despite the uncertainty among fans regarding the battle’s outcome, the answer may have already been revealed. Following Zoro’s loss to Mihawk, he declared that he would never be defeated, but this does not guarantee a victory in every battle.

Zoro versus Nusjuro (Image via Shueisha)

Zoro’s ongoing battle against Saint Nusjuro may involve the same wordplay, as the Gorosei could potentially intervene due to an emergency. It is believed that Zoro’s victory in his current state would be too good to be true. Hence, when he and his friends arrive at Elbaf Island, they will be accompanied by Zoro.

Upon arriving on Elbaf Island, many fans anticipate a reunion between Luffy and his mentor after an extended period of separation. However, the outcome may not be as expected. Despite utilizing Haki as his primary fighting technique, Shanks is also skilled in swordsmanship. He wields the elusive sword Gryphon, the details of which remain a mystery.

Therefore, it would be more advantageous for him to confront Roronoa Zoro, a skilled swordsman who Shanks has the ability to further enhance. Although many fans have speculated that the Elbaf arc will primarily serve as a training arc, it holds significant significance for certain characters, particularly Zoro.

The Seraphim S-hawk (image via Toei Animation)

Zoro has mastered his three-sword style, but he is constantly seeking to improve and enhance it with new techniques. This would greatly enhance his already formidable power. During his confrontation with S-Hawk on Egghead Island, Zoro noted that the Seraphim appeared more human than its inspiration, suggesting his ambition to surpass his previous defeat at the hands of Mihawk and become even more powerful.

The term “inhuman,”as used in this context, refers to an extraordinary level of strength that surpasses human capability. To attain such strength, Zoro would need to master the sword style of Elbaf Island, the destination he plans to visit. This information is already known to fans.

Throughout the Little Garden arc in One Piece, viewers were in awe as Dory and Brogy performed a miraculous feat. By utilizing their move, Hakoku Sovereignty, the two giants were able to protect their fellow pirates, the Straw Hat Pirates, from a monstrous sea creature. This technique unleashed two powerful airwaves that were capable of destroying anything in their path, even the giants’ own weapons.

Shanks' Divine Departure (Image via Shueisha) — Shanks’ Divine Departure (Image via Shueisha)

In addition to the giants, Big Mom has also demonstrated this technique, and it is not surprising that Shanks has also exhibited a similar move. In his fight against Captain Kidd, Shanks prevented the pirate from stepping onto Elbaf, as he feared he might pose a threat to his crew. He swiftly jumped towards Kidd and struck him with a skill known as Divine Departure.

Gol D Roger was known for using this powerful move, which was so intense that it caused Captain Kidd to lose consciousness. Zoro may find this move to be the key to furthering his strength. Upon arriving at Elbaf Island, Zoro could potentially learn a technique similar to Shanks’ Hakoku Sovereignty, granting him inhuman abilities and allowing him to reach even greater levels of power.