Zoro’s Path to Becoming One Piece’s True King of Hell: Defeating Nusjuro

One Piece enthusiasts have long celebrated Zoro’s King of Hell moment from the Wano arc. However, a recent theory shared on X by user @writingpanini proposes that the title might actually belong to an Elder of the Gorosei, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro. Since the revelation that this member of the Gorosei is a formidable swordsman, expectations have surged within the fanbase, anticipating that he will serve as a significant challenge for Zoro to confront, and this theory could pave the way for that encounter.

Nusjuro and Zoro already had a brief encounter in the latest One Piece arc featured in the manga, Egghead. According to the theory, this clash was intended to hint that they will face off in the future. It can be argued that Nusjuro embodies the pinnacle of swordsmanship, implying that for Zoro to achieve the title of the true King of Hell, he must first defeat him.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

One Piece Theory Proposes Nusjuro as the True King of Hell, Challenging Zoro to Claim His Title

The aforementioned theory suggests that Zoro and Nusjuro’s clash during the Egghead arc lays the groundwork for their impending rivalry. Additionally, Zoro has been observed employing hell-themed attacks like “Hahava Hunt,”named after a cold hell, while Nusjuro utilizes attacks with a strikingly similar appearance. A comparison has even been drawn to the Marvel Comics character, Ghost Rider.

It is implied that V. Nusjuro stands as the apex swordsman in the One Piece universe, potentially eclipsing revered figures such as Dracule Mihawk, thereby positioning him as the true King of Hell. This creates a logical narrative for Zoro to initiate a rivalry against this Gorosei member, striving to defeat him to ascend as the world’s greatest swordsman.

Furthermore, it can be argued that Nusjuro exemplifies the ultimate interpretation of what Zoro’s mentor, Shimotsuki Koushirou, referred to in relation to the philosophy of cutting what wishes to be cut.

This concept is illustrated by the way the Elder of the Gorosei flawlessly cut Egghead in half without inflicting widespread destruction or chaos, showcasing his exceptional skill as a swordsman.

Zoro’s Journey in the Story

Zoro fighting Mihawk in the anime (Image via Toei Animation).

Before the two-year time skip, Zoro was widely recognized as one of the most intriguing characters in the One Piece series. However, his return has elicited a mixed response. Some fans feel his characterization has become diluted, lacking the depth he once had and primarily contributing to the storyline through action sequences.

Nonetheless, Zoro’s trajectory is crystal clear: he aims to fulfill his dream of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman, a goal that has been framed through his rivalry with Dracule Mihawk.

With the introduction of Nusjuro, it appears that creator Eiichiro Oda is orchestrating these confrontations to enable Zoro to evolve into the swordsman he has always aspired to be by the story’s conclusion.

Final Thoughts

There is a strong possibility that Oda is fabricating a confrontation between Zoro and Nusjuro in One Piece, with the King of Hell motif serving as a suitable metaphor for their eventual clash. However, this remains speculative and should be treated with caution.

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