In a previous article, we saw togetherhow Luffy got his scars . Let's continue this momentum and take a look at another main character of One Piece 🏴☠️ also having a physical particularity: Ro ronoa Zoro.
He was the first member hired by Luffy to join the Straw Hat Pirates and became its vice-captain. Just like his captain, Ronoa Zoro has a physical peculiarity that appeared after the two-year time-skip: a long scar crossing the left part of his face from his forehead to his cheek. This scar crosses his left eye which has always remained closed.
Many people ask questions about this: did he really lose his eye? How ? Is it something else? As a result of these questions, a large number of theories have emerged: demonic eye, 👹 injury inflicted by Mihawk or a Humandrake, Kenbunshoku no Haki ( Observation Haki) and many others. Let's put this in order to see things more clearly.
The meeting of Zoro Roronoa and Mihawk
For those who are not familiar with One Piece or this character, let's quickly retrace his history together. Since his childhood and following his promise to Kuina, Ronoa Zoro has never had any other goals in life than to become the best swordsman in the world . 🤺 To achieve this, he created a new combat technique: Santōryū or three-sword style. This combat technique consists of fighting with 3 swords at the same time, one in each hand and the third in your mouth.
Knowing that the Great CorsairDracule Mihawk Hawkeye is the holder of the title of Greatest Fencer in the World , he went looking for him to challenge him. During his quest, he joined Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. During their travels during the Baratie Arc, Zoro came across the shichibukai he was looking for. He faced Mihawk without hesitation, but lost the fight very quickly.
Following his adventures and battles, Zoro found himself teleported to Lugubra which turns out to be Mihawk's island. 🏜️ Zoro begged the latter to train him for two years. It was after this long period that Zoro was discovered on the Sabaody Archipelago . The Mugiwara as well as all One Piece fans discovered him with a large scar in the middle of his face and his left eye still closed. And, to this day, no one has ever seen Zoro open that eye.
At this point, we can say without the slightest doubt that this scar was caused during the two years of training with Mihawk. Unfortunately, for the moment, no element of explanation has been presented. However, to the question "did he really lose his eye?", we tend to answer that no, he did not really lose it. This supposed "Disability" ♿ can be explained in different ways... hence the existence of several theories on this subject which we will discover in the rest of this article.
Theory: Training between Mihawk and Zoro
For many fans, what happened to Zoro's eye happened during his training with Dracule Mihawk . Many believe that the incident happened during a session, which caused him to lose his left eye and cause this scar. Some even go so far as to say that Mihawk did it intentionally to neutralize a powerful technique Zoro had during training and avoid losing his status as the best swordsman in the World . ⚔️ Fan artist DJ OKBBS is even at the origin of an excellent comic espousing this theory.
[comic thread 1/6] how zoro loses his eye👁 pic.twitter.com/Uw1uwBp57K
— 🦎⚔️🐊 (@mugibaras) May 24, 2020
This theory does not gain unanimous support from fans because it is impossible that Mihawk, the greatest swordsman in the world , could have accidentally injured Zoro. Furthermore, it is also difficult to believe that Mihawk intentionally injured his apprentice just to preserve his status when he agreed to train him. Even more, during their first confrontation, he had encouraged Zoro to always persevere and even surpass him to honor him.
Others consider that it was a Humandrake 🐒 (these monkeys who imitate the fighting style of men) who scarred Zoro during training by copying Mihawk's Hawk's Eye technique . Whatever it may be, this theory does not stand up to honest analysis due to the fact that there is no mention of the fight between Zoro and these monkeys in the manga. it is rather an addition in the anime.
Another theory goes even further and suggests that Zoro scarred himself and took out his own eye. He would have done it with the small knife that Mihawk used to defeat him during their first meeting. His goal would be to remind him that he had now achieved his goal thanks to his training and that he deserved to be marked by this knife 🔪 just like Mihawk had done on Zoro's chest with his favorite sword. This information, to be taken with a grain of salt, comes from a special edition of the manga:
Theory: The Pirate Hunter trains his observation haki by keeping his eye closed
Another popular theory among fans is that Zoro keeps his left eye closed on purpose. His goal would be to train and improve his Kenbunshoku no Haki or Observation Haki . This theory is based on the fact that most of the most famous swordsmen have eye injuries (Admiral Ishou, Dark King Silver Rayleigh and others). This state would be considered to be an ability of swordsmen to sense the presence of things and people around them. From now on, Zoro's scar and closed eye would therefore be proof that the latter has managed to learn this Haki that he still has to master.
Others lean more towards Busoshoku no Haki or Weaponry Haki that Zoro would seek to master. Armament Haki is considered to be the supreme ability for a sword wielder, allowing him to confront an opponent without seeing them. The idea is that losing his sight would be the key 🔑 for a swordsman to unlock his ultimate powers.
Some other fans also talk about Haoshoku no Haki or Haki of Kings referring to the fight between Zoro and Monet. During this confrontation, it seems that Zoro's eye turned red for an instant. This technique having already been used by Mihawk, the question arises if the latter taught it to Zoro during his visit to his island and if this event relates to the Haki of Kings.
Although all interesting, these theories come up against some flaws. First of all, even if the idea that Zoro could keep his eye closed is no problem, it's hard to believe that he needed to scar himself for that. As for the last theory, it is known that Kings Haki is innate and cannot be learned in any way.
Link between Roronoa's scar and the demon Ashura
As stated above, Zoro found himself with two broken sabers after his fight with Mihawk. Following this, he went to buy 💵 two new blades in Loguetown, namely Yubashiri and Sandai Kitetsu which he finally obtained for free. During this purchase, Zoro learned that the Sandai Kitetsu is a cursed sword just like the Shodai Kitetsu and the Nidai Kitetsu.
According to Ippon-Matsu, the Loguetown seller, all Kitetsu swords are bewitched. Anyone who wielded them suffered a gruesome death. ⚰️ From this information, many have speculated about this so-called curse. Some theories state that Zoro's fighting technique named "Ashura" is the result of the Sandai Kitetsu curse. Another hypothesis has some success with fans: the curse is the origin of Zoro's scar and his mysterious eye . According to this theory, the demon that resided in the cursed sword would now have taken up residence in his left eye. And Zoro would have scarred himself voluntarily to control this demon.
Theory: Zoro's Demon Eye Revealed
Some fans are trying to prove that the previous theory is more than plausible by referring to several facts detected in the manga. First, it is argued that Zoro was able to sense the Sandai Kitetsu 's presence before even seeing it. Moreover, he immediately felt that this sword was cursed 😱 as soon as he touched it, which was confirmed by the seller's words. The previous owners of this blade all died in excruciating pain. This sword would therefore be thirsty for blood.
Following these revelations from Ippon-Matsu, Zoro decided to "try the devil" and test the blade. He threw it into the air above his outstretched left arm to see if the blade would cut his arm or not. The blade bounced off his arm on the non-cutting side, leading Ippon-Matsu to believe that the demon inhabiting the sword chose Zoro and offered it to him.
Subsequently, the fact that in the anime, we could see Zoro's eye turn red would be proof that the demon residing in Sandai Kitetsu finally took up residence in Zoro's eye. And, as said before, the scar would be the means found by Zoro to control this demon which would be Asura.
Theory: Zoro finally reveals his ultimate demonic form
Still following the previous theory, others go even further in their desire to prove the veracity of this relationship between Zoro's closed eye and the demon Asura from the sword Sandai Kitetsu . Further proof according to the followers of this theory: since Zoro's return in possession of this blade and displaying his scar over his eye, his anger has become uncontrollable. He continues to call upon more and more new powers during his fights.
And these new combat techniques are demonic, like the Demon Slash, the Burning Demon Slash, the Demon Horns or the Demon Bear . He also used the Demon's Dreams spell which allowed him to summon a demon for the first time. In addition, on two occasions during clashes, a completely enraged Zoro used an even more powerful technique: the Kiki Kyutoryu: Ashura which literally means " Demonic Spirit, 9-Sword Technique: Asura ".
The moment Roronoa Zoro calls upon this power, the aura of a demon invades the room. Zoro then finds himself with demonic power and appearance. The upper part of his body is increased tenfold, revealing a being with three heads and six arms and carrying a total of nine sabers instead of the usual three. You should know that in Hindu mythology, the Asuras qualify as demonic beings . It is the same for Japanese Buddhism where Ashura is represented with three heads and six arms. Asuras can achieve phenomenal demonic power by training their body and mind, as was precisely the case with Zoro on the island of Mihawk.
This reference to a demonic being from Hindu and Japanese mythology would constitute proof that the demon Asura resides inside Zoro and in particular locked in his eye. And, thanks to the presence of this demon, Zoro can reveal himself in his new demonic form at any time.
The power of the left eye of the Pirate Hunter
Another theory also exists regarding the real power of Zoro's scar and closed eye. It would be both a seal and a key 🗝️ for controlling the swordsman's powers. With this in mind, closing his left eye would allow Zoro to seal his powers and use the Haki of Kings to accumulate and concentrate his energy.
Then, when he needs it during a fight, Zoro can open his eye 👁️🗨️ to launch a new attack. The latter would allow him to release exceptional strength such as a sword coated with Haki on the person of his choice thanks to the Haki of Kings. And in the event that he does not master this form of Haki, the attack would be a combination of the Sanzen Sekai technique using Armament Haki and a great concentration on Observation Haki .
The connection between Zoro's scar and Rayleigh
As you all probably know, Zoro is not the only One Piece character to sport a scar on his face, far from it. These include Luffy, X Drake, Fujitora, Shanks and Rayleigh . However, it is especially with the latter that many similarities with Zoro have been noticed:
- A damaged eye
- Scar on face
- Scar on chest
- A very disciplined character
- Identical big muscles
- Second to the Pirate King ☠️ (Luffy supposed to become next)
- Excellent swordsmen
- Confirmed Haki users
The presence, shape and position of their respective scar would be additional evidence.
According to some, like Zoro, Silvers Rayleigh also masters the attack mentioned in the previous paragraph and which relates to Hakis. Indeed, Rayleigh is capable of using three different Hakis and many assume that this is now also the case for Zoro.
But the theory mainly concerns the link between their scars and the Haki of Kings . Indeed, the eyes have a primordial role in the use of this Fluid and it was noticed that Rayleigh used his scarred eye to release the Color of the Conqueror. And, as was said above, it seems that Zoro has also awakened this very rare Haki in his home or, at least, would be capable of it in the near future. Could it be a coincidence that Zoro has a scarred eye or on the contrary an important point to take into account?
Opening Roronoa's eye, training with Rayleigh
Here is a theory that goes even further with the parallelism that exists between these two protagonists. The similarities stated above are taken to their climax and we consider the possibility that if Rayleigh ever opened his eye, Zoro will also open his in the future . 👁️ But for what purpose?
Through a flashback, it was discovered that Mihawk had also taught Zoro the different forms of Haki. However, this would only be the basics needed to be a good swordsman. But to go further in mastering these powers, Zoro will need a Master of Fluids. And this is where Rayleigh, the Dark Lord, is supposed to come in. The latter could train Zoro so that he could awaken the different forms of Haki to their peak. The goal would be to allow Zoro to become the next new Dark Lord . 👿 This is also why Zoro is supposed to one day open his eye in order to release the demon Asura just as Rayleigh is capable of creating total darkness in his environment and locking his enemies there.
The origin of the scar on Zoro's chest
During his first confrontation against Mihawk, Zoro was able to reveal his abilities as an excellent swordsman, his different combat techniques and his deep desire to become the best swordsman in the world. 🥇 Although the fight was brief and practically humiliating for Zoro, Mihawk even stated that it had been a long time since he faced an opponent like him. As a sign of respect from another swordsman, he then took out his favorite sword and slashed his chest, leaving a long scar. Then he urged him to progress at all costs to become stronger, much stronger until he was even better than him. 👍🏼
Roronoa's promise to become the best Sabereur
At the time of Luffy's first meeting with Zoro, each revealed to the other their ultimate goal: Pirate King 👑 for the first and greatest sword wielder in the world for the second. Luffy was delighted to learn this, believing that it will be of great help to him in achieving his own goal.
Unfortunately, when Zoro faced Mihawk the first time, he lost his fight miserably as his opponent only used a simple knife against his three swords. Afraid of having disappointed his captain, Zoro reassured him by making him a solemn promise. Despite his suffering, he raised his remaining saber to the sky and solemnly swore that he would never lose a single fight again. He added that he will become the strongest swordsman in the world and that he will defeat Mihawk next time.
So ! We have more or less covered the many and various theories surrounding this closed and scarred eye of Zoro. Unfortunately, no official story has yet been offered to enlighten fans and put an end to all these assumptions once and for all. What is certain is that Zoro is no longer the same as before the timeskip.
Which of these theories do you think is the most plausible? And you, do you have a different and personal theory to propose? Don't hesitate to tell us about it in the comments area so that everyone can benefit from it and debate it. Use your Observation Haki 🕵🏼♂️ to find the best goodies dedicated to Zoro in our entire collection of articles.
