Many anime swordsmen would pose a considerable challenge to One Piece’s Zoro based on their unique powers and physical attributes.
One Piece’s Roronoa Zoro is typically considered among the greatest anime swordsmen of all time. He’s spent his entire life and over 1,000 chapters perfecting his craft, becoming stronger and stronger with each subsequent fight. Ever since Zoro’s fateful encounter with Mihawk, he promised never to lose another battle.
All the same, many anime swordsmen would pose a considerable challenge to him, based on their unique powers and physical attributes. Although Zoro may soon become the best swordsman in his own series, contending with every other anime universe is an entirely different matter.
With over 1,000 episodes under its belt, One Piece has maintained its near-universal popularity for nearly 30 years. This remarkable feat is yet to be surpassed by any shonen series — not even the famous Big Three come close to One Piece‘s iconic impact on the anime medium. As such, we’ve revamped this list of anime swordsmen capable of matching Roronoa Zoro in a head-on duel.
10. Akame (Akame Ga Kill!)
The titular character of Akame Ga Kill!, Akame’s speed is nothing less than blinding. When unlocking the full extent of her power, she can move so quickly that not even a time-stopping opponent could identify her.
While Zoro is fast enough to leave afterimages behind, he could never reciprocate such an incredible feat of swiftness. He still has advantages in strength and versatility, although a well-placed strike would still be sufficient to end his life. In other words, Akame’s formidable prowess would force Zoro to stay on his toes throughout their entire fight.
9. Nnoitra (Bleach)
Bleach’s Nnoitra was an unusual albeit efficient fighter. His multiple appendages would provide a slight edge over Zoro, not to mention his fabled Resurrección upgrade. On the other hand, One Piece swordsman has fought multiple-armed adversaries before, such as Hachi and Hyouzou.
Nnoitra’s greatest edge is his durability. Known as the Espada with the hardest Hierro, he’s in a much better position to absorb Zoro’s attacks than vice versa. Zoro may have survived two emperors simultaneously, but even blocking their attacks was enough to hospitalize him, forcing him to become inactive at one of Onigashima’s most essential moments for the heroes.
8. Polnareff (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Polnareff was unquestionably the most superb swordsman in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. His Silver Chariot Stand was capable of moving faster than the eye could perceive, especially when its armor was removed. Further, he was skilled enough to slice fire itself.
Polnareff’s greatest edge is Zoro’s inability to physically sense his Stand, leaving the One Piece fighterat a disadvantage. Luckily for the Straw Hat, his striking power and durability put Polnareff’s to shame. Zoro may ultimately defeat his opponent through a decisive, direct attack, though he would obtain reasonably serious injuries in the process.
7. Sasuke (Naruto)
Although Sasuke’s swordsmanship skills were decent, many other qualities made him one of the fiercest shinobi in Naruto. For example, his Susanoo is nearly impregnable and would significantly reduce the caliber of Zoro’s attacks.
More importantly, Sasuke’s Sharingan is capable of engulfing Zoro in permanent flames through the Amaterassu or switching places with him to offset his techniques. Genjutsu would be especially useful for disorienting Zoro and providing Sasuke with the opportunity to deliver a killing blow. Zoro may be a superior warrior, but Sasuke can easily exploit his one-dimensional toolkit.
6. Zenitsu (Demon Slayer)
Demon Slayer’s Zenitsu is at a serious disadvantage against Zoro. His powers only activate when he is asleep, and he can’t match his opponent’s sheer physicality or vast experience with weapons.
All the same, Zenitsu has practiced his “Thunder Breathing” technique to such an extent that he can kill most targets before they realize their demise. It’s not beyond Zoro to parry such a frenzied attack, though he’d need every ounce of concentration. That said, Zoro might still end up underestimating Zenitsu’s potential.
5. Estarossa (The Seven Deadly Sins)
As Seven Deadly Sins’ Commandment Of Love, Estarossa has many powers that would make fighting Zoro utterly unfair for the latter. For example, since those with hatred in their heart can’t strike him, he’d be able to exploit the One Piece swordsman’s usually vitriolic demeanor.
Additionally, Estarossa’s version of the “Full Counter” allows him to reflect physical attacks at twice their original force. Should Zoro attempt to defeat him with one ultimate move, he may ultimately get killed by his own strength.
4. Kirito (Sword Art Online)
Should Kirito’s virtual feats be translated beyond the world of Sword Art Online, he’d be nearly unstoppable. The young man has defied reality in numerous instances, such as possessing the speed to defeat an unbeatable challenge and being capable of perceiving Heathcliff even after his opponent allegedly stopped time.
More impressively, Kirito has dodged bullets from some of the most talented gaming snipers in history. All feats suggest that he’s more than capable of keeping up with Zoro, even if he still lacks his opponent’s diversity of special attacks and raw, unfiltered brawn.
3. Ryuko (Kill La Kill)
Kill La Kill’s Ryuko is an incredibly powerful fighter capable of perceiving opponents attacking at light speed. This means that even though Zoro can spam afterimages of himself, she can still successfully perceive and react to his every movement.
Ryuko’s greatest asset is her durability. As a half-Life Fiber hybrid, she can recover from any attack that does not explicitly cut her from both ends. Granted, Zoro wields three swords and is more than capable of dispatching her in such a way, but it would take time to figure out Ryuko’s weakness.
2. Kenpachi Zaraki (Bleach)
Kenpachi Zaraki’s philosophy about strength made him one of the most formidable warriors in Bleach’s Soul Society. He was so powerful that he deliberately weakened himself with an eyepatch so that his fights against lesser opponents would last longer.
Given that Kenpachi could create large craters by swinging his zanpakuto with a single hand, he may actually prove to be Zoro’s physical superior if he chooses not to hold back. Since Zoro is close to becoming his world’s greatest swordsman, Kenpachi would find no need to limit his strength.
1. Mihawk (One Piece)
For all of Zoro’s efforts, he has yet to surpass Mihawk, the singularly greatest swordsman in One Piece. Although the warlord’s powers are yet to be fully explored, he casually overwhelmed Diamond Jozu at Marineford and defeated the World Government’s strongest soldiers when they inevitably betrayed him.
Mihawk is currently Zoro’s superior in every way conceivable, capable of obliterating entire armadas without losing breath. Additionally, many of the moves Zoro currently uses were taught to him by Mihawk, which means that his tactics can all be countered.
Src: cbr.com
