One Piece: Zoro's Most Iconic Techniques, Explained

The Straw Hat crew each plays their own important role in aiding Luffy achieve his dream of becoming Pirate King. From Nami’s navigational skills, to Chopper’s medical know-how and Robin’s architectural and historical expertise, each crew member pulls their weight in some way or another. Of all the Straw Hats, Zoro stands as one of the crew’s most valuable members.

Regarded as their strongest fighter outside of Luffy, Zoro stands as the future Pirate King’s right-hand man. Initially known across East Blue as a fearsome pirate hunter, Zoro gradually worked his way towards becoming one of the series’ most skilled swordsmen. With a number of devastating techniques under his belt, here’s a look at the ones that are most popular with One Piece fans.

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By  Adriano Valente

Yaki Oni Giri

A variation of Zoro’s iconic Oni Giri technique, Yaki Oni Giri is similar to the original in many ways save for one. As the name suggests, Yaki Oni Giri has Zoro set his swords on fire, adding a little extra punch to one of Zoro’s most reliable moves.

The move was first used in the Little Garden Arc when Zoro intervened in Mr.5’s attack on Usopp, cutting him down before he had the chance to explode. As strong as it is, it does come with the caveat that it also burns Zoro alongside any target the attack connects with.

Toro Nagashi

Zoro’s Toro Nagashi is a somewhat more defensive technique, often used as a countermove. The move is used at close range, with Zoro using two of his three swords to block whatever attack his opponent is throwing his way. As he evades any attacks thrown his way, Zoro eventually strikes a devastating blow with the third sword.

The move was notably used in Zoro’s fights with Hatchan and Bartholomew Kuma. In the fight against Hatchan, Zoro uses Toro Nagashi to overcome the former’s Six Sword Style. When used against Kuma, Zoro was able to stave off a powerful attack from the former Warlord but was unable to land a direct hit on him afterward.

Hyakuhachi Pound Hou

One of Zoro’s stronger attacks pre-timeskip, the Hyakuhachi Pound Ho might be one of his most recognizable as well. The move has Zoro holding two of his swords over his shoulder, with the one in his mouth pointing the same way. He then spins, flinging three incredibly powerful air projectiles toward his target. Zoro used this technique to finish off Ohm during the Skypiea Arc.

Oni Giri

Probably Zoro’s most iconic move, Oni Giri is one of the most well-known techniques in the series. The move encapsulates Zoro’s Three Sword Style, with Zoro using all three of his swords to slash his target simultaneously, often resulting in a devastating finishing blow.

The move comes with some variations as well; the previously mentioned Yaki Oni Giri, and the much more powerful Enbima Yonezu Oni Giri. Though powerful, Oni Giri’s weakness was exposed in Zoro’s battle against Mihawk, when the Warlord revealed that if one were to block all three blades at the moment they lined up, it would render the attack useless.

One Sword Style Iai: Shishi Sonson

While most know Zoro for his unique and iconic Three Sword Style, the Straw Hat Pirates’ standout swordsman has also developed a number of devastating one-sword techniques. Iai: Shishi Sonson shows off Zoro’s incredible swordsmanship, favoring finesse over the brute force of some of his other moves.

When using this technique, Zoro unleashes a myriad of slashes against his opponent, all while moving closer towards them. He does this by sensing his opponent’s movements, giving him a clear path toward them, and allowing him to easily identify their weaknesses.

Sanzen Sekai

The most powerful move in Zoro’s Three Sword Style arsenal, Sanzen Sekai and its variants have been used in multiple battles throughout the series. The move has Zoro quickly rotating two of his swords before launching himself at his target and striking with all three at the same time.

This is the move that Zoro used to try and defeat Mihawk. He also used it Zoro did manage to successfully use the technique against Oars, and has since improved upon it following the timeskip, making use of Armament Haki to boost the strength of the attack and give him a better chance of striking down powerful foes like Pica.

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