Tag Archives: pirate hunter

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Zoro’s Past

Zoro’s past was expanded upon in the anime. Zoro was a traveler who went around defeating dojos for their signs. However, there was one person Zoro could not beat – the sensei’s daughter, Kuina. In the anime she is the reason he joins her father’s dojo in the first place. Kuina’s father made a deal that if he could defeat her Zoro would take the sign. If not, Zoro would have to train under him. When given the opportunity to use as many swords as he wanted, he grabbed as many as he could carry and faced off against Kuina. He lost and was told he had to start with one sword before he could use more. As per the consequences of his loss, he trained at the dojo as promised.

In the manga, Zoro enters to see her dead body, eyes covered and surrounded by the students and accuses her of running away, in the anime no such scene is shown, but a funeral takes place for her instead, though later on “Ocean Dream” arc in the anime, the original manga scene is shown in a flashback.

His story is extended also in the anime by showing the time he first met and befriended Johnny and Yosaku. They cash in when Zoro takes out a large bounty and, given they pay his tab at the bar he was at for his food, can keep the rest of the money for themselves as an apology for taking their ‘head’. Later,Dick appears in the town with his horde of bandits, who proceed to loot the town. Johnny and Yosaku watch as a child tries to stop the thief to no avail. Johnny convinces Yosaku that they must stop him, to which Yosaku reluctantly agrees. The two are no match for Dick, but luckily Zoro comes to claim the bounty on Dick’s head to pay for a Katana that he broke. After a complete victory by Zoro, Johnny and Yosaku look up to Zoro and start to call him “Aniki”.

Straw Hat Separation

His adventure in Shikkearu Kingdom is also extended in the anime.

Not only did Perona refuse to give Zoro his swords back, but she also tried to turn Zoro into her servant by using her Devil Fruit powers. She got as far as managing to dress Zoro like her former subordinate, Kumashi, while he had passed out before he woke up and left the room in search of his swords. In the anime, Zoro’s training will begin by defeating the leader of the humandrills who copied the swordsmanship of Mihawk.

Running Gags

In most fillers, his lack of direction is further ridiculed as he has gone in the wrong direction even though his guide was still pointing in the correct way, and even turning to the right on a straight path.

Also, ever since episode 111, Zoro has been called marimo (moss-head in the dub) by Sanji in reference to his oddly colored green hair.

Before I proceed with the actual speculation, I would like to clear the meaning of “World Government” for upcoming thoughts. As we know, the political organization is lead by the Gorosei, the “Five Elder Stars”:

They do not only hold the greatest power in the One Piece world commanding all the Admirals and Vice-Admirals, Kong, Magellan, the latest Pacifistas, groups like CP0 and – probably the guy with the most potential at all – Dr. Vegapunk. On top of that, since they are every non-pirate’s masterminds and even look like they would have serious fighting skills, they might be on a level with the very strongest – possibly on par with a Yonko’s strength each (- just imagine the upcoming war with four Yonkos and the Pirate King versus the five Elder Stars (alongside with all the other guys)).
According to this (and ignoring those marionettes called “Tenryuubito”) we might reduce the meaning of “World Government” to that geezer team without eyebrows. So to say, five guys with one aim.
Therefor, I want to discuss the question:

The great pirate era started with Roger’s last words and was refreshed by Whitebeard as he confirmed the One Piece to be real:

So we could assume that along with the pirates the WG wants to find the One Piece. But I suspect it to be not the whole truth. The One Piece treasure will only be a means to an end. Actually, it could not be simpler:

As obvious as it seems, since every living being (without Kaidou) wants to survive, it gets quite a different meaning if we consider how hard the WG already tried to do so. It is not only about defeating and imprisoning some pirates so concrete danger dissolves. The WG is in charge of possibilites “to become as immortal as possible”.
It probably started long time before Gol D. Roger and the following pirate era.
It is all about living forever – meaning they will not die by age, nor by any disease (or wound).

We do not know how Jewelry Bonney is related to the World Government. But we do know that they are interested in her:

We also know that she is able to manipulate people’s age:

Thus, she is pretty useful to reach immortality at least in one aspect – those who benefit from her power continually would not have to die of aging. But even if the fruit’s effects worked permanently, it would not be a durable solution. The effect could be revoked as the devil fruit user becomes unconscious or dead. Or just resists the WG’s will to help.

Law’s fruit was considered to be the ultimate fruit in the world:

Eventhough, we do not know how it works exactly. But we know that the user could give his life in order to make somebody “ageless”. Still, many discussions have been arisen what it could mean. Some speculate the benefitted individual does not age anymore, some even say he/ she/ it could only die by age, but not by wounds or diseases. (In the last case, Trafalgar Law’s and Bonney’s abilities combined could make the benefitted one truly immortal as long as “Bonney’s” effect does not get revoked (and after years renewed) – which made it imbalanced.)

Princess Mansherry’s Devil Fruit makes her able to heal wounds:

Its true potential is still unknown, e. g. if it was useful for (deadly) diseases, too, or if it could even revive (!) at its potentials pinnecale. Nevertheless, it also only prevents from dying indirectly. With Law’s Fruit being considered as the most valuable DF, I am not so sure about if the WG knew about Mansherry or the Chiyu Chiyu No Mi. Sengoku seemed somewhat amazed – as if he did not know about the fruit before:

Who knows – maybe the fruit’s ability will be reported to the WG by a “bad Marine” (like Bastille or so) or the CP0 meaning that Mansherry could get captured during the upcoming Reverie.

Even lesser is known about Kaidou. It was stated that he could not die, yet:

The WG’s dream seems to be his curse. Until now, it is not known, why and how he survived so far. It might be related to his possible Devil fruit or – and that would be inaccessible by the WG – just fate and/ or luck. (In case preordained “fate” existed in the One Piece world, the WG’s efforts would be useless either way.)

Ceasar Clown revealed that Dr. Vegapunk experimented to turn humans into giants:

We know from SBS Vol. 19 Ch. 168, p. 46 that giants are able to become way older than humans – up to 300 years:

Of course, obtaining a giants age would not lead to immortality, but it would buy some time if they could copy that effect of slow aging. Also, if the WG got to know why giants become that old, they might find a way to become even older.

As recently shown Dr. Kureha is quite vital at 141 years.

As we know, she always spoke of herself as a young woman. Now imagine if she would have found the secret to age like a giant. She would have been aged like a ~65 years old “normal OP-human”. She also will attend the Reverie. Maybe Wapol told information about Dr. Kureha to the WG in exchange which could lead to a capturing, too. Or maybe Dr. Kureha does already know Dr. Vegapunk. We will see – but it is for sure that her biological clock would be interesting to the WG.

Beyond the pirate theme of the 16th century from our real life, One Piece is influenced by futuristic science fiction aspects, too. Besides Dr. Vegapunk (and Franky), also Dr. Tsukimi seemed to work on “robotic” individuals.

In parallel to other experiments, Dr. Vegapunk created cyborgs. Cyborgs consist of biological individuals with mechanical parts:

At first glance, they just seem to be powerful military forces. But there could be a deeper meaning to their nature. If it was possible to replace every single (human) body part step by step, biologic individuals could be prevented from dying by age, diseases or wounds – as long as they are able to conservate the (human’s) conscious mind.
Until now, they seem to have failured in “recreating” a human being, since “Kuma” lost his personality:

But it could only be a matter of time, until Dr. Vegapunks finds out how “to replace a brain with its personality”. An important clue is that Dr. Vegapunk managed to transmit a Devil Fruit onto a lifeless object plus that Devil Fruits might transfer characteristics of the previous owner(s).

Not being a great military force, the automatas that Dr. Tsukimi build seem to have emotions:

Therefor Dr. Tsukimi seems to be the first one shown who created entirely artificial life:

Also, Enel just had to “breathe life into automatas” by electric energy “to (re)vive” them:

Using this very technology could mean that Dr. Tsukimi found a way to play God. Still we do not know where Dr. Tsukimi lived or to whom he could belong to. But maybe his residence was close to the Marines/ WG:

The question would be, why the WG did not use Dr. Tsukimi’s knowledge, yet. Probably, the Marines/ the WG did not know about him/ his knowledge/ what Automatas are. (But I guess Dr. Vegapunk most likely will or even does already know.)

Last but not least, I will link the WG’s goal to the big treasure One Piece which might be the only durable solution to survive.
Referring to my main theory

(- that OP’s loose template is based on “The Mysterious Cities of Gold” from 1982), the One Piece will be a device which bears the energy of the inner Sun (- besides countless (loose) parallels, Sun energy was once used peacefully by two kingdoms, but then a war broke out, Sun weapons were used and the kingdoms vanished). In TMCoG it was stated that it provides those who use it as a medicine that could cure any disease. Everybody could live eternally.
If that was the case, the WG would be highly interested in that device as well. But that is only speculation..~
(Also, the Gorosei could be aliens.)

At this rate, it seems that the Gorosei (= masterminds of world politics) are looking for different ways to evade death due to age, diseases and/ or wounds (at least temporarily) – …

• … either by Devil Fruits (of Law, Bonney, Mansherry(, Kaidou), …), …
• … or by biology knowledge about giants and/ or Dr. Kureha, …
• … or by advanced technology regarding cyborgs and automatas and the “One Piece”.

Nevertheless, nothing and no one seems to be invulnverable so nothing or nobody could become immortal, technically (- Kaidou was defeated before, still seems to have “luck”; Poneglyphs can be formed). But still, they try to survive eternally, thus becoming “as immortal as possible“.

*Theory by EddWarD.NewGate

The “Muramasa” is very notorious as cursed swords.
According to legend, prayed that his swords would be “great destroyers.” Because of the exceptional quality of his blades, the gods granted his request and imbued them with a bloodthirsty spirit that—if not sated with battle—would drive the wielder to murder or suicide.

• The “Muramasa” sword always has a thirst for blood.
• When somebody holds the hilt of the drawn-out blade of “Muramasa”, it takes over the person’s mind.
  Then, the person starts to kill other people with “Muramasa”.
  The only way to stop the person is to kill him / her.
• Anybody can become the “host” of the sword unintentionally like picking up the sword from the ground just after the previous host was killed, or unconsciously by being mesmerised by the sword to hold it.

When Zoro picked up Sandai Kitetsu he could instantly feel that its cursed

Almost everybody who used kitetsu series of swords has died due to its curse

Durandal

Durandal is one of the Meito. It is currently owned by Cavendish.

its direct inspiration from French sword Durandal, sword of the paladin Roland

• Durandal was once the sword of the Trojan hero Hector, and was given to Roland by the enchanter Malagigi.
• Regardless of its origins, Durandal was a valuable and powerful sword.
• Durandal is also depicted as an indestructible weapon.
• When all was lost, Roland attempted to destroy Durandal in order to prevent it from falling into the hands of the enemy ,
• As Roland failed to destroy Durandal, he decided to hide it beneath his body before he died.

Cavendish’s Duranal also seems to have same properties as it is considered as a meito,and the sword was strong enough to hold back Chinjao’s headbutt attack (although it did slightly bend)

Kikoku

Kikoku is the name of Trafalgar Law’s sword. It is a cursed sword, and it is not a ranked blade.

Now this is reference from Norse mythology,

Tyrfing was a magic sword in Norse mythology,

Svafrlami was the king of Gardariki, and Odin‘s grandson. He managed to trap the dwarves Dvalinn and Durin when they had left the rock where they dwelt. Then he forced them to forge a sword with a golden hilt that would never miss a stroke, would never rust and would cut through stone and iron as easily as through clothes.

The dwarves made the sword, and it shone and gleamed like fire. However, in revenge they cursed it so that it would kill a man every time it was drawn and that it would be the cause of three great evils. They finally cursed it so that it would also kill Svafrlami himself.

Although its a cursed sword Law’s Kikoku as yet to manifest itself in anyway

Theory ​

Now all this swords were cursed by there original masters or creators

If you remember Shichiseiken from One Piece movie The Cursed Holy Sword

The Shichiseiken was a sword created from the bloodshed of three warring princes who tried to win the heart of a maiden, thus absorbing all the negative energy around it. The maiden sacrificed her life to stop the warring kingdom and, in their sorrow, the princes sealed the sword away.

Although not part of main story line its concept is very similar to cursed swords of One Piece

Now we have seen such kind intersection previously as Ryuma from monsters returned in Thriller Bark

I believe Kitetsu series of sword was created same in fashion as in legend of Muramasa imbued with negative energy hence they are so bloodthirsty
and no one can control them

If u have read monsters u might know the concept of warrior soul which Ryuma carried and Zoro has it too
as there lot of parallelism between Ryuma and Zoro

Thats the reason Zoro doesn’t become like Cavendish who is unable to control Hakuba the spirit of Durandal
its also one of the reason why Sandai Kitetsu chose Zoro

As it says the sword choose its owner, hence Zoro doesn’t go on a rampage spree like Hakuba

now Cavendish condition is very similar saga from movie cursed holy sword, Hakuba awakens when Cavendish falls asleep and grants him incredible speed, to the point that he moves too fast for the eyes to track; even with Haki he can barely be seen. Due to this, back in the Rommel Kingdom, everyone believed it was the wind that was slashing people. As such, the phenomenon became known as the “Kamaitachi of Rommel” ( “Sickle Weasel of Rommel”)

now Hakuba is very good example as described in legends of Muramasa that spirit takes over the body
and is described as blood thirsty
Cavendish slashed 20 people in Colosseum as soon as Hakuba awakened, similarly he tried to Barto and Robin in Dressrosa which later hardly suppressed by Cavendish

Conclusion: cursed swords carry negative energy or spirit left there by the swordsmith or the original wielder of swords

*Theory by D kar

Its pretty well known that Oda is referring to feudal Japan with Wano. Shogun was a military dictator in Japan during the period from 1192 to 1867. A number of Daimyos used to work under the Shogun. Daimyo were the most powerful feudal rulers during that period.

1192-1867 is long period and the rank of Shogun and Daimyo varied a lot between those period. But I have a few reasons to believe that Oda is referring to Edo/Tokugawa (1683-1868) period here.

The first clue is the closed door policy. As Brook is saying in this panel, “The Wano country is a sealed-off nation whose people do not take kindly to the outsiders”

Now lets take a look at Edo history. Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd Shogun during Tokugawa regime, enacted the Sakoku edict back in 1633. The key point of the Sakoku edict was:

“The Japanese were to be kept within Japan’s own boundaries. Strict rules were set to prevent them from leaving the country, and if any such attempt was made, they would face penalty of death. Europeans that entered Japan illegally would face the death penalty as well.”

Fits perfectly with Oda’s description of Wano, right?

Secondly, Women are treated inferior to men in Wano.
Kinemon, “A woman’s place is to stand demurely in the menfolk’s shadow and speak with reserve and modesty”

Now lets look back at Edo period. Women in the Edo Period had a lower status and possessed fewer rights compared to men to a certain extent. Women also lost economical and political rights due to the Tokugawa law. Women could not own property, and a women’s husband was entitled to kill his wife for being lazy or bad, in the circumstances of household chores or how she presented herself as a faithful wife and obedient mother.
http://lifeofwomenjapan.weebly.com/edo-period.html

Thirdly, The chongmage.

The chongmage and topknot hairstyle was there even before Edo period. But its mostly associated with the Edo period and samurai.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chonmage

So everything indicates that Oda is referring to Edo period (1603-1808) and I will speculate a few things based on history.

1. Shogun is based on Tokugawa Iemitsu:
As mentioned earlier, the controversial Sakoku edict was enacted during Iemitsu’s period. Iemitsu ruled from 1623 to 1651, and during this period he crucified Christians, expelled all Europeans from Japan and closed the borders of the country, a foreign politics policy that continued for over 200 years after its institution.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_Iemitsu
He had every quality to be an antagonist if you ask me

2. Shogun and Oden are brothers?:
This one is most likely going to be proven false very soon but if the Shogun is based on Iemitsu, it has some chance to be true.
Tokugawa Tadanaga was the younger brother of Iemitsu. Because of his good heart, military and intellectual prowess, he was favored by his mother over Iemitsu as the 3rd Shogun. However, Iemitsu forced him to commit suicide just after the death of their father.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_Tadanaga
Oden was also forced to commit seppuku by the hands of shogun and Kaido?

3. Zoro will represent Yagyu Jubei
One of the most famous and romanticized swordsman of Japanese history was Yagyu Jubei. During Iemitsu’s reign, Jubei was probably the best samurai of the famous Yagyu clan.
There is a legend that Jubei could use only one eye, he lost his other eye during a sparring session with his father.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yagyū_Jūbei_Mitsuyoshi
An one eyed swordsman, sounds familiar?

4. Zoro will kill the Shogun
Jubei’s father contributed significantly for the first and second shognate and therefore was granted a minor daimyo status. He was the teacher and a father like figure of the 3rd shognate Iemitsu. Jubei also served under Iemitsu.
So how does everything fit in?
In the famous film Shogun’s Samurai (1978) that was later broadcasted as a TV series called the Yagyu conspiracy (1978 – 1979), Iemitsu is killed and decapitated by the Jubei in an act of revenge.

A famous dialogue of the TV series which was later paraphrased by Kill Bill,

Sounds like a dialogue made for Zoro!

5. Strawhat fleet of 4 ships:
Many isolated attempts to end Japan’s closed door policy were made by Western powers during 17th – 19th centuries. In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the US navy threatened Japan with four warships, Mississipi, Plymouth, Saratoga and Susquehanna. He forced Japan to open to trade with the West and end the Sakoku edict finally. These ships became known as the kurofune, the Black Ships.

Luffy, like Matthew Perry, will also attack Wano with 4 ships, (1) Thousand Sunny, (2) Law’s ship, (3) Mink’s ship and (4) a samurai ship and liberate Wano from the shogun!

*Theory by Nidai_Kitetsu

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One thing that these two characters differ on is that they have different personalities, while Rayleigh is more laid back, Zoro is more intense.