Zoro is the Straw Hat Pirates' swordsman. His cynical, pragmatic approach to issues is a welcome contrast to Luffy's and results in interesting dynamics with the world around him. He is also among the series' oldest characters, having debuted in the Romance Dawn arc.

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Like the other members of the crew, Zoro has become considerably stronger since being introduced. Through pinpointing how much closer he is to becoming the world's greatest swordsman, it is easier to appreciate the progress he's made.

10 Zoro Learned How To Cut Through Steel In His Fight With Mr. One

Zoro vs Daz bonez

When Zoro first went against Daz Bonez (otherwise known as Mr. One), it seemed as if he was poorly matched. The villain could turn his body into solid steel, making him an impossible opponent for typical swordsmen to cut through.

Nonetheless, Zoro managed to penetrate his thick defenses in a decisive clash. Bonez was felled instantly, which took him out of the Alabasta conflict and later resulted with his imprisonment at Impel Down. Zoro's victory was particularly emboldening since it illustrated his potential as a warrior.

9 Zoro Learned How To Make Swords Out Of Humans

Zoro utilizes Usopp as a sword

Having accidentally been handcuffed to Usopp, Zoro was forced to contend with two CP9 agents and at a significant disadvantage. Unwilling to let his friend die, he made him hold one of his weapons, then used him like a living sword.

Zoro's creative use of Usopp demonstrated two aspects of his development. In addition to showcasing his adaptability, it also conveyed an enormous amount of physical strength. Considering that he could wave Usopp with a single arm, it's no surprise that he's frequently considered the Straw Hats' brawniest member.

8 Zoro's Combat Intelligence Has Improved Since Joining With Luffy

Pica vs Zoro Dressrosa

Pica proved a challenging adversary for his monstrous height and endlessly rejuvenating body. However, Zoro managed to defeat him by chopping him in so many pieces that he had nowhere to transfer his consciousness.

In addition to incredible speed, this suggested how much intelligence Zoro began to use when confronting enemies. His cunning was again proven in the fight against Oars, where he targeted the monster's immense muscles so that it wouldn't be able to fight regardless of its inability to feel pain from injuries.

7 Zoro Learned & Used Armament Haki

one-piece-zoro-enma

Armament haki was perhaps the single most valuable thing Zoro learned since joining Luffy's crew. It had a number of connotations for his fights, specifically that he would be able to oppose logia users. However, he demonstrated an ability to defeat opponents without it, as seen through his victory over Monet at Caesar Clown's laboratory.

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Additionally, armament haki made Zoro's attacks significantly more punishing against standard opponents. It allowed him to cleave through adversaries as thick as mountains and persevere in devastating sword clashes. Such advantages were essential throughout his adventures in Wano.

6 Zoro Has Become More Durable Over Time

Roronoa Zoro after taking Luffy's pain from Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece's Thriller Bark Arc

Though always one of the crew's most resilient members, Zoro's durability sharply increased over time. This was seen as early as the Skypiea arc, where he withstood 200 million volts of electricity directly from Eneru.

The swordsman's most famous feat is when he endured the sum of Luffy's extracted pain from Kuma. Considering that he survived the captain's injuries on top of his own, Kuma honored his word to leave the heroes alone. Zoro never bragged about what he did at Thriller Bark, viewing it as an obligation to a friend.

5 Zoro Mastered The No Sword Style Technique

no sword zoro

Understandably, many assume that Zoro is powerless without his swords. The Foxy Pirates hoped that by disarming him before a game, they would be able to score a quick, underhanded victory.

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However, Zoro developed the "No Sword" style for such an occasion. While predictably weaker than its bladed variants, it still allows Zoro to contend with and defeat lesser opponents. This skill has also proven useful in Wano, as it ensures that Zoro is always prepared regardless of the predicament he is currently in.

4 The Nine Sword Style Pushes Zoro To His Limit

The Nine Sword style was first developed at the battle of Enies Lobby. When using it, Zoro moves so quickly that there are after images of himself (effectively "creating" six additional weapons). Zoro's technique does not sacrifice strength for speed.

He still had enough force to cut through Kaku's iron body while using it, which attests to his extraordinary tenacity and resilience. The swordsman has seldom made use of this ability since, as it is considered his trump card.

3 Zoro's Gorilla Stance Boosts His Strength

Zoro gorilla stance

Zoro's "Gorilla" technique is the simplest, albeit effective weapon in his toolkit. It allows him to swell his biceps beyond reasonable proportions for a short and dramatic burst of strength. Some examples of Zoro's gorilla technique were against Oars and Kuma, both of which possessed large, impervious bodies that he'd struggle to cut under typical circumstances.

Zoro is more inclined to use it than his Nine Sword style ability due to its directness and relatively low stamina cost. When combined with armament haki, there is virtually nothing that the gorilla stance cannot successfully cut.

2 Zoro Learned Conqueror's Haki

Zoro using new technique

Conqueror's haki is an extremely rare type of energy. It is said that only one in several million people possess it, with those who do bearing the tenants of leadership and historical relevance. At first, it was thought that Luffy was the only member of the Straw Hats to use conqueror's haki through his actions at Amazon Lily and Marineford.

However, Zoro also displayed a proficiency for it after the time skip, as proven when disabling a handful of Kaido's Beast Pirates in Wano. As Luffy's right-hand man, Zoro's haki will remain an essential failsafe when securing the crew's success.

1 Zoro Trained With Mihawk For Two Years

Zoro begging Mihawk with Perona looking at him in One Piece

After being whisked to Mihawk's castle, Zoro begged for the swordsman to teach him in a rare show of humility. Touched by his devotion to the craft, Mihawk agreed, training his new prodigy for the next two years. Within this timeframe, Zoro tirelessly fended off legions of trained and bloodthirsty monkeys.

Since they were also instructed by Mihawk, they made for worthy sparring partners while the warlord attended to other responsibilities. While it is still uncertain if Zoro has surpassed Mihawk, studying under him was a massive step in the right direction.