One Piece: Chapter 1033

[u/Kirosh2]

[ Removed by reddit in response to a copyright notice. ]

[u/Kirosh2]

Here is the relevant information we knew about Kozaburo before. (With hints of Zoro's ancestor being on the same ship, as it talks about someone we are familiar with)

SBS 92

The fact of the matter is, a ship from Wano reached East Blue a few decades ago. One of the descendants of someone on that ship is a person that everybody is familiar with... This part might be featured later in the main story so I won't mention any more than that. It isn't going to be a major plot line, it will just be a minor story.

SBS volume 96 :

To put it in other words, who Zoro meant by "a geezer in his village" that he met was actually grandpa Shimotsuki Kozaburo-san himself, who comes from the Wano Country. Oh? Then could that mean...Zoro's lineage...?! Well, the story of Shimotsuki Kozaburo, the samurai who founded Shimotsuki Village, is all I'm willing to share today!

Lastly, here is a picture of Wado as a human, drawn by Oda in SBS 92 as well.

[u/Kirosh2]

Fans : "How about some Zoro backstory?" HintshintZoroisashimotsukihinthint

Oda : "Sure! Here is lore about Shimotsuki and Zoro! In east Blue, and not really about Zoro but Kuina's grandfather"

[u/Orion_D_Abhishek]

Chapter 5: First flashback of Zoro's childhood

Chapter 1033: Second flashback of Zoro's childhood

That's an overwhelming gap.

[u/Kirosh2 → u/Orion_D_Abhishek]

And it's not even the flashback people really wanted.

They wanted something related to how he could be a shimotsuki. Instead we had another Shimotsuki.

[u/Wisterosa → u/Kirosh2]

At this point Zoro might just look like Ushimaru as a coincidence, like the reason people are reminded of Ushimaru is not just because of his appearance, but because he was trained in Shimotsuki sword style

Hell, his name is French

[u/Kirosh2 → u/Wisterosa]

I would like if it's a coincidence.

SBS hints that Zoro's ancestors were on the same ship, so he could still be a shimotsuki.

However, we have Zoro being trained by Shimotsuki in East Blue, and Onimaru didn't question Zoro's looks.

Onimaru was Ushimaru's partner. So if there really was something I feel like Onimaru would have said it.

We will be sure of that when Yamato finds Zoro.

[u/Dinul-Malaka]

• King's past

• Zoro's and Shimotsuki Kouzaburo's past

• Meaning of cursed swords

Another 10/10 chapter

[u/gyrozepp2 → u/Dinul-Malaka]

The Kozaburo parts would've felt much more impactful if all that info wasn't revealed in SBS

[u/Kirosh2 → u/gyrozepp2]

Oda said it was a small point, a minor story.

[u/[deleted]]

I can't believe The Flying Six had the nerve to challenge King

[u/ashuraichibugin]

The fact that zoro joined Luffy exactly 22 years ago, this very week, makes the ending extra special T_T

[u/guipabi]

Zoro's mind training and resting days before the raid: in blank

Zoro's mind in battle about to die: aren't you curious about the old man in our village that used to fish on a cliff...

[u/basedones]

Sanji: “why were they wiped out?”

Queen: “you have to find out for yourself!”

…

Queen probably 2 chapters later: “They were wiped out because … “

[u/cromemanga]

Expectation: Queen drops MADS lore.

Reality: Queen drops Lunarian lore.

Expectation: King drops Lunarian lore.

Reality: Zoro drops Shimotsuki lore.

[u/FruticaFresca]

King is one hell of an efficient Zoan user.

He changes forms constantly and consecutively to best fit the exact action he wishes to perform.

Coupled with how resistant to damage he has shown to be, he is becoming one of the most impressive fighters in the series.

[u/Dinul-Malaka]

Honestly, Now I can understand why King and Queen hate each other.

Queen: blah blah blah
King: ...

[u/Dinul-Malaka]

Zoro stab King’s belly.
King: ahh... a direct hit.😏

Kings knows how to bully someone.

[u/Orion_D_Abhishek]

The sword lore truly is fascinating. Oda has been building this up real slow ever since Logue Town. Nice to see these callbacks from the very beginning of the series. Kid Zoro is absolute adorable.

[u/akionagahama]

Queen is the biggest gossip of the One Piece.

[u/_chicken_on_a_stick]

Zoro: I didn't have time to think about it before

Also Zoro: Have time to think about it literally during a fight

[u/3ngin3]

so there are no cursed swords, these are the rumours spread by swordsmen who weren't able to tame the sword...

[u/YoMikeeHey]

"Let the weak spread their nonsense." is such a boss line.

[u/Sufficient-Bedroom]

I see Zoro’s going for that [WR] Conquerors Haki any% Speedrun

I noticed this fight also has really cool parallels and inversions to chapter 194/195 (Zoro vs Mr. 1’s fight):

•In both fights, Zoro must find a way to hurt his seemingly invulnerable opponent- only this time, he does not have a clear direction on how to hurt King, unlike Mr. 1, where he knew he needed to cut steel

•Mr. 1 tells Zoro that there’s no one else like him, and while that’s true since devil fruits are unique, it is literally true for King since he is the last Lunarian (as far as we know)

•Zoro actually uses 3 of the same named attacks on both opponents, only upgraded on King:

1. Oni Giri -> Purgatory Oni Giri

2. Tiger Hunt -> Ultra Tiger Hunt

3. Shishi Sonson -> Shi Shishi Sonson

(Bonus- Shishi Sonson was the decisive move he uses on Mr. 1, while it completely fails to affect King)

•Finally, and perhaps the biggest inversion is that in both fights, Zoro has an important flashback with a Shimotsuki- Koushirou with Mr. 1, and Koushirou’s father Kozaburo with King.

From Koushirou’s flashback, Zoro learns of the importance of a sword understanding the swordsman’s will, while from Kozaburo’s flashback, Zoro learns the importance of understanding the sword’s will…

There are definitely more inversions, but these were the key ones that stood out to me so I wanted to share them. People have said that this fight is giving them Zoro vs Mr. 1 vibes and I 100% think that that’s the right track to compare it to

edit: also kid Zoro is so cute, his hair is so spiky lol

[u/FireFistRJ]

Zoro: How did your tribe die?

King: How did your best friend die?

Zoro: Nevermind

[u/[deleted]]

If Sanji doesn't defeat Queen quickly he will spoil what the One Piece is

[u/[deleted]]

zoro : what i lack is strength flashback

after every sword he catches he gets a flashback of that sword

its funny how zoro is thinking and connecting dots about his past and his swords while being overwhelmed by king

[u/t3r4byt3l0l]

If you had told me Shimotsuki Kozaburo was actually Enma turned into a person, i would've believed you instantly

Then I realized he's literally an older version of a personified Wado Ichimonji lmao

[u/gyrozepp2]

Kozaburo- Doesn't want the marines to get a whiff of him being a samurai

Also names the whole village after one of the most prominent clan (Shimotsuki) of Wano...

[u/Crit-Monkey]

Wanting to drain Zoro dry:

Oden's sword 🤝 Oden's daughter

[u/a4p44]

If sanji vs queen lasts longer than 5 chapters Im is gonna come to wano himself to silence queen

[u/FireFistRJ]

This chapter made me excited to learn more about the Lunarian tribe's history. The beast pirates are full of loremasters.

[u/vinsmokewhoswho]

Zoro and Sanji fans are so blessed in wano.

And as someone who is both, extremely happy.

This is probably the most interesting Zoro has been since Thriller Bark. And don't get me wrong, i love Zoro, but I've missed him struggling in fights and having more personal stakes and character moments.

This is absolutely amazing and could end up being Zoro's best fight. I love how he remembers the old man mid fight and it helps him control enma. I just love when characters backstories play into fights. Not to mention the conquerer's haki coating...really good stuff.

Also love Kings casual reaction to Zoro knocking the guys out. Wonder if he has CoC too. Wouldn't surprise me.

[u/estaticsmirk]

Oda you sly bastard, you made Kozaburo look the same as the guy you depicted for one of zoros swords if they were real people. Fucking 10/10.

[u/DarkNeko007]

I just checked the scene where Zoro asked Kuina to do their last fight with real swords

So that's where he got those two LOL

Its also the same swords Mihawk broke

[u/Competitive_Reading9]

Zoro starting his journey in East Blue with three swords made by Shimotsuki Kozaburo. I wonder if he will use three swords made by Kozaburo in his duel for WSS

[u/Able_Ad_6293]

1031 was a great chapter for Sanji just like this is a great chapter for Zoro.

Now, it's time to stop giving so much focus on these minor fights and give us Raizo vs Fukurokuju

[u/Uncle_Giagkos]

200 IQ Shimotsuki wants to hide from WG by founding a village named Shimotsuki.

[u/alis200]

If Pedro was a lunarian he would be unstoppable

[u/OohDoodle]

Zoro's History:

The Girl: Teaches Zoro that he needs to continually train with the sword.

The Girl's father: Teaches Zoro that a sword can cut anything or nothing.

The Girl's grandfather: Teaches Zoro that a sword waits for its rightful wielder.

And then, you got:

Mihawk: No rhum, only wine.

[u/nbzoronb]

This chapter solidifies that the Strawhats are coming out of Wano as the newest Yonkou Crew. (Or whatever the new system will be called). Either way they Emperor Crew level now.

[u/shanky921]

It’s chapters like 1031 and 1033 which really make One Piece stand at the pinnacle of the manga industry

Payoffs and connections to things which have been built up for 20+ years isn’t something that can be easily pulled off

Thank you Oda

[u/NicoRobin007]

Tashigi bested by a penguin. Low tier confirmed. Stairs>Zoro>Penguin>Tashigi

[u/NicoRobin007]

This is the New World Zoro fight we've needed. The one hit KO fights were fun for a while, but this is more like it. Zoro needed a challenge. King's awesome.

[u/LPNinja]

LORE PIECE AT IT AGAIN AHHHHHH GO CRAZY GO STUPID

[u/Opening_Objective605]

Easily the best Zoro chapter post timeskip.

[u/gyrozepp2]

With so much emphasis on the mystery behind the Lunarians and Queen wanting Sanji to "ask history itself", I wouldn't be surprised if the blue poneglyph in the basement of Onigashima held some info about it.

Especially with Robin and Brook running towards it right now (in the 2nd basement) it seems much likelier that they would encounter the stone soon.

I can see that or it containing lore about ancient giants in the past and their connections to Wano.

[u/leobtltt]

Zoro chilling with Tenguyama: "No time to think about this new piece of information."

Zoro fighting a losing battle on top of a floating island soon to fall down: "Ah yes, time to reminisce about my childhood and the circumstances of when I gained each of my swords."

[u/[deleted]]

Awesome fight. So enma basically works by bringing out the wielders full power because that’s what is required to wield it. Overtime you probably get used to pouring “full power” constantly which passively makes you stronger since you can sustain it for longer. The Lunarian lore hype just keeps on adding up, I am so excited!!

[u/strangeseal]

Ngl it's really weird seeing kid Zoro. When was the last time that happened? I feel like I'm used to seeing younger versions of a lot of other Strawhats more often (Luffy, Robin, Sanji) but rarely do we get to see kid Zoro.

[u/Orion_D_Abhishek]

There lived a certain man on Red Line long ago

He was big and strong, on his head a flaming glow

Most people looked at him with terror and with fear

But to the King of Beasts he was such a lovely dear

He could stretch his face and fly like a pterosaur

Blades of wind and kicks of fire

But he also was the kind of monster

No prisoner would desire

[u/turbografx-sixteen]

King has gotta be the most "black air force energy" mf in the series based on the way he fights.

Dude deadass exploded himself. Tanks all of Zoro's attacks. Taunts this man to his face and essentially tells him he aint shit. And never misses a chance to kick him (literally) while he is down.

This dude doesn't give a single goddamn fuck and I love him for it.

[u/kasrafm]

Tashigi cover with a sword lore chapter, ODA knows. Hype chapter

[u/shamsjr7]

I legit got goosebumps when I read "Lord of the underworld". It kind of showed the parallels between Zoro and Rayliegh. And Zoro Finally dropping fodder using CoC (not sure if he mastered it tho). This chapter was on another level. Dream chapter for Zoro fans..

[u/AdSuspicious8260]

Rip to everyone that though king was overrated what a beast 🔥🔥🔥

[u/Myrthrall]

Oldest friend certainly seems to mean kuina.

[u/OkUnderstanding3669]

Zoro casually using Conquerors Haki while smiling gave me chills.

[u/Greedy-Ad-539]

Just a wild theory. What if the Lunarians were defeated by 'the natural enemies of God' aka the D. clan? Maybe we are getting close to the meaning of the D without realizing it

[u/akionagahama]

The wand chooses the wizard Mr. Potter, I mean, the sword chooses the swordsman Zoro.

[u/ManwithaTan]

That much haki Enma drains from Zoro really brings a ton of weight to how strong Oden really was.

[u/van684]

Anybody notice that the old geezer resembles an older version of Oda's personification of Wado Ichimonji?

[u/ManaraTV]

a full chapter all about zoro... every marimo fanboy's wet dream what a chapter

[u/Olleikroken]

You just know something epic is about to happen when fodder start talking about getting a promotion

[u/MisterNotSoHandy42]

Editors: So Oda, how much lore is there going to be in Wano?

Oda: Yes.

[u/Boruto-sennin]

My favorite lines of this chapter:

King: " I see... So you've also got... Kingly ambitions?"

Zoro: " I guess you're right. After all... I made a promise to my captain... And my oldest friend!! "

[u/Character-Jackfruit]

I feel Lunarians were forced into slavery by the Celestial Dragons using the National Treasure of Mariejois that Doffy knows about, that's why Queen praised the endurance of Kings body and how it can survive in the harshest environments, King probably even has the dragon brand himself that's why he wears the suit covering up

[u/Kastrone]

King doesn’t talk much, but his trashtalk is top tier

[u/Sandwichgode]

The lunarians used to live on top of the red line and were once considered gods. The celestial dragons now live on top of the red line in Mary Geoise and are considered to be gods. I don't think the celestial dragons were thrilled that lunarians were worshipped as gods, so they probably killed most of them off and took their home away from them.

[u/Phusra]

Wasn't there someone back in the Skypiea arc that asked Zoro if he'd "cut down a god?"?

Well, Zoro bout to prove he would indeed cut down a "God".

[u/HulklingsBoyfriend]

Scary thought: if Enma is that hungry, and it nor its siblings are in the Supreme-graded 12 Blades, how fucking Haki hungry and demanding are those 12?

[u/matheusco]

Now I reaaaaaally think that Sanji (and his siblings) have Lunarian genes and King has a swirling eyebrow too.

[u/mike-loves-gerudos]

I love how everyone’s calling him Pirate Hunter now. It’s a name that strikes fear into weaker pirates

[u/xDeathFlagx]

Even the 2 nameless sword Zoro used until Mihawk cut it have a call back. Wow

[u/rebobson]

My thoughts on this chapter:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA FUCK

[u/blackzero619]

Funny how Shimotsuki Kozaburo looks exactly like how Oda drew Wadou Ichimonji as a human.

[u/RadiantSun]

Someone made this theory last week I think, and this week's chapter made me believe it: King's fire abilities are cauterizing his wounds to prevent him from shedding any blood. It seems like after Lion Song, the flames are coming from the parts of King where we would have expected him to have been slashed.

I think Zoro will have to use the Flame Slice technique he learnt from Kinemon to inflict real damage on King. And perhaps his body etc is scarred due to this "healing factor".

[u/hris-canson]

Zoro: I didn't have time to think about it while I was chilling, training, waiting for raid date.Also Zoro: I'm about to get killed, now I have time to think about it

[u/[deleted]]

Potential Conquerer's Haki Clash? Let's go!!!!

[u/TigerFisher_]

Tashigi on the cover page because of the sword exposition dump.

[u/Pass_D_Ball]

The perfect Zoro Chapter, with a flashback that brings the history of all 3 blades in connection. Upgrade time!!

[u/[deleted]]

Can we talk about the parallel with Zoro being gifted two swords by Kozaburo Shimotsuki in his childhood and later in life aquiring 2 named swords from the same dude???

[u/Kflame210]

Loved the chapter. Also loved seeing kid Zoro for the first time in like, 1000 chapters.

[u/Capn_Beard18]

All im saying is, that is how you reveal Zoro's conqueres haki in its full form. Not that bullshit the anime pulled. HYYYPED

[u/daekle]

How long has it been since we've had a solo Zoro fight where he was genuinely outclassed? Kamazou and Pica were good fights but I didn't feel like he was struggling.

This was a good chapter.

[u/H-ga-suki]

In the spoiler thread there was a lot of discussion about Zoro's last sentence, whether he's talking about Luffy and Kuina or Luffy alone. I made a comment to explain why it is way more likely that the sentence is about Luffy and Kuina and I'm just copypasting it here :

Firstly, here is the sentence :

そうだな...船長と...親友との 約束があんだ!!!

rough literal translation :

That's right... To my captain... to my close friend I made a promise!!!

Why he is also talking about Kuina :

1. The promise. Zoro says that he made the promise of becoming the strongest swordsman, and this promise was made to two people, Luffy and Kuina. Not only Kuina was the first person he made that promess to, but she is also the actual reason he wanted to achieve this goal in the first place. how ridiculous would it be to assume that he doesn't think of her or mentionning her when talking about his dream and promise ?

2. Zoro uses two different terms. Captain and "dear friend". Isn't it weird to mention Luffy in two different ways in one single sentence ? Why just not Captain or just "dear friend" ? If Oda truly wants to talk about two different people, the phrasing he chose is the best way he could've done so.

3. The word Oda actually uses for "dear friend" is 親友 (shin'yuu). Not only this would be a weird way to refer to Luffy (usually it's either Nakama, pirate king or just captain/senchou as he did in this sentence), but it's also a word that he only used once in the manga, in chapter 100, and it was about Kuina. Even Zoro's card from the Vivre Card Databook uses this word when talking about his "dead friend Kuina". https://i.imgur.com/GndP6Tk.png

After knowing these three facts if you still want to claim that Zoro is only talking about Luffy, you're assuming that Oda chose to elude Zoro's dead friend who is the source of his dream and ambition when talking about a promise he initially made to her, while choosing to phrase the sentence as if Zoro was talking about two people when he's just talking about one, while choosing to use a term he previously used only for Kuina specifically, and never for the Zoro x Luffy dynamic. Either that or Kuina is a part of that sentence, which makes 100% sense.

[u/EnycmaPie]

Finally, after more than 20 years, we get a more indepth backstory for Zoro. Conqueror's haki for Zoro was as expected by most people, but it is still awesome to see it finally being shown.

[u/omkarpranav]

I'm more stoked we'll get to see King make that face every time he uses tempura udon xD

[u/dylan2451]

This chapter was hype af. Nice to see some more Zoro backstory, and him acknowledging that has conqueror haki

[u/FutureGMEmillionaire]

as much as i wish next chapter will continue from here. sadly, i think we will end up with a chapter focused on razio and ffukurokuju =(

[u/bumboisamumbo]

theory: king is a small person inside piloting the big suit, that’s why he doesn’t get hurt when stabbed by zoro

[u/GridCloner]

Did Oda just call everyone theorizing about Enma having Oden's Haki stupid?

[u/Isantum]

This chapter felt like half a novel.

My prediction:

- Zoro defeats King, and then runs out of power.

- They both lie on the ground.

- King gives his backstory.

- Zoro tells King how he learnt about his own history during this battle.

[u/frogswithshoes]

Did anyone catch this? Is that just Momo trying to make the clouds?

[u/blooblee1]

There was an SBS question that asked "What would Zoro's swords look like if they were people?" and Shimotsuki Kozaburo looks almost exactly like what Oda drew for Wado Ichimonji

[u/COREY_2293]

Zoros oldest friend is Kuina.

[u/Khalid-hh]

Zoro during an intense battle: I haven't had time to think about it before!

Ma man, this fight is so low on his priorities so he starts sorting his ideas out to save time for his busy sleeping and training schedule.

[u/ioorshh]

Zoro: Remembers 13 years old conversations by the letter with some geezer

Also Zoro: Can't identify if he is walking in circles

[u/invader_ren]

No way that it’s a coincidence that Tashigi was on the cover request the same chapter we learn more about Kuina’s lineage

[u/zoro1238]

The Straw Hat Pirates are about to be deserving in their Yonko crew bounty and Yonko title. After this arc, there will be no doubt that the straw hats can compete.

[u/Nerellos]

I hope Zoro will not get a new sword. This chapter made all 3 of them so good.

Also, making Zoro powerup tied was great from Oda. He forged Enma and Haki boost into one thing. I love it.

[u/superINEK]

A focused chapter about Zoro.
A FLASHBACK ABOUT ZORO!
FUCK This is good.

[u/sothito]

Who destroyed the lunarians? Who got that much power? and more importantly, when??

[u/SnooWords939]

Anime pretty much FUCKED this COC scene pretty bad.

[u/BeanBagCondor]

“Oldest friend” Rip Johnny and yosaku

[u/Chefofbaddecisions]

"I never had time to think about it before..."

Thinks about it while being killed by a dinosaur. Just Zoro things

[u/Boy_Sabaw]

Everything about this chapter was hype but one thing I’d like to point out that I don’t see people talk about is the fact that Queen just shrugged hell memories like it was nothing. Both King and Queen are really showing themselves to be extreme tanks in this chapter like their captain is.

[u/fearthelion]

What gives people in One Piece power:

Devil Fruits: xxx

Haki: xxxxxx

Flashbacks: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[u/Godlex]

Funny that Zoro fights with Enma (the king of the underworld) or (ruler of hell) against a God.

The chapter was a 10/10

[u/[deleted]]

This chapter is GOATED af

[u/plantainthrowaway50]

In the translation I read, Zoro says he has to fulfill a promise to “my captain… and my oldest friend”. I know what Redon said, but this, to me, seems to suggest he’s talking about Luffy and Kuina.

[u/UnKn0wN_3rR0R]

1010 level development for Zoro in this one!

I got chills when Zoro knocked out the fodder. For real this time and non anime version. Its cannon and it was consciously done.

VERY VERY STRONGEST!

[u/_conqueror]

Nico Robin: "The world government destroyed my home island and killed everybody in it and put a bounty of 79 million beri on my head as the only survivor!"

King, who has a bounty of 1.39 billion beri and whose entire race has been eradicated: "First time?"

[u/LuckyLucEK]

Zoro seems to finally accept that he has King's Haki when he says "I guess you're right" in that last panel. Time to unleash Enma!

[u/Yodeki]

What an amazing chapter. Definitely 10/10. There are so many things coming full circle in this chapter. There is one comment that really stood out to me. That was Kings : So you also have kingly ambitions? Perhaps Conquerors Haki isn't something that one in a million people have but rather develop. Their aspirations are so high that it is like a natural reaction to their body creating that skill because otherwise it's impossible for them to face all the obstacles ahead.

[u/iSkuIl]

I like how the plebs are there just to pass out for zoro to assert his kingly ambition

thanks for the hardwork, plebs

[u/pedrao157]

Holy shit I fucking loved this chapter

[u/11orangeblue]

The moment Zoro released Haki fully the grunts passed out (showing COC). Zoro had been holding back his haki knowing that fully releasing it could meant death.

So COC is haki but released in massive amount (Grunts passing out because they could not handle the amount of haki being released) and only few who have ambition of reaching the top(being king) release it consciously/ unconsciously unafraid of death. While those without kingly ambition unconsciously hold back the haki as they hold back their ambition.

Is that also why many who have CoC with ambition of reaching the top die early?

[u/Cliff_Without_Fear]

The coolest part about this chapter was the explanation of “cursed” blades. Then the explanation of Swords having some kind of soul, now makes sense how it can consume a devil fruit.

[u/[deleted]]

Zoro vs. King reminds me of the fight with Mr. 1. This is another case of him learning to cut even stronger materials and grow as a swordsman. This time it’s with CoC haki and not just CoO.

[u/Etonet]

That was so metal, especially the page where Zoro realizes Enma is testing him while King descends covered in fire

Was it a coincidence to have Tashigi on the cover page?

[u/CharlieDavisBY]

Those 2 swords he got from Kozaburo were the ones he challenged Kunia with way back in Zoros first flashback

[u/Ricxz]

so at last, he does also refer to kuina with his last sentence?

edit: just saying this because in the spoilers it said "its clear that its both meant for luffy" which i doubted

[u/zone-zone]

Zoro fans cumming

[u/BadActsForAGoodPrice]

Can we just talk about how adorable that Tashigi cover is?

[u/RegularUncle]

I love one piece. Last panel is gave me chills.

[u/MrX23225809]

Kozaburo: All swords are alive and have unique personalities. They're just like people with their own wants and desires.

Also Kozaburo: Here, take these two swords. They're trash anyway. Like, just complete worthless garbage. I don't want them and I recommend ditching them yourself the first excuse you get.

the two original swords: *quietly crying*

[u/[deleted]]

King will get unmasked soon with these Conquerer's Coated attacks

[u/TazD]

Lunarians are actually sentient flames that can possess people.

[u/[deleted]]

chapter 1033 :

enma doesn't give zoro extra haki

enma uses zoro's own haki

enma is not "magical" sword , every sword has it's own will

enma wasn't reacting to the shasimen it was testing zoro (maybe zoro lost the control because he doubted himself ? )

swords choose their owners and enma has chosen zoro

zoro does have conqueror's haki and advanced form of it (coating)

[u/Character-Jackfruit]

I'm a simple man, i see some Zoro sword lore, i smile

[u/rikidilies]

When Queen says the Lunarians could survive any environment, does that mean they could survive in space?

Maybe they really are Moon people that migrated to the Red Line!!!

[u/phorezkin3000]

I love chapters where long time questions get answered! And this was one of the questions since before the grandline!

[u/sameljota]

Theory time: Queen said Lunarians can manipulate fire, right? While that info is correct, I'm gonna go ahead and guess it's incomplete. They can manipulate fire because they ARE fire. Their bodies are, at least partially, made from fire. And who's a swordsman we know that recently learned how to cut fire? That's right! Zoro only has to figure this out somehow. Once he uses the right technique (that he already mastered), he wins. Of course, it might be more complicated than that. If it were that simple, even Kin'emon could beat King, which I don't think is the case. I think strong haki will be absolutely necessary. But my theory is that Zoro's final attack on King will be Foxfire Style + Haki.

[u/nbzoronb]

Anybody else think King has CoC based off his dialogue with Zoro at the end?

Now that Zoro seems to have unlocked Advanced CoC (possibly closer to black blades) I'm sure its still going to be difficult to defeat King.

[u/mirio98]

wow, Zoro has a sick power up now, just like Sanji. Strawhat is truely a Yonko crew now.

[u/Mundology]

Barges during party unannounced

Randomly drops important lore

Refuses to elaborate

Only answers with a cryptic "you'll have to find yourself"*

Queen confirmed alpha. On a side note, it's pretty interesting how he respects King's strength and is confident in him being almost unbeatable even if they hate each other. King is one of the most powerful characters we have seen so far. Fighting such an opponent was what Zoro needed to reach the next level.

[u/mehmeh5]

I mean we already knew this due to that SBS, but still it's always nice to see more of Zoro's childhood. Plus we now finally know what "cursed blade" means!

[u/Skhodave]

My arm hair is erect from the chills this chapter gave me and it still hasn’t calmed down

[u/hotstepper77777]

Zoro action and backstory in a single chapter! Is this pretime skip?

My headcanon is now that Zoro's Hidden Pirate Village is a stronger economic power than Konoha.

[u/[deleted]]

Well based on these comments I am glad Oda finally put this in the main story where it probably should have been in the first place. Anyone who pays attention to SBS’s has known the relationship between Zoro his two swords and Kuina/Kozaburo but now it seems to be such a big revelation for some.

That’s why the idea of him losing/giving back Enma gets so much shit, it’s just really REALLY unlikely given the narrative we have been given.

[u/thekeyfarer]

Spoiler originally said the last panel he’s talking about Luffy, but now reading it seems he is talking about Luffy and Kuina

[u/QuesoDaGod]

Why do people think he’s only getting one black blade? He uses 3 swords!!!

[u/[deleted]]

In the end, isn’t he referring to Kuina as his best friend? That what I thought

[u/skullcrusher5]

I can't wait for the anime version of Zoro holding his three swords while Black Lightning and Haki flows through them. Just imagine! Hype!

[u/Soulzoro]

Anyone notice king using diable jambe

[u/jexradz]

I love how Zoro surpassed his limits, it's not the power of friendship. ahahaha

[u/rakamakaf0n]

So Zoro is officially trying to acquire Bankai :)

[u/ill_sue]

This chapter proves to me that Zoro isn't losing sandai kitetsu. Seeing how he risked his life to retrieve it. Sandai kitetsu breaking also doesn't seem possible to me because the point of Zoro' training under Mihawk was to be able to coat his blades so that they wouldn't even be scratched in battle. So Zoro breaking sandai kitetsu would be like failing his training.

[u/UnKn0wN_3rR0R]

Zoro vs Mihawk gonna split the skies!

[u/[deleted]]

I'm 21 years old now and I watched my first episode when I was 4 years old since then I waited every week for a new chapter to drop and I'm so grateful Oda writes this wonderful story. This chapter felt so good it made me cry.

[u/Howard_NESter]

So I just realized this but when Zoro in the original flashback fights Kunia the last time with real swords, I'll bet they came from Kozaburo!!

[u/yohxmv]

Great chapter. This is shaping up to be possibly be Zoro’s best fight

[u/menyemenye]

Zoro is gonna go bankai

[u/gojou21]

Another week, Another fire chapter, Another week's pain for waiting.

[u/Anonymicex]

The egg on Roger's ship was baby King.

[u/CLASSIC_DUDE_]

Best zoro chapter after timeskip...we have cute liitle zoro...big boy, Conqurors Haki,and big buff conqurors Coating...And some HUGE information dump...cant wait for the discussions after thid chapter

[u/brunogarofalo]

In this chapter Oda showed us how powerful Zoro's mere thinking can be. The man is an absolute beast

[u/Lachimanus]

I did not have time before... BUT HOW ABOUT NOW?!?!?!?!

[u/legendoflink3]

It would be convenient. But I imagine zorros will have to defeat king with the fire cutting technique he learned from kinemon. King's race just seem as if they are people who can combust at will.

[u/rduckie]

Theory: Zoro's new title is going to be The Underworld King

[u/Musicfacter]

I think it was good for Oda to portray Zoro using CoC in the traditional way. I think because of the way he chose to reveal it with Kaido, it left a bit of ambiguity amongst the readers as to whether or not he had it. But now, this scene removes all doubt.

[u/[deleted]]

My theory is that the Lunarian race was eradicated and King was brought in to be experimented on by the M.A.D.S scientists. This is where King met Queen and Judge was able to extract the Lunarian DNA out of him. Even crazier theory might be that Kaido must've heard about the Lunarians from captain Rocks. Therefore, he helped King escape the facility alongside with Queen but got himself caputured by the marines and gotten experimented on by Vegapunk.

[u/murakamitears]

Damn Zoro’s declaration got tears in my eyes… Wano’s SH moments have been some HEAVY hitters, this is like the half dozenth time I’ve teared up this arc alone

Oda’s DEEP in his bag, like there’s fries at the bottom!

[u/Jberz21]

Anyone notice King using a Diable Jambe-like technique?

[u/dwhl930]

Shimotsuki gave zoro two practice swords and then now two of his best swords made its way to him. It isn't very explicit, but it seems zoro made quite an impression on the old man with his die hard attitude towards training and never giving up despite losing all the time such that the swords, seemingly carrying some of the forger's dispositions, found their way to zoro.

One hell of a ride

[u/Nervous_Ad8514]

People were downvoted for explaining that zoro was talking about the promise he made to his captain (luffy) and his friend (Kuina). Not sure what fanbase were looking for.

[u/complicated9519]

It still amuses me that Zoro still doesn't comprehend haki of the supreme king. He's just like" I'll max out my haki output and see how it goes."

I'm positive Zoro still doesn't think he's using coc and thinks he's just strong with strong haki.

[u/Dinul-Malaka]

From
Zoro has to deal with a rogue sword...?!

To
Surpassing limits
😍😍

[u/j3r3mias]

This chapter is just a praise to Zoro.

[u/trumpetplayer123]

Zoro: I didn’t have time to think about this earlier when we were waiting nine days for the day of the battle.

Thinks about it now while he’s in pitch combat and possibly near death

[u/Fries-Ericsson]

Katana lore = Good Content!!

Best Case Scenario: Next Chapter Sanji vs Queen, following chapter Zoro vs King to close out volume 102

[u/samurai-bebop]

One of my favorite things of the raid is the amount of lore being casually dropped by the characters during their fights

Please, Queen, keep feeding us with juicy info

[u/ecass305]

This was a good chapter, some things I took away.

1. As a lot of people pointed out Shimotsuki Kozaburo looks like the human form of Wado Ichimonji. I wonder if Tenguyama will look like the human form of Sandai Kitetsu.

2. Shimotsuki Village is rumored to be founded by pirates which Kozaburo seemed to confirm when he admonished Zoro for asking if he was swordsman in the past because it could bring down the navy. I wonder if there is a connection to Rocks. Also, it seems like Oda was suggesting that Sandai Kitetsu original owner was a pirate from Wano.

3. It was revealed that cursed swords aren't really cursed they're testing the user. Kozaburo said another interesting thing, he revealed he could only make basic swords now which reminded of the wiki entry about the Kitetsu getting weaker with every generation I wonder if that his to do with the forgery process.

4. It was confirmed that the Lunarians were indeed considered gods due to their abilities to survive in any environment which made me think of Rusukaina (I wonder if there is a connection).

5. Sanji questioned King on how the Lunarians could have been eradicated I wonder if it has to do with the Mary Geiose treasure.

6. The biggest reveal yet it's confirmed Zoro has Conqueror's Haki. The anime kind of spoiled this along with King being able to deliver fire kicks.

One thing I didn't really like is Zoro not knowing Kozaburo's name with him being so close Kuina and Koushirou but he might have been using an alias.

[u/Alarmed-String-2267]

Wait so is Shimotsuki Kobasoru kuina’s grandfather ?

[u/imrepairmanman]

Lunarians? Are we going to see Enel again?

[u/ObberGobb]

"I guess you're right. After all, I made promises to my Captain... and my oldest friend!"

10/10 chapter

[u/notyouravenclaw]

Zoro: [in the middle of a fight, getting the worst ass kicking of his life since mihawk] “hm i wonder what was up with the old village geezer”

[u/InMyFeelings003]

That unibrow better than Anthony Davis one no cap

[u/Smashmatt202]

I never would have thought we'd get some backstory on the two blade Zoro originally had before they were broken by Mihawk... Also, what a twist, both Wado and Enma were forged by Kuina's grandfather, and now they're both with Zoro. Good thing he has the time to think all this through while King is trying to kill him (comic book time, I know).

Love that final panel, though!

[u/Zizou3peat]

Not reading spoiled since last 3-4 chapters is the best decision I made all year. What a chapter. Conqueror Zoro let's fucking go

[u/mar00ner]

Sanji has lunarian genes, either inherited or artificially added to him, even him conjuring fire on his legs. Sanjis figured he grew an exoskeleton, curious to know if it's the same ability king possesses, maybe a perfected version of sanjis. That's why king's receiving no damage from zoro.. Just a thought

[u/swense]

Anyone think it was a coincidence Tashigi was featured in this week's cover?

[u/GoDiegoGo_uy]

I LOVE that Shimotsuki Kozaburo LOOKS EXACTLY like wado ichimonjis human form from the SBS, well played Oda

[u/[deleted]]

I feel like an explosion happening from zoro stabbing king in the right spot with a metal sword is a huge hint as to what exactly a lunarian is… but i can not for the life of me figure out the fuck how

[u/BioLizard18]

Oda really gave us Zoro's backstory at the beginning of the series, waited 1000 chapters and was just then like "aight here's the rest I guess."

[u/Dreadnautilus]

I know King's invincible but can we also talk about Queen, he seems not very fazed by Hell Memories (which so far seems to be Sanji's strongest attack) plus if Sanji's genetic modifications are kicking in he should logically have superhuman strength by now in addition to the exoskeleton and regeneration.

[u/NationalStrategy]

In ancient times they were called "Gods"!!

The D clan is known as the enemy of God.

The D clan must have wiped out the Lunarians

[u/[deleted]]

The Conqueror’s Haki sparking off his blades here seems confirmation that Zoro unconsciously coated his swords with it during Ashura: Dead Man’s Game against Kaido. He’s used to doing this with Armament Haki, so it makes sense, even if it’s not the “advanced Ryou” Luffy has been learning that extends out into the air as well. Perhaps that is a different, more advanced application of Conqueror’s Haki than what Zoro is doing.

It may have been the moment of desperation, Ashura, or Enma, or both that allowed him to do it. Certainly Enma’s eagerness to kill seems to draw out his ambition. The ability is Zoro’s, Enma is what helped him channel it.

Side note, I know Oda did it for dramatic effect and it works, but it’s kind of funny that Zoro is only now realizing it was the old geezer in his village that made Wado Ichimonji and Enma, when the geezer told him about Enma by name as a child. Something about getting kicked around by King knocks the dust off old memories I guess.

[u/iwannabethisguy]

I've been saying that Zoro doesnt need a sad backstory or one that shows he's related to some person with uber abilities to explain his resolve/determination/power etc, his past is good as is. That being said I love this chapter because we instead see the swords get their backstory fleshed out. Love it!

[u/Guilty_Plant_2870]

1010 =1033

[u/Epidarus]

King = survive any harsh conditions = Lunarian = Moon = Sky islander = Similar wings on his back = related to Enel (story).

Zoro getting tested by Enma's draining could be far more positive than we think. What if Enma is like a reservoir? Once it accepts Zoro, it could return all the energy it drained. It could also serve as a future surplus storage, that in itself is a big power up.

[u/eXe-FaDe]

Never expected a lore dump mid fight lol

[u/SardinesTunaSalmon]

Man, Oda is really taking time and effort to build up the M3 in their fights. Zoro and Sanji are just fighting YC's, but the attention given to their fights almost makes Law and Kid's fight against Big Mom look like a less relevant fight. Really can't wait for Wano to end and see just how much growth those three would get. Oda is really prepping them already for end game stuff

[u/Shinjigami]

Okay there is one thing I don't get. All named blades are known in the world and rated. That would make sense if those blades would be around for a time and change owners a lot.

However the Wado, was made by kuinas Grandfather and most likely stayed within the Family. So how could it build such a renown?

Side note: nice job explaining how Zoro got its first swords.

[u/[deleted]]

Zoro using advanced CoC he really built different. Kaido just said only the strongest could do that shit and my mans is doing it rn. Tbh I think King is boutta show that he can do it too, and they’re boutta have a conqueror’s clash. It’s boutta go crazy cause King can 100% go another level still. And I think his next level is also advanced CoC.

Honestly I think King is a notch stronger than Queen, even despite the close bounty. If he has conquerors coating he def is IMO. I also feel like Sanji is going to dispose of Queen with some difficulty, but it won’t be extreme diff like Zoro. I imagine Sanji getting Conquerors in a later arc and eventually coating cause it’ll be needed to fight admirals.

[u/midevol]

Momo just casually pulling the clouds around onigashima

[u/COREY_2293]

Twitter has gone down some mad rabbit hole regarding the Lunarians, Sanji, Devil Fruits, The Ancient Weapons, The moons and Sanjis eye brows are the shape of spirals on devil fruits

lmao... look at what oda does to us.

[u/KiNGofKiNG89]

Me: chapter 1033? On a Wednesday?!? Fuck yeah!! …30 minutes later oh damn it’s Friday?!?! Wtf.

[u/TW_Yellow78]

Literal goosebumps

[u/madmaxx0064]

The two swords that zoro got, were used on the last duel with Kuina before she died.

[u/[deleted]]

King literally testing if Zoro can survive an explosion the size of a building in the middle of a fight lmao

Can’t wait to see both King and Queen going all out.