Summary
A Roronoa Zoro moment that Netflix’sOne Piecemight have been tempted to skip in live-action just became essential thanks to a new manga reveal.One Pieceearned its reputation asNetflix’s best live-action anime adaptationby staying true to Eiichiro Oda’s original manga. Nevertheless, cramming the entirety ofOne Piece’s East Blue arc into only eight episodes required cutting many minor manga elements, from Luffy’s battle against Don Krieg to Zoro’s friends Johnny and Yosaku. The forthcomingOne Pieceseason 2will undoubtedly need to repeat that strategy.
A storyOne Pieceseason 2 will not skip is Loguetown. As the Straw Hats' last stop before entering the Grand Line, the lack of Loguetown in season 1 raised concerns before showrunner Matt Owens stepped in to confirmLoguetown will feature inOne Pieceseason 2. While Luffy’s live-action crew will definitely explore Loguetown, however, the Going Merry may not dock there very long. With plenty of other business to attend to - Laboon, Whiskey Peak, Dorry & Brogy,Baroque Works, Alabasta, etc. - Loguetown may need to be a flying visit. With that said, Zoro’s biggest moment in Loguetown is now a must-have forOne Pieceseason 2.
How Many One Piece Episodes Netflix’s Live-Action Covers (& Where To Start Watching The Anime)
The One Piece anime has over a thousand episodes, so Netflix’s live-action series has a lot of ground to cover. Here’s what One Piece season 1 covers.
One Piece Season 2 Definitely Can’t Skip Zoro’s Loguetown Sword Scene Now
One Of Zoro’s New Swords Packs A Big Canon Punch
During theOne Piecemanga and anime’s Loguetown arc, Zoro replaces the swords that were broken during his battle against Dracule Mihawk. Instead of showing Mackenyu’s live-action Zoro rifling through barrels of swords and bartering with the local merchant, Netflix’sOne Pieceseason 2 could have justified skipping the sword scene altogether, with Zoro acquiring his new weapons either offscreen or at a more convenient place in the story. This is no longer possible, asOne Piecechapter #1117 makes one sword Zoro buys in Loguetown - and the manner in which he buys it - far more important.
Skipping over the sword’s introduction inOne Pieceseason 2 would represent a huge injustice.
Zoro obtains two swords in Loguetown: the largely insignificant Yubashiri and the massively significant Sandai Kitetsu. The latter is a cursed sword the merchant begs Zoro not to take, but Luffy’s mossy-headed friend refuses to heed the warning and adopts the doomed blade as one of his signature weapons. For the vast majority of theOne Piecestory, Sandai Kitetsu’s curse goes unmentioned. Chapter #1117, however, confirms a long-held theory that the major villainEthanbaron V. Nusjuro, a member ofOne Piece’s Five Elders, also carries a Kitetsu sword, likely the predecessor of Zoro’s own Kitetsu.
Zoro’s Sandai Kitetsu pulls him deeper intoOne Piece’s expansive lore, drawing a direct connection to the franchise’s very biggest villains. Moreover, wielding a Kitetsu sword makes Nusjuro a natural enemy for Zoro, giving the fan-favorite swordsman another fated duel beyond justOne Piece’s inevitable Mihawk rematch. Netflix skipping over the sword’s introduction in season 2 would represent a huge injustice.
Zoro Getting New Swords Will Be An Important Character Moment In One Piece Season 2
Zoro’s Loguetown Scene Has A Second Reason For Being Included In One Piece Season 2
Even without the connection to Nusjuro, it could be argued that Zoro’s acquisition of Sandai Kitetsu in Loguetown marks a pivotal character moment Netflix’s live-actionOne Piecesimply cannot skip in season 2. Upon hearing the blade is cursed, Zoro tests his fortune by tossing Kitetsu into the air and letting it fall toward his arm. When it narrowly misses, Zoro claims the weapon as his own. The scene perfectly demonstrates Zoro’s devil may care attitude and commitment to the art of the blade.Zoro’s willingness to risk his arm on Sandai Kitetsu’s will is a defining moment in his journey, and a fine example of the “honor first, body second” attitude he exudes throughoutOne Piece.
If the Going Merry sails onto the Grand Line without Mackenyu first recreating Zoro’s manga and anime sword trick, live-action Loguetown could only be seen as a disappointment - especially afterOne Pieceseason 1 adapted its source material so faithfully.Netflix’s adaptation may not last long enough to pay off Sandai Kitetsu’s connection to the Five Eldersand the sword’s true history, glossing over its introduction would not give the weapon the respect it deserves.
One Piece
One Piece follows young pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they embark on a daring quest for treasure. Released in 2023, the film brings the adventurous world of the popular manga to life, capturing Luffy’s relentless pursuit of the legendary One Piece treasure.
