How Zoro’s Strength Increased in the Wano Arc of One Piece

In the Wano arc of One Piece, Roronoa Zoro’s strength significantly increases due to several key factors.

Training with Dracule Mihawk

Before the events of Wano, Zoro had been training under Dracule Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman. This rigorous training helped Zoro refine his swordsmanship and develop new techniques that greatly enhanced his combat abilities.

The Sword Enma

During the Wano arc, Zoro acquires the legendary sword Enma, once wielded by Kozuki Oden. Enma is a powerful weapon that can draw out the wielder's haki. With this sword, Zoro learns to use haki more effectively, significantly enhancing his combat prowess.

Haki Mastery

Throughout the Wano arc, Zoro demonstrates significant growth in his mastery of haki. He excels in various forms, such as Busoshoku Haki (armament-type haki) and Kenbunshoku Haki (observation-type haki). His ability to use these forms of haki effectively in battle plays a crucial role in his strength, making him a formidable opponent in Wano.

Confronting Strong Opponents

Zoro faces powerful foes, including the Beast Pirates and Kaido, which push him to his limits. These intense battles force him to adapt and grow stronger. Zoro's exposure to these formidable adversaries is a catalyst for his significant leap in strength and skill.

Inherited Will

Additionally, Zoro embodies the will of his fallen comrades and mentors, particularly Kozuki Oden and his own captain, Monkey D. Luffy. This motivation drives him to become even stronger and fulfill his ambitions, contributing to his impressive growth in Wano.

The Wano Environment

The unique environment of Wano, with its rich history and powerful adversaries, serves as a catalyst for Zoro’s growth. He is inspired by the samurai and the culture of Wano, which influences his fighting style and adds depth to his character.

These factors combined contribute to Zoro's impressive strength and skill by the end of the Wano arc, making him one of the most formidable characters in the series. The combination of rigorous training, powerful swords, haki mastery, and the adversarial challenges he faces all play a crucial role in his transformation.

Some might argue that the acquisition of Enma is the most significant factor. However, a personal theory suggests that Zoro's lack of rigorous combat during the time-skip may have also contributed to his growth. Neither Zoro nor his opponent Fujitora showed much killing intent, allowing Zoro to retain and refine the skills he learned during the time-skip.