Zoro's left eye mystery: Oda finally hints at the truth behind One Piece's biggest secret

Time of India

14-05-2025

One Piece is well known for its extensive worldbuilding and long form mysteries. From Devil Fruits to ancient weapons, Oda's made fans wait for over 20 years and counting. One of the biggest discussed enigmas is none other than the Straw Hat Pirates' swordsman — Roronoa Zoro and his left eye.
Stemming from the two-year timeskip, ever since then, Zoro has been seen with a noticeable, deep scar across his left eye, which he has never opened. Since then, fans have been trying to guess what might be behind it. Is that merely a battle scar? Or is it concealing something mighty underneath. Recently, Oda provided potentially the smallest clue on record. It happens to be one of the most important and it might suggest something huge is coming soon.
Zoro's left eye – Accident or secret power revealed?
During the two-year timeskip after the events of Marineford, Zoro traveled to Kuraigana Island to train with Dracule Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman. When he did come back, he left fans stunned with his new scar and a now permanently closed left eye.
Even after all this time, Oda has never clarified how Zoro came by the scar and not a single character in the entire series has made mention of it. It is that silence alone that is causing fans to think it's more than just a random injury.
Here's the kicker: according to Oda's fellow manga artist Nobuhiro Watsuki, Oda had decided on Zoro losing an eye starting back in the early 2000s — long before it actually did happen. That heavily implies that this moment was never spontaneous, rather an event Oda planned far in advance with the intention of executing at this specific time.
Fan theories: Demonic powers & A secret final form?
For more than a decade, fans have created some of the craziest, most creative theories… Perhaps the most famous fan theory at this point is that Zoro's left eye is closed to contain some sort of demonic power. Zoro has previously been presented as somewhat of a demonic presence in combat, particularly with techniques such as 'Asura,' which manifests him in a scary, multi-armed apparition.
Some fans theorize that Zoro's eye may be the key to him achieving a final form — a development where Zoro would enter battle using mystical, supernatural abilities that far surpass his present level of strength. It may even be related to his self-declared nomenclature—King of Hell.
If it is indeed the case, then Zoro's eye may be his final trump card — an ability he'll only bring out in his last fight, presumably against Mihawk.
Or is it just a scar?
Naturally, there's the possibility Oda is simply trolling fans — something he's done more than a few times in the past. That would add some depth to a scar that, up until the wearer's revelation in the last episode, could easily have just been an effect of Zoro's brutal training under Mihawk. It could be something that denotes sacrifice, discipline, or even restraint, indicating that Zoro has learned to master his fury and strength.
There's historical precedent for Oda avoiding the most loaded questions. Zoro's backstory and Wano origins were largely excluded from the Wano arc, only to be revealed years later in SBS interviews. If Oda feels the eye scar isn't integral to Zoro's development, then he could leave it ambiguous or only show it in an extra.
Will Zoro's eyes open in the final saga?
With the final saga of One Piece now underway, it's only a matter of time before Oda addresses the mystery. Zoro is closer than ever to facing Mihawk again—his ultimate rival and the current World's Strongest Swordsman. It would be the perfect time for the truth about the eye to be revealed, whether it's a hidden ability or simply a battle scar that shaped him.
Even if the eye holds no supernatural power, it still represents the sacrifices Zoro has made to protect his crew and pursue his dream. Whether Oda reveals it in the main story or in a future SBS (Q&A column), fans are sure to get an answer soon.
Oda's final saga may hold the answer
The good news? One Piece is now in its final saga. All the biggest mysteries — including the Will of D, the Void Century, and yes, even Zoro's eye — are expected to be revealed before the story ends.
Fans believe that when Zoro finally faces Mihawk again, the truth behind his left eye will come out. Whether it's a power, a curse, or simply a scar with deep meaning, it will likely play a role in Zoro's final steps toward becoming the world's greatest swordsman.
Until then, the mystery lives on — and fans wouldn't have it any other way.
Where to watch One Piece
One Piece is available to stream on Crunchyroll. New episodes and manga chapters are released regularly, and fans can also read the manga for free via the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps.
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