Revered as Meito, or Legendary Swords, these exceptional blades represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and warrior prestige. Instantly recognizable to those knowledgeable about swords, Meito demand high prices and are wielded by elite fighters. Each sword receives a specific grading that reflects its durability and quality.
Among these, Great Grade Blades occupy the second-highest tier, outranked only by the esteemed 12 Supreme Blades. A mere 21 of these Great Grade Meito exist, with five known blades traced back to Wano Country, a region famed for its masterful artisans. This compilation aims to detail each of the Great Grade Blades currently known to the narrative.
6 Wado Ichimonji
One of Zoro’s Blades
- Current Owner: Roronoa Zoro
- Creator: Shimotsuki Kouzaburou
Wado Ichimonji is a katana that Zoro acquired during his pursuit of the title of “World’s Strongest Swordsman.”Previously wielded by his childhood rival, Shimotsuki Kuina, this sword was forged by her grandfather, Kouzaburou, who emigrated from Wano and established Shimotsuki Village in East Blue. Kuina’s legacy continued through her family, with the blade passed down to her father, Koushirou, and then to Zoro after Kuina’s tragic passing.
During a pivotal training bout, Kuina defeated Zoro, but both shared aspirations to be the best, irrespective of gender biases expressed by Koushirou. Following Kuina’s unexpected death at eleven, Zoro inherited the sword, solidifying a promise he made to her. A unique aspect of Wado Ichimonji is its connection to Zoro’s lineage, as his paternal grandmother shared a surname with the Shimotsuki clan, drawing Tashigi’s ire over Zoro’s acquisition of the blade.
5. Rainy Days
One of Oden’s Blades
- Current Owner: Kozuki Momonosuke (Tentative)
- Creator: Kozuki Sukiyaki
Ame no Habakiri was one of the signature swords of Kozuki Oden, recognized for its stunning white and gold aesthetics. The blade shares its name with a legendary katana associated with the Shinto deity Susanoo, famous for defeating the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi. Notably, this weapon was one of the few capable of injuring Kaido in his dragon form.
Forged by Oden’s father, Kozuki Sukiyaki, a master blacksmith, the blade has an emotional significance, as Sukiyaki seeks a worthy successor to wield it. Although he desires Momonosuke to inherit it, the latter feels unworthy of possessing such a family treasure at this juncture.
4 Enma
A Demonic Meito
- Current Owner: Roronoa Zoro
- Creator: Shimotsuki Kouzaburou
Enma is recognized as one of Oden’s iconic swords, characterized by its intimidating dark purple and red design, marking it as a supernatural counterpart to Ame no Habakiri. Like Wado Ichimonji, it was forged by Kouzaburou. Historically, it was intended for Oden’s daughter, Hiyori, who, however, traded it to Zoro in exchange for Shusui.
Enma’s reputation includes the ability to scarring Kaido, resulting in a notable “x”shaped mark on his chest. This sword augments its user’s Arament Haki, enhancing its feared status. Zoro struggled with the sword initially due to its overwhelming power but eventually gained full control, using it to not only wound Kaido but also to triumph over King, a feat made more impressive given King’s Lunarian heritage.
Sukiyaki noted that should Zoro permanently convert Enma into a Black Blade, it possesses the potential to ascend in grade, possibly achieving Supreme Grade status. An interesting feature of Enma is its adaptability in size, accommodating both Zoro’s and Oden’s differing statures.
3. Nidai Kitetsu
A Cursed Sword
- Current Owner: Kozuki Sukiyaki
- Creator: Kotetsu
Nidai Kitetsu, infamous for its rumored curse, belongs to the Kitetsu lineage, known for bringing misfortune to its owners. Crafted by Kotetsu, an ancestor of the Kozuki bloodline, the sword transitioned to its current owner, Kozuki Sukiyaki.
This sword is categorized within a triad of Kitetsu swords, evaluated in descending order of grade. Nidai Kitetsu ranks higher than Sandai Kitetsu, wielded by Zoro after a stroke of luck in Lougetown. Notably, Luffy previously borrowed Nidai Kitetsu, with Zoro criticizing his cavalier treatment of the prized weapon, which ultimately returned to Sukiyaki’s possession.
2 Shusui
A Black Blade
- Current Owner: Ambiguous, rests in the grave of Shimotsuki Ryuma
- Creator: Unknown
Shusui, revered as the weapon of the legendary samurai Ryuma, known as the “Sword God,”became a distinguished Black Blade infused with his Arament Haki, thereby enhancing its enduring nature. Although Ryuma was interred with his blade, it was exhumed when Gecko Moria plundered the grave and subsequently reappeared along with Ryuma’s undead likeness.
During an intense duel with his grave robbing ancestor, Zoro was ultimately gifted the legendary sword to prevent his own injury from Ryuma’s skills. His training under Dracule Mihawk further honed Zoro’s proficiency with Shusui. The sword’s intrinsic connection to Wano Country was cemented through repeated attempts to reclaim it, culminating in Hiyori exchanging her own blade, Enma, to ensure Shusui remained within the nation’s heritage.
1 The Other Sixteen Great Grade Blades
Unclear At Present
The existence and relevance of the other sixteen Great Grade Blades remain largely speculative. Unlike the five identified swords, some of the undisclosed Meito may stem from regions outside Wano. Ongoing narrative developments may reveal these blades’ significance, while certain unidentified Meito could possess qualities deserving of classification as Great Grade Blades.
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