Viral One Piece Theory Proposes Zoro’s Best Friend May Still Be Alive

The latest developments in the One Piece manga series, particularly the Elbaph arc, have captivated fans with a wealth of theories and unanswered questions. Within just a few chapters, Eiichiro Oda has introduced numerous mysteries, including the enigmatic Shanks’ alleged twin and the reasons behind Loki’s confinement. Among these intriguing plot points, one character stands out: the mysterious woman who arrived in Elbaph alongside Shanks’ lookalike.

Very little is known about this woman, except that she has ties to the World Government and possesses unusual powers. However, eager fans have proposed theories about her identity, with one particularly compelling idea gaining traction.

Zoro’s Childhood Friend May Have Returned Stronger Than Ever

Could Kuina Be Behind the Bandages?

In chapter #1334, an unnamed woman appears on Elbaph alongside Shanks’ twin, searching for Loki. With her face obscured and only her left eye visible, fans are left guessing her identity. The subsequent chapter heightens the suspense, as her primary action involves battling two Giants to extract information about Loki’s whereabouts.

Despite the lack of clarity, fans anticipate a shocking reveal regarding her identity, as Oda has positioned her as a significant figure within the Elbaph arc. The X user @BlacktyonteXavi has proposed an intriguing notion: this mysterious woman could actually be Kuina, Zoro’s childhood companion who tragically passed away. While this may initially seem farfetched, there are several pieces of evidence that lend credence to this theory.

One compelling point hinges on the linguistic significance of the name Kuina, which is closely associated with sewing in Hawaiian. This connection might imply that the bandages she wears either shield her identity or serve as a remedy for an injury sustained in childhood—a death that fans have long considered bizarre. Additionally, Zoro himself is often depicted bandaged following intense battles, reinforcing a parallel between the two characters.

Moreover, an illustration of Wano’s Shimotsuki family in chapter #1094 shows Zoro’s swords emitting black lightning above Kuina, reminiscent of the mysterious woman’s teleportation abilities in Elbaph. The imagery of a red-haired figure observing this scene could potentially reference Shanks’ twin.

Could Kuina Be a Product of World Government Cloning?

Zoro meets Tashigi and confuses her with Kuina.

@BlacktyonteXavi elaborates on the idea of Kuina’s return by exploring two main possibilities. The first suggests that the World Government cloned her, training this doppelgänger to become a lethal foe for anyone who opposed them. This notion draws upon Zoro’s initial encounter with Tashigi during the Logue Town arc, as he mistakenly believes her to be Kuina at that moment. Cloning is not a new concept in the series, as seen with the creation of the Seraphims.

The second possibility posits that Kuina has been reincarnated into a new body, driven by her ambition to become one of the world’s greatest swordsmen. Despite her father’s discouragement, Zoro continually inspired her to pursue her dreams. The theory asserts that her undying spirit could be reborn, albeit in the form of one of God’s Knights.

Challenges to the Kuina Return Theory

Unaddressed Physical Discrepancies

Zoro and Kuina as children talking after a training session.

Despite its intriguing nature, the theory suggesting Kuina is the mysterious woman of Elbaph faces significant hurdles. The emotional impact of Zoro’s backstory hinges on his friend’s death, serving as a crucial motivator for his quest to become the finest swordsman. Reviving her character could undermine the profound effect her passing had on Zoro, complicating his journey further. Furthermore, Oda has not provided any substantial hints indicating Kuina’s return, as her character has rarely been referenced in the ongoing narrative.

Another critical argument against this theory lies in the mysterious woman’s apparent physical characteristics. Unlike Kuina—who had black hair and dark eyes—the unnamed God’s Knight seems to possess a much lighter appearance. Although her true hair and eye colors remain uncertain, existing manga illustrations suggest her traits do not match Kuina’s, which would typically undermine the cloning hypothesis. Moreover, One Piece has not presented evidence of human reincarnation, discrediting the second possibility as well.

While the speculation surrounding Kuina’s potential identity is captivating, it is essential to remain realistic about her re-emergence in the story. Nevertheless, fans can take comfort in the knowledge that the veil of mystery surrounding the bandaged woman will likely lift soon, as Oda has promised thrilling developments in the Elbaph arc. By the conclusion of this storyline, the identity of this enigmatic character will probably be unveiled in an exhilarating manner.

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