Zoro vs. Hatchi

Major Chapters: 84-85
- Other Chapters: N/A
Volumes: #10
Victor: Zoro

The Build Up

Before the entire mess at Arlong Park, Zoro was captured and then broke out from prison thanks to Nami. There he met Hatchi, or Hatchan (his proper name, though it seems more like a nickname) who was wholly oblivious to the fact that Zoro had slaughtered EVERY OTHER FISHMAN in ALL OF ARLONG PARK. Yes, he is that dense. Long story short, Hatchi towed Zoro to Cocoyashi Village, but when he returned he realized that the "strange swordsman" he'd moved was really Zoro! When Nami cried and Luffy fell to the sea, Zoro stepped up to fight the octopus.

The Action

Hatchi fires a Takohatchi Black (octopus ink) to open the fight, which Zoro dodges and swings, cutting off several pieces of Hatchi's hair. Generously Hatchan agrees to forgive Zoro before even asking for an apology. Zoro charges with a slash, which Hatchi counters with Tako-San-Ren-Shin-Ken-Shira-Ha-Dori, a six-armed blade catch that fails miserably. A subsequent follow up prompts Hatchi to stick himself to a pillar.

Zoro falls to the ground, delirious from his wounds. Hatchan takes the opportunity to collapse the building on him, but finds himself crushed under his own attack -- by Zoro! Hatchi then brandishes his six swords, proclaiming himself the second-best swordsman from Fishman Island! Zoro, however, is unfazed. He claims that no one, not even the God of Death, can steal his life before he kills Mihawk. He asks Johnny and Yosaku to lend him their swords, and so they throw them.

Just before Hatchi connects with a thrust, Zoro snatches the swords, performs Tou Rou Nagashi, and slices Hatchi bloody. When confronted with a 'fact' that, mathematically, Hatchan's swords are stronger in number than his; Zoro proclaims that even if he has only three swords, his are much heavier than the Fishman's! After a bit of a stupid rush, Hatchi rushes physically and breaks Zoro's defenses, landing a crushing headbutt to his wounds.

However, Hatchi's next attack (Six-Sword Waltz) fails to have any major impact on Zoro, who promptly breaks Hatchi's swords and finally defeats him with a spiraling Tatsumaki.

The Aftermath

Kuroobi, who blasted Sanji out of Arlong Park, readied to kill Zoro. Yet before he can strike, Sanji flip-kicks him and takes the fight underwater. Zoro plays a role later in holding off Arlong while Sanji frees Luffy, which leads to the battle's end in victory for his side.