Chapter 417

Chapter 417 is called "Asura".

Cover
Straw Hat with animals: Usopp trimming hedges while a bear makes lunch.

Short Summary
After a long and difficult battle Zoro managed to defeat Kaku and his Yontoryu by using his secret sword style: the Kyutoryu of Ashura.

Long Summary
After being knocked down by Zoro's Nigori Zake, Kaku gets angry and claims he has not yet shown his real giraffe strength. Kaku uses his Kirin Houdai: Kyouki Bigan Kilinmanjaro (his most powerful version of Bigan) and attacks Zoro, but Zoro dodges it. Then Kaku uses Neji Hakujin and Zoro manages to block it.

Kaku prepares himself once again to use Kilimanjaro but he pulled his neck inside so fast that his legs extended, surprising both Zoro and himself. Then the Kaku realizes he can use that form in battle and gives it the name of Pasta Machine. Zoro gets angry saying that it was not the time to be thinking names for his attacks. Kaku claims he is very good in unexpected situations and then uses Kilimanjaro. Zoro uses Tatsu Maki to strike back, making Kaku use Geppo and jump high in the air. Then he falls, attacking with his swords, Zoro blocks it but Kaku's strength is too much.

Kaku then bombards Zoro with continuous sword slashes while he says he has several advantages: his Yontoryu, his Rokushiki, and his giraffe form. However, Zoro stops the attack saying that advantages are not enough to beat him.

Zoro prepares his counter attack and uses Hyou Kin Dama, Kaku tries to dodge it with Kami-E but somehow Zoro manages to slash him, knocking Kaku down. Kaku goes berserk and attacks with Rankyaku: Shuriken. Zoro tries blocking them but Kaku's attacks are too strong and the giraffe hits him in the stomach with Kilimanjaro knocking down the pirate. Before Zoro stands, Kaku strikes him with Henchikirin and Kenchikirin. After Zoro stands up, Kaku uses Gekirin, a great barrage of sword slashes and Rankyaku. Zoro tries to block them, and finally he awakens some kind of dark aura within him.

Kaku stops. He thinks he has seen the form of a demon god of six arms and three faces. Kaku decides to end the battle, he starts spinning in order to deliver his strongest Rankyaku: Amenadachi. Zoro sees this and activates his ultimate form: Kiki Kyutoryu: Ashura, gaining two extra faces and four extra arms, giving him the form of the demon god Kaku saw before.

Kaku delivers his Amenadachi. Zoro blocks it with his nine swords and then disintegrates the Rankyaku. Finally, Zoro charges against his opponent and with Ashura: Ichibugin, ends the face off.

Chapter Notes

 * Zoro defeats Kaku.
 * Zoro's Ashura technique is revealed.

Returning Characters

 * Straw Hat Pirates
 * Roronoa Zoro
 * CP9
 * Kaku