Netflix's One Piece: Kuina's Death Explained
Eiichiro Oda has a hell of a sense of humor.
While the original Japanese manga is widely regarded as one of the finest pirate tales ever written, fans did not expect Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece to rival the quality of the source material. Yet, Netflix astounded audiences by turning the story of young pirate Luffy, who gathers a diverse crew of pirates, into a massive success. While the show's action sequences are impressive, it is the actors' performances that have really made Netflix's One Piece a must-watch.
Although Iñaki Godoy's portrayal of Luffy is undoubtedly exceptional, Mackenyu's Roronoa Zoro really captures fans' hearts, largely due to his compelling origin story. However, it seems Netflix's writers made some alterations to cater to Western audiences. Here's why.
A Tragic Backstory
In the fourth episode of the first season, Zoro's poignant past is unveiled, introducing the heart-wrenching tale of two teenagers, Zoro and Kuina. In a flashback, audiences see Zoro being defeated in two sword duels by Kuina. Despite their rivalry, it's evident that the pair share deep mutual respect and affection. As they commit to daily training, aiming to become the world's foremost sworders, viewers brace themselves for an inspiring montage of their progression. Instead, they are blindsided by the devastating news of Kuina's untimely death.
Upon arriving for a routine training session, Zoro discovers that his close friend and rival has passed away. While Netflix's adaptation remains vague about the circumstances, the original manga provides a specific cause for Kuina's death.
A Strange Demise
Contrary to the assumptions of many fans, who believed Kuina was murdered and that losing her would propel Zoro on a quest for vengeance, the actual cause of her death is rather ordinary. Kuina tragically died after tumbling down a flight of stairs.
To newcomers of One Piece, this might seem anticlimactic or even absurd. However, seasoned fans of Eiichiro Oda instantly recognise this as a nod to his wacky sense of humour.
While the real circumstances behind Kuina's death might strike some as disappointing, it serves as the catalyst for Zoro's decision to join Luffy's crew, making the revelation all the more significant.