Roronoa Zoro, despite being exhausted and heavily injured from the fight against Ryuma and Moria, attempts to protect the unconscious Luffy. He finds that his swordsmanship is ineffective as Kuma effortlessly repels his strikes.
Episode Overview Title: "Kuma's Repelling Powers! Zoro's Life-or-Death Fight" (English Dub) Arc: Thriller Bark Arc Original Air Date (Japan): November 9, 2008 One Piece (Dub) Episode 376
The episode introduces the mechanics of the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi (Paw-Paw Fruit). Kuma reveals he can repel anything —including physical attacks, air, and even abstract concepts like pain—using the pads on his palms. Roronoa Zoro, despite being exhausted and heavily injured
This episode serves as the buildup to one of the series' most iconic moments in the following episode (377), where Zoro takes on Luffy's fatigue and pain. As of April 2026, the One Piece English Dub has caught up with the Japanese simulcast, concluding its long rollout this year . Zoro's Life-or-Death Fight" (English Dub) Arc: Thriller Bark
Released as part of Funimation’s Season Four Voyage Five. Availability: Stream the dubbed version on Crunchyroll .
Kuma offers a deal: he will spare the crew if they hand over Luffy’s head. When the crew (and the Rolling Pirates) unanimously refuse, Kuma uses his "Ursus Shock" to devastate the entire island of Thriller Bark. Key Technical Details Manga Chapter: Adapted from Chapter 484 . English Voice Cast: Zoro: Christopher Sabat Kuma: Joel McDonald Luffy: Colleen Clinkenbeard