Scars in One Piece have special meanings. It is a reminder of the conflict of the character.
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Luffy’s iconic scar in his face is a reminder of Shanks, his attempt to prove his worth and eventually his promise to Shanks.
![](https://www.opfanpage.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/93zNN.jpg)
Zoro’s scar across his chest is his reminder of duel with Mihawk and the promise of an eventual clash.
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Shanks scar was given by Blackbeard and this leads to the theory that they are eventually gonna face off.
![](https://www.opfanpage.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/61CV2MK.png)
The scars that has resolved its conflict disappear or the characters don’t have a scar at all. Take Luffy’s fight with Katakuri. He was missing a chunk of his flesh but it didn’t leave a scar. It was a lot more brutal than him stabbing himself but there is no hint of injury. It is because there is no more conflict to be had with Katakuri anymore.
![](https://www.opfanpage.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/c4efc582d39468138c3d85cc37c46532a5fd75fbv2_hq.jpg)
There are many instances in the series where there is no visible scar even though there has been a violent exchange and this is my reason as to why. I recently read Rurouni Kenshin and I think there is a similar idea in the series. Oda worked as an assistant in that series so I am inclined to believe Oda was inspired by the series to do so.
*Theory by Boundman101