Dracule Mihawk is one of the strongest characters in One Piece. But just how powerful is he?
1. In a world full of formidable swordsmen, Dracule Mihawk is known as the “Strongest Swordsman in the World”
There are many powerful swordsmen in One Piece. Even Shanks, a formidable Emperor, is known for his swordsmanship in battle. Or Silvers Rayleigh, the former King of Darkness, is also a legendary swordsman.
However, the title of “Strongest Swordsman in the World” belongs to Mihawk. Just looking at Mihawk’s skills makes it clear that his abilities are extraordinary.
2. Mihawk’s swordsmanship is exceptionally potent
At Marineford, there was a moment when Mihawk aimed at Luffy, and a massive wave behind Luffy was effortlessly sliced in half by this sword. The size of that giant wave was truly immense. Thus, Mihawk’s swordsmanship is undoubtedly formidable.
3. Encounters with Shanks
In the past, Shanks and Mihawk have fought each other many times, but it remains unclear who emerged victorious.
However, when Roronoa Zoro spoke with Shanks in chapter 434, he emphasized that the rivalry between Mihawk and Shanks still exists in his mind. This indicates that their encounters must have been grand battles, making Roronoa Zoro deeply respect that rivalry.
4. According to Brannew, Mihawk’s swordsmanship surpasses Shanks
When Brannew explained the members of the Cross Guild in chapter 1058, he claimed that Mihawk’s swordsmanship surpasses that of Shanks. Naturally, this does not mean that Mihawk is necessarily stronger than Shanks.
It may be true that Mihawk has superior swordsmanship, but Shanks possesses other abilities such as Haki. If Mihawk’s swordsmanship truly surpasses Shanks, then there is no reason for Mihawk to be called the “Strongest Swordsman in the World.”
5. Only two Supreme Grade swords are known in One Piece, and Mihawk’s Yoru is one of them
There are only two Supreme Grade swords known in One Piece. The first is Shusui, and the second is Yoru. The owners of these swords are incredibly talented swordsmen.
Shusui became a Supreme Grade sword after going through many battles with its owner, Ryuma. But what about Yoru? This aspect remains unclear, but it may have gone through a similar legendary journey.
However, it’s important to note that even the strongest swordsmen like Gol D. Roger, Silvers Rayleigh, Shanks, and even Kozuki Oden have not yet possessed the title of Supreme Grade swords.
Thus, to achieve that status, one must wield a sword that matches the skill level of Mihawk or Ryuma.
6. Although Mihawk is not an Emperor, his bounty is still higher than Buggy and Luffy
After the events of the War of the Best, Mihawk’s bounty was revealed to be 3,590,000,000 Belly. This amount is higher than Buggy’s (3,189,000,000 Belly), despite Buggy being recognized as a leader of the Cross Guild. Of course, it also surpasses the bounty of Luffy (around 3 billion Belly).
7. Mihawk was famous long before the era of pirates began
The Vivre Card Databook about Mihawk confirms that he was already famous globally even before the Pirate Era began.
When the Pirate Era started after the events surrounding Gol D. Roger, Mihawk was already renowned, and he was already quite formidable.
8. Once referred to as “The Marine Hunter”
According to Crocodile in chapter 1058, Mihawk was once called “The Marine Hunter.” This indicates that Mihawk has also hunted marines and has made his name known among them. This reflects how he became a formidable figure in the world of pirates, earning the title of Warlord of the Sea (a position that combines great power and fame).
9. So just how strong is Dracule Mihawk?
Based on the information available, it is clear that Mihawk’s swordsmanship is indeed very high. Considering that several prominent figures like Roger, Rayleigh, Oden, and Shanks do not possess Haki, one can speculate that Mihawk’s swordsmanship is superior to all.
He remains the only swordsman capable of challenging all other swordsmen, including Shanks himself.
In the past, Mihawk was indeed a rival of Shanks. He often sought out Shanks to compare skills, and their battles have echoed throughout the Grand Line. However, after the news of Shanks losing an arm, Mihawk has lost interest in competing with him, no longer seeking to determine who is superior.
From now on, it can be concluded that Mihawk’s strength is nearly on par with Shanks, or Mihawk may have surpassed the Emperors.
