⚠️ Spoiler Warning
This article contains spoilers for the One Piece manga up to the latest chapters (as of 2025). Proceed only if you’re caught up!
The Dream That Defined a Generation
From the moment Roronoa Zoro lost to Mihawk at Baratie, his dream became clear — to surpass the greatest swordsman alive.
For years, that defeat haunted him. For years, Mihawk’s calm stare reminded us all of the gap between ambition and mastery.
But now, after the Wano arc, that gap might finally be closing.
Zoro’s growth has been so immense that fans can’t stop asking:
Has Zoro finally surpassed Mihawk?
To find out, let’s break down both warriors — their feats, haki mastery, experience, and what it truly means to be the “World’s Strongest Swordsman.”
Zoro’s Power Evolution: From Challenger to Contender
1. The Wano Explosion of Strength
Wano was Zoro’s awakening arc — not just physically, but spiritually. He stepped into the battlefield against monsters like Kaido and King and didn’t flinch.
Advanced Conqueror’s Haki
This is the single biggest leap in Zoro’s power. During his fight with King, Zoro learned to infuse his blades with Haoshoku Haki, the power of kings.
Kaido himself stated that “only the strongest few” can wield this technique — the same power used by Luffy, Shanks, and Roger.
When Zoro coated his blades with this haki, his slashes could literally tear through King’s flames and defenses.
It was the moment he stopped being a powerful swordsman — and became one of the elites of the New World.
The Kaido Scar
Before that, on the rooftop of Onigashima, Zoro’s Asura attack scarred Kaido permanently.
Let that sink in — the man who tanked attacks from Yonko-level opponents was scarred by Zoro, who was barely alive at the time.
Even Big Mom warned Kaido to dodge. That’s not hype; that’s respect.
2. Enma: The Sword That Tests the Soul
Enma isn’t just a weapon — it’s a Haki-eating monster.
It forcefully draws out the user’s Haki, making it incredibly difficult to control. Most swordsmen would crumble under the pressure.
But Zoro? He tamed it.
By mastering Enma, Zoro achieved complete harmony between his spirit and his blade — something even Oden struggled with.
This control showcases just how refined Zoro’s Haki flow and willpower have become.
3. King of Hell Three-Sword Style
Post-Wano Zoro introduced “King of Hell Santoryu”, a technique that represents the peak of his identity.
It’s a style fueled by Advanced Conqueror’s Haki, combining spiritual energy, physical ferocity, and an almost demonic will.
When Zoro declares himself the “King of Hell,” he isn’t being dramatic — he’s channeling his dominance through every cut.
He’s no longer fighting to win; he’s fighting to reign.
4. Endurance Beyond Human Limits
From surviving Kuma’s pain bubble to fighting after broken bones and poison, Zoro’s endurance is absurd.
At Wano’s end, he literally came back from the edge of death. His stamina and resilience make him one of the toughest characters in the series — a trait Mihawk himself respected.
Mihawk: The Standard of Perfection
1. The Man Called “Hawk Eyes”
Dracule Mihawk is not just a swordsman — he’s a symbol. The embodiment of discipline, grace, and terrifying precision.
His title, “World’s Strongest Swordsman,” wasn’t given. It was earned through countless duels and decades of dominance.
When Mihawk draws Yoru, the battlefield becomes silent. His calm aura hides the fact that every single movement could end a fight instantly.
2. Rivalry With Shanks
Mihawk’s rivalry with Red-Haired Shanks shaped an era.
Their duels “shook the Grand Line,” and the World Government considered them events of global significance.
The fact that Mihawk stopped challenging Shanks only after he lost an arm tells you everything — Mihawk saw Shanks as his equal.
Now that Shanks is a Yonko, it’s clear Mihawk’s strength isn’t far below that level — if not equal in raw swordsmanship.
3. Effortless Destruction
At Marineford, Mihawk casually tested the gap between himself and Luffy by sending a flying slash strong enough to split a massive iceberg and shock the admirals.
He wasn’t even serious.
That attack was a warm-up swing — the equivalent of Zoro’s practice cuts.
If that’s his baseline, it’s terrifying to imagine what he can do when serious.
4. The Black Blade: Symbol of Mastery
Mihawk’s sword, Yoru, is one of only two known permanently black blades in existence.
That means Mihawk has infused it with Haki so completely that it’s eternally strengthened.
Oda has implied that turning a sword black represents the highest level of swordsmanship and spiritual connection.
Zoro’s Enma hasn’t reached that state yet — which tells us Mihawk’s Haki control is still on another level.
The True Comparison
Let’s look at this in simple terms.
Raw Power: Zoro is catching up fast.
Swordsmanship Technique: Mihawk remains more refined and efficient.
Haki Mastery: Mihawk leads due to his Black Blade.
Experience: Mihawk lived through Roger’s era — that wisdom can’t be replicated.
Growth Rate: Zoro wins here. His progress is unnatural.
So where does that leave us?
Zoro can now stand toe-to-toe with Mihawk. But surpass him? Not yet.
In a direct duel, Mihawk would likely win — but barely. Think of it as a 60-40 fight that could go either way depending on the situation.
The Unseen Edge: Zoro’s Three-Sword Style
Zoro’s Santoryu gives him a natural advantage in unpredictability.
Three blades mean three attack angles, and when coated in Conqueror’s Haki, each one hits like a cannon.
Traditional one-sword styles are built on precision; Zoro’s chaos is overwhelming.
That unpredictability could be the key to breaking Mihawk’s rhythm in a real battle.
Mihawk thrives on reading opponents. Zoro thrives on defying expectations. That dynamic is what will make their inevitable rematch legendary.
The Future Clash: Student vs Master
Oda’s storytelling always pays off. Zoro’s dream has been alive since Episode 1, and the world’s strongest swordsman title isn’t just a trophy — it’s the soul of his journey.
Their eventual fight will likely happen near the end of the Final Saga, possibly tied to the Cross Guild storyline.
And when it happens, it won’t just be a duel — it’ll be the passing of a torch.
Mihawk will smile that cold, satisfied smile, acknowledging the man who once begged him for strength — now standing as his equal.
The Final Verdict: Not Yet, But Very Soon
As of now, Mihawk is still the World’s Strongest Swordsman.
Zoro has entered his league, but the student hasn’t fully surpassed the master.
However, if history tells us anything, it’s that Zoro always keeps his promises.
When he swore never to lose again until he defeats Mihawk, he meant it.
And the day that happens, it’ll be the culmination of one of the greatest mentor-student stories in manga history.
