One Piece: Oda Already Revealed The Answer To Shanks vs. Mihawk Long Ago

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This article discusses the long-standing rivalry between Mihawk and Shanks, and explains that the details of their history were actually revealed some time ago.

The world of *One Piece* often focuses on both current and past generations of powerful characters, and with good reason. Legends like Roger and Xebec are still famous for their incredible strength and continue to inspire countless people. Meanwhile, characters like Luffy and Blackbeard are carrying on their legacies today, becoming formidable Emperors who threaten even the World Government.

Many fans don’t talk much about the middle part of the *One Piece* story, maybe because only two characters have ever reached the level of the most powerful figures, both from the past and present. These are Shanks and Mihawk – two incredibly strong pirates who are among the series’ strongest. They’ve been rivals for a long time, but the author, Oda, might have already hinted at who would win their conflict a while ago.

Many Fans Believe That Dracule Mihawk Is The Stronger Of The Two

The World’s Strongest Swordsman

First Appearance One Piece, Chapter 49, “Storm”
Story Arc Baratie

It’s hard to compare the power levels of Mihawk and Shanks because both characters haven’t appeared much in the series. However, Shanks has demonstrated more impressive feats, particularly with his Haki. Many believe his mastery of Haki is the strongest in the current generation, and some even suggest it’s better than that of legendary figures like Roger and other pirates from his time.

It’s possible Oda is deliberately holding back on revealing Mihawk’s full power. Like other exceptionally strong characters in the series, his true abilities might be saved for later. Many fans point to his title, ‘The World’s Strongest Swordsman,’ as evidence – it clearly establishes him as the most powerful swordsman in the entire story, with unmatched skill.

Mihawk’s rivalry with Shanks is central to understanding their relationship. Though often considered equals, Shanks primarily fights using his physical strength and Haki, while Mihawk is a dedicated swordsman who relies on his blade, Gryphon. Because of this difference, Mihawk’s title as the World’s Strongest Swordsman suggests he’s the more skilled swordsman. This was even confirmed in the Wano arc, where it was explicitly stated that Mihawk possesses greater sword skill than Shanks, solidifying his reputation as the superior swordsman.

People who support the idea of Shanks being a skilled swordsman point out that he primarily fights with a sword, which technically makes him one. Since Mihawk is known as the ‘world’s greatest swordsman,’ it’s assumed he must have defeated Shanks at some point to earn that title. For now, fans are left to speculate and wait for the author, Oda, to reveal more about their history, but many believe Mihawk’s title already settles the debate.

I’m not someone who overreacts to small problems. Despite what people say about you, you’re still insignificant.

On the other hand, fans who support Shanks argue that a character’s accomplishments and how their story unfolds are the best ways to measure strength in *One Piece*. Shanks has demonstrated incredible mastery of both Conqueror’s and Observation Haki – arguably more than anyone in recent history besides the legendary Joyboy. He’s also consistently hinted at being the strongest of the current Emperors, and Luffy aims to eventually surpass him, solidifying Shanks’ position as a central and powerful figure in the entire *One Piece* series.

It’s hard to say definitively who would win in a fight between the two. However, Mihawk’s reputation as the “World’s Greatest Swordsman” shows just how powerful he is, and his ability to survive and thrive as a lone pirate on the dangerous Grand Line and New World is incredibly impressive. Though Shanks is more well-known, Mihawk might actually be the more formidable pirate, operating quietly in the background.

The Truth Of Their Rivalry Is Far Simpler Than Either Of These Agendas

Equals In Strength

  • The truth is that Shanks and Mihawk are equal rivals.

I’ve heard the stories about Shanks and Mihawk’s rivalry – even legends like Whitebeard spoke of it with awe. It really hits home that for a rivalry like that to be so intense, they must be incredibly evenly matched. Basically, as far as we’ve seen, they’re at the same power level, and it’ll take Eiichiro Oda directly telling us who’s stronger to change that.

Mihawk and Shanks have been rivals for many years. While Mihawk doesn’t want to fight Shanks with only one arm, they were evenly matched in previous battles. Both have grown even more powerful since then, though we’ve only seen Shanks demonstrate his increased strength. Considering they both represent goals for Luffy and Zoro to overcome, it makes sense that they are ultimately equals.

One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-09-25 17:36