One Piece: 8 Swordsmen Better Than Roronoa Zoro

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This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.

Known as the Pirate Hunter, Zoro is a popular and incredibly powerful swordsman with the Straw Hat Pirates. He’s become much stronger throughout the *One Piece* series, but he hasn’t reached his full potential yet. While clearly a formidable fighter, Zoro still has a long way to go to achieve his ultimate ambition: becoming the world’s greatest swordsman. He’s currently outmatched by several highly skilled swordsmen, including Shanks, and it’s uncertain if he’ll ever be able to surpass them.

Mihawk

The World’s Strongest Swordsman

Mihawk is famous as the world’s greatest swordsman, and Zoro aspires to be as strong as him. Zoro dreams of surpassing Mihawk and claiming that title, but he still has a long way to go before he’s strong enough.

While Mihawk is still much stronger than Zoro, especially with his sword Yoru, Zoro is steadily improving and getting closer to matching Mihawk’s skill. Fans are eagerly awaiting a fight between Zoro and Mihawk in the final part of the story, and Zoro’s recent progress suggests that battle is becoming more likely.

Fujitora

A Marine Admiral

Among the Marines, Admiral Fujitora is a particularly skilled swordsman. Selected through the World Military Draft, he’s incredibly powerful, wielding both a high-grade sword called Yakuza Kasen and the powers of his gravity Devil Fruit. While Zoro is a strong fighter, he hasn’t quite reached Fujitora’s level yet.

Ryuma

The God of the Blade

Mihawk is known as the world’s greatest swordsman, but in the world of *One Piece*, the title of “God of the Blade,” held by Ryuma, is considered even more prestigious. While Mihawk is the strongest swordsman today, Ryuma is remembered as the strongest who ever lived.

I’m completely fascinated by Zoro’s journey! He’s laser-focused on beating Mihawk, but it looks like he might even have to become stronger than his legendary ancestor, Ryuma, along the way. Honestly, I think we’re going to see Zoro become the new greatest swordsman in the world – the new god of the blade – before *One Piece* is over! It’s going to be incredible.

Rayleigh

The Right Arm of the Pirate King

Rayleigh sailed with the Roger Pirates, the crew of the famous Pirate King. He held a similar position to Zoro in the Roger Pirates – both were considered key fighters, often referred to as ‘Wings’ of the Pirate King.

Even though he’s quite old, Rayleigh is a much more skilled swordsman than Zoro. Currently, Zoro struggles with controlling his Haki and can’t harm immortal beings, whereas Rayleigh could fight them effectively even when he wasn’t at his peak.

Shanks

The Red Haired Yonko

Currently, Shanks is considered the most powerful of the Four Emperors in the world of One Piece. What’s remarkable is that he’s reached this level of strength without relying on a Devil Fruit’s power.

Shanks is a skilled swordsman, though he might not be as technically proficient with a blade as Mihawk. However, Shanks is a more complete and powerful fighter overall, partly due to his mastery of techniques inherited from Rocks D. Xebec. It’s likely Zoro will never be able to match Shanks’ abilities.

Rocks

The Legend of the One Piece World

Rocks is a major legendary figure in the world of One Piece. For a long time, very little was known about him, but recent events during the Elbaf flashback have begun to reveal more about his story.

This flashback revealed that Rocks D. Xebec was a skilled swordsman. He used his sword to deliver incredibly powerful, hammer-like blows, demonstrating a massive amount of destructive force.

Roger

The Pirate King

Roger was a truly legendary figure in the world of One Piece, achieving the title of Pirate King. While he wasn’t a traditional fighter like Mihawk, he was exceptionally skilled with a sword and considered one of the most powerful swordsmen in the series.

Similar to Rocks and Shanks, Roger favors powerful, blunt attacks with his sword over quick slashes. He’s also significantly stronger than Zoro, and would easily defeat him in a fight right now.

Nusjuro

One of the Five Elders

Nusjuro is a powerful swordsman and one of the top fighters working for the World Government. As one of the Five Elders, he appears to be their most skilled swordfighter.

During a brief fight on Egghead, Zoro was clearly no match for his opponent. He needs to significantly improve his Conqueror’s Haki if he hopes to have a chance against this incredibly powerful foe.

I’m looking forward to the next One Piece chapter, 1162, which is scheduled to come out next week, as usual on a Sunday. For those in Japan, it will be available at midnight on Monday, but most of us internationally will be able to read it on October 12th. That’s the official release date – October 12, 2025 – and it will be available to read for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-10-20 06:05