One Piece: Oda Finally Confirms A Sword User Even Stronger Than Mihawk

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This article contains spoilers for One Piece’s Elbaf Arc.

So far, the Elbaf arc in One Piece has been nothing short of amazing, and right now, Oda is shedding light on Loki’s backstory – one of the most revered characters in this world. This flashback unveils fascinating lore to the audience, including details about the Galleila Band, as well as highly anticipated characters like Rocks D. Xebec.

Introducing Xebec, Oda has indeed affirmed that there’s a swordsman more powerful than Mihawk, and this sheds light on how Shanks matches up against the renowned Hawkeyes.

Dracule Mihawk Is The World’s Greatest Swordsman

  • Mihawk Is The World’s Best In The Art Of The Blade
  • Mihawk Was Shanks’s Rival

Among the exceptional sword-wielders in the realm of One Piece, Dracule Mihawk is undoubtedly one of the elite few who command the highest respect. His prowess in battle against formidable opponents has earned him the title of World’s Greatest Swordsman, a recognition that fans hold in high esteem.

However, it’s not just his martial skills that make Mihawk intriguing; he was once wronged by the Navy, an act of betrayal that led him to pursue Marines relentlessly. His past is also marked by frequent duels with Shanks, a rivalry that, despite no clear winner, captivated fans due to its intense nature. This electrifying competition continued until Shanks suffered the loss of his arm – an event that marked a significant turning point in their long-standing feud.

Learn more about the world, and come seek me out, Roronoa Zoro! — Dracule Mihawk

It’s widely acknowledged among fans that Mihawk and Shanks had a fight, but it’s Mihawk who boasts superior swordsmanship – he is, after all, known as the world’s best swordsman. However, when it comes to overall strength, Shanks takes the lead. This point has been reinforced by the character of Rocks D. Xebec, as established by Oda.

Rocks Was A Stronger Sword User Compared To Mihawk

Rocks’s Unique Sword Doesn’t Cut, It Blasts

In chapter 1155 of One Piece, it was finally made clear to fans that Rocks D. Xebec possessed a unique kind of sword. Unlike most swordsmen in the world of One Piece who use their blades to slice, Rocks’s sword didn’t cut; instead, it exploded enemy opponents with shockwaves. This distinctive feature made Rocks’s sword strikes feel more like hammers or cannons rather than regular blades. It’s also no secret that Rocks was significantly stronger than even the formidable Mihawk.

Rocks’s sword attacks were known to hit like a hammer or cannonfire. — Narrator

Consequently, it’s now established that certain characters, who were once doubted as being stronger due to Mihawk’s reputation, indeed surpass him in strength.

Roger And Shanks Are Users Of The Same Style

In chapter 1155 of One Piece, it’s evident that Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, and his contemporary Shanks didn’t adhere to conventional sword-fighting styles. Instead, they employ their swords more like cannons or hammers, creating shockwaves to obliterate enemies. It’s plausible that Roger picked up this unique technique from Rocks D. Xebec, and as the series reveals, Shanks learned it from him at a tender age.

To put it simply, while it’s been established that conventional swordsmen primarily use their blades for slicing and hacking, there are additional abilities they possess, such as the power to blast opponents with their swords. This is why Mihawk can be considered the Greatest Swordsman in the World and have sword skills surpassing Shanks, but still be weaker than him overall, because his abilities extend beyond traditional swordsmanship.

* The next installment of One Piece, Chapter 1156, will be published this coming week! Typically, new chapters appear every Sunday. In Japan, they release at midnight JST on Monday, but most international readers will get to read it on August 3rd. Officially, One Piece Chapter 1156 is set for release on August 3, 2025. You can enjoy reading it for free on Manga Plus!

This version retains the original’s structure and information but uses more natural, conversational language to make it easier to read and understand.

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2025-07-29 23:21