Two Swordsmen Stronger Than Mihawk Revealed in One Piece

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Summary

  • Nusjuro is believed to be the actual world’s strongest swordsman in One Piece.
  • Fan speculation suggests Garling is a formidable swordsman in the series who was able to match the strongest characters of the previous era.
  • Both Nusjuro and Garling likely surpass Mihawk in terms of swordsmanship and overall strength.

In the journey of everyone’s beloved pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro from One Piece, there aren’t many characters more crucial to his narrative than Dracule Mihawk. Since his youth, he and his childhood friend Kuina agreed that they would become the world’s strongest swordsmen. But during the Baratie arc, it was revealed that the greatest hurdle in Zoro’s path was none other than Mihawk, who currently holds the title of the World’s Strongest Swordsman.

Zoro’s power level required to reach his goal has been a long-term pursuit since that time. While some spectators argue he’s yet to match Mihawk by the Elbaf arc, there’s an increasing number of fans who think that two characters introduced earlier in One Piece might surpass Hawk Eyes in swordsmanship prowess. So, let’s explore potential candidates for these superior swordsmen.

St. Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Is The True World’s Strongest Swordsman

One Of The Frightening Gorosei

First Appearance One Piece, Chapter 233, “The World’s Greatest Power”
Story Arc Jaya
  • Nusjuro is an Elder who wields the Shodai Kitetsu and is an ancient swordsman.

Despite Mihawk holding the title of the World’s Strongest Swordsman since One Piece started, many fans believe that St. Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro could be stronger still. This assumption aligns with the story’s development, as the Gorosei are depicted as the most formidable adversaries the heroes will likely encounter in the Final War.

In other words, it wouldn’t fit the storyline for a character like Nusjuro, who many fans believe will be Zoro’s final opponent in the Grand Line War, to be weaker than Mihawk. Given the circumstances, it seems more plausible that Nusjuro is currently the world’s strongest swordsman, but he isn’t officially recognized as such due to the 5 Elders of the World Government holding powerful positions and not usually engaging in fights with beings they perceive as beneath them.

From his towering height and formidable power, it’s highly likely that Nusjuro wields the legendary first and most powerful Kitetsu blade, known as Shodai Kitetsu – one of the 12 Supreme Grade Weapons. While some fans argue that it doesn’t compare to Mihawk’s Yoru, another Supreme Grade weapon and a Black Blade, the rare instances when Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu is unsheathed reveal its predominantly black coloration. This suggests that, like Yoru and Shusui, it might also be a Black Blade.

In terms of theme, it wouldn’t make sense for Nusjuro to be weaker than Mihawk, given that he is an Elder, second only to Imu in power and rank. As mentioned earlier, it’s likely that Zoro will face Nusjuro as his ultimate opponent, due to their shared history. Therefore, the plotline might unfold with Zoro first defeating Mihawk, then acquiring the formidable power of Nusjuro during a preliminary conflict. Afterward, he would engage in the Final War, wielding the terrifying might of Nusjuro himself.

St. Figarland Garling Is A Swordsman Equal To Roger And Whitebeard

The Newest of the Gorosei

First Appearance One Piece, Chapter 1086, “The Five Elders”
Story Arc Reverie
  • Garling’s strength as a swordsman allowed him to stand as an equal to Rocks, Roger, Whitebeard, and Garp during the God Valley Incident.

Meanwhile, it appears that another swordsman from the series’ past has reappeared and now occupies a prominent role among One Piece’s strongest characters. This is St. Figarland Garling, who was once the Supreme Commander of the Gods’ Knights before being elevated to the rank of Warrior God of Science and Defense within the 5 Elders. His status places him on par with other members of the Gorosei.

Based on the hints and recollections about the God Valley Incident provided to fans, it appears Oda has designed Garling as one of the most fearsome villains in the series, who is not just an exceptional swordsman but also terrifying. His power and authority were such that he assumed the position of Supreme Commander for the World Government’s elite fighting unit. Furthermore, Garling has become even more powerful since his promotion to Elder status, as each elder is granted Yokai-like powers by Imu.

Let us work to better the world… my fellow Elders!

Although the complete story behind the God Valley Incident is still shrouded in mystery, it appears clear that Garling played a significant role in these events, holding a position of leadership within his own faction comparable to legendary figures like Rocks, Roger, Whitebeard, and Garp. It’s been established that these four were the most powerful combatants during this incident, suggesting that Garling was exceptionally skilled as a swordsman, possibly even matching their abilities.

It’s worth noting that unlike Mihawk, Garling doesn’t possess a Black Blade. Yet, in duels between swordsmen, the individuals’ own proficiency and power often overshadow the significance of their weapons. This was evident during Zoro’s battle against Ryuma’s zombie on Thriller Bark, who wielded Shusui – one of history’s strongest blades and one of the two confirmed Black Blades. Consequently, it seems that Garling is a more skilled swordsman than Mihawk, given his and Nusjuro’s possession of Yokai powers, which further boost their strength.

One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-05-24 15:16