In the vast and treacherous world of Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece,” where the pursuit of dreams and the clash of wills define the journey of countless characters, the art of swordsmanship stands as one of the most revered and deadly forms of combat. From the enigmatic and indomitable Dracule Mihawk, known as the “Strongest Swordsman in the World,” to the legendary figures like Gol D. Roger and Silvers Rayleigh, the series is rich with warriors whose blades have carved their names into history.
As we set sail through the Grand Line, we encounter swordsmen who possess unparalleled skill, unwavering resolve, and unique abilities that elevate their swordsmanship to mythical status. These characters, whether they wield cursed blades, supreme grade swords, or swords enhanced by the power of Haki, embody the essence of what it means to be a true swordsman. Their battles are not just physical confrontations but also profound tests of honor, strength, and ambition.
Join us on an exploration of the strongest swordsmen in “One Piece,” as we delve into their legendary duels, iconic weapons, and the indomitable spirits that drive them. From the serene precision of Mihawk to the relentless ferocity of Roronoa Zoro, this article unveils the extraordinary individuals whose mastery of the blade shapes the fate of the world around them.
Roronoa Zoro, a prominent character from the anime and manga series “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda, is renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship. Zoro practices a unique three-sword style known as Santoryu, where he wields one sword in each hand and a third in his mouth. His goal is to become the world’s greatest swordsman, honoring a promise made to his late friend Kuina.
Zoro’s skills are a combination of immense physical strength, agility, and strategic combat techniques. He has mastered numerous powerful attacks such as the “Oni Giri” and “Tatsu Maki,” which demonstrate his ability to combine speed and power. Zoro’s endurance is legendary; he often withstands severe injuries and continues to fight, driven by his unwavering resolve and loyalty to his captain, Monkey D. Luffy.
Zoro’s swords are as significant as his skills. His primary swords include Wado Ichimonji, a treasured memento from Kuina; Sandai Kitetsu, a cursed blade known for its sharpness and danger; and Enma, a legendary sword once wielded by the powerful samurai Kozuki Oden. Enma, in particular, requires great skill to control due to its ability to draw out excessive amounts of its wielder’s Haki.
Throughout the series, from his duels with Pica to King and even to the extent of injuring Emperor Kaido, Zoro’s relentless pursuit of strength and his role as a dependable fighter and leader make him an indispensable member of the Straw Hat Pirates as they journey across the Grand Line in search of the One Piece.
“Red-Haired” Shanks, a pivotal character and is one of the Four Emperors (Yonko) who rule over the New World. As the captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, Shanks is renowned for his formidable strength, charisma, and influence. He once served as an apprentice on Gol D. Roger’s ship, witnessing firsthand the journey to the end of the Grand Line.
Shanks wields Gryphon, a large saber, with unmatched skill. Though less frequently showcased in combat compared to other characters, Shanks’s swordsmanship is implied to be of the highest caliber. His clash with Dracule Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman, is legendary, highlighting his incredible prowess.
Beyond his swordsmanship, Shanks possesses extraordinary Haki abilities. He is one of the few characters capable of using all three types of Haki at advanced levels. His Haoshoku Haki, or Conqueror’s Haki, is particularly potent, allowing him to incapacitate enemies and even damage physical structures with his sheer willpower. His Busoshoku Haki enhances his combat capabilities, making his sword strikes exceptionally powerful, while his Kenbunshoku Haki grants him heightened perception and reflexes.
His one hit attack that is able to defeat Eustass Kid, a powerful pirate whose bounty is worth 3 Billion bounty and one of the two pirates responsible for defeating former Emperor Big Mom, is a direct testament to his incredible powers. Just using his Conqueror’s Haki can make Admiral Ryokugyu retreat without even un·sheath·ing his sword.
Shanks’s influence extends beyond his combat abilities. His charismatic leadership and strong moral code have earned him respect from allies and rivals alike. His intervention in the Paramount War, where he successfully negotiated peace, showcases his significant sway in the world of pirates and the respect he commands. Shanks embodies the spirit of a true pirate, balancing strength, honor, and camaraderie, making him one of the most revered figures in “One Piece.”
Kozuki Oden, a legendary character in Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece,” was the Daimyo of Kuri in Wano Country and a former member of the Whitebeard Pirates and Roger Pirates. Oden is revered for his unparalleled swordsmanship and his adventurous spirit, which led him to travel the seas and ultimately join the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, on his quest to discover the secrets of the world.
Oden’s skills as a swordsman are formidable. He wielded two legendary swords, Enma and Ame no Habakiri, in a dual-wielding style. Enma is known for its immense power, capable of drawing out excessive amounts of its wielder’s Haki, making it incredibly difficult to control. Ame no Habakiri is equally powerful, renowned for its sharpness and strength. Together, these swords made Oden’s attacks devastating and precise.
Oden’s strength was complemented by his exceptional Haki abilities. He could use both Busoshoku Haki, which he used to enhance his swords and attacks, and Kenbunshoku Haki, allowing him to sense the presence of others. His combat prowess was so great that he could fight on equal footing with powerful figures like Whitebeard and Kaido.
Oden’s legacy is marked by his unyielding will and his dream of opening Wano’s borders. His tragic death at the hands of Kaido and Orochi only solidified his status as a heroic figure in Wano, inspiring future generations, including his son Momonosuke and the Nine Red Scabbards, to carry on his mission.
Trafalgar D. Water Law, also known as the “Surgeon of Death,” is a prominent character in the New World sea. As the captain of the Heart Pirates, ex-warlord and one of the Eleven Supernovas, Law is known for his strategic mind, surgical precision in combat, and his use of the Ope Ope no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that grants him the power to create a “Room” within which he can manipulate anything, including objects, people, and even their internal organs.
Law wields a large sword called Kikoku, a cursed nodachi, which he uses with great skill. His swordsmanship is enhanced by his Devil Fruit abilities, allowing him to perform complex and devastating techniques such as “Shambles,” which swaps the positions of objects or people, and “Counter Shock,” an electrifying attack. His “Gamma Knife” can deal fatal internal damage, bypassing external defenses.
One of Law’s most famous battles is his confrontation with Donquixote Doflamingo during the Dressrosa arc. Driven by a desire for revenge against Doflamingo, who destroyed his hometown and mentor, Law fights fiercely. Despite being heavily injured, he showcases his strategic brilliance and resilience, ultimately contributing to Doflamingo’s defeat with the help of Monkey D. Luffy. Teaming up with Kid allows them to take down the infamous Emperor, Charlotte Linlin, also known as Big Mom, earning him a 3 billion bounty equivalent to Luffy, the newly minted Yonko Emperor.
Law’s combination of exceptional swordsmanship, Devil Fruit powers, and tactical acumen makes him a formidable and complex character. His quest for justice and personal vendetta against Doflamingo highlight his depth and determination, solidifying his role as a key player in the world of “One Piece.”
Dracule Mihawk, known as “Hawk Eyes,” is one of the most formidable swordsmen in the “One Piece” universe, created by Eiichiro Oda. He holds the title of the “Strongest Swordsman in the World” and was a member of the now defunct Seven Warlords of the Sea. Mihawk’s reputation and skills are legendary, making him a benchmark for swordsmen like Roronoa Zoro, who aspires to surpass him.
Mihawk wields the black blade Yoru, one of the twelve Supreme Grade swords, which is known for its immense strength and sharpness. Yoru is a large, ornately decorated black sword shaped like a crucifix, and Mihawk handles it with unmatched precision and power. His mastery of this weapon allows him to perform incredible feats, such as slicing through massive ships and icebergs with ease.
Mihawk’s combat skills are complemented by his exceptional Haki abilities. He possesses advanced Busoshoku Haki, enhancing his sword strikes to cut through nearly anything, and Kenbunshoku Haki, which heightens his perception and reflexes in battle. His calm and composed demeanor in combat contrasts with his overwhelming power and precision.
Despite his solitary nature, Mihawk forms a notable mentorship bond with Zoro, recognizing his potential and helping him hone his skills. Mihawk’s presence in the series serves as a constant reminder of the pinnacle of swordsmanship, embodying both the relentless pursuit of perfection and the immense power that comes with it. His character adds depth to the world of “One Piece,” highlighting the grandeur and ambition of its most skilled fighters.
Shiryu of the Rain, formerly the Head Jailer of Impel Down, is a fearsome swordsman in Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece.” After joining the Blackbeard Pirates, he became one of Blackbeard’s top commanders, known for his ruthlessness and formidable combat abilities. Shiryu wields a nodachi named Raiu, a long and powerful sword he uses with exceptional skill.
Shiryu’s combat prowess is highlighted by his brutal and efficient swordsmanship. He is known for his ability to execute swift, deadly strikes, earning his reputation as a lethal fighter. His strength and speed are further augmented by the Suke Suke no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit he acquired, which grants him the ability to turn invisible. This ability makes his attacks unpredictable and enhances his already dangerous combat style.
A notable battle involving Shiryu occurs during the raid on the Revolutionary Army’s base at Baltigo, where the Blackbeard Pirates clash with the Revolutionary forces. Although the battle’s details are not fully shown, it underscores Shiryu’s role as a key player in Blackbeard’s crew and his effectiveness in combat. In another incident when Marine Hero Garp was trying to rescue Koby, his fruit ability allowed him to injure Garp with a piercing through his body.
Gol D. Roger, known as the “Pirate King,” is a central figure in Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece.” As the only pirate to reach the end of the Grand Line and discover the legendary treasure One Piece, Roger’s legacy looms large over the world. His crew, the Roger Pirates, included some of the most formidable figures, including Silvers Rayleigh, his first mate.
Roger was a master swordsman, wielding a cutlass with exceptional skill. Though specific details about his sword techniques are sparse, it is evident that his combat abilities were extraordinary. Roger’s prowess extended beyond his swordsmanship; he possessed advanced Haki abilities. His Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror’s Haki) was immensely powerful, capable of incapacitating large groups and even affecting the environment. His Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki) enhanced his physical strikes and sword attacks, while his Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) gave him superior perception and reaction time.
One of Roger’s most famous battles was his confrontation with Edward Newgate, also known as Whitebeard. Their legendary clash shook the seas and was a testament to their incredible strength and rivalry. Despite their fierce battle, Roger and Whitebeard shared mutual respect, highlighting Roger’s honor as a pirate.
Roger’s journey to Raftel, his discovery of the One Piece, and his subsequent execution sparked the Great Pirate Era, inspiring countless pirates, including Monkey D. Luffy. His legacy as the Pirate King, combined with his exceptional combat skills and indomitable will, cements Gol D. Roger as one of the most legendary figures in the “One Piece” universe.
Silvers Rayleigh, also known as the “Dark King,” is a legendary figure in Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece.” As the former first mate of the Roger Pirates, he served alongside the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, and played a crucial role in their journey to the end of the Grand Line. In his retirement, Rayleigh becomes a mentor to Monkey D. Luffy, teaching him the advanced uses of Haki.
Rayleigh is an exceptionally skilled swordsman, wielding a saber with remarkable proficiency. His swordsmanship is complemented by his mastery of all three types of Haki. His Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki) allows him to enhance his sword strikes, making them powerful enough to cut through even the toughest defenses. His Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) grants him heightened perception, enabling him to anticipate and dodge attacks. Additionally, Rayleigh’s Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror’s Haki) can incapacitate opponents with his sheer willpower.
A notable battle involving Rayleigh occurs during the Sabaody Archipelago arc, where he faces off against Admiral Kizaru. He came to the rescue of “Pirate Empress” Boa Hancock as well where his immense burst of conqueror Haki is enough to make even the legendary Blackbeard retreat. Despite his age and long hiatus from active combat, Rayleigh demonstrates his immense strength and skill, holding his own against powerful characters.
His mentorship of Luffy and his storied past with the Roger Pirates add depth to his character and highlight his significant impact on the series.
Marine Admiral Fujitora, whose real name is Issho, is known for his strong sense of justice and his commitment to reforming the corrupt system from within. Despite being blind, he is an incredibly powerful swordsman and an adept user of Haki.
Fujitora wields a shikomizue, a cane sword, which he uses with exceptional skill. His combat style is a blend of precise swordsmanship and the powers granted by the Zushi Zushi no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allows him to manipulate gravity. This ability enables him to perform extraordinary feats such as summoning meteorites from the sky, creating powerful gravitational forces, and even levitating objects or people.
One of Fujitora’s most famous battles takes place in Dressrosa, where he confronts Sabo, the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army. This intense battle highlights Fujitora’s immense strength and strategic mind, as he matches Sabo’s fire-based attacks with his gravity manipulation and swordsmanship. Despite the battle’s intensity, Fujitora’s principled nature shines through as he aims to minimize civilian casualties and uphold his moral code.
Fujitora’s introduction brings a nuanced perspective to the Marines, showing a desire for true justice and a willingness to challenge the status quo. His unique abilities, combined with his strong sense of ethics, make him one of the most intriguing and powerful characters in “One Piece.”
S-Hawk, also known as Seraphim Mihawk, is a genetically engineered clone of Dracule Mihawk, created by the scientific genius Dr. Vegapunk as part of the Seraphim project. These clones combine the DNA of the world’s greatest warriors with advanced technology, resulting in superhuman abilities and near-invulnerability.
S-Hawk wields a replica of Mihawk’s signature black blade, Yoru, one of the twelve Supreme Grade swords. His swordsmanship mirrors that of the original Mihawk, exhibiting extraordinary precision, speed, and power. His attacks can slice through steel and even ships with ease. Additionally, S-Hawk possesses artificial enhancements that boost his physical capabilities, including superhuman strength, agility, and endurance. Even Emperor Blackbeard hesitates to confront S-Hawk directly.
One of S-Hawk’s notable battles occurs during the conflict at Egghead Island, where he faces off against members of the Straw Hat Pirates. This battle demonstrates his incredible combat prowess and the advanced technology integrated into his design. Despite being a clone, S-Hawk retains the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines Mihawk, making him a formidable opponent for even the most skilled fighters.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro is a relatively lesser-known character within Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece” universe. He is a member of the World Nobles, also known as the Celestial Dragons, who are the descendants of the founders of the World Government. Nusjuro holds the title “Warrior God of Finance,” hinting at a duality between economic mastery and combat prowess.
He is also the holder of the mythical Zoan-type Bakotsu Devil Fruit that allows him to transform into a bakotsu—a skeletal horse—and a human-bakotsu hybrid resembling a centaur.
Nusjuro’s impressive swordsmanship was seen when his famed katana, the Kitetsu, was used to split apart the Labophase layer of Egghead with just a powerful air slash. He is also extremely fast, as shown when he effortlessly froze and disabled multiple Pacifista (powerful cyborg marines) with a single, swift attack.
Like the other Elders, Nusjuro possesses powerful Haki, where even Zoro is at most on par with when the clashes of their Haki imbued katanas couldn’t determine a winner.
Figarland Garling is a recently introduced character in Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece,” and he has quickly garnered attention due to his association with the enigmatic Figarland family, hinted to have significant influence in the world. As a swordsman, Garling showcases a blend of noble heritage and formidable combat prowess, making him a unique figure within the series.
Garling wields a distinctive longsword with elegance and deadly precision. His swordsmanship is characterized by fluid, powerful strikes that demonstrate both his technical skill and physical strength. Being part of the Figarland family, which is suggested to have connections to the Celestial Dragons, Garling likely received elite training, honing his skills to an extraordinary level.
One of Garling’s most famous battles occurred during the God Valley Incident, a legendary confrontation involving the Rocks Pirates, led by Rocks D. Xebec, against the combined forces of Monkey D. Garp and Gol D. Roger. Garling’s participation in this battle alongside other powerful figures highlights his significant role and combat capabilities. His ability to stand his ground in such a high-stakes battle underscores his strength and strategic acumen.
Figarland Garling’s character adds depth to the lore of “One Piece,” offering insights into the powerful families that shape the world’s history. His exceptional swordsmanship and involvement in pivotal events like the God Valley Incident make him a compelling and influential figure within the series.