The power hierarchy of One Piece has once again sparked intense debate among fans, as the story makes it clear that there is officially a swordsman stronger than Roronoa Zoro. While Zoro has grown tremendously throughout the series — mastering advanced Haki and wielding the fearsome blade Enma — his ultimate goal remains just out of reach.
That goal, of course, is surpassing Dracule Mihawk, the current holder of the title “World’s Strongest Swordsman.”
Mihawk Still Sits at the Summit
Despite Zoro’s explosive development in Wano and beyond, the narrative continues to position Mihawk as the pinnacle of swordsmanship. Wielding the legendary black blade Yoru, Mihawk has long stood as a benchmark for strength, precision, and dominance. His reputation alone has shaped Zoro’s entire journey.
Even after the collapse of the Seven Warlords system, Mihawk’s standing in the world remains immense. His alliance with powerful figures and his continued portrayal as an untouchable master reinforce the idea that Zoro’s path to the top is not yet complete. For Zoro to claim his dream, he must defeat the man who still sits at the summit.
The God Valley Arc Has Taken Over the Fandom
While debates about swordsmanship rage on, the fandom is deeply immersed in the God Valley flashback crafted by Eiichiro Oda. The God Valley Incident has become one of the most compelling arcs in the series, bringing legendary figures like Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, and the mysterious Imu into focus.
Rather than serving as a brief historical aside, the arc has unfolded like a sweeping epic. It explores the power struggles that shaped today’s pirate era, revealing secrets about the Celestial Dragons and the foundations of global authority. For longtime readers, it feels like decades of hints are finally being answered.
Fans Aren’t Ready to Leave the Past
Interestingly, many fans say they’re not eager to return to the Straw Hats’ present-day storyline just yet. Social media is filled with praise for the arc’s darker tone and lore-heavy revelations. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “If we return to the Straw Hats now, it’ll feel like waking up from a dream.”
This rare moment highlights how deeply invested the fandom has become in the series’ history — sometimes even more than its current adventures.
Zoro’s Inevitable Ascent
Still, the revelation that there remains a swordsman stronger than Zoro doesn’t diminish his growth — it elevates the stakes. Zoro’s journey has always been about climbing an impossible mountain. The existence of Mihawk as the final summit gives that journey meaning.
As One Piece approaches its final saga, the inevitable clash between student and master looms larger than ever. Whether it comes amid global war or in a quiet, decisive duel, Zoro’s destiny is clear: to surpass Mihawk and claim the title himself.
Until that moment arrives, the world officially has a swordsman stronger than Zoro — but not for long.
