Throughout the whole One piece franchises, swordsmen tend to be one of the most prevalent warrior types in the world. Of course, this also makes sense considering the world is populated by pirates and marines, so it's a given that swords are incredibly common. Because of this, there are several who have become the strongest swordsmen in the world.
One of them is the deputy captain of the Straw Hats, Roronoa Zoro, whose main goal is to become the strongest swordsman in the world. However, there are 4 strong characters standing in his way to get this title, so let's take a look at the strongest swordsmen in One piece that Zoro hasn't fought yet.
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Fujitora is the owner of the highest class blade
Weapon: Yakuza Kasen
Of course, fans don't usually attribute Fujito's otherworldly strength to his swordsmanship, and it's also no secret that his powerful status is mostly due to his overpowered Devil Fruit and incredible Hakim. Despite this, many tend to call Fujitora an obstacle in Zoro's journey to becoming the strongest swordsman due to his top class sword, Yakuza Kasen.
If you lose credibility just by pleading guilty, you never had any in the first place!
With the incredible power of this weapon mixed with one of the most powerful Paramecia Devil Fruits, Fujitora is a strong and formidable opponent that Zoro must defeat on his journey to become the strongest swordsman. Even if Fujitora had no skills as a swordsman, just possessing such a powerful weapon makes Fujitora a worthy challenger.
Shanks is powerful, but it is Luffy's goal that he achieves
Weapon: Gryphon
No power list One piece characters can be complete without Shanks who is one of the strongest characters in the story with arguably the strongest Conqueror Haki in modern times. In addition, he is also an amazing swordsman who had a rivalry with Mihawk; a man known throughout the world as the world's strongest swordsman.
Good reason or not… no one will hurt my friend!
However, it is highly unlikely that Zoro would ever fight him due to their aligned goals and the importance of Shanks in Luffy's life and the story as a whole. Shanks was always someone Luffy wanted to be like and meet again, so it's highly unlikely that there would ever be a situation where Zoro of all people would feel the need to fight him. Some in the fandom think that Shanks may be secretly evil, but even if that is the case, no one but Luffy should face him from a narrative standpoint.
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Dracule Mihawk Is The One Zoro Aspires To Defeat One Day
Sword: Yoru
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The strongest swordsman in the world.
As the most powerful swordsman in the world, Mihawk can be considered the genesis and ultimate goal of Zoro's entire journey across the seas. It was revealed that Mihawk eventually grew bored of the world as he beat everyone he ever thought of with his unmatched strength, refusing to fight his only real rival, Shanks, as he lost his dominant arm.
Try to outdo me, Roronoo Zoro!
mihawk vs. Zoro is a fight that has been teased from the very beginning One piece series because it's the main one that Zoro has been training for his whole life. Because of the promise he made to Kuina, Zoro's goal in life has always been to become the strongest swordsman in the world, and the only way to achieve that is to dethrone the man who already holds that title, which is Mihawk. When the time comes, Zora's inevitable battle with Mihawk is set to change the power scaling of the series.
Nusjuro is the true strongest swordsman in the world
Weapon: Shodai Kitetsu
It is clear that in the final war, the Gorosei are to be Imu's main generals. Because of this, their power is incredibly broken and the 5 Elders are ready to face Luffy's most powerful allies in the Final War. In keeping with this trend, it appears that Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro may be Zoro's ultimate opponent during this incredible conflict, making him a true final test for the pirate hunters.
Because of this, most fans believe that the title of World's Strongest Swordsman should be held by Nusjuro, not Mihawk. With his legendary sword of the highest class, the Shodai Kitetsu, and centuries of experience perfecting his craft and skill, it is highly likely that Nusjuro is the pinnacle of swordsmanship. One pieceand that Zoro will have to fight him to truly own the title and fulfill his childhood dream.
One piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
