In the world of One Piece, epic battles always leave a lasting impression on fans. However, one showdown that remains shrouded in mystery and debate is the clash between Red-Haired Shanks and Dracule Mihawk.
Both are undeniably powerful pirates: one is a Yonko, the other the Greatest Swordsman in the World. This has sparked endless fan debates about who is stronger. Some insist Mihawk’s swordsmanship makes him the superior fighter, while others believe Shanks holds the edge.
Actually, creator Eiichiro Oda has hinted at the answer, and the result might surprise many.
The Legendary Duel
Whitebeard directly referenced the duel between Mihawk and Shanks when he met Shanks aboard the Moby Dick. He said their one-on-one fight echoed across the Grand Line and he remembered it vividly as if it happened yesterday. Yet, he was shocked that Shanks lost an arm, a key detail implying Shanks’ performance against Mihawk was so impressive it left a Yonko like Whitebeard deeply impressed.
Fans also know Mihawk sits on the throne as the strongest swordsman, nicknamed “Hawk Eyes.” Since Shanks also wields a sword, it’s natural to assume Mihawk is stronger.
However, the truth is more nuanced. Mihawk is a pure swordsman and undoubtedly the best in swordsmanship. But Oda has emphasized that Mihawk only surpasses Shanks in “sword skills.” In other words, Mihawk’s swordsmanship is near perfect, but that doesn’t mean he is stronger than Shanks in overall combat power.
Shanks’ Overall Power Surpasses Mihawk
Looking at Shanks’ overall strength, it’s clear he is on a higher level than Mihawk. While Shanks’ sword skills may rank below Mihawk’s, his total power, including his Haki (especially advanced Conqueror’s Haki) and even his enchanted sword Gryphon, makes him stronger.
When it comes to overall power, Shanks is widely recognized as the successor to Pirate King Gol D. Roger. Everyone, including Buggy, sees him as the next Pirate King. Shanks is such a prodigy that he mastered Roger’s techniques, including advanced Conqueror’s Haki, before turning 15, a nearly impossible feat.
Furthermore, Kaido, the “strongest creature in the world,” regards Shanks as equal to the true monsters of the old era like Rocks D. Xebec, Whitebeard, Roger, and Oden. These legends command Kaido’s respect and place Shanks on the same level as a Yonko. This confirms Shanks is not just a swordsman but a terrifying force in overall strength.
Shanks Can Be Compared to Joy Boy
If that’s not enough, Oda even directly compared Shanks to another legendary figure: Joy Boy. When Joy Boy used Haki in a flashback, Dorry and Brogy compared it to Shanks’, unsure if it was stronger. Even one of the strongest pirates in One Piece history is compared to Shanks, proving Shanks is on a completely different level.
With all that has been revealed, Shanks is likely the strongest living pirate. Mihawk remains the “Greatest Swordsman in the World” in pure swordsmanship skill. But overall, considering all aspects of power, Mihawk is not stronger than Shanks. Shanks is on track to cement himself as one of the greatest legends in One Piece history.