#ONEPIECE1196
Shanks vs Mihawk - Debate about the world's strongest swordman
In the following tweet, I will provide a detailed argument for this "Bogardguy" and all Mihawk fans in general, explain my perspective, and counter Bogardguy’s points with arguments of my own.
Recent developments strengthen one side of the argument and should be acknowledged clearly. In chapter 1195, Zoro properly taps into Advanced Conqueror’s Haki for the first time.
He coats an existing sword technique (1080 Pound Phoenix) in CoC and also breaks the ship they are on with it, producing effects reminiscent of the ship-breaking displays associated with Shanks.
Mihawk was the one who taught Zoro the “sense of self” required for Conqueror’s Haki.
These moments support the view that CoC coating and shockwave-style applications can be integrated into swordsmanship.
Divine Departure is executed with a sword and treated as a named technique. Xebec’s impact-based style was still described as swordsmanship.
Mihawk holds the official title of World’s Strongest Swordsman, possesses a permanent Black Blade, and the Vivre Card states he had no more worthy challengers when he received the title. His refusal to fight a one-armed Shanks is explicit.
The argument that losing an arm is a meaningful disadvantage for a swordsman is also on the table. These points are legitimate. Mihawk is the superior pure swordsman, and he will have strong Advanced Conqueror’s Haki. Claims that he has none ignore what the series has shown.
As you can see, I’m trying not to dismiss these arguments as bullshit; they are legitimate and actually make sense.
At the same time, these developments do not erase a distinction the series has already drawn with other characters.