In order for Zoro to ascend as the preeminent swordsman in the world, he must engage in genuine sword duels. By this, I mean battles that are decided by the swiftness and finesse of his blade. While I acknowledge that powerful Haki attacks capable of slicing through ships and cliffs are impressive, what truly captivates me is witnessing a confrontation where each sword stroke has the potential to sever limbs or necks. Picture Zoro narrowly evading an enemy’s thrust, only to counter with a precisely timed slash that his opponent skillfully parries.
Throughout the series, Zoro’s fights have showcased his immense strength, unwavering determination, and formidable power. However, his mastery of swordsmanship has mainly been exhibited when he effortlessly cleaves through formidable adversaries or launches powerful assaults. Ironically, if his opponents were to possess comparable strength, the key to making these battles engrossing lies in embracing classical swordsmanship techniques. Dual wielding, for instance, offers promising possibilities as the alternating patterns of high and low slashes could yield clever and unexpected attacks. By establishing a predictable pattern, Zoro’s opponent could grow accustomed to it, only to be caught off guard by a sudden change in tactics. Furthermore, employing his mouth sword as a feint to lure his adversary into a vulnerable position for a low-angle slash would undoubtedly add an element of excitement.
Now, let us delve into the potential adversaries that Zoro may encounter in the future.
Top 4/ Admiral Fujitora
When it comes to combat prowess, Fujitora holds a distinguished position as one of the most formidable fighters within the entire World Government hierarchy. He possesses the Zushi Zushi no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that grants him control over gravity in a chosen location. This unique ability enables Fujitora to manipulate gravitational forces at will, employing them through his sword. By swinging or simply moving his sword, he can unleash these gravitational forces with precision.
In addition to his mastery of gravity manipulation, Fujitora has exhibited remarkable proficiency in two forms of Haki: Armament Haki and Observation Haki. These Haki techniques serve as a compensatory measure for his visual impairment during combat, enhancing his overall fighting prowess.
The clash between Fujitora and Zoro was eagerly anticipated during their encounter in Dressrosa. If Zoro were to emerge victorious in a duel against Fujitora, it would undoubtedly be a monumental achievement that would further solidify his reputation.
Top 3/ Shiryu of the Rain
Shiryu, after consuming the Suke Suke no Mi, a Paramecia-class Devil Fruit, gains the remarkable ability to render himself and other objects invisible. This power grants him the advantage of launching stealthy attacks, catching his opponents off guard by cutting them without being detected.
While this ability proves advantageous against adversaries of lower skill levels, those proficient in Observation Haki would not be easily fooled by his invisibility. It is worth noting that Shiryu may have erred in selecting the Suke Suke no Mi, as its Awakening form potentially grants the ability to erase not only visibility but also any trace of the user’s presence. Such an Awakening would align perfectly with Shiryu’s inclination towards lethal combat, earning him the title of a bloodthirsty killer.
In order to prevail against Shiryu, Zoro will need to push his Observation Haki to its utmost limits, honing his ability to perceive and anticipate his opponent’s movements even when shrouded in invisibility.
Top 2/ GOROSEI (Samurai)
Resembling Mahatma Gandhi in his bald appearance, the particular member of the Gorosei stands out from the rest of the five in various ways. Unlike his counterparts, he does not don a black suit or tie. Additionally, he carries a samurai sword, adding to his distinctive image. Speculations among fans suggest that this Gorosei member possesses a Kitetsu sword.
Currently, we have limited knowledge regarding their individual powers and personal histories. However, it is plausible to believe that each member possesses formidable combat capabilities. Several factors contribute to this hypothesis:
- Battle scars: All the members bear visible scars from past conflicts, indicating their involvement in combat situations.
- Possession of a renowned sword: The fact that this Gorosei member wields a significant sword suggests that they must possess combat proficiency. After all, obtaining such a weapon would require considerable effort.
- Power dynamics in the One Piece world: In this universe, power plays a pivotal role. Advancing from Admiral to Fleet Admiral requires attaining Haki and other requisite skills. Considering this, it is logical to assume that the Gorosei member in question possesses substantial fighting prowess, potentially surpassing that of an Admiral.
In summary, it is reasonable to surmise that the Gorosei member possesses impressive combat abilities, possibly exceeding those of an Admiral.
Top 1/ Dracule Mihawk
There exists a single swordsman whom Zoro aspires to defeat in his quest to claim the coveted title of the world’s greatest swordsman. This exceptional individual is none other than Dracule Mihawk, the current holder of the esteemed moniker, “Greatest Swordsman in the World.” Mihawk’s unrivaled status as the supreme master of swordsmanship stems not only from his exceptional skill but also from his remarkable superhuman physical prowess and indomitable fortitude. Remarkably, throughout the entire One Piece series, Mihawk has never suffered a single injury, further solidifying his reputation as an undefeated warrior.
In the past, Mihawk was a formidable rival to Shanks during a time when Shanks still possessed both his arms. However, with Shanks losing an arm, Mihawk now finds a new rival in Zoro. He patiently awaits the day when Zoro will amass enough strength and skill to challenge him, willing to bide his time until that moment arrives.
