Roronoa Zoro, the Straw Hat Pirates' swordsman, still has a long way to go before the long-awaited reunion with Dracule Mihawk, the "World's Strongest Swordsman." In January 2026, with the final saga of One Piece underway, fans are speculating about which opponents would be necessary to prove the protagonist is ready for the ultimate challenge. The journey, however, is not a straight line, but rather a ladder formed by monsters, living legends, and even the world's rulers, each representing a unique test of skill, Haki, and determination.
Therefore, we analyze the character's trajectory after the Wano arc and list, from the most "accessible" to the most challenging, the six swordsmen Zoro realistically needs to defeat. This way, the final victory against Mihawk will not be a stroke of luck, but the natural consequence of having overcome all obstacles on the path to the top. The goal is clear: to become the greatest, but the danger is immense, involving everything from Yonko commanders to members of the Gorosei themselves.
Shiryu of the Rain: The Dirty Fight of the Blackbeard Era
In sixth place, but far from weak, is Shiryu of the Rain. As one of Blackbeard Pirates' main swordsmen, he represents the first major obstacle of the new era. His Devil Fruit, the Suke Suke no Mi, allows him to become invisible, turning combat into a pure test of Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation). Defeating Shiryu would prove that Zoro can handle a brutal and unfair fighting style, typical of a Yonko commander, without losing his composure. It is, therefore, a fundamental step to prove his maturity in high-level battles.
From Admiral to Gorosei: The Ladder of Absolute Power
The path then drastically increases in level. In fifth place, Admiral Fujitora represents a unique challenge, as he combines swordsmanship with absolute control over gravity. Defeating a Marine Admiral would solidify Zoro's reputation as a world-class force. Next, Figarland Shamrock, the Commander of the Holy Knights, is a mysterious card whose surname already places him among the best of the World Government. His defeat would mean that Zoro is no longer just climbing the pirate ranks, but now invading the territory of the governmental forces.
The threat level increases even further with Figarland Garling, former Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights and current member of the Gorosei. Taking down Garling would be more than a victory; it would be a declaration that not even the World Government's best-kept secrets can stop him. However, before the apex, there is a benchmark to overcome: Silvers Rayleigh. The Pirate King's right-hand man, even in old age, is the living reference of the previous era's swordsmanship. Surpassing Rayleigh is the ultimate test of "readiness," proving that Zoro has outshone the legends of the past.
Finally, at the top of this ladder before Mihawk, stands Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the swordsman among the Five Elders. If Zoro aspires to be the greatest, he cannot ignore that one of the world's rulers also wields a blade. Defeating Nusjuro would be the final proof that he has reached the absolute peak of power. Thus, when Zoro finally faces Mihawk again, it will not be with hope, but with the certainty earned with every step of this epic journey.