Zoro in One Piece: 6 Swordsmen He Must Defeat Before Mihawk

Roronoa Zoro, the Straw Hat Pirates’ swordsman, still has a long road ahead before his long-awaited rematch with Dracule Mihawk, the “World’s Strongest Swordsman.” In January 2026, with One Piece‘s final saga underway, Brazilian fans are speculating about which opponents would be needed to prove the protagonist is ready for the final challenge. The journey, however, is not a straight line but a ladder made of monsters, living legends, and even the rulers of the world, each representing a unique test of skill, Haki, and determination.

We therefore analyzed the character’s trajectory after the Wano arc and listed, from the most “accessible” to the most challenging, the six swordsmen Zoro realistically needs to defeat. That way, the final victory against Mihawk will not be a stroke of luck but the natural consequence of having overcome every obstacle on the way to the top. The goal is clear: to become the greatest — but the danger is immense, ranging from Yonko commanders to members of the Gorosei itself.

Shiryu of the Rain: The Dirty Test of the Blackbeard Era

In sixth place, but far from weak, stands Shiryu of the Rain. As one of the Blackbeard Pirates’ leading swordsmen, he represents the first major obstacle of the new era. His Devil Fruit, the Suke Suke no Mi, allows him to turn 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 in proving his maturity in high-level battles.

From Admiral to Gorosei: The Ladder of Absolute Power

The road then climbs dramatically in level. In fifth place, Admiral Fujitora presents a unique challenge, combining swordsmanship with absolute control over gravity. Defeating a Navy Admiral would cement Zoro’s reputation as a world-class force. Next, Figarland Shamrock, Commander of the Holy Knights, is a mysterious card whose very surname already places him among the World Government’s finest. His defeat would mean Zoro is no longer merely climbing the pirate ranks but now breaking into government forces’ territory.

The threat level rises further with Figarland Garling, former Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights and current Gorosei member. Taking down Garling would be more than a victory; it would be a statement that not even the World Government’s best-kept secrets can stop him. Before the peak, however, there is a benchmark to surpass: 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 final test of “readiness,” proving Zoro has eclipsed 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 ultimate proof that he has reached the absolute peak of power. So when Zoro finally faces Mihawk again, it will not be with hope but with the certainty earned at every step of this epic journey.