One Piece fans are not new to character rivalries. Over the course of the series, several new rivalries started, while many others came to an end. One of the biggest rivalries in the series that comes up time and time again is that of Dracule Mihawk and Shanks.

There is not a great deal of information available about their past, but according to Whitebeard, the fights between the two swordsmen shook the Grandline. But, after Shanks lost his arm, the rivalry between the two came to an end. However, there are many One Piece fans who believe that Mihawk and Shanks are still rivals, which is incorrect as all the evidence points in the opposite direction.

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Strength of A Shichibukai

One Piece Mihawk using Yoru to cut ice

In order to maintain the balance of power in the world, the Marines created the Shichibukai system. A pirate was offered the position if they managed to earn a fearsome reputation. The position came with several perks, which is why it became extremely sought-after. The Shichibukai consisted of seven different members and all of them had a different level of strength.

For example, Luffy defeated Crocodile all the way back in the Alabasta arc, while he defeated Gecko Moria in the next arc. Usually, this would imply that Crocodile is weaker than Moria, but that is not the case. So, the members didn't have the same level of power. At the time of the system's dissolution, Mihawk was its strongest member. Mihawk's biggest feat in the series is clashing against several members of the Whitebeard Pirates and still being unharmed. While Mihawk's true strength is still unknown, it is fair to say that he will be close to an Admiral in terms of power, which is not bad by any means.

Strength of An Emperor

One Piece Whitebeard and Shanks clash

The Shichibukai and Marines were working together to keep the power of the Yonko in check, but the events of Marineford made it extremely clear that the Yonko dominated the world of One Piece. In the Marineford arc, as the Marines were getting ready to execute the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, they didn't know that many of them wouldn't live to see another day.

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The captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, Edward Newgate was ready to wreak havoc on the Marine Headquarters. Whitebeard and his crew nearly destroyed the entire island, and it is important to remember that Whitebeard was sick and not anywhere near his full health. Towards the end of the arc, when Shanks and his crew turned up, the Marines were too scared to fight, which put Sengoku under immense pressure, and it led to him calling an end to the war.

Shanks and Mihawk

Mihawk drinking with Shanks

When Shanks and Mihawk clashed against each other, it was years ago and at that time Shanks wasn't even a Yonko. When Shanks appeared at Marineford, Mihawk chose to leave. While it suggests that Mihawk was just following the initial order of just fighting the Whitebeard Pirates, it could also mean that he was well aware of Shanks' powers. Also, during the arc, Mihawk was gauging the difference between him and Whitebeard, which is a clear indication that Mihawk knew that he could not take down Whitebeard.

On the other, when Shanks went on Whitebeard's ship, the former didn't hesitate to clash with the "Strongest Man in the World". The clash of weapons between the two resulted in the skies being split. Kaido named Shanks among the few people, who could hurt him in a fight. So, it is quite clear that Shanks' strength and feats are much better than that of Mihawk.

Two Swordsmen

Red-Hair Shanks One Piece

This is one of the most common things that is brought up in debates. Both Shanks and Mihawk possess swords, and since the latter is known as the "Strongest Swordsman in the World," doesn't that mean Mihawk is stronger? No. It simply means that Mihawk is better at using his sword. Numerous other characters, such as Big Mom, Rayleigh, and Fujitora possess swords, but they do not limit themselves in battle. Big Mom uses her devil fruit power, and her extremely strong Haki most of the time, and she was powerful enough to go toe-to-toe with Kaido, who was considered the Strongest Creature in the World. So, there is absolutely no reason for Shanks to just use his sword when his Haki is undoubtedly the strongest in the series.

In the recent chapters, when Ryokugyu was trying to capture the pirates in Wano, Shanks used his Conqueror's Haki to stop the Admiral. Ryokugyu was frightened and immediately realized that Shanks was more than he had bargained for, so the Admiral left. What's more impressive is the fact that Shanks' Haki was felt by Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Jimbei, who were quite far from Shanks' location. With such an extraordinary level of Haki, Shanks doesn't need to rely on his sword to beat Mihawk. By looking closely at the facts, it is clear that Mihawk not considering Shanks to be on his level is an incorrect statement. Mihawk knows that Shanks is too powerful for him now, which is why they no longer have a rivalry. However, as seen in the series, the two of them remain good friends, so they might meet each other again in the future. Needless to say, the fans will be patiently waiting for that day.

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