Zoro vs. Mihawk

Major Chapters: 50-52
- Other Chapters: N/A
Volumes: #6
Victor: Mihawk

The Build-Up

Zoro's promise to Kuina, that of becoming the greatest swordsman in the world, was a fine dream -- but one with an obstacle, the greatest in the world NOW, "Hawk Eye" Mihawk of the Shichibukai. Originally Zoro set off from his hometown to find Mihawk, got lost, and became a wandering pirate hunter. That's what it was like before Baratie, where he came face-to-face with THE swordsman. Having nothing to lose but his life, Zoro approached his obstacle with his vow: "To be the greatest!!"

The Action

After seeing Mihawk carve up Don Krieg's prized galleon, Zoro draws his swords against his foe only to be confronted by a tiny cross-shaped knife. "Sorry," Mihawk says simply, "but this is the smallest knife I've got." Zoro charges with his Oni Giri attack, and it connects, but against Mihawk's knife... which blocked ALL THREE SWORDS with one thrust.

Confused and angered, Zoro launches an assault of blows that Mihawk calls "heavy handed swordplay" before dismissing it by claiming Zoro is a weakling. Johnny and Yosaku ready a charge, but are stopped by Luffy. Flashbacks stream through Zoro's mind, of his time as a pirate hunter and of his promise to Kuina; the final one is that of Luffy's words as he launches a Tora Gari. Mihawk impales him on his knife.

Upon hearing Zoro's resolve for himself, though, Mihawk withdraws his mockery of a weapon and draws the Black Blade, which is the strongest sword in the world. Sword held upside down, Zoro twirls them and launches his ultimate attack, Sanzen Sekai, only to have it repelled and his swords shattered. Mihawk readies for the final blow, but in a shocking turn Zoro presents his chest -- "Wounds on the back are a swordsman's shame."

Mihawk slashes.

The Aftermath

Even after a life-threatening injury like the one inflicted on him, Zoro lives and manages to get into Johnny's boat to be treated for his wounds. His 'brothers' plead for a response, and they get one as Zoro recites his new oath: From now until the day he defeats Mihawk, he will NEVER lose again!! Mihawk leaves with a smirk, but after some prodding cuts up Krieg's galleon some more.