Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for the One Piece manga and anime.
Netflix’s live-action One Piece sets up a Zoro versus Mihawk rivalry, but it is doubtful audiences will see another fight between the two powerful swordsmen in the show. Season 1, episode 5 of the new One Piece series kicks off a lengthy and complicated history between Roronoa Zoro and Dracule Mihawk, which is sourced from the ongoing manga of the same name. The One Piece manga and anime follow Monkey D. Luffy on his quest to become the “King of the Pirates,” but they also establish the individual adventures and goals of his crew of Straw Hat Pirates.
Zoro, certified by the Netflix series as Luffy’s first mate, has a desire to earn the title of the World’s Greatest Swordsman, but the feat isn’t won so easily. Zoro proves to have the skill and the grit, and his quest to be the greatest is driven by a promise he made to his late friend named Kuina, a childhood companion he used to train with. While Zoro’s determination to keep his promise is ceaseless, it ends up being challenged by Mihawk — the man who currently holds the title of greatest swordsman.
Zoro Vs. Mihawk II Still Hasn’t Happened In One Piece
In the live-action series and in One Piece canon, Zoro provokes Mihawk into a battle to the death, hoping that once Mihawk is defeated he can claim the title he seeks. It doesn’t go as planned for Zoro, though, as Mihawk is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and has bested every adversary to cross him. Zoro is no different from the other challengers and becomes another unworthy opponent who cannot win a duel against Mihawk. Despite this, Mihawk recognizes Zoro’s potential and spares his life, leaving the young swordsman hope for redemption.
While the Netflix series suggests Zoro will stop at nothing to defeat Mihawk, heavily implying a rematch will happen sometime in the future, One Piece canon attests that Zoro and Mihawk will not duel again. In fact, in the entirety of the One Piece manga series, Zoro and Mihawk have not fought against each other since their first and only standoff. This does not mean it won’t ever happen in the ever-expanding One Piece universe. However, it will take a seriously long time to come to fruition in the One Piece TV show, if it does at all.
Zoro & Mihawk Have Met Since Their One Piece Fight
Netflix’s One Piece adaptation has a fair amount of ground to cover from its source material. Even if the show is green-lit for as many seasons as it takes to adapt the One Piece manga and anime, the live-action will only get to develop Zoro and Mihawk’s next duel if it’s written into the manga or if the Netflix series decides to take creative liberties. Until then, the show is left with the feat of developing Zoro and Mihawk’s relationship, as the two swordsmen meet again, even though they don’t cross swords.
In the One Piece manga, Mihawk is nearly undefeatable, and it’s determined that, while he is highly skilled fighter, Zoro has a long way to go if he is to defeat the greatest swordsman. Because of this, Zoro eventually puts aside his pride and asks Mihawk to train him. Luffy and the crew are just beginning their adventures together by the end of One Piece season 1. Therefore, Zoro’s exciting two-year training under the great Mihawk is just one of the many developments the live-action series still needs to adapt.
