As One Piece heads into its final saga, the Straw Hat Pirates are closer than ever to reaching their dreams. Luffy is now a Yonko and just one step away from becoming the Pirate King. Zoro, too, is getting ready for his biggest challenge — fighting Mihawk, the strongest swordsman in the world.
Fans have waited a long time for Zoro vs Mihawk, and yes, that fight will happen. But according to recent hints from Oda, Mihawk won’t be Zoro’s final opponent. There’s someone else waiting for him in the end — and he might be even stronger.
Zoro Will Fight Mihawk Before Luffy Becomes Pirate King
In One Piece, Luffy’s big moments are always saved for last. That also applies to the dreams of his crew. Every Straw Hat has their own dream, but those goals will likely be completed before Luffy becomes the Pirate King.
Zoro wants to become the world’s strongest swordsman. That means he must defeat Mihawk before Luffy reaches the top. This fight will be huge — a battle between teacher and student — and it will show how far Zoro has come.
“Compared to that man, you’re actually more human.” — Zoro to S-Hawk
But even after that, Zoro’s journey isn’t over.
Zoro’s Real Final Battle Is Against Nusjuro
The person Zoro will fight last is likely Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, one of the Five Elders. He’s a high-ranking Celestial Dragon and wields a powerful katana that looks a lot like the cursed swords Zoro uses.
When Zoro asked him, “What? Is that Kitetsu?” it wasn’t a random question. Oda was hinting at something deeper — maybe a connection to Wano, Ryuma, or even Zoro himself.
Zoro vs Nusjuro could be his most important fight ever. It won’t just be about power — it’ll be about legacy, honor, and swordsmanship at the highest level.
Is Nusjuro Stronger Than Mihawk?
It might sound crazy, but Nusjuro could actually be stronger than Mihawk.
Sure, Mihawk holds the title of “Strongest Swordsman,” but the Five Elders don’t care about titles. They see themselves as gods above the rest of the world. Also, if Nusjuro is immortal — as many fans believe — then he might have hundreds of years of sword experience.
Zoro may beat Mihawk, but to truly be the best, he’ll need to defeat Nusjuro too.
When Will Zoro Fight Nusjuro?
After Luffy becomes the Pirate King, a battle between the Straw Hats and the World Government is almost guaranteed. That’s when Zoro will likely face Nusjuro, possibly the final obstacle on his path to being the true Sword God.
🗓 One Piece Chapter 1154 Release Info
- Release Date: July 13, 2025
- Time: 12 AM JST (Japan time)
- Where to Read: Free on Manga Plus (official site and app)