Dracule Mihawk

This is something I've just been speculating on but it certainly seems plausible. He's got the title of World Strongest Swordsman, a title which often seems to be overlooked. Shanks used to be his rival until he decided Shanks was no longer a challenge once he lost his arm and Shanks has been shown to be able to block an attack from Akainu and Whitebeard with just his one arm, as well as effectively ending the War without even having to battle.

Mihawk was also completely unharmed during the great war, despite having fought against a number of powerful opponents, including Vista and Crocodile.

All the other greats, such as Whitebeard, Garp and Sengoku are probably past their prime and not as powerful as they used to be and the admirals all took damage during the war, although Akainu did have it fairly rough.

What do you guys think and please try not to flame, it's only speculation.

Mihawk is without a doubt one of the most powerful characters in the OPverse, however, he is not THE strongest character in the OPverse

@ohgodwhy said:

Shanks used to be his rival until he decided Shanks was no longer a challenge.

This is simply not true. At no time did he ever say Shanks was not a challenge. And some evidence suggests that Shanks may be equal to or stronger than Whitebeard.

To answer your question, yes, he is one of the most powerful.

@taichokage: My interpretation of the incident with Coby being knocked out was because he was overwhelmed mentally from nearly dying, not because of Shank's Haki.