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Stop debating: shanks is a swordsman, period!

A growing debate among fans questions whether Shanks can truly be considered a swordsman. Forums have erupted with comments over the past 24 hours, showcasing varying opinions about his skills and fighting style.

By

Lucas Ferreira

Oct 23, 2025, 06:03 PM

Edited By

Liam O'Reilly

Updated

Oct 24, 2025, 11:12 AM

2 minutes (approx.)

A character with a red coat and a sword, confidently standing with a determined expression.
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Context of the Ongoing Debate

The discussion revolves around how Shanks uses haki alongside his sword. Some fans argue that haki should not diminish his status as a swordsman, leading to differing views on what defines swordsmanship in the first place.

Key Themes Emerging from the Community

  1. Swordsmanship vs. Haki: Participants share mixed views, with one noting that "that would require for him not to use his hakikameha," reflecting the belief that haki complicates his swordsman status.

  2. Comparisons to Other Characters: Shanks is frequently compared to Mihawk, the worldโ€™s strongest swordsman. Fans acknowledge this comparison, often conceding Shanks might be a swordsman but maintaining he isnโ€™t the best.

  3. General Sentiment: A mix of admiration and frustration permeates the comments. A response captures this sentiment: "Shanks is a swordsman but he isnโ€™t the embodiment of that, Mihawk isโ€ฆ" This indicates a general acceptance of his status while also implying he has room for improvement.

Voice of the Community

The community's dialogue ranges from humorous to serious. Comments like, "Only One Piece fans can actually argue how a guy with a sword is not a swordsman," exemplify the absurdity some see in the debate. Meanwhile, thereโ€™s also a light-hearted jab, "I guess Sanji is a swordsman," showcasing how far opinions stretch within this discussion.

Essential Insights

  • โ˜… Many fans argue Shanks' abilities go beyond typical swordsmanship.

  • โœฆ Shanks is often weighed against Mihawk, with fans questioning who is actually stronger.

  • โ– A sizable portion of the community recognizes Shanks as a swordsman, but views on his strength are conflicted.

What Lies Ahead for Shanksโ€™ Swordsmanship Debate?

Expect the argument about Shanks' status to intensify, especially as new chapters unfold his character. As his story continues, fan engagement is likely to focus on both swordsmanship and haki. Experts predict a rise in fan art and cosplays that blend Shanks' sword use with haki-style fighting, possibly creating more polarized opinions. What will it take for fans to reach a common ground on Shanksโ€™ role?

The ongoing debates illustrate a broader trend in the anime and manga community, demonstrating how passionate discussions can energize fan culture.