Dracule "Hawk Eye" Mihawk is universally regarded as the greatest swordsman in the world. Nicknamed "Hawkeye", Mihawk has thus far made three major appearances in One Piece. The first of Shichibukai to be introduced, Mihawk plays a major role as Roronoa Zoro's ultimate goal. Pirate Admiral Don Krieg held a strong grudge against Mihawk due to the destruction of his great armada of 50 warships single- handedly by Mihawk for the sake of personal amusement. Mihawk is the owner of the world's strongest sword, widely known simply as the Black Sword. Red-Haired Shanks was a former rival to Mihawk in term of swordsmanship before the loss of Shanks' left arm.
Attracted to East Blue in pursuit of Pirate Admiral Don Krieg for no apparent reason, Mihawk made his first major appearance during Baratie Arc. His appearance was marked by the swift destruction of Don Krieg's last remaining warship. Coincidentally present, Zoro challenged Mihawk for his title. In spite of Zoro's best effort, Mihawk held against Zoro with clear effortlessness, using a 4 inch knife against Zoro's santōryū (Three Sword Style). Unimpressed with Zoro's sword skill, Mihawk however found Zoro's determination to be astonishing. Honoring his opponent's spirit, Mihawk respected his foe's honor enough to use the Black Sword (großes Messer). The final clash ended in Zoro's defeat. Greatly pleased by his opponent's spirit, Mihawk issued a challenge and claimed that he will wait for the day when Zoro is able to surpass him as the world's greatest swordsman. Purposely leaving Zoro alive, Mihawk sailed away.
In a later date, Mihawk made a personal visit to Red-Haired Shanks and informed him that Luffy is coming to the Grand Line as a famed pirate. Mihawk's latest appearance was during a joint meeting between the high Marine officials and Shichibukai, along with Donquixote Doflamingo and Bartholomew Kuma. The topic of discussion was the defeat of Shichibukai Crocodile at the hands of the Straw Hat Pirates. Interestingly enough, it was implied by Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Donquixote Doflamingo that Mihawk has the worst attendance record of all Shichibukai.
