It’s so weird how people just say this as if they are comparable actions… You realize that Luffy beating shanks means nothing… Like it’s like just a fun thing that can happen to pass the time at best
Zoro beating mihawk is the fuckin end of a 1000 chapter build up of a fight and the end of Zoro’s dream… Like Zoro will be WSS after that and like you expect that to happen like in some random situation way before EoS? Why? Like what does Zoro even do after that? Just vibe? Will he just be on the crew to provide moral support?
On one hand, I agree on everything you say on Zoro vs Mihawk, but I definitely think you (and many others) keep downplaying the significance of Shanks in this story.
His enigmatic persona isn't for show. There is a reason for his mysterious flair. There is a reason he and Luffy want to fight
seriously (not the fun and games kind, it's NEVER been painted as that). There is are far deeper motivations to Shanks beyond Pirate King here, and we know this because Shanks has not shared one ounce of desire to become Pirate King himself. This is the same person who can stop wars with the Marines and talk to the Gorosei, someone who can stop Akainu's punches or clash with Whitebeard or prevent Kaido's advance. This is not some casual guy we are talking about here.
Better yet, Mihawk's biggest chance of being involved in the final arc/conflict/war is likely through Shanks anyway. He is the only pirate cconnection Mihawk has. He, like everyone else, needs relevance in the final plot. He's not just going to be floating around waiting for Zoro like a cardboard box.
So if that happens, then its very likely who Luffy's final opponent is. Hell, it even makes sense for Usopp, for his final battle to be surpassing his father.
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I think Laugh Tale happens right after the Elbaf arc. Shiryu kills Mihawk, which throws the WSS title into contention since Zoro’s claim to it was beating Mihawk, but since Shiryu also beat Mihawk, the world doesn’t know who’s stronger
Shiryu killing Mihawk wouldn't ever happen by justifiable means. I've said this before, Shiryu is a snake. He kills behind people's backs. He cuts while invisible and its the perfect power for him. Beating Mihawk wouldn't even be fair. It would entirely destroy the WSS title out the window if Shiryu killed Mihawk.
That's to even remotely say he can. Which I absolutely think Shiryu cannot. He's a Yonko Commander. Mihawk rivals Shanks and Yonko are on another level.