Mihawk is one of the most fearsome and respected characters in the One Piece world, but his status as a pirate is somewhat ambiguous and controversial. He is known as the World’s Strongest Swordsman. However, he does not seem to have a pirate crew, flag, or ship. He also does not seem interested in finding the One Piece, the legendary treasure that motivates most pirates to sail the Grand Line. So, is Mihawk a pirate, or is he something else? We must examine Mihawk’s history, personality, and actions throughout the series to answer this question. We must also define what it means to be a pirate in the One Piece world.
Is Mihawk a Pirate?
Mihawk’s past is mysterious, as he has not revealed much about his background or origins. So, it’s been hard to answer: Is Mihawk a Pirate? However, some clues and hints have been given throughout the series to answer the question: Is Mihawk a pirate?
According to the official data book One Piece Yellow: Grand Elements, Mihawk’s birthday is March 9th. This means he was born in 1502 in the One Piece world, which uses a different calendar system than ours.
Mihawk was once known as the “Marine Hunter” and had a reputation for being the rival of Shanks, one of the Four Emperors. They used to duel frequently until Shanks lost his left arm, saving Luffy from a sea king. Since then, Mihawk has lost interest in fighting Shanks, as he considers him handicapped.
Is Mihawk a Pirate?
Mihawk became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea at some point before the start of the series. He was the first Warlord formally introduced and revealed in Chapter 49 and Episode 236. He was also the first Warlord to lose his title after the group’s dissolution following the Summit War of Marineford.

Mihawk’s residence was Kuraigana Island, where he lived in a castle surrounded by human-drills, a species of intelligent monkeys that mimic human behavior. He also took in Perona, a former member of Gecko Moria’s crew, as his guest after she was sent there by Bartholomew Kuma’s ability.
During the two-year time skip, Mihawk served as Roronoa Zoro’s master in his swordsmanship training. He agreed to train Zoro after he begged him to do so and swore loyalty to Luffy as his captain.
Mihawk, alongside his former Warlord colleague Crocodile, established an organization known as the Cross Guild. Buggy, one of the Four Emperors, served as the organization’s figurehead leader. Vegapunk, in an effort to replace the Warlords, cloned Mihawk and created S-Hawk, one of the Seraphim. We answered Is Mihawk a Pirate? Now let’s know some other things about him.
Is Mihawk A Pirate? Mihawk’s Personality
Mihawk is calm, confident, and stoic and rarely shows emotion or excitement. He is proud of his skills and reputation as the World’s Strongest Swordsman and does not tolerate anyone who insults or challenges him. He is also honorable and respectful towards his opponents and allies and does not fight those weaker or handicapped than him.
Mihawk is very independent and solitary, preferring to travel alone on his small boat rather than joining a crew or having a ship. He does not seem to have any friends or family, except for Shanks, whom he considers his only worthy rival. He also does not seem to have any ambitions or goals other than testing his strength against other swordsmen.
Mihawk is very curious and observant, often interested in other people’s potential and growth. He has shown interest in Luffy’s journey and destiny as a pirate king candidate, Zoro’s dream and determination as a swordsman apprentice, and Perona’s abilities and personality as a guest.
Mihawk is loyal and trustworthy, honoring his agreements and promises with others. He has shown loyalty to Shanks by refusing to fight him after he lost his arm, loyalty to Zoro by training him despite being his enemy, loyalty to Perona by protecting her from intruders on his island, and loyalty to Crocodile by allying with him.
Mihawk’s Actions
Mihawk’s actions throughout the series are consistent with his personality and history. He has shown both the traits of a pirate and a non-pirate, depending on the situation and his interests.
As a pirate, Mihawk has:
Attacked and destroyed Don Krieg’s fleet of 50 ships in the Grand Line, leaving only one survivor.
Challenged and fought Zoro at Baratie, nearly killing him with his sword.
Participated in the Summit War of Marineford on the side of the World Government, fighting against Whitebeard and his allies.
Clashed with Vista, one of Whitebeard’s commanders and a renowned swordsman.
Attempted to kill Luffy but was stopped by Jozu and later by Shanks.
Formed the Cross Guild with Crocodile, a notorious pirate and former Warlord.
As a non-pirate, Mihawk has:
Spared Zoro’s life at Baratie after seeing his courage and potential.
Followed Luffy’s progress and achievements as a pirate, such as defeating Crocodile, Enel, Rob Lucci, and Gecko Moria.
Trained Zoro on Kuraigana Island for two years, teaching him the basics of swordsmanship and haki.
Protected Perona from his island’s humandrills and other threats, even giving her his Vivre Card to contact him if needed.
Refused to fight Shanks after he lost his arm, saying that it would not be a fair duel.
Respected Whitebeard’s death and saluted him along with the other pirates.
Fun Facts About Mihawk:
He has a rivalry with Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, and they used to duel frequently. However, he loses interest in fighting Shanks after he loses his left arm, saving Luffy from a sea king.
He has a black sword named Yoru, one of the 12 Supreme Grade swords in the world. He can also use haki to enhance his swordsmanship and cut through almost anything.

Mihawk trained Zoro on Kuraigana Island for two years, teaching him the basics of swordsmanship and haki. He agreed to train Zoro after he begged him to do so and swore loyalty to Luffy as his captain.
He formed the Cross Guild with Crocodile, a notorious pirate and former Warlord. The Cross Guild is an organization that aims to challenge the World Government and the Four Emperors. Buggy, another former Warlord and Emperor, acts as the figurehead leader of the group.
He is not interested in finding the One Piece, the legendary treasure that motivates most pirates to sail the Grand Line. Mihawk also does not have a pirate crew, a pirate flag, or a pirate ship. He travels alone on a small boat shaped like a coffin.
Conclusion
Based on the above analysis, the answer of is Mihawk a pirate is Mihawk is a pirate, but not a typical one. He does not follow a pirate’s common traits or stereotypes, such as having a crew, flag, ship, or treasure. He also does not act like a criminal or a rebel, as he does not cause unnecessary trouble or oppose the World Government. However, he is still a pirate because he lives by his own rules and values and does not conform to the norms or expectations of society. He also has the freedom and power to do whatever he wants without any fear or hesitation. Therefore, Mihawk is a pirate who is more interested in his challenges and interests than in anything else. He is a pirate who seeks not fame or fortune but strength and honor. He is a pirate who is not bound by any ideology or affiliation but rather by his pride and curiosity. Mihawk is a truly free pirate.