Who do you think is the most powerful Anime Swordsman? All can agree that swords are one of the most powerful and versatile weapons that are being used. Be it historical anime or be it anime based in a futuristic world, the swordsman is always an attractive character in all of them. A sword has been a common weapon of choice among heroes and villains alike. Some use it to save a life, while others use it to destroy it. Nonetheless, this powerful weapon only enhances the abilities of the wielder.
In Japan, a sword holds a very important place in the history of battles. The importance of this weapon is clearly seen in the cultures of Japan. From animes to light novels to mangas, swordsmen have played a pivoting role in all of them. So let’s find out who’s the most powerful Anime Swordsman. It should be noted that these people are ranked only on the basis of power and not on their allegiance.
Most Powerful Anime Swordsman:
#10 Kenshin Himura (Ruroni Kenshin)
If you have seen the cult anime Ruroni Kenshin, you might already be a fan of the main protagonist, Kenshin Himura. The fan-favorite character is also the most powerful swordsman in the series. Kenshin, in the Meji revolution, is also known as legendary Hitokiri. His character arc includes a story of redemption in which he travels around Japan for ten years. A series of events lead him to give up killing despite being a strong swordsman. Later, Kenshin takes up a residence in Kamiya Dojo in Tokyo when he arrived there in 1878.
#9. Gintoki Sakata (Gintama)
This entry on the list is another protagonist called Gintoki Sakata, that features in the Gintama anime series. If we talk about well-trained samurais, Sakata is the first name that would come to your mind. The man is also the president of Yorozuya. In fact, his sword abilities go back to a long period of war in Yorozuya. This war was a turning point in his life as he became famous as the Shiroyasha. Hence, this means that white yaksha is a part of a strong demonic culture in Japan. If not for his sudden change from good to evil, Gintoki would have gained a higher spot in this list.
#8. Guts (Berserk)
It looks like the list will be full of protagonists this time. Another one joining the series is the main lead of the cult classic anime series Berserk. The series is based on the story of Guts, who is a Mercenary. His work takes him from one company to another. Also, he is constantly fighting over contracts. These consistent fights have made Guts one of the best swordsmen in the series. Later on, Guts is defeated in battle by Griffith and is forced to join the Hawk band.
#7. Sasaki Kojiro (Fate Stay/Night)
Going back to the mythical Japanese era of animes, we will find a swordsman like none other. Sasaki Kojiro is an assassin by profession. His work has made him one of the most lethal swordsmen of any series that ever existed. In fact, it is said that Kojiro has faced the legendary Japanese mythical figure Miyamoto Musashi in combat. The assassin’s true name is still unknown to many. Some people believe that he never had a true name. Nevertheless, his sword abilities are unmatched to date.
#6. Kurosaki Ichigo (Bleach)
A usual fan of the Bleach manga or anime would know the character of Ichigo Kurosaki well enough. This is yet another protagonist who has made it to the list of Most Powerful Swordsman In Anime. Kurosaki Ichigo is known to have gained his swordsman abilities through an external source. Moreover, it is said that he received Soul Reaper powers after befriending Rukia Kuchiki. Rukia was the Soul Reaper who was assigned to patrol around the fictional city of Karakura Town. Hence, the character got the powers of using a sword swiftly.
#5. Akame (Akame Ga Kill)
We have reached the top five of this list of Most Powerful Swordsman In Anime. With this, we also have our first antagonist swordsman entering the list. Akame is also known as Akame of the Demon Sword Murasame. She is the titular heroine of the show alongside Tatsumi. Moreover, Akame is also the main protagonist of the prequel manga Akame ga Kill! Zero. The story starts as Akame was sold to The Empire at a very young age. Her training as an assassin in a budding period leads her to become a genius sword wielder. Once, she was sent to assassinate General Najenda, the leader of Night Raid, and joined them to overthrow the corrupt monarchy.
#4. Dracule Mihawk (One Piece)
When talking about swordsman, it’s impossible to miss out Dracula Mihawk from the cult anime One Piece. Dracula is also known as “Hawk-Eye Mihawk.” He is a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Besides, he is also given the title of “Greatest Swordsman in the World” on the show. What earns Mihawk the title is his training under Roronoa Zoro. Learning directly from a master so strong made him the greatest of all time.
#3. Saber (Fate Stay/Night)
Talking about historic heroic warriors, Saber is the one who deserved a spot in the top three. Saber’s real name is Artoria Pendragon. Her storyline on the anime series includes the arc of a teenager named Shirou Emiya, who summons this warrior to play a part in a war between masters and servants. The story may sound a little weird for a heroic legend, but do have a look at the anime once, and you will know why it’s so popular.
#2. Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)
Named one of the top three fighters in the universe that the anime is set up in, Erza Scarlet is undoubtedly one of the smartest swordsmen to have ever existed. She is an S-Class Mage of the Fairy Tail Guild. Scarlet also happens to be a member of Team Natsu. In fact, she is named the guild’s strongest female Mage alive in the series. Her swordsman abilities have led her to become one of her guild’s most robust disciplinarians.
#1. Most Powerful Swordsman In Anime: Zoro Roronoa (One Piece)
Another one of the One Piece characters has made it to the list. It’s none other than Roronoa Zoro. Roronoa is commonly known as “Pirate Hunter” Zoro. He is one of the first members to join Luffy when he was about to get executed at the Marine Base. Moreover, his wits combined with his physical strength make him the greatest swordsman of all time. He is one of the two swordsmen of the Straw Hat Pirates, the other one, Brook, is less strong as compared to Zoro.
With this, we have reached the conclusion of the list of Most Powerful Anime Swordsman In Anime. Do you agree with the list? Is there someone we missed? Do tell your thoughts in the comment section. For more such anime listicles, keep visiting this corner.