@Urouge:
Though he didn't actually fight, I think Oda wanted us to believe that Beckman could hold his own against an admiral as well based on his little exchange with Kizaru. Saying it's just Marco is one thing, but after including Beckman it'd be a bit naive to think other emperors didn't also have someone of that level, especially after Doflamingo had like one of the very top Vice Admirals under him. You could include an old Rayleigh who's beyond his prime vs Kizaru as well if you want. Whitebeard was the strongest man in the world, not the man with the strongest crew in the world, and 1600 people is definitely not the largest (even Krieg had 3x that). It's also worth noting that Sakazuki was the strongest marine in the war and has surpassed the rank of admiral after matching strength with Whitebeard himself.
And I do think Zoro would lose if he fought with Fujitora right now. I just don't think it'd be a total beatdown anymore, post-timeskip. Jozu vs Aokiji is actually an excellent example. Jozu showed that he could hang, and then he lost.
Buuuut I'm going to stop here because I dislike powerlevel arguments and I've made my case now.
I just meant when the Gorosei seemed to single out Marco from among the remaining WB commanders, but yeah I suppose I wasn't really thinking of Beckman, more the yet to be seen commanders of Kaido/Big Mom (in comparison to Marco).
Krieg is a bit of a joke to compare with size wise tbh, he may have had sheer numbers, but literally 2 of those members actually meant anything whatsoever.
WB had many divisions worth of experienced NW pirates. I certainly think he had the largest crew amongst the yonko. That's just the impression I got.
Sakazuki, Kuzan and Borsalino were all incredible in the war, with 2 of the 3 certainly being equally matched and the other most likely not far behind, if at all.
Which is why I'm sceptical of Zoro being near admiral level now, since Fuji should really be up there too.
Zoro initially putting up a fight before being crushed and underlining the power of the admirals would work best in my opinion, Zoro still has plenty of time to grow.
This is all really subjective anyway.
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@Sereques:
He peaked the interest of other fighters into those kind of thing. Other fighting clubs, coloseums or underground combat whatever. Top end pirates won't be running around to prove their strength against someone sitting in dressrosa. When Burgess was flexing his muscles in Jaya, did it interest Luffy? Also, how did you come to the conclusion that Mihawk actively sought strong opponents and yet the paramount war was the first time he will clash swords with Vista.
Honestly, this Kyros fighting Rayleigh and Mihawk thing is on par with Kaidou was in the tournament disguised as meadows.
Eh yeah actually, Luffy and Zoro were both instantly interested lol.
Mihawk is a complete nomad who travels alone, and apparently sought out Shanks on multiple occasions before Shanks lost his arm.
If that doesn't suggest Mihawk seeking out strong opponents then I don't know what does.
Seeking out strong opponents does not equate to Mihawk having to have fought every swordsman of renown from throughout the world, bloody hell.
I can't see it being Rayleigh, I'll give you it, that that one's quite far-fetched IMO, but Mihawk fighting Kyros isn't out of the realms of possibility at all.