Mihawk is one of the most iconic characters in the One Piece universe. He is the strongest swordsman in the world and a former member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. However, the story behind how he became a Warlord has always been a mystery to many fans. In this article, we will explore the most popular theory on how Mihawk became a Warlord.

How did Mihawk become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?

Before we dive into the theory, it is important to understand what the Seven Warlords of the Sea are. The Seven Warlords of the Sea, also known as the Shichibukai, are a group of seven powerful pirates who have been granted amnesty by the World Government in exchange for their services. Each member of the Shichibukai is known for their immense strength and unique abilities, and they are tasked with helping to maintain the balance of power in the world.

Now, let's get into the theory on how Mihawk became a Warlord. It is believed that Mihawk was approached by the World Government after he defeated his rival, Shanks, in a duel. At the time, Shanks was a member of the Shichibukai, and his defeat left an open spot in the group. The World Government saw Mihawk's incredible strength and offered him a position as a Warlord.

However, Mihawk did not accept the offer right away. He was not interested in working for the World Government, and instead chose to live a solitary life on a remote island. It wasn't until he met a young boy named Zoro that he changed his mind. Zoro was a promising swordsman who had challenged Mihawk to a duel, and despite being defeated, he impressed Mihawk with his determination and dedication to his craft.

Mihawk saw potential in Zoro and decided to take him under his wing as a student. He trained Zoro for two years, and during that time, the World Government approached him once again and offered him a position as a Warlord. This time, Mihawk accepted the offer, but on one condition: that Zoro would be left alone and not be targeted by the World Government.

The World Government agreed to Mihawk's condition, and he became a member of the Shichibukai. With his incredible strength and skill, he quickly became one of the most feared and respected members of the group.

In conclusion, the theory on how Mihawk became a Warlord is that he was offered the position after defeating Shanks in a duel. He initially refused, but changed his mind after meeting Zoro and training him for two years. He accepted the offer on the condition that Zoro would not be targeted by the World Government. This theory is widely accepted by many One Piece fans, but it has never been confirmed by the manga or anime.