A popular One Piece fan theory suggests that Mihawk is the son of Silvers Rayleigh, and it would make Mihawk even more threatening as a character.

SUMMARY

Many prominent characters in One Piece are affiliated with the big shots of their world, and fans have speculated the same thing about Mihawk.
The most dangerous One Piece theory suggests that Mihawk is the son of Silvers Rayleigh, and if this is true, we get an explanation about his strength.
Eiichiro Oda has followed the same approach with many characters in the series, so it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if this theory turns out to be true.

Every family reveal in One Piece so far has been a mix of surprise and excitement. It’s great to discover that characters who have been causing chaos on the seas get it from their equally unruly families. Fans have Mihawk on their radars to get a family reveal next, as they have come up with some interesting theories about his parentage.

Mihawk during the Marineford War in One Piece anime | Credits: Studio Toei Animation

According to the most popular theory, Mihawk is the son of Roger’s closest ally, Silvers Rayleigh. This theory has been around for a long time and while Eiichiro Oda doesn’t seem to have any plans on confirming it anytime soon, we never know when we might get lucky! In the meantime, let’s explore the most dangerous One Piece fan theory.

One Piece Theory Reveals Mihawk’s Parents

Mihawk was introduced very early on in the series, as he is Zoro’s arch-rival. He has been revealed to be a menace on multiple occasions and fans are always curious to know more about him. Based on his appearance, fans came up with the theory that Mihawk is Silvers Rayleigh’s son.

Shakky and Rayleigh | Credits: Studio Toei Animation

Moreover, his mother is Shakky. Rayleigh and Shakky share a close relationship with one another, and Mihawk shares identical similarities with both of them. From his outfit reminding fans of Rayleigh to his hair looking exactly like Shakky’s, there are many similarities between the three characters.

This theory has been quite popular and fans discuss it every chance they get. Aside from the identical appearances, it is also believed that this theory explains the close friendship between Shanks and Mihawk. However, if the two characters interacted during their childhood, why was Mihawk never shown in any of the flashbacks that explored Roger Pirates’ adventures.

Mihawk and Shanks meet in the early episode of One Piece | Credits: Studio Toei Animation

It could be assumed that Eiichiro Oda was saving this reveal for later, but it’s too convenient. However, if this theory is true, then part of Mihawk’s insane strength and his glory in the One Piece world gets explained.

If This Theory is True, Oda is Clearly Overusing a Pattern

While this theory is purely based on visual similarities, if it proves true in the future, then Oda is evidently reusing the same approach over and over again. He introduces a character, and shows them and their powers. Once fans find themselves hooked to the character, it gets revealed that they share ties with some big shot in the One Piece universe.

Mihawk during Thriller Bark | Credits: Studio Toei Animation

This happened with Luffy post-Enies Lobby. The moment when it was revealed that Garp is Luffy’s grandfather, the moment was undeniably exciting, but since then the same revelation has been made about various characters. For instance, Ace was revealed to be Roger’s son. Another popular theory suggests Shanks is Garling’s son, and we already have Usopp and Sanji with famous fathers.

It would be exciting to find out any potential connection between Mihawk and Rayleigh, but it might feel redundant after a while. And, with how the story’s progressing, we are not getting this reveal anytime soon, even if it’s true.