In the world of anime and manga, One Piece‘s Roronoa Zoro is widely considered to be one of the most adept swordsmen of all time. However, a recent Japanese survey indicates that audiences favor a swordmaster from a certain classic anime franchise over the famous Pirate Hunter.

Per PR Times, Digital Research group NEXER Co, Ltd. and Japan-based sword company Eirakudo conducted a poll asking 1,000 men and women who they deemed to be the “strongest swordsman character” from anime and manga. The overwhelming majority of participants, who were all under the age of 50, chose Goemon Ishikawa from Lupin III — a popular comedic action franchise created by Monkey Punch. While Zoro landed the second-place spot, Goemon’s win was certainly not by a small margin, as the latter swordsman received 177 votes while Zoro only received 72. The third place spot belonged to Himura Kenshin, the iconic red-headed ronin from Nobuhiro Watsuki’s Rurouni Kenshin. The fourth and fifth place spots were taken by Demon Slayer‘s Tanjiro Komodo and Rumiko Takahashi’s Inuyasha, respectively.

Japanese Audiences Rank the Top 10 Strongest Anime & Manga Swordsmen

1. Goemon Ishikawa (Lupin III)

2. Roronoa Zoro (One Piece)

3. Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin)

4. Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer)

5. Inuyasha (Inuyasha)

6. (Tie) Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer)

6. (Tie) Dracule Mihawk (One Piece)

6. (Tie) Giyu Tomioka (Demon Slayer)

9. (Tie) Gintoki Sakata (Gintama)

9. (Tie) Saito Hajime (Rurouni Kenshin)

Lupin III’s Goemon Ishikawa XIII Is Voted Best Swordsman of the Anime & Manga World

Roronoa Zoro’s high spot on the list is not surprising, considering that he is perhaps the only anime hero who wields three swords in combat. However, audiences were still adamant that Goemon’s technical skills are unmatched, given that he is able to cut just about anything during a fight — including rocks and speeding bullets. Notably, several participants pointed this out in their official survey comments. “There is nothing that the Zantetsuken (Goemon’s sword) cannot cut,” writes one. “It can even cut down flying planes,” claims another. As Lupin’s right-hand man, Goemon prides himself on this ability — to the point that he often deems certain targets unworthy of his blade after effortlessly cutting them down. During these moments, his go-to catchphrase is, “I’ve cut down something worthless again.”

Based on Zoro’s responses, audiences are not only impressed by the Pirate Hunter’s fighting skills but also by his unabashed determination. Many comments echo the sentiment expressed by this participant: “Although it is not related to the reason, I know that he has put in a lot of effort, so I want him to be rewarded.” In One Piece, Roronoa Zoro ultimately aims to become the “World’s Strongest Swordsman” — a goal that mirrors the lofty ambitions of series’ protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. “The overwhelming strength of his three-sword style and his fierce fighting spirit are by far the best,” one male correspondent writes. Other participants vaguely alluded to Zoro’s losses in the series while pointing out the merit that these failures bring to his character. “People who lose once become stronger,” they wrote.

Zoro’s indomitable fighting spirit and unique fighting techniques have made him a common fan-favorite. Notably, Jun Esaka, writer of the popular One Piece Heroines spin-off novel, is currently working on a serialized prequel story that chronicles Zoro’s adventures prior to meeting Luffy and joining the Straw Hats. The official synopsis, which was released alongside a brief promotional trailer, reads as follows; “The resolute swordsman Roronoa Zoro, who aims to become the world’s greatest swordsman, makes his mark in Shimotsuki Village. The reason Zoro decided to set sail is…” The novel’s debut chapter launched in One Piece Magazine on June 4.