Unraveling the Mysteries of Shanks' Supreme-Grade Sword: Gryphon

Gryphon, the chosen weapon of the captain of the Red Hair Pirates in One Piece, possesses a remarkable ability to harness the immense power of Shanks' Haki. Its unprecedented strength surpasses that of most other swords in the world. Throughout the series, Gryphon has played a significant role in Shanks' memorable battles against formidable opponents such as Akainu, Whitebeard, and Eustass Kid. Notably, it recently wreaked havoc upon the Kid Pirates aboard the Victoria Punk, leaving behind a trail of utter devastation. While its origins and nature remain largely mysterious, there is no doubt that Gryphon stands as one of the most formidable swords showcased thus far, rivaling the weapons of some of the most powerful fighters in the pirate world.

Furthermore, Gryphon has demonstrated its ability to clash evenly with Whitebeard's Murakumogiri, sparking speculation about the class of blades it belongs to. The concept of Meito, a classification system for swords, has been established since the early Romance Dawn Arc with the introduction of Wado Ichimonji, which Zoro acquired from his master following the death of his childhood friend, Kuina. Over the years, more information has been unveiled about this classification system, including the different levels of Meito that are determined by the craftsmanship quality and the accomplishments of their wielders. Countless iconic swords and bladed weapons have been categorized into the various classes of Meito in One Piece, and it would not be surprising if Gryphon eventually earns its place within this system. Consequently, the lingering question remains: could Gryphon potentially be one of the renowned 12 Supreme Grade Blades?

What Is a Supreme Grade Sword?

The 12 Supreme Grade Blades are widely considered to be the pinnacle of Meito in the One Piece series. These swords or bladed weapons are known for their unparalleled quality and are wielded by some of the most formidable fighters in the world. The legends surrounding the feats accomplished by these blades are awe-inspiring. Currently, only three swords from this esteemed class have been unveiled, with Shodai Kitetsu being the only one mentioned but not yet seen in the possession of its user.

Among the three, the first blade showcased on screen was Yoru, the black blade wielded by the renowned "Strongest Swordsman In The World," Dracule Mihawk. Yoru's introduction occurred during the Baratie Arc, where it effortlessly sliced through an entire galleon, leaving it cleanly divided in two. During the Summit War of Marineford, Mihawk further demonstrated the incredible power of this blade by effortlessly cutting through a massive column of ice. Considering that Shanks was once a rival of Mihawk's before losing his arm, it is reasonable to speculate that Yoru and Gryphon possess comparable levels of power.

Beyond this, the other two Supreme Grade Swords that have been revealed thus far are Ace, the cutlass once wielded by the former Pirate King Gol D. Roger, and Murakumogiri, a naginata used by Edward Newgate, also known as Whitebeard. The significance of these blades becomes apparent when considering the names associated with them in this list. A single clash between Ace and Murakumogiri showcased their immense power, as the Conqueror's Haki emanating from both swords created a devastating explosion of energy without any physical contact. Consequently, it is plausible to draw parallels between these three swords and Gryphon, given that the saber has encountered two of them.

Shanks' Prowess With Gryphon

Even though there have been very few instances of Shanks utilizing Gryphon in battle so far, the glimpses we have seen are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Gryphon's debut in the series was during a clash with Whitebeard's Murakumogiri, where the sheer force of their confrontation rent the heavens, reminiscent of Newgate's epic duel with Roger. Shanks' fighting style bears a striking resemblance to that of his former captain, relying on his exceptional swordsmanship and unparalleled mastery of Armament and Conqueror's Haki to overcome even the most formidable adversaries. The only named attack he has showcased thus far is strikingly similar to the one employed by Roger against Kozuki Oden, and it is even bestowed with the same name - "Divine Departure." While it may currently be challenging to compare Shanks and Roger directly, based on the limited available information, Shanks' brief yet breathtaking encounters in combat serve as undeniable demonstrations of the immense power he possesses.

Shanks successfully blocked a powerful punch infused with magma from Fleet Admiral Sakazuki during the Marineford incident. While other strong pirates like Jinbe and Ace were unable to minimize the damage caused by Sakazuki's attacks, Shanks effortlessly stopped the attack with his weapon Gryphon, ensuring that no harm reached the intended target, Koby. This feat is particularly impressive considering the offensive power of Sakazuki's Devil Fruit, which is believed to be one of the strongest in the Logia class.

In a more recent encounter, Shanks faced off against Eustass Kid and his crew on the Victoria Punk. It was clear that the Kid Pirates were no match for the Emperor of the Sea, as Shanks swiftly defeated Kid, Killer, and the rest of the crew with a single strike. This display of Gryphon's power is undeniably terrifying and may only be a glimpse of what is yet to come in the final saga.

Could Gryphon Be A Supreme Grade?

Based on the available evidence, it is reasonable to suggest that Gryphon is already on par with, if not surpassing, the Supreme Grade Swords or at least the Great Grade Swords. In addition to its clash with Whitebeard prior to the Summit War, it is rumored that Shanks regularly duels with Mihawk, implying that Gryphon has encountered not just one, but two confirmed Supreme Grade Swords without sustaining any damage. Such a feat would only be possible if Gryphon itself was a Supreme or Great Grade Sword, significantly narrowing down the possibilities. While it is currently uncertain if Murakumogiri and Ace are black blades, it appears that this requirement may not be necessary to attain the title of a Supreme Grade Sword. As we await further information about the true nature of Gryphon, One Piece enthusiasts will continue to speculate and develop theories as the story approaches its final climax.