Shanks, one of the most enigmatic and influential characters in One Piece, is finally stepping into the spotlight as the series dives into its Final Saga. His role as a Yonko, his ties to Gol D. Roger, and his position as a pivotal figure in Luffy’s journey all point to Shanks being far more than meets the eye. Here’s a deep dive into his underestimated power, his comparisons to the Pirate King, and his role in the climactic battle for the One Piece.
Shanks: The Catalyst of One Piece
- Luffy’s Inspiration: Shanks set Luffy on the path to becoming the Pirate King by entrusting him with the Straw Hat and inspiring his dream.
- A Key Player in the Final Saga: Oda has crafted Shanks as a character of immense intrigue, carefully revealing his true strength and purpose only as the series nears its conclusion.
Shanks’ Underestimated Power
- Misconceptions About Strength:
- Shanks has often been underestimated due to his relatively recent ascension as a Yonko (six years before the story’s current timeline).
- Comparisons to figures like Kaido, Big Mom, and Dracule Mihawk have sometimes cast doubts on his supremacy.
- Fans often point to Shanks losing his arm to an East Blue Sea King as a sign of weakness, though this incident reflects his character’s priorities rather than his power.
- Dueling Mihawk:
- Shanks and Mihawk’s legendary duels are a testament to Shanks’ strength. Despite Mihawk’s title as the World’s Greatest Swordsman, their battles were described as clashes between equals.
- These duels occurred before Shanks reached his peak, further emphasizing his current superiority.
- Biding His Time:
- Shanks has remained relatively quiet in the race for the One Piece, focusing instead on strategic moves and gathering power.
- Oda revealed that Shanks has now chosen to act, claiming, “Hey, Beck. I think it’s time to claim it… the One Piece!”
Shanks: On Par with Gol D. Roger
- Kaido’s Top-Tier List:
- Kaido, the self-proclaimed World’s Strongest Creature, placed Shanks alongside Roger, Whitebeard, and Rocks D. Xebec as the greatest pirates of all time.
- Mastery of Haki:
- Shanks is widely regarded as the greatest Haki user in One Piece, surpassing even Kaido and Big Mom.
- He mastered Advanced Conqueror’s Haki at a young age, with the Roger Pirates recognizing his genius in replicating Kamusari (Divine Departure), a technique of Gol D. Roger himself.
- Legacy of Genius:
- Even as a child, Shanks was considered a prodigy by the Roger Pirates, with some believing he could follow in Roger’s footsteps as the next Pirate King.
- Oda has drawn parallels between Shanks and Joy Boy, raising questions about who is the stronger Haki user.
- Unrevealed Plans:
- Shanks’ relatively low bounty compared to figures like Whitebeard or Roger reflects his strategy of operating behind the scenes rather than his actual strength.
- His recent declaration to aggressively pursue the One Piece signals that fans will soon witness the full extent of his capabilities.
Shanks’ Strength in Perspective
- Comparison with Kaido and Big Mom:
- Unlike Kaido, who relied heavily on his physical prowess and Devil Fruit, Shanks’ strength lies in his mastery of Haki, which is considered the pinnacle of combat in the world of One Piece.
- Rising Above Mihawk:
- While Mihawk is the strongest swordsman, Shanks’ power is far more versatile, blending swordsmanship with unparalleled Haki mastery.
- The Joy Boy Connection:
- The comparison between Shanks and Joy Boy’s Haki underscores Shanks’ potential as one of the strongest figures in One Piece history.
Shanks’ Role in the Final Saga
- The Balance of Power:
- With Luffy now a Yonko and Blackbeard rising as a major antagonist, Shanks represents a critical piece in the battle for the One Piece.
- His actions could determine the fate of the world and the legacy of Gol D. Roger.
- Protecting the Legacy of One Piece:
- Shanks has consistently acted as a guardian of balance, stopping Kaido’s interference in Marineford and safeguarding Luffy’s journey.
- Unveiling His True Power:
- Fans can expect Shanks to display unprecedented feats of strength, particularly as he confronts threats like Blackbeard or the World Government.
Conclusion
Shanks’ character has been masterfully crafted to remain shrouded in mystery, with his true strength and intentions only now coming to light. As One Piece enters its climactic Final Saga, Shanks is poised to play a pivotal role, embodying the legacy of Gol D. Roger and showcasing his unmatched strength as the world edges closer to the ultimate revelation of the One Piece.
What are your thoughts on Shanks’ role in the Final Saga? Will he prove to be the ultimate ally to Luffy, or does he have a greater plan of his own?