One Piece: Shanks Should Have Been The Main Character, And Here’s Why

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In this piece, we delve into why Shanks is ideally suited for the leading role in the series, and offer insights on the possible implications of ‘The Chosen One.’

Shanks is widely recognized as one of the finest supporting characters not just within the realm of One Piece, but across the broader anime industry. Initially introduced as a guide and role model for Luffy, Shanks has since grown in significance, capturing the attention of many who consider him to be second only to Luffy in terms of importance within the entire series.

In this piece, we’ll explore reasons why Shanks might have been a better fit as the central character in “One Piece”. While not everyone initially shared this view, the captivating flashback about the past of the old generation during the Elbaf arc hints at even greater enigmas surrounding Shanks than previously imagined. This added complexity suggests that he plays a more pivotal role in the narrative than was initially perceived.

Shanks’ Lineage Is The Most Unique One In The Entire Franchise

A Member Of Opposing Factions

First Appearance One Piece, Chapter 1, “Romance Dawn – The Dawn of Adventure”
Story Arc Romance Dawn

From the get-go, Shanks has been an enigma, veiled in mystery even amongst the unpredictable world of pirates. Initially, he was seen as a jovial buccaneer, radiating an infectious positivity that made him stand out. However, as the first chapter unfolded, a chilling side of him came to light. He coldly eliminated members of Higuma’s crew, revealing a ruthless streak that sent shockwaves through the pirate community.

But the real twist came at the end of that very first chapter when he exhibited an eerie power. This power was so formidable that it made the Lord of the Coast, later identified as Conqueror’s Haki, retreat in fear. It was clear then that Shanks was no ordinary pirate; there was a mystery surrounding him that only added to his allure.

Despite having limited screen time, Shanks has consistently been depicted as a formidable and gifted warrior, admired worldwide by allies and adversaries alike. It’s said that Roger’s remarkable ability, the Divine Departure, demanded an unmatched control over Conqueror’s Haki to execute and was so challenging that no one could mimic it. However, Shanks stood out as the sole exception. At the age of 15, he managed to self-learn this technique merely by observing his captain.

In a surprising twist, Chapter 1158 of the One Piece manga unveiled the true reason behind fans’ belief that Shanks should have been the main character. This revelation showed that Shanks is not only an exceptional warrior with impressive Conqueror’s Haki but also bears the lineage of St. Figarland Garling and a woman from God Valley, challenging the long-held assumption that his heritage was solely Celestial Dragon.

In Chapter 1159, it became clear why the previous event held more significance than initially thought. During a discussion with Harald on his ship, Xebec unveiled that his real name was Davy D. Xebec, a revelation indicating he was a descendant of the famous pirate Davy D. Jones. Furthermore, he confided that God Valley served as his homeland, implying that his family and ancestors have inhabited this place for centuries, dating back to the Void Century.

It’s uncertain if it was the right or wrong moment, but two years ago, I became a parent. To ensure their utmost safety, I sent my family back to my birthplace, which is known as God Valley. I instructed them to rely on the Davy Clan. My hometown… is called God Valley.

As an observer, I can’t help but notice the intriguing links that seem to bind Shanks to God Valley and the Davy Clan. Given that Xebec mentioned God Valley as the longtime residence of the Davy Clan, and since Shanks’ mother hails from there, it raises a compelling theory: Could Shanks be a Davy Clan member himself, with the surname Davy D. Shanks? If true, this revelation would shake the very core of the One Piece world. Not only would it establish Shanks as part of the D. Clan, but it would also make him a relative of Blackbeard, a connection that could potentially redefine the dynamics within their vast world.

For quite some time, there’s been a strong belief that Shanks belongs to this legendary family, and recent events make it more plausible than ever. Considering this, it perfectly fits that Scopper referred to him as the ‘Chosen One’, since Shanks would be the unique character in the entire narrative who is both a member of the D. Clan and a Celestial Dragon, making him an ideal candidate to lead the series.

What This Could Mean For Shanks’ Future In The One Piece Series

What Awaits The Legendary Figure?

  • Shanks’ end may be tragic.

At this point, it remains unclear what exactly ‘The Child of Destiny’ signifies for Shanks. Nevertheless, a large number of fans speculate that because of his remarkable ancestry and connections to the two pivotal groups throughout the narrative, Shanks could play an essential role in the Final War following Luffy. The prevailing theory suggests that he will guide Luffy towards becoming the divine figure who will ultimately save the world, akin to a sun god.

In essence, while there’s a general agreement that he’ll pass away near the end of the series, this event might serve as the motivation Luffy needs to achieve his ultimate goal. Some speculate it’s Blackbeard who will orchestrate Shanks’ demise, making the scenario more heart-wrenching if Davy D. Shanks is indeed related to him. For now, fans can only anticipate Oda’s plans for the Great War that lies ahead.

One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-09-12 21:38