One Piece: Oda Reveals The Strongest Pirate Of The New Generation

by

This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf Arc.

The final arc of One Piece is showcasing the full power of all the major groups Oda has built throughout the story. The Marines are taking a much more forceful stance at sea, pirates are more determined than ever, and the Revolutionary Army continues to fight against the World Government. As One Piece is fundamentally a story about pirates, it makes sense that they are taking center stage in this final stretch.

As the author, Oda, has stated, the final arc of One Piece is the largest yet, and will feature more of the supporting characters than ever before. This means the story won’t focus solely on Luffy; other pirates will play important roles too. Notably, Shanks, the leader of the Red Hair Pirates and recently established as the strongest pirate in the series, is now taking center stage. After years of appearing in the background, his powers and motivations are finally being revealed.

Shanks Is The New Strongest Pirate Of The Current Era

Shanks Is The Inheritor Of Roger’s Powers

  • He is the Child of Destiny
  • Shanks is the opposite of Blackbeard

Among all the pirates in the world of One Piece, Shanks is widely considered the strongest, and there’s a good reason for that. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the series, established Shanks as a role model and ultimate goal for Luffy. From the beginning of Luffy’s journey to become the Pirate King, it was hinted that Shanks would be his final challenge.

Are you that afraid of the new era? — Shanks To Green Bull, One Piece

Okay, so Luffy’s become a Yonko and awakened Gear 5 – it’s incredible! But honestly, I still don’t think he’s quite at Shanks’ level yet. We saw in the recent chapters that his Haki control is still a work in progress, and Gaban really pointed that out. Shanks, though? He’s just on another plane when it comes to Haki – truly a master, and arguably the best we’ve seen in the whole One Piece world.

Shanks has accomplished feats no one else in the One Piece world has, solidifying his reputation as potentially the strongest character. He began his journey as an apprentice to the legendary Gol D. Roger, with Roger’s crew believing he was destined to become the next great king. Known as the ‘Child of Destiny’ by Gaban, Shanks also seems to have inherited the powerful abilities of both Rocks D. Xebec and Roger himself.

To never doubt yourself, that is true strength! — Rayleigh to Luffy

Beyond everything else, fans should remember that Shanks and Blackbeard are major rivals. Blackbeard possesses the power associated with Davy Jones and aims to become even stronger than the legendary Rocks pirate crew. This strongly suggests that Shanks is equally powerful, likely on par with ancient figures like Joy Boy and Davy Jones himself.

Shanks Might Be Joy Boy’s Descendant

Shanks And Joy Boy Could Share A Blood Connection

I’ve been thinking about Shanks and his incredible power – it’s often said he got it from Roger, but it feels like he could become even stronger than the Pirate King himself. There’s a theory that he might even have a connection to Joy Boy, not as Joy Boy reborn, but perhaps through family lineage. It all seems to tie back to God Valley. That island clearly has a deep history with figures like Davy and possibly Joy Boy – Imu even specifically stated they wanted anyone connected to them erased from history. Interestingly, two people did survive that event: Shanks and Blackbeard. It makes you wonder what really happened there and what it means for their power.

Shanks bears a striking resemblance to Joy Boy, as depicted in the Fishman Island arc of One Piece, and his Haki is remarkably similar. While Shanks’s father may be Garling, it’s possible his mother is connected to Joy Boy’s lineage, particularly since she lived on the legendary island of God Valley.

One Piece Chapter 1165 is scheduled for release this week, as usual on Sundays. While it becomes available in Japan at midnight on Monday (JST), most international fans will be able to read it on November 9th. The official release date is November 9, 2025, and the chapter will be available for free on Manga Plus.

Read More

2025-11-09 15:34