Why Blackbeard vs. Shanks Will Answer The Series’ Most Important Question

Why Blackbeard vs. Shanks Will Answer The Series' Most Important Question

As a long-time One Piece fanatic who’s been sailing the Grand Line since its debut, I can’t help but feel a shiver of anticipation as the series gears up for the climactic showdown between Shanks and Blackbeard. The build-up to this epic battle has been brewing for years, and it’s finally time to see who will emerge as the undisputed king of the pirates!


As the “One Piece” narrative moves into its last chapter post-Egghead arc, it signifies that the story is drawing near to its finish, albeit there are a couple more years ahead. With such an extensive tale winding down, numerous storylines must be wrapped up, and one of the most significant of these is the long-awaited encounter between Shanks and Blackbeard, where many “One Piece” enthusiasts speculate that Shanks will meet his fate at last.

As a dedicated fan of One Piece, I can’t help but feel my heart race at the anticipation of the upcoming showdown. This battle is more than just a fight; it holds the keys to some profound thematic mysteries that will likely shape the future of the One Piece world. Shanks, who has been Luffy’s guiding light, and Blackbeard, who seems destined to challenge him, are two legendary figures whose fated collision might just be the story’s most pivotal moment yet!

The Superior Power System

Devil Fruits vs. Haki

Ever since Haki made its grand entrance in the One Piece universe, there’s been an unending discussion about which power system reigns supreme. However, determining the definitive answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. This is because these two characters symbolize the pinnacle of their respective powers, making a clear winner rather elusive. While Haki is the key to countering Devil Fruits, particularly Logia types, the situation becomes more complex in this instance.

In the current scenario, Shanks’ Conqueror’s Haki is arguably unmatched, surpassed only by Imu and the Gorosei, though their powers have yet to be definitively demonstrated. This is why many continue to regard him as the strongest Yonko, a notion supported by his ability to disable an Admiral of the Navy from quite a distance.

On a contrasting note, Blackbeard stands out with what might be the most potent Logia-type Devil Fruit in the entire storyline, capable of leveling entire cities with a solitary assault and counteracting other Devil Fruit abilities. The world was taken aback at Marineford when he miraculously seized and consumed Whitebeard’s destructive Gura Gura no Mi, which is the most powerful Paramecia-type fruit to date. Numerous fan theories predict that he will eventually acquire an extraordinarily powerful Zoan type as well.

In a physical confrontation, Haki offers a direct approach to combat. On the other hand, Devil Fruits provide users with a myriad of unexpected and formidable abilities that can significantly shift the tide of a battle. This is especially true for Blackbeard, who holds the strongest Devil Fruits in two distinct categories. Given Teach’s probable mastery over all three forms of Haki, his Devil Fruits compensate noticeably for any power disparity compared to Shanks’ expertise with it.

The climactic showdown between Shanks and Blackbeard promises to settle a long-standing debate in the world of One Piece: which is superior, Haki or Devil Fruits? For years, these two characters have been portrayed as opposing forces for various reasons, and their upcoming battle is certain to provide fans with the resolution they’ve been eagerly awaiting. Interestingly, Shanks’s crew consists solely of Haki practitioners, while Blackbeard’s team focuses on the acquisition of powerful Devil Fruits.

In a twist of events, while this battle could provide an answer to our question, it’s not generally seen as a fair one. Blackbeard, known for his shortcuts, has acquired powerful Devil Fruits without the usual effort, using underhanded methods throughout. On the other hand, Shanks has earned his strength through dedication and honing his willpower and Haki over time. However, there’s a risk that if Shanks wins honestly, Blackbeard might resort to a sneaky tactic like an unfair blow, aiming to take out Shanks underhandedly!

Other Thematic Connections

Other connections Shanks and Blackbeard share

Why Blackbeard vs. Shanks Will Answer The Series' Most Important Question

As a passionate gamer delving into the thrilling world of One Piece, I can’t help but feel the weight of anticipation building for the showdown between two iconic characters – Blackbeard and Shanks. Beyond their impressive representations of the series’ power systems, there’s a profound connection that runs much deeper.

Shanks, being the apprentice under the Pirate King, was often considered a potential heir to the mighty pirate Roger’s will. His strength, derived from Haki, commands respect not just from his crew but also his peers. Meanwhile, Blackbeard is frequently compared to the infamous Rocks D. Xebec, the second member of the D clan, due to his menacing character and ambition to rule the world as the only other evil member of that lineage.

I’ll stop for now. I got what I came here for. It’s still a little early to be fighting you guys!

In discussing their confrontation at God Valley, Sengoku disclosed that Rocks represented Roger’s fiercest competitor, and the occurrence there was the last known sighting of him. This suggests that the future showdown between Shanks and Blackbeard, two characters with significant ties to these figures, is foreshadowed. Patience is required from fans as they eagerly anticipate the resolution when the story reaches its climax!

One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2024-09-14 19:33