Who Was the Mysterious Yonko Before Shanks? Discover the Truth!

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Final Saga.

Summary

  • Shanks became a Yonko 6 years ago, not before as previously believed.
  • Shanks fought and defeated a powerful threat named Loki to rise to Yonko status.
  • The identity of the Yonko before Shanks remains a mystery, possibly a former Rocks Pirate like Shiki.

Shanks, also known as one of the Four Sea Emperors, plays a crucial role in the grand narrative of “One Piece.” His influence on Luffy’s dream to be the Pirate King cannot be overstated. Throughout the series, fans have caught glimpses of Shanks’s immense power, leaving no room for doubt that he ranks among the strongest characters in the world at present, possibly even as the strongest.

Initially, Shanks wasn’t part of the Yonko group; instead, he became a member quite recently. This fact leaves fans curious about who the Yonko were prior to Shanks and why they haven’t been featured in the narrative for some time.

How Shanks Became A Yonko Of The Sea

  • Shanks Rose To The Position 6 Years Ago
  • Shanks Vs Loki Happened Around The Same Time

For years, there’s been much discussion among One Piece fans regarding Shanks’s rank as a Yonko. Some had speculated that he was already a Yonko when he first encountered Luffy, with even the Vivre Cards seeming to endorse this idea at the time. However, it wasn’t until chapter 957 that it was officially disclosed to fans: Shanks ascended to the rank of Emperor only six years ago in the narrative timeline. This implies that just four years prior to Luffy embarking on his adventure did Shanks claim the title of Emperor. The exact details of how he achieved this are still uncertain, but the Elbaf arc has certainly offered readers a glimpse into the events leading up to his rise.

Prior to Red Hair, no one could halt his progress. Can you tell me about the unique power or skill Loki has?

Six years ago, I was thrilled to witness an epic showdown between Shanks and Loki, the notorious menace known across the One Piece universe. Fourteen years prior, Loki had claimed the life of King Harald and embarked on a destructive journey at sea. His reign of terror earned him a Special Bounty worth 2.6 billion berries, placing him among the Emperor-level threats. Eventually, our paths crossed with that of Shanks, the fearless captain of the Red Hair Pirates. The ensuing duel was an intense display of their formidable skills!

Prior to Shanks, it was Loki whom no one could subdue according to Scopper Gaban. However, this all changed when the Red-bearded Pirate Champion defeated Loki and sent him to Elbaf, where he was bound to the base of the World Tree. Simultaneously, in that very year, the Red-haired Pirate earned his place among the Four Sea Emperors. Such events have sparked curiosity among fans as they ponder who the previous Emperor was before Shanks rose to power.

Who Was The Yonko Before Shanks Entered The Equation?

The Answer Might Lie In A Completely Different System

For quite some time, numerous supporters assumed that Shanks had fought and defeated the previous Yonko to claim his position. This is because Luffy, a more recent addition to the Yonko ranks, rose to his position in a similar fashion. However, contrary to this belief, Shanks didn’t ascend through defeating another Yonko. Instead, it was already known that Shanks vanquished Loki before becoming a Yonko. Since Loki wasn’t a Yonko, the only way Shanks could have gained his position was if another Yonko had fallen at the same time.

In a world bathed in light, these four formidable pirate captains, each with their own luster, hold dominion over the seas. Commonly referred to as the Sea Lords, among them is the one known for his fiery locks – Red Hair!

The Legendary Names Who Could’ve Claimed The Yonko Position

In the One Piece narrative, there are some iconic characters whose roles could potentially be filled by fans’ speculation. For example, Shiki might have been a suitable candidate for this role, but since his disappearance from Impel Down, it is not him. Neither any former Roger Pirate has occupied this position. If there was a Yonko before Shanks, it likely was a former Rocks Pirate. However, it’s important to note that Oda only emphasized four previous members of the Rocks Pirates in the Oden flashback – Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, and Shiki.

Given the information provided, it seems reasonable to assume that Shiki could have been one of the Four Emperors. However, since there’s insufficient evidence in the story about what happened to him after his escape from Impel Down, and no definitive details are known, it is suggested that the Four Emperors System originated six years ago. This implies that before Shanks joined their ranks, there might have been only three Great Pirates instead of Yonko. The power balance within this group could have been maintained either by not having the Shichibukai or by having fewer of them.

Readers can access “One Piece” through Viz Media. Officially and without charge, fans can read it on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The next chapter of “One Piece”, titled “One Piece 1144”, is scheduled for release on March 30, 2025.

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2025-03-29 00:24