One Piece Finally Explains Why Shanks Gave Up His Arm In The Beginning

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

The ongoing Elbaf arc in One Piece is delivering some thrilling reveals, particularly surrounding Red-Haired Shanks. Though not currently present in Elbaf, Shanks is clearly a key figure in this storyline. The author, Oda, has already connected him to the arc through flashbacks and established relationships with characters like Harald and Loki.

Luffy clearly holds Shanks in very high regard. Shanks is Luffy’s idol and the main reason Luffy became a pirate, all stemming from the immense sacrifice Shanks made for him – giving up his left arm.

Shanks Gave Up His Left Arm To Save Luffy

  • Shanks Sacrificed His Arm For Luffy’s Sake
  • Oda’s Editor Suggested Shanks Lose His Arm

Shanks has always been a crucial figure in Luffy’s life, but his importance grew significantly after a major sacrifice. From the very beginning of One Piece, readers see why Luffy looks up to Shanks and is determined to keep his promise to him. When Luffy was captured by Higuma, Shanks saved him from a deadly situation, protecting him from the dangerous Coastal King.

I bet it on the new era. — Shanks speaking of his arm to Whitebeard

Shanks didn’t just save Luffy; he famously sacrificed his left arm to protect him, considering it a small price to pay for Luffy’s life. While this act demonstrated the determination needed to become a pirate, the reason behind it goes deeper. It turns out that Eiichiro Oda’s editor suggested Shanks losing an arm would make the story more compelling. Oda hadn’t originally planned for this, but he embraced the idea, turning it into a significant sacrifice for Shanks.

Shanks Gave Up The Abyss Mark On His Arm

One Piece’s Elbaf Arc Confirms Shanks’s Abyss Mark

While the series’ author, Oda, initially revealed Shanks lost his arm due to editorial decisions, he’s since built a compelling story around it. A flashback in the Elbaf arc showed Shanks with a mysterious mark on his left arm—the mark of the Abyss. This mark is given by the World Government, likely by Imu, and is also seen on all the Holy Knights, indicating they are under Imu’s control.

As a child, I dreamed of creating a manga with an incredibly exciting climax. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off! Now, after 25 years, we’re nearing the end of the Wano arc and everything is almost ready. You can jump into the story here if you’re new, because from this point on… it’s the beginning of the ONE PIECE! I’m going to reveal all the mysteries of this world through my artwork. It’s going to be a thrilling ride! So please, stick with me a little longer! — Eiichiro Oda, Author of One Piece, 2022

I can’t meet Luffy right now. We have things to take care of. — Shanks yo Lucky Roux

Shanks Knows Luffy Is Nika And Roger’s Successor

Shanks was aware that Luffy was the reincarnation of Nika, just like Roger, and that’s why he immediately rushed to save him, even at the cost of his own arm. It seems he had a connection with Imu at that time, but likely severed it because he’d finally found the next Nika – the one he had been searching for all along.

The newest chapter of One Piece is coming out this week, as it typically does on Sundays. While it will be released in Japan at midnight on Monday (JST), most fans around the world will be able to read it on November 2nd. The chapter will be available for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-11-01 01:34