One Piece: Is Shanks Actually Evil?

As a seasoned observer of the One Piece universe, I have witnessed the intricate tapestry of characters unfold over countless arcs and episodes. The enigmatic figure of Shanks has always been a subject of fascination due to his mysterious past and questionable connections with the World Government.

This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Egghead Island Arc.

Summary

  • Shanks is a mysterious figure in One Piece’s world, being both a mentor to Luffy and an Emperor of the Sea.
  • He has shady connections to the World Government, leading some fans to believe he may be evil.
  • Despite speculation, Shanks is highly respected and hints at being one of the few good pirates in the story.

From the very outset of the tale in One Piece, fans have been pondering over Shank’s origins and the hidden motives behind his role as a past mentor for Luffy. Since he is scarcely present in the narrative, yet exerts a significant influence on the world, there has been a dearth of information about this character that leaves One Piece enthusiasts to piece together the missing details themselves.

While Shanks is a character who invites a fair amount of conjecture in the world of One Piece, it’s not uncommon for some of these theories to veer into the unusual. From speculations about his being a twin or his true bond with Luffy, Shanks and Dragon are among the characters that spark the most guesswork. This speculation even extends to theories implying that Shanks might be malevolent and could potentially confront or betray Luffy by the end of One Piece.

Shanks Is A Mysterious Figure In One Piece

He Is Luffy’s Idol And Connected To The World Government At The Same Time

In the world of One Piece, it’s well-known that Shanks holds a significant place in Luffy’s life. He serves as both an inspiration and a role model for Luffy, being his idol and the pirate who presented him with his beloved Straw Hat long ago. Yet, Shanks is also an Emperor of the Sea, frequently expanding his control over weaker territories to provide protection. Among all the Warlords, aside from Whitebeard, Shanks stands out as one of the most selfless and beneficial figures in the One Piece universe.

Pistols aren’t for threats. They’re for actions! Are you willing to risk your life? – Shanks

In the series One Piece, it’s hinted that Shanks might have ties to the World Government, particularly through Figarland Garling, a former Supreme Commander of the God’s Knights and current member of the Five Elders. This suggestion is made strongly in One Piece Film: Red and continues throughout the story. Moreover, Shanks seems to enjoy unique advantages when interacting with the Five Elders, suggesting that he holds some influential position within the World Government hierarchy.

Shanks Has Become The Snitch Of One Piece

The Emperor Has Had Some Shady Dealings Throughout The Story

  • Shanks’s Connection To The World Government Make Him Seem Shady
  • Shanks Cruelly Destroys Enemy Pirates

One reason some fans think Shanks might be villainous in “One Piece” is his close ties with the World Government. These fans often create memes implying he’s a rat or informant due to his private talks with the Five Elders. Moreover, many speculate that he harbors a significant, hidden agenda which will likely unravel as we approach the end of “One Piece”.

Concurrently, certain fans view him as malevolent because of his brutal methods against enemy pirates, such as the ruthless destruction of Captain Kid and his crew, which appears to have left him for dead. Similarly, Shanks demonstrated a cruel side by capturing Bartolomeo and presenting him with an unenviable choice: either drink poison or betray Luffy. Although it was ultimately a test, Yassop, one of Shanks’s associates, destroyed Bartolomeo’s ship as they were attempting to escape, further emphasizing his ruthless nature.

Shanks Is Too Well Respected To Be Evil

Luffy And The Giants Respect Shanks For His Morality

Yet, despite some minor questions about his character, there is an overwhelming abundance of signs suggesting that Shanks is not wicked. It appears that Shanks genuinely cares for Luffy, and this sentiment extends to the numerous islands he safeguards. Furthermore, the giants of Elbaf hold Shanks in great esteem, which suggests that he possesses honor worthy of being associated with the noble giants.

I’ll leave this hat with you. It’s dear to me. – Shanks to Luffy

Beyond this point, Shanks harbors such deep admiration for the ex-Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, that he cannot be wicked. To Shanks, Roger is both an idol and a mentor. Any actions on Shanks’ part that veer towards evil would contradict everything that Roger had instilled in him.

In the world of One Piece, despite some speculation about Shanks’ potential malevolence, he stands as one of the least likely pirates to be bad. Throughout the storyline, Shanks has shown himself to be among the few genuinely good pirates left. Prior to Luffy joining the scene, Shanks was the only morally upright Emperor. Unless a major twist occurs in the future, suggesting that his image is a disguise, it’s highly unlikely that Shanks is evil.

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2024-12-26 23:05