One Piece: Oda’s Secret Drafts Reveal A Former Marine Admiral On The Level Of Gol D. Roger

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

Fans of *One Piece* consistently praise Eiichiro Oda’s incredible world-building. The series isn’t just about the present; it’s filled with hints of a rich history, including legends of past civilizations and even entire worlds lost beneath the sea. This has naturally led to a strong fan interest in characters and events from long ago, whether from 900 years in the past, 3000 years ago, or even the more recent time of Gol D. Roger.

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, has already introduced powerful figures from the Navy’s past, like Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp, known as the Hero of Legends. Fans knew other strong Admirals existed as well. Now, Oda has revealed another Admiral who was comparable to Roger, though a little less powerful.

Oda Initially Wanted Shiki To Be A Marine Admiral

  • Shiki Was Drawn Alongside Sengoku In Oda’s Drafts
  • Shiki Would Believe In Chivalrous Justice

Many One Piece fans recognize Golden Lion Shiki as a major villain from the movies, especially as the central enemy in *Strong World*, where Luffy ultimately defeated him. What’s less known is that this appearance of Shiki isn’t considered part of the official One Piece story.

Roger, I heard you found an Ancient Weapon. Join forces with me! — Golden Lion Shiki

I’ve always heard stories about the Golden Lion, Shiki, and just how incredibly strong he was. He wasn’t just powerful, he was a genuine threat to even Roger, becoming one of his most formidable rivals. The attack on Marineford following Roger’s capture really showed everyone his strength – it took the combined might of Sengoku and Garp’s team to bring him down, and even *then* he managed to level half the place! Honestly, that kind of destruction is unheard of, and it firmly places him among the most legendary figures in the world.

It’s surprising to learn that Shiki was first envisioned as a Marine Admiral! Oda originally sketched him alongside Sengoku as one. Recently, in One Piece chapter 1155, Shiki was reintroduced as “Gokudo,” a term for someone who lives by a strict code of honor. This suggests Oda initially planned Shiki’s sense of justice to be rooted in chivalry.

Shiki, my answer is no! I will never join you! — Gol D. Roger

Shiki Would Be The Golden Lion Of The Marines

Shiki Could’ve Been Roger’s Rival

Many fans are aware that Shiki, also known as the Golden Lion, used to be a member of the Rocks Pirates. Oda has established his immense power within the story. However, Shiki always embodied the true spirit of a pirate – he was exceptionally clever and resourceful, and arguably, he was more devoted to the pirate lifestyle than many others on the seas.

If Oda had followed his early plans, it would strongly suggest that Shiki was intended to be Roger’s rival. Currently, Garp is generally considered Roger’s biggest rival within the Marines. However, Oda originally conceived of Shiki as being on a similar level to Roger.

Oda Might Have Scraped This Idea Entirely Or It Could Be Shiki’s Past

It seems Oda probably decided against the idea of Shiki being a Marine Admiral, though it’s not confirmed yet. Currently, we know nothing about Shiki’s history except that he appeared with the Rocks crew 56 years ago. He *could* have been a Marine Admiral before becoming a pirate, but only Oda knows for sure.

The next chapter of One Piece, number 1163, will be released in two weeks, as usual on a Sunday. While it becomes available in Japan at midnight on Monday (JST), most fans around the world will be able to read it on October 26, 2025. You can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-10-20 15:34