One Piece: Why Luffy Vs Shanks Is About To Happen, Explained

As a long-time fan of One Piece, I can’t help but feel the anticipation building as we inch closer to the inevitable showdown between Shanks and Luffy. It’s been a rollercoaster ride watching these two characters grow from their humble beginnings to the powerhouses they are today.

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

Key Takeaways

Shanks gave Luffy his iconic straw hat.
Luffy aims to surpass Shanks as a Great Pirate.
War between Shanks and Luffy is imminent in Elbaf.

The popular “One Piece” saga has moved on to its Elbaf chapter, leaving fans thrilled at the prospect of what Eiichiro Oda will unveil as the Straw Hat Pirates embark on a genuine journey across the Land of Giants. This vast nation, initially mentioned in the narrative more than two decades back, is now revealing itself to viewers for the first time.

Among the numerous captivating personalities Oda plans to present in Elbaf, there are giants like Loki, modeled after divine beings from mythology. Yet, it’s important to note that there will also be familiar characters who will significantly contribute to the storyline, and Shanks is one of them. Naturally, fans understand that Shanks has a strong link with Elbaf, so the long-awaited meeting between Luffy and Shanks is expected to occur here.

Luffy and Shanks’s Fated Reunion In One Piece

Shanks Gave Luffy His Straw Hat
Luffy Plans To Surpass Shanks

It’s unavoidable that Luffy and Shanks will cross paths before Luffy claims the title of Pirate King. This is particularly true in the Final Saga, where the Yonko are the primary forces vying for the treasure left by Roger. Until now, Shanks had not been pursuing the One Piece, but once he learned that Luffy defeated Kaido and earned the title of a Great Pirate, he understood it was time to act. Consequently, he decided to take his pursuit seriously, indicating that the Final Saga will be crucial for him. Furthermore, the fact that Luffy’s victory over Kaido sparked this change in Shanks’ plans suggests that his intentions are directly linked to the Straw Hat captain.

Return this hat to me once you become a Great Pirate! – Shanks

Luffy and Shanks have a long history together. Right from the start of the storyline in the Romance Dawn Arc, viewers could witness Shanks spurring on Luffy to become a pirate. Moreover, Shanks is aware that Luffy consumed the Gomu Gumu no Mi, and there are other hidden truths that he knows about as well. Most importantly, Luffy’s vow to surpass Shanks and build a pirate crew superior to his own foreshadows an unavoidable confrontation between these two in One Piece. Despite being adversaries at the moment, their bond is deep, and regardless of the outcome of their fight, they will continue to cherish each other, come what may.

Shanks is always there for Luffy, and he won’t stand for any disregard towards Red-Haired Yonko. This hat bestowed upon Luffy by Shanks is a prized possession, and fans anticipate its return to its rightful owner at some point in the narrative.

Shanks And His Connection To Elbaf Hints At An Impending Battle

Shanks Has Connections To Elbaf And Could Fight Luffy There

The close fight between Luffy and Shanks can be attributed to Shanks’s significant ties to Elbaf. While it’s common knowledge that Shanks draws inspiration from Norse Mythology, his role as a protector for Elbaf surpasses this. Similar to how Luffy protects Wano, Shanks has a profound connection with the Giants’ land. The Giant Warrior Pirates, in particular, consider him an ally. Recently, fans witnessed Shanks defending Elbaf when Eustass Kid attempted an attack. With a powerful strike of his sword, he not only defeated Kid but also his entire pirate crew, demonstrating his commitment to safeguarding the country from any potential danger.

I will never let anyone harm this land! – Shanks

Currently, Luffy poses no danger to Elbaf, so Shanks can relax without worry. Yet, it’s important to note that Shanks might revisit Elbaf someday, and when he does, it will be Luffy, the man Shanks inspired to become Pirate King, who will stand before him.

The upcoming encounter between Shanks and Luffy is drawing nearer than ever before, and despite some fans’ reluctance, it seems like the perfect moment for these two characters to engage in a fight. This clash would provide Luffy with an opportunity to demonstrate his pirate prowess, showing he can measure up to Shanks. Simultaneously, overcoming Shanks would propel Luffy to new heights, marking his advancement to the next level.

In the world of One Piece, for Shanks to encounter Luffy, it was necessary that Luffy rise to become a Great Pirate. This title is highly esteemed and bestowed upon only a select number of individuals, including the Yonko. Now that Luffy has joined their ranks as a Yonko, there’s no doubt he holds this title. Shanks had declined meeting him during the events in Wano, but this was merely because Shanks had other matters to attend to, like teaching Bartolomeo a lesson. With that task complete, the only obstacle standing between Shanks and reuniting with Luffy is Blackbeard. Whether Shanks and Blackbeard cross paths or not, a rendezvous with Luffy seems unavoidable and might take place in Elbaf.

How Will Shanks Vs Luffy Pan Out?

Shanks Will Eventually Be Surpassed By Luffy

Without a doubt, the showdown between Shanks and Luffy promises to be one of the most epic battles in the entire saga of One Piece. Such an encounter could very well top all other battles, given the immense anticipation surrounding it. Needless to say, this won’t be a hostile confrontation between the two combatants, but rather a fierce display of their respective abilities. Shanks’ intention to seize the One Piece is no idle threat; he will do everything in his power to prevent Luffy from standing in his way. Simultaneously, Shanks wants to evaluate Luffy’s strength, determining whether he has what it takes to lay claim to the One Piece and if he has truly surpassed or matched Shanks himself.

It’s plausible that Shanks has been orchestrating these events for some time, waiting until he sees Luffy as capable. Or maybe there’s a hidden facet about Shanks yet to be discovered by fans. With numerous scenarios possible, one thing we can count on is that the mysteries surrounding Shanks will most likely unfold in the Elbaf arc of One Piece.

Likewise, Luffy aims to outshine Shanks in every aspect. He’s resolute about vanquishing Shanks and at the same time demonstrating that his crew is superior to the one Shanks has. The upcoming battle between Luffy and Shanks promises to be epic and will undoubtedly meet, if not exceed, all anticipations. All fans need to do is bide their time until Shanks returns to the Warland, and once he does, this grand confrontation can commence.

Readers can access the popular series “One Piece” through Viz Media. Officially and free of charge, fans can read it on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. Mark your calendars for October 20, 2024, as that’s when the next chapter, One Piece 1130, will be released.

2024-10-18 03:06