One Piece: Why Oda Could Kill Off This Major Character In The Final Saga

One Piece: Why Oda Could Kill Off This Major Character In The Final Saga

As a long-time fan of One Piece, I can confidently say that the series has never failed to surprise us with its intricate plotlines and character development. And if there’s one character whose fate has always been a topic of debate among fans, it’s none other than Shanks.


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

Key Takeaways

  • Post-timeskip in One Piece has seen an increase in character deaths, changing Oda’s strategy.
  • Shanks could potentially die in the final saga, paving the way for Luffy to become Pirate King.
  • Battles with Luffy and Blackbeard are key moments for Shanks, but his death could be a possibility to protect Luffy.

The epic conclusion of “One Piece” is unfolding, and fans are well aware that Eiichiro Oda, the creator of this series, is thrilled beyond measure for this final chapter. Previously, Oda has hinted to his readers that he’s eagerly awaiting drawing the climax of the story, but the only hurdle was the time it would take to reach this point. Now, “One Piece” has finally entered its Final Saga, so undoubtedly, Oda is going to pour all his excitement into this part of the narrative.

Judging by how the Egghead Island arc and the start of the Elbaf Arc have unfolded, it’s clear that the upcoming arc of One Piece is shaping up to be extremely intense, potentially putting numerous characters’ lives at risk. While it’s typically uncharacteristic for Oda to eliminate significant characters, it seems that there will be losses in the Final Saga, much like during the Summit War.

The Many Deaths In One Piece’s Post Timeskip

  • The Post Timeskip Of One Piece Has Seen An Increase In Death Count
  • The Final Saga Plants Death Flags On Many Characters

As a devoted fan of One Piece, I can’t help but notice how, in the aftermath of the timeskip, several beloved characters have met their end. Now, we all know that Eiichiro Oda isn’t a fan of parting ways with his creations. In fact, he’s openly admitted to this preference himself. He believes that character deaths make it challenging for him to maintain the jovial atmosphere during gatherings and alters the overall mood of the series.

One Piece: Why Oda Could Kill Off This Major Character In The Final Saga

Initially, during the storyline known as Punk Hazard in the New World, both Monet and Vergo met their ends. Subsequently, as the One Piece tale unfolded, significant deaths continued to occur, with Pedro meeting his demise on Whole Cake Island. Numerous characters, including Izo, Ashura Doji, Shimotsuki Yasuie, and others, also succumbed to their fates. It appears that Oda’s approach towards character death has undergone a substantial transformation. In the recent Final Saga, which has been ongoing for approximately 2 years, Oda has claimed multiple lives, such as King Cobra, Saint Donquixote Mjosgard, Stella Vegapunk, and Iron Giant Emet. It’s clear that Oda is becoming more willing to kill characters in the Final Saga, a trend likely to persist as the story progresses.

Don’t die on me, Vegapunk! – Sanji

Currently, the storyline of “One Piece” finds itself immersed within the Elbaf arc, a situation where some characters are under the constant danger of losing their lives. Meanwhile, Loki poses a significant peril not only to the primary characters but also to the entire universe. It’s evident that he wields the power to annihilate the world, making him an alarming menace to numerous series characters.

In the world of One Piece, there are others with incredible abilities, like the Five Elders, who potentially have the power to eliminate any major characters from One Piece. When it comes to the possible casualties in the final saga, there’s one character who has been heavily hinted at as being vulnerable to death – this individual is none other than Shanks.

Why Shanks Might Die In The Final Saga

Shanks Could Pave The Way For Luffy To Become The Pirate King

It must be noted, first of all, that Shanks is one of the mightiest characters in One Piece. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that he is the strongest in One Piece right now, after the fall of Kaido and Big Mom. His Haki is absolutely immense, and there are hardly any individuals in One Piece who can match up to it. In fact, Shanks even drew comparisons to Joy Boy himself, which means that in the entire world, there are possibly only a handful of individuals who can go on to match him in combat and even fewer who can go on to defeat him, if any. That said, this does not give Shanks immunity from dying.

It’s highly unlikely that Shanks can be defeated in a single combat encounter. Given his role in the One Piece series, it’s clear that he has numerous battles ahead of him. Two such battles that fans are certain will take place are against Luffy and perhaps even Kaido. The showdown between Shanks and Luffy is inevitable, as it’s when Luffy will return his Straw Hat or at the very least offer it back to him. This significant confrontation may occur as early as the Elbaf arc.

It’s not time for us to fight. At least not yet! – Blackbeard

Indeed, fans anticipate another significant battle between characters Shanks and Blackbeard in “One Piece”. Their confrontation has been foretold due to their shared past, making it a highly anticipated event. Moreover, considering Shanks’ role as a protector of the country Elbaf, it is likely that Luffy’s battle with Shanks will take place there at some point.

One Piece: Why Oda Could Kill Off This Major Character In The Final Saga

In the confrontation between Shanks and Blackbeard, it’s clear that fans anticipate this clash could end unfavorably for Shanks. However, considering this might be Shanks’ first significant fight in One Piece, it’s highly unlikely Eiichiro Oda would write off such a crucial character at this early stage. Shanks is destined for a pivotal role in the Final Saga, a role that transcends merely boosting Blackbeard’s status. Given that Shanks is currently pursuing Blackbeard, his demise during the Elbaf arc would be premature at best. However, it’s important to remember that One Piece has much more than just Elbaf in store, suggesting there will be further battles ahead.

In the Elbaf storyline, it might be difficult for Shanks to capture Blackbeard right away. If Blackbeard manages to avoid Shanks until the great war at its end, there’s a chance that Shanks may have fought against Luffy and fulfilled their promise first. This would delay the confrontation with Blackbeard until the final war, and it is during this battle where Shanks could potentially meet his match and fall.

Shanks might sacrifice his life to save Luffy from Blackbeard, a scenario that many fans are anticipating. Given how greatly Shanks treasures Luffy, such a sacrifice would not come as a surprise, since he’s already shown willingness to give up parts of himself for him in the past. This potential confrontation between Blackbeard and Luffy promises to be thrilling, intensifying the stakes significantly. While some fans may find this idea unsettling, others will surely appreciate the dramatic tension it brings. Either way, the upcoming battle is certain to be a spectacle worth watching.

You can access “One Piece” through Viz Media, with authorized and free-to-read versions available on Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. Fans will be eagerly waiting for the next chapter, One Piece 1132, scheduled to release on December 1, 2024.

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2024-11-21 07:04