One Piece: Why Shanks Is Stronger Than Gear 5 Luffy, Explained

One Piece: Why Shanks Is Stronger Than Gear 5 Luffy, Explained

As a long-time One Piece enthusiast, I can confidently say that Shanks is a force to be reckoned with, and his Haki abilities are truly astounding. Comparisons between Shanks and Joy Boy suggest that the captain of the Red Hair Pirates might possess powers on par with the legendary figure himself!


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

Key Takeaways

  • Luffy has awakened his Devil Fruit and mastered all Haki types, making him a balanced and powerful pirate.
  • Shanks, a non-Devil Fruit user, excels in Haki, with his Conqueror’s Haki surpassing Luffy’s, setting up a big battle.
  • Shanks has not shown his full power yet, indicating he may be far stronger than Luffy, with hidden techniques up his sleeve.

The classic manga “One Piece” has reached its climactic final storyline, and readers are well aware that this is where the most powerful figures will convene. Simultaneously, characters who author Eiichiro Oda has been carefully preserving for many years are expected to take center stage more than ever before. When discussing such characters, Shanks undeniably springs to mind. Shanks is a cherished character that Oda initially presented during the Romance Dawn Arc, which was right at the start of the series. However, this is one character who has been largely absent from the storyline up until now.

While it’s true that Shanks has been playing a larger role in recent arcs, he remains a puzzle that readers are eager to unravel further in the series. Yet, it is also understood that Shanks’s future influence on the storyline of One Piece is certain, as we are now approaching the Elbaf Arc, an area where fans anticipate Shanks will make a significant appearance and possibly engage in battle with Luffy. Readers have high expectations for Shanks in Elbaf, and it’s hoped that this part of the narrative will give proper recognition to this formidable Red-haired Emperor.

Luffy’s Strength As Of Egghead Island Arc Of One Piece

  • Luffy Has Awakened His Devil Fruit
  • Luffy Has Mastered All Haki Types

In discussions about the confrontation between Luffy and Shanks, it’s inevitable for fans to draw comparisons. As Yonko of the Sea, they are considered peers in the eyes of the world, but whether they truly stand on equal ground is yet to be determined. For instance, Shanks has held the title of Yonko for six years, whereas Luffy hasn’t even been a Yonko for a month. In terms of battle experience and their perspectives on fights, there are significant differences. Although their personalities share some similarities, Shanks and Luffy are fundamentally distinct characters with unique fighting styles. As a result, they excel in different areas, which could significantly impact the outcome of their fight during the latter stages of One Piece’s Elbaf arc.

That’s the sound! Beat loudly, heartbeat! – Luffy

In terms of Luffy, fans realize he’s significantly advanced towards ruling as Pirate King following his conquest of Kaido. However, what they might not know is that Luffy has also awakened the full potential of the Gomu Gomu no Mi, or the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. This power transformation has given him an extraordinary physique capable of achieving almost anything he imagines. His limitations are essentially only confined by his imagination, which encapsulates his greatest asset – he can accomplish whatever he desires. Moreover, Luffy not only empowers himself but also liberates the oppressed and does much more.

Currently, Luffy’s Devil Fruit serves as his primary strength. During the Wano Country Arc, it dramatically boosted him, enabling him to defeat Kaido permanently. Moreover, in Egghead, Luffy managed to overpower an Admiral of the Navy and even kept both a Admiral and an Elder at bay simultaneously. There’s no denying that Luffy is an incredibly powerful pirate right now, and his recent feats certainly underscore this claim convincingly.

Despite having colossal powers from his Devil Fruit, Luffy demonstrates exceptional skill with his use of Haki. He masterfully wields each of the three types of Haki, each of which he’s significantly advanced. Luffy can perceive future events through Observation Haki, inflict internal harm using Armament Haki, and most remarkably, imbue Conqueror’s Haki to annihilate his adversaries. In summary, Luffy is a well-rounded pirate, undoubtedly one of the strongest in the world.

Shanks’s Biggest Powers So Far in One Piece

Shanks Is A Monstrously Powerful User Of Haki

When looking at Luffy versus Shanks, it’s clear that Shanks doesn’t possess the power of a Devil Fruit. Luffy, on the other hand, has distinct physical advantages. Essentially, Shanks is an ordinary human, while Luffy wields a Devil Fruit ability that significantly enhances his physical prowess. This type of Devil Fruit, known as Zoan, is particularly renowned for boosting physical attributes, and Shanks lacks such power. In terms of endurance, strength, healing speed, and virtually any other physical attribute, Luffy seems to outshine Shanks in their comparison.

Regarding Devil Fruit powers, Luffy and Shanks differ significantly. Notably, while Luffy does not possess them, Shanks wields a unique power: Haki. This aspect of the story becomes particularly intriguing. Unlike Luffy, Shanks is equipped with only one weapon, his mastery over Haki being it. In fact, Oda has previously depicted Shanks’ Haki as formidable, even prompting the Five Elders to draw parallels between it and their own power. Moreover, Oda explicitly likened Shanks’ Haki to that of Joy Boy, suggesting a potential similarity between the two, even if Shanks might not be as strong as Joy Boy in absolute terms.

What A monstrous showing of Haki! Who was that? – Jinbe

Shanks Has What Luffy Lacks

One Piece: Why Shanks Is Stronger Than Gear 5 Luffy, Explained

In their upcoming clash, it’s clear that Shanks’ Mastery of Conqueror’s Haki surpasses Luffy’s, and this difference will significantly influence the outcome. Shanks may demonstrate the full potential of wielding the Color of the Supreme King, revealing its unique power as his primary weapon in combat. He might also exhibit various uses of the Color of the Supreme King, such as neutralizing Observation Haki with it, which could severely hamper Luffy during battle. At present, Shanks is the only known user of this ability.

What makes Shanks even more intriguing is the fact that he hasn’t even showcased the full potential of his powers. Shanks has hardly showcased what he is truly capable of, and only on two occasions has he shown a glimpse of his powers. The first time, Shanks tried to subdue Admiral Greenbull from outside Wano Country. He sent his Haki remotely from miles away and still managed to injure and subdue him. The second occasion was when Shanks fought against Kid and Killer outside of Elbaf. In a single swing of his sword, he destroyed both of them at the same time, and once again, this was a proper showing of his strength.

One Piece: Why Shanks Is Stronger Than Gear 5 Luffy, Explained

However, supporters can take comfort in the fact that Shanks possesses numerous potent abilities hidden from view. Consequently, it’s possible that Shanks surpasses Luffy significantly, and his Haki may well reside on a distinctly superior level.

In Egghead, it was clear for the fans to see that Luffy’s Conqueror’s Haki is not all that impressive. Whereas Joyboy was able to negate the powers of the Elders, and at the same time, deal deadly damage to all the Marines around the island, Luffy was not able to replicate this feat. Shanks, on the other hand, drew direct comparison to Joy Boy and this essentially means that he can do something similar with his Haki. When Luffy and Shanks fight in Elbaf, it will likely be a lesson for Luffy, and Shanks will most likely go on to dominate this battle. However, at the end of it, Luffy will have to learn from Shanks, and surpass him, taking his Haki to the next level, and ensuring that his crew can go even beyond. As of now, however, Shanks is even stronger than Gear 5 Luffy.

You can access “One Piece” for reading through Viz Media. Fans can read it officially and at no cost on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus app. Mark your calendars, as chapter 1125 of “One Piece” is scheduled to release on September 8, 2024.

Read More

2024-09-02 02:34