One Piece: Why Shanks Is The Next Pirate King Of The New Era

I’ve been watching the world of One Piece for a while now, and it’s incredible to see how many strong pirates have come and gone. We’re currently in what’s known as the Great Pirate Era, and the biggest dream for any pirate is to become the Pirate King. It all started with Gol D. Roger, the previous King, who sparked a huge rush for the ultimate treasure – the One Piece itself. These days, becoming the Pirate King is harder than ever before. Right now, Luffy is on an amazing journey to find that treasure and claim the title for himself, hoping to become the King of the Pirates in this new age.

Although Luffy aims to become the Pirate King, Shanks is already a figure who embodies everything that title represents, and stands as an obstacle in Luffy’s path. Essentially, Luffy needs to surpass Shanks to truly achieve his dream in the world of One Piece. This might seem strange at first, but it highlights that Shanks already possesses the qualities of a true Pirate King.

Gol D. Roger Was The Last Pirate King Whose Death Ushered In A New Age

Roger Completed The Circumnavigation Of The World

Roger was the first in 800 years to reach Laugh Tale
He found out the true history

When people talk about the Pirate King in One Piece, Gol D. Roger is the first name that comes up, and for good reason. He accomplished what everyone thought was impossible: he sailed around the entire world, uncovered the true history of the world, figured out what the Poneglyphs meant, and understood the secrets of the Will of D. He truly became the Pirate King, and arguably the greatest pirate of his time. He had everything – wealth, fame, and power – and very few could compete with him. It’s clear Oda, the creator, really holds Roger in high regard, even more so than characters like Whitebeard and Rocks, and that speaks volumes.

You want my treasure? You can have it! I left it all at that place. — Gol D. Roger, One Piece

As many fans know, Roger was dying from an incurable disease. That’s why, after becoming Pirate King, he dedicated his remaining time to starting a new era. However, he couldn’t fulfill the wishes of the ‘D.’ family, and this led to the Great Pirate Era, beginning with his public execution. During his execution, Roger revealed the existence of the One Piece to the world, setting the stage for the events of the story. Now, pirates everywhere are battling for dominance, all hoping to reach the final island and claim the One Piece, ultimately becoming the next Pirate King.

Shanks Stands As The Unnamed Pirate King Of The New Era

Shanks Represents True Freedom On The Seas

Most One Piece fans know Luffy is destined to become the Pirate King. But being the Pirate King isn’t just about finding the treasure left by Roger. The story has established that the Pirate King is the most free person on the seas. This means achieving a certain level of power and independence is key to becoming the Pirate King. Luffy, as the Sun God Nika and Warrior of Liberation, is already moving towards that goal. However, right now, he isn’t the most free person on the seas – that title currently belongs to Shanks.

I’m not interested in ruling or taking over anything. The Pirate King is the one who’s truly free! – Monkey D. Luffy

Shanks and his crew represent true freedom, which is remarkable considering his upbringing as a Celestial Dragon often felt restrictive. He’s actively worked to overcome that past and achieve the goal Roger entrusted to him. Shanks not only possesses the Gomu Gomu no Mi but has also discovered the next individual destined to embody Nika. Through these actions, he’s defied his predetermined fate and achieved a level of freedom previously unthinkable. In that way, Shanks is a genuine rebel and arguably the most free person alive.

Beyond his charisma, Shanks is incredibly strong – a necessity for truly protecting one’s own freedom. As one of the world’s most powerful individuals, comparable even to the legendary Joy Boy, it’s fitting that the author depicts him as the freest person on the seas. Furthermore, Shanks was once the apprentice of Gol D. Roger, who entrusted him with his dream and a vital responsibility.

Everyone in the Roger Pirates, including Buggy, thought Shanks would become the next Pirate King, but Shanks didn’t care about the title. He felt the title itself wasn’t important, and he already possessed the qualities of a true Pirate King. In many ways, Shanks perfectly embodies everything a Pirate King should be.

Luffy Can Only Become The Pirate King By Surpassing Shanks

Luffy Vs Shanks Is Inevitable In One Piece

Luffy will eventually have to fight Shanks because Shanks embodies the spirit of the Pirate King – it will be his ultimate challenge. While it seems like they’re both competing for the One Piece right now, Shanks isn’t actually trying to find the treasure for himself; he would have done that already if he was. Instead, Shanks wants Luffy to reach his full power and liberate the world, similar to how he helped Luffy years ago.

Basically, Shanks hopes Luffy will become the Pirate King, but he doesn’t really focus on what that title means. In fact, Shanks himself already represents the true spirit of a Pirate King. That’s why the author, Oda, has positioned Shanks as the final challenge Luffy needs to overcome – a showdown between them is almost certain to happen eventually.

Shanks may seem like an enemy to Luffy during their fight, but he’s actually pushing him to become strong enough to save the world. He’s carrying out the wish Roger made of him, and that’s more important to him than becoming the Pirate King. If you think about it, the story hints that the new Pirate King is already here, operating from the shadows – and that person is Shanks.

2026-02-07 00:59