Shanks: The Hidden Pirate King Level You Never Knew About!

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

Summary

Shanks is portrayed as stronger than Kaido, showing impressive strength against other top pirates.
Luffy has yet to accomplish what Shanks did, specifically in defeating powerful enemies like Loki.
Shanks will be Luffy’s final test, standing in his path as a significant challenge to overcome.

The character Shanks, who sports red hair, plays a significant role in the popular series “One Piece,” particularly during the culmination of the story’s narrative. Fans are familiar with Shanks as a figure wielding immense power, and though some may underestimate his might due to his status as a Yonko, creator Oda doesn’t share their doubts. Throughout the storyline, the depiction of this red-haired Emperor has been monumental, and repeatedly, Oda has hinted at Shanks being a force to be reckoned with all on his own.

To put it another way, Shanks is shown in such a manner within the story that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest he’s a pirate of equal caliber to the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. As Luffy moves towards his climactic showdown for the treasure and encounters adversaries like Imu, Blackbeard, Sakazuki, and other formidable figures in the final arc of One Piece, Shanks will likely pose a significant challenge to him.

Shanks Is Portrayed To Be Stronger Than Kaido

Kaido Is Strong, But Not As Strong as Shanks
Shanks’s Haki Is On Another Level

For a considerable period in the One Piece series, it was widely recognized that post-timeskip, Kaido held the title of the strongest character. Labeled as the strongest man across land, air, and sea, he earned the moniker of the strongest pirate alive. In Wano, fans were given a clearer understanding of Kaido’s nature and power level. It is fair to say that Kaido lived up to expectations, as he clashed with the Akazaya and Worst Generation, demonstrating his formidable abilities. During battles against Luffy, it became evident that despite Luffy’s Gear 5, defeating Kaido effortlessly was no simple task.

Hey beck, don’t you think it’s time? To claim the One Piece, that is! — Shanks

In an impressive display, he outshone the monstrous opposition, securing his title as the most powerful figure during that era. Yet, everything changed when the climactic struggle unfolded. Next, spectators witnessed Shanks in combat with Kid, and his strength was nothing short of astonishing. Conversely, Kid or perhaps an even weaker version of Kid, held their ground against attacks from Kaido and Big Mom, but were powerless against Shanks’s assault, creating a striking contrast. Despite both Kaido and Shanks being Yonko, the former was clearly overmatched, and the attack Shanks unleashed wasn’t even his best, speaking volumes about his might. Shanks’s confrontation with a 3 billion berry pirate and his right-hand man was so decisive that it cemented his position at the top for many viewers.

However, it’s not as if Shanks’ potential encounter with Kaido was unexpected. Fans are well aware that Kaido himself acknowledged Shanks as one of only five individuals who could potentially go toe-to-toe with him in a fight. Just as Oden came close to defeating him, Shanks has the capabilities, much like Whitebeard, Roger, and Rocks did before him.

As a die-hard fan, let me share some mind-blowing insights about Captain Shanks! His reputation is already towering, but it’s not just his size that sets him apart – there’s a hidden depth to his abilities. In a recent SBS (Sunday Bonus Stages), Oda subtly hinted that Shanks was proficient in Supreme King Infusion before he even turned 15! This means, at the tender age of 13 or 14, Shanks had already mastered Conqueror’s Haki and could perform Kamusari (the technique of turning one’s body into a living weapon) without any formal instruction.

To add fuel to the fire, Oda declared that Shanks was a prodigious genius – a revelation that only serves to heighten our admiration for him!

Luffy Is Still Not As Strong As Shanks

Luffy Has Yet To Accomplish What Shanks Did

While it’s undeniable that Luffy and Shanks share the title of Emperors, suggesting they have equal strength would be an oversimplification. In truth, Shanks appears to outrank Luffy significantly, as evidenced by events such as his battle with Loki in Elbaf. Known as a man capable of destroying the world, Loki’s strength is legendary, and before Shanks, no one was powerful enough to defeat him. By subduing Loki, it’s clear that Shanks possesses an extraordinary level of might, placing him well above Luffy in terms of strength.

I’ve noticed that, despite Luffy’s impressive strength, he hasn’t quite reached a comparable level yet. This becomes evident when Scopper Gaban, aware that Luffy defeated Kaido, expressed doubts about Luffy’s ability to subdue Loki. This uncertainty stems mainly from Loki’s formidable abilities and his capacity to cause widespread destruction wherever he goes, demonstrating his immense strength.

I’ve been pondering over Gaban’s assertion that Loki possesses such immense power that he could potentially annihilate Elbaf. This suggests to me that Luffy, in a face-to-face confrontation, might find Loki too formidable to defeat, at least from the perspective of character portrayal. However, should Luffy manage to best Loki – a feat reminiscent of what Shanks achieved years ago – he would undoubtedly earn recognition equal to that of Shanks, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with one of the greatest figures in their world.

It took Shanks to be the one who managed to subdue Loki, as no one else had succeeded before him.

As a result, it’s clear that among all the Emperors in the One Piece world, Shanks currently holds the highest position, equivalent to the Pirate King. Fans should also keep in mind that the Roger Pirates believed Shanks would succeed where Roger did, as confirmed by Buggy himself. Moreover, Shanks has been compared to Joy Boy due to his impressive Haki abilities. Just like Joy Boy’s Haki, which was powerful enough to defeat Vice Admirals, Shanks possesses similar strength. Additionally, Joy Boy’s Haki, used in Egghead, was likened by the Giants to that of the red-haired Emperor. Given these comparisons, it is evident that Shanks stands above everyone else at present and is on par with Roger.

Shanks Will Be Luffy’s Final Test

Shanks Stands In Luffy’s Path

Indeed, some fans may question why Shanks hasn’t been labeled the strongest and hasn’t confronted characters like Big Mom and Kaido. The answer is straightforward: Shanks was strategically waiting. He was on the lookout for Nika, and upon seeing Luffy’s poster and verifying the white form himself, he realized it was time to act. Shanks intends for Luffy to consider him as his final challenge, since conquering Shanks would indicate that Luffy has surpassed Roger. However, Shanks is also taking action now to assist in the impending battle against the World Government, which promises to be intense.

Fans can access and read “One Piece” legally and without charge on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps, provided by Viz Media. Mark your calendars for March 2, 2025, as that’s when chapter 1141 of One Piece will be released!

2025-02-28 02:55