Why Did Shanks Join The Holy Knights in One Piece? Shanks’s Secret Plan Explained

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This article contains spoilers from the One Piece series.

Chapter 1167 of One Piece is shaping up to be one of the most captivating chapters yet, largely because of its focus on Red-haired Shanks. As fans know, Shanks is a crucial character that the author, Oda, has been carefully building towards for the final arc of the story. While many initially believed Shanks was simply a very powerful pirate, his role appears to be much more significant.

Over time, the author, Oda, has hinted at a complex backstory for the red-haired character, revealing connections to the World Government. This has left many fans wondering if Shanks is a hero or a villain, particularly after it was shown he became a key figure – the right hand – of the God’s Blade, a powerful group within the Holy Knights, around 15 years ago. While he did join their ranks, there was a significant reason behind his decision.

Shanks Was A Member Of The God’s Blade 15 Years Ago

The current flashback arc in One Piece, focusing on Elbaf, is incredibly engaging. It’s become obvious that the story has jumped forward in time significantly after the events of God Valley. The Great Pirate Era is now underway, and fans are surprised to see Shanks in the Holy Land of Marijoa.

Luffy, the time for us to meet is getting a lot closer. — Shanks, One Piece

In the Holy Land, it’s discovered that Shanks is a high-ranking member of the Holy Knights, acting as a key advisor. Fans also learn he has a special mark from the World Government that lets him travel safely through the Abyss – specifically, the Shallow Sea seal. He was already part of the elite God’s Blade group fifteen years prior.

Shanks Wants To Collect Information On Imu

It’s natural for fans to question Shanks’ motives after he joined a questionable organization like the Holy Knights, leading many to believe he might be evil himself. However, the real reason for his decision is more complex. Shanks didn’t join to help the Holy Knights, nor is his involvement tied to being a Celestial Dragon’s son. He joined because of Roger. Shanks is the one who truly carries on Roger’s legacy, even though he understands he isn’t the legendary figure Nika.

Nobody hurts a friend of mine and expects to get away with it. — Red Haired Shanks, One Piece

Shanks is trying to understand Roger’s world, so he needs to gather information about Imu. He likely returned to Mariejois to investigate Imu and the leaders of the World Government. Crucially, maintaining contact with Imu could also lead him to the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika – the fruit Shanks was after. This is supported by the fact that he stole it from the Government 13 years ago and gave it to the future Joy Boy.

Shanks Will Finally Fulfill Roger’s Will

Shanks might come from a privileged background – possibly even as a Celestial Dragon – but he’s definitely not a villain. He’s a key figure in the world of One Piece, and most importantly, he carries on the spirit of Gol D. Roger. Before Roger’s death, he shared a significant secret with Shanks, which could be connected to Shanks’s family history. It’s also possible Roger asked Shanks to locate the Nika fruit and make sure a new Joy Boy appears when the time is right, especially now that someone representing Poseidon has been reborn.

Shanks is a key figure who will bring about a new era and help Luffy liberate the oppressed. He’s a profoundly important character in One Piece and is definitely not a villain. While he may have become a God’s Blade, his intentions are good – he’s gathering information about them. His past actions, like freeing Fisher Tiger and enabling the Marijoa breakout fifteen years ago, demonstrate his commitment to justice.

The newest chapter of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece will be released this week in Weekly Shonen Jump. Chapter 1167 is officially scheduled to come out on November 30, 2025. In Japan, it will be available at midnight on Monday, which translates to 11:00 AM Eastern Time or 8:00 AM Pacific Time. Fans can read the chapter without charge on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump app.

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2025-11-30 15:34