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How powerful is Shanks in One Piece? Also, let’s explore the pirate’s relationship with Luffy and his place among other Emperors.
Shanks is a figure who has one of the lowest screen times in One Piece but continues to be among its most popular characters. With his charisma, strength, and enigma, he commands both fear and respect across the seas. So, how powerful is Shanks in One Piece?
Shanks is one of the most impressive fighters in One Piece, especially since he doesn’t have a Devil Fruit. With his proficiency in Haki, skills with weapons, and ideals, Shanks has risen to be an Emperor in the series. Let’s look closer at his character.
Who Is Shanks in One Piece
As mentioned above, Shanks is an Emperor of the Sea and Captain of the Red Hair Pirates. While he serves as a background character for most of the series, Shanks actively supports Luffy’s growing power.
Being a former member of the Roger Pirates, Shanks carries on many of its ideals. He is often cheerful and laid-back but becomes serious whenever his morals or loved ones are threatened. Additionally, he recognizes his influence in the world and doesn’t hesitate to take down anyone who challenges his position.
Due to his lack of arrogance and objective view on fights, he can acknowledge the power of opponents such as Blackbeard. This helps him to train accordingly and become stronger himself.
In One Piece Film: Red, the Elders assumed that Uta was the daughter of Shanks and hence called her with the surname of Figaland. Since Shanks’ identity itself is unknown, this suggests that Shanks is possibly connected to Elder Figarland Garling and has noble blood running in him.
While the film itself is not canon, it was made under Oda’s supervision. Since it gave character exposition that is deeply relevant in the series, there is good reason to believe that Shanks is connected to the World Nobles.
How Is Shanks Connected to Luffy
Shanks has played an immeasurable role in Luffy’s decision to become a pirate. When Luffy was a child, Shanks and his crew spent time in the protagonist’s hometown. Taken in by the lifestyle of a pirate, Luffy swore to travel the seas and surpass the Emperor.
The Devil Fruit Luffy ends up eating is also one that the Red Hair Pirates were transporting. When threatened by the Lord of the Coast in Foosha Village, Shanks sacrificed his left arm to prevent Luffy from being devoured.
Right when Luffy started to feel regret, Shanks reassured him that it was not his fault. Showing appreciation for the young boy’s conviction, the pirate gave Luffy the Straw Hat he himself received from Gol D. Roger. His act of sacrifice and belief in Luffy pushed the main character to perfect his Gum-Gum powers and become a man of renown in the world.
Later in the series, Shanks assists Luffy at Marineford and admires his young friend’s rising bounty and growth.
Shanks’ Abilities and Powers in One Piece
With a bounty of over four billion berries, Shanks is one of the most intimidating pirates in One Piece. He has a crew of loyal followers and has enough charisma to win anyone over. His durability, agility, and strength are also among the best, as he could rapidly dodge attacks and even fight back against Akainu’s destructive fists.
Additionally, Shanks does not possess a Devil Fruit, which allows him to swim in the seas. While one might think this makes him weaker than the rest, his Haki more than makes up the difference.
Shanks possesses an unordinary amount of Haki and can use all three kinds of it. His Supreme King Haki attacks could comfortably knock out weaker pirates with just its presence. By infusing it with physical moves, Shanks could easily beat down Eustass Kid.
We have already seen that Shanks has a very durable body. He combined this with his Armament Haki to block Akainu’s magma attacks, which were powerful enough to kill Ace. Finally, Shanks’ Observation of Haki could detect enemies from great distances away and see future events. This was extremely helpful in predicting the next moves of opponents, as seen in his fight against Kid.
By wielding his main sword – Gryphon, and several others throughout the series, Shanks is a very talented swordsman. He can coat his swords in aura while being noted to be an even match to the strongest swordsman in the world, Dracule Mihawk.
Is Shanks the Strongest One Piece Emperor
The current One Piece Emperors include Luffy, Buggy, Blackbeard, and Shanks. Buggy can be taken out of the equation for being a comic relief character, but the battle between the other three is fierce.
While Luffy, Blackbeard, and Shanks have never fought each other properly, they are all extremely powerful. Luffy’s powers of the Sun God helped him defeat Kaido, while Blackbeard’s control over the darkness let him beat Whitebeard.
That being said, if the three were to face each other right now in One Piece, it is safe to say that Shanks would emerge victorious. Due to his years of experience, battle prowess, and several mysterious abilities that are yet to be revealed, there is no reason to believe that Shanks would fall to any other Emperor in the series.
It must be mentioned that both Luffy and Blackbeard will likely become stronger than Shanks by the end of One Piece. Luffy is the constantly growing protagonist, while Blackbeard’s Dark-Dark Fruit has still not shown its full potential. The latter also has a high possibility of becoming the final antagonist in One Piece. Hence, the captain of the Red Hair Pirates will have to work hard to keep his position as the strongest Emperor.
Conclusion
Shanks’ power in One Piece lies not just in his unmatched abilities but also in the respect he commands. From his connection to Gol D. Roger to the important part he plays in Luffy’s life, he embodies the true spirit of a pirate.
With his dominating presence and significance to the plot, fans always eagerly anticipate the next move of the red-haired pirate.
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