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Discover how Shanks having a twin in One Piece makes too much sense. Additionally, explore fan theories on its significance.
One Piece is a series that thrives on mysteries and foreshadowing, whether it be the identity of the main antagonist or what the One Piece treasure is. The most recent grand reveal of a long-time theory in the series saw the introduction of Shanks’ brother, Figarland Shamrock. Going past the ingenious predictions of fans regarding the existence of this character, he is deeply ingrained into the narrative.
Along with standing as an important antagonist on his own, Shamrock’s existence is extremely important to a wide variety of characters, such as Shanks and Luffy. He helps provide them with depth while also allowing fans to make convincing assumptions about where the plot is headed. Hence, let us take a closer look into how Shanks having a twin in One Piece makes too much sense.
The Foreshadowing of Shanks and His Twin
The One Piece fandom is very hit-or-miss with its theories, with several impossible assumptions to balance out valid predictions. However, its ability to gauge the existence of Shanks’ twin has been a huge success.
Oda masterfully built up Shamrock’s reveal over years, leaving clues for viewers. In the main story, a Shanks lookalike met with the Gorosei during the Levely. He seemed subservient to the Five Elders, expressing his wishes to speak about a pirate. This was a moment that shocked fans while also getting endless theories brewing. It made no sense that Shanks would be amicably meeting with the evil World Government on his own.
Hence, this brought about the theory of a twin or a clone of Shanks. The Gorosei further strengthened this by referring to Uta with the surname Figarland in One Piece Film: Red. They had done this while believing she was Shanks’ daughter, which hinted at Shanks’ connection to the Celestial Dragons.
To seal the deal, One Piece finally showed how eerily similar Garling looked to Shanks during the God Valley Incident. During this instance, Garling pointed towards having multiple children along with him. Following the attack on the island and the Pirate-Marine alliance saving the day, Gol D. Roger found Shanks in a treasure chest.
Therefore, by connecting all the dots, fans surmised how Shanks was abandoned by his family, while his mysterious twin was raised by their father. This finally came together in chapter 1134 of the One Piece manga. Shamrock introduced himself to be Shanks’ elder twin while also embodying the same mentality as the World Nobles.
The Role of Shanks’ Twin in One Piece
Shanks’ twin was properly introduced in the series during the Elbaph Arc. He infiltrated the island along with Gunko using a magic circle, seeking an audience with the imprisoned Loki.
After causing a lot of chaos, they met the Accursed Prince of Elbaph. At this point, One Piece revealed Shamrock’s true identity as well as his position as the Commander of the God’s Knights. He had come to the island to recruit Loki to their order, though he was swiftly turned down. Annoyed by Loki’s attitude, Shamrock unleashed a brutal attack on him with Cerberus, made with fatal intent.
He then expressed his wish to kidnap the giant’s children in Elbaph with Gunko, while also ordering her to summon help. Hence, all of Shamrock’s decisions were made with the wish to bring Elbaph under government control. The giants were a dangerous power that needed to be put under check. By either commanding their prince or causing disorder within their ranks, the God’s Knights would be one step closer to their goal.
Therefore, Shanks’ twin’s role in One Piece is to further the ambitions of the World Government. He has the same ideologies of having superior blood while looking down on the common populace. At the same time, Shamrock also seems to be holding bitter feelings towards his twin brother.
When Loki questioned him regarding his relation to Shanks, he had to pause momentarily, which also annoyed Gunko. Thus, going past his grander goals, Shamrock may simply wish to bring down Shanks or recruit him to the side of the Celestial Dragons. As the two brothers are standing on opposite ends of morality in One Piece, their confrontation is set to be nothing less than poetic.
How Shanks Having a Twin Enriches His Own Character
Shamrock is undeniably a fascinating character, but a major reason why he is so intriguing is because he enriches Shanks. The captain of the Red Hair Pirates is one of the most beloved characters in One Piece, but there is very little that we actually know about him.
Even after thousands of chapters, Shanks is only known to be kind, protective, and competing for the One Piece. Apart from that, Oda has purposefully kept him an enigma. Rather than simply showing Shanks’ backstory and motivations, he uses those around him to help explore his character.
This is a very unique mode of development that keeps viewers engaged while making them unveil the puzzle known as Shanks. It adds a layer of complexity to him since we now know he comes from Celestial Dragon origins.
However, having been raised by Roger, he has absorbed the teachings of the Pirate King. Possibly to make up for the misgivings of his own bloodline, Shanks is motivated to do enough good to restore the balance.
His pacifistic nature also directly counters the bloodthirsty personality of his father, considered the champion of God Valley. One Piece has already showcased brilliant opposing dynamics through cases like Luffy and Blackbeard.
Considering the years of history between Shanks and Shamrock, their subtle development, and the endless possibilities for the future, their relationship may overshadow all other storylines in the series.
Luffy’s Dilemma Due to His Connection With Shanks
While Shanks, Shamrock, and the Figarland Family are the main focus of this twisted relationship, there is one very important outsider. This is none other than the protagonist, Luffy. Luffy’s main reason for becoming a pirate is Shanks, enamored by him and his crew during their stay in his hometown.
Luffy also gained his Devil Fruit at this point, following which he was saved by Shanks from a Sea King. Since the red-haired pirate sacrificed his arm to protect Luffy and gave him his straw hat, the protagonist considers him akin to family.
Due to this, Luffy is extremely dedicated towards Shanks, instantly attacking Loki when the giant badmouthed him. Even upon the implication that it was Shanks who infiltrated Elbaph, Luffy swiftly opposed it.
At this point, however, he discovered the possibility that his friend could have a brother. Luffy then expressed how that could be true but also that he knew nothing about Shanks’ family. Considering both Shamrock and the protagonist are on the island, they will inevitably meet soon.
However, this is also going to be a very confusing confrontation. Luffy is a man who wears his emotions on his sleeve, staying steadfast in any decision he makes. Since Shamrock looks very similar to Shanks, he may simply decide to not fight him. On the contrary, Luffy may also try to win him over or face inner turmoil when witnessing his evil nature.
This would be crucial for the protagonist, as Shanks has deeply shaped his life. It would spark an emotional conflict, making him question his ideals and challenge his views on justice and freedom. As a result, fans both dread and anticipate the day Luffy meets Shanks’ twin and lookalike, Shamrock.
Theories on Shanks and His Twin’s Significance in the Future Arcs of One Piece
Shamrock’s introduction in Elbaph and Shanks’ active search for the One Piece will likely lead to the two of them meeting each other in the near future. Since there have been endless theories on The Man With the Burn Scar also being present on the island, the combined search efforts of the brothers for the Road Poneglyphs could see them clashing against each other.
Even if they were to not meet in the search for the Poneglyphs, One Piece has fantastically set up the twins on extreme ends of the spectrum. Shanks’ nature is the exact opposite of Shamrock’s, which would lead to a final battle of ideals between the two.
The Gorosei have also begun moving more actively in One Piece, and the newly elected Saint Figarland would likely be a big contributor in this fight between brothers. While some fans may expect a hearty reunion between family members, the Celestial Dragons’ crimes have gone too far to be pardoned. Since Shanks is unlikely to forgive them, most are expecting there to be one final winner.
Additionally, the captain of the Red Hair Pirates has always mysteriously come and gone from locations in One Piece. So, there is a chance of his appearance in Elbaph as well. Considering the expected fight between Luffy and Shamrock as well as the presence of the Harley Texts, we could see the protagonist and his friend team up to take down the God’s Knight.
Conclusion
Shanks having a twin is an excellent move by Oda, rewarding fans after years of speculation. It has also deepened the plot and added complexity to the Emperor, who remained a mystery for a long time. As One Piece nears its conclusion, fans eagerly await their clash and Luffy’s role in their story.
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