Luffy and Shanks' Elbaph reunion may answer some of One Piece's biggest questions

Modified Nov 14, 2024 19:00 GMT

Luffy and Shanks' Elbaph reunion may answer some of One Piece's biggest questions (Image via Toei Animation)

Without a doubt, One Piece’s Elbaph Arc is one of the most highly anticipated narrative sections of mangaka Eiichiro Oda’s series in its larger post-time-skip portion. Fans have had theories for years on what the arc’s focus would be, and while many have already been proven wrong, there are a few that could still be confirmed by the manga.

One notable character in the general series who is generally absent from these theories is Shanks, especially given that he has seemingly already left Elbaph. However, it’s more likely than not that One Piece’s Elbaph Arc will end up being home to Luffy and Shanks’ reunion, answering many questions in the process.

One Piece’s Elbaph Arc will shed light on origins of Luffy’s Devil Fruit, Shanks’ family, and more

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In 1998, just one short year after Oda’s One Piece manga began serialization, he commented on Shanks, which has proven true today. Oda claims that once Shanks starts to appear frequently in the manga, it’s safe to assume that the series has entered its final stages. Likewise, fans have seen more of Shanks in the final saga than they had in the entire series up to that point.

Oda’s quote makes it unlikely that Shanks will receive little to no focus as the Elbaph Arc’s events get underway. It makes more sense that the upcoming arc will revolve around Shanks and his reunion with Luffy. Firstly, the series has established that he was at Elbaph before Luffy and the team arrived. This has already been used as a plot point via Luffy’s conversation with Loki in chapter 1131.

In turn, it also seems likely that Shanks played some role in Loki’s imprisonment, further relating the arc to him. He became a Yonko six years ago, which is the same time when Loki had been chained up. Loki and his subordinates also confirmed that they met Shanks recently prior to the start of One Piece’s Elbaph Arc. Luffy even attacked Loki for badmouthing Shanks, further setting up the arc to focus on him.

Loki's escape may be what lures Shanks back to Elbaph initially (Image via Toei Animation)

This is done via a callback to chapter 1, where Luffy gets angry at Higuma and the mountain bandits for calling Shanks a coward. It also makes sense for Shanks to get involved with the Elbaph Arc since Luffy’s Devil Fruit, which Shanks stole, seems likely to be the one Loki thinks he wields. In turn, this will answer the longstanding question of just how Shanks came to be in possession of such an almighty Devil Fruit.

However, there’s even more evidence supporting the idea that the arc will focus on Shanks and Luffy both. Saint Garling Figarland’s promotion to Gorosei is one such point, especially since the Holy Knights seem set to go after the Straw Hats. It’s also believed that Garling is Shanks’ father, which could be revealed via the introduction of the likely new leader of the Holy Knights. This is likely to be the silhouetted swordsman from chapter 1121’s ending spread.

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To be more specific, the new leader of One Piece’s Holy Knights is likely Garling’s other son, who is Shanks’ twin. Since Garling was the leader of the Holy Knights before being promoted to Gorosei, it would make sense for his son to take over the post. In turn, introducing Shanks’ twin to the story also answers the key question of why Shanks met with the Gorosei; it wasn’t Shanks at all in reality, but rather his twin brother who was a Holy Knight at the time.

Further supporting the idea that Shanks will be involved, is his victory over Eustass Kid, who could still be present in Elbaph given what fans currently know. Kid is unlikely to take his loss lying down, while Shanks may also want to “finish the job” so to speak. Finally, Luffy is also on the same standing as Shanks. With Shanks’ business with Bartolomeo dealt with, which is why he said he couldn’t meet Luffy at Wano, the two should have their fated reunion on Elbaph.

Final thoughts

Shanks and Luffy may finally reunite in the Elbaph Arc (Image via Toei Animation)

While the above is speculative, it simply makes too much sense for Shanks to not be a key part of the Elbaph Arc. This would both answer some of the biggest questions in One Piece currently, while also giving Luffy and Shanks the reunion they need now that the two are equals in title and rank.