One Piece fans shouldn't declare Shanks innocent just yet

Modified Jan 02, 2025 09:30 GMT

One Piece fans shouldn't declare Shanks innocent just yet (Image via Toei Animation)

One Piece has previously used many different plot points and shallow reveals to misguide its readers regarding the antagonists hidden among the protagonists. Shanks is one such character who has maintained his position as a subject of discussion, with current debates revolving around his possible allegiance to the World Government.

While Shanks has previously been a benevolent figure within the series, often appearing in times of distress, close inspection reveals how most of his benevolent actions might have been beneficial to the World Government.

Although the most recent chapters have hinted at the possibility of Shanks having a twin brother, Shanks' own actions leading up to the current arc have been suspicious and cannot be disregarded.

Disclaimer- This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.

One Piece: Suspicions around Shanks remains

Shanks as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Red-Haired Shanks has been present in the story's background ever since the very first chapter and serves as an anchor and mentor for Luffy. Although there have been countless suspicions regarding his allegiance, many of his actions have benefitted the pirates either directly or indirectly.

While Shanks has made very few onscreen appearances within the story, most of his actions have occurred in the background, serving as the origin for later events. Shanks has previously stopped Kaido from arriving at Marineford during the Marineford War arc. He stopped Akainu from injuring marines after the war while also preventing Green Bull's intervention into Wano's affairs after Kaido's defeat.

Kaido as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Shanks stealing the Nika Devil Fruit from the World Government also remains one of his greatest exploits. While all of those actions might seem benevolent on the surface, Shanks himself has previously met with the Five Elders in person and left unscathed. While someone like Shanks can indeed fight the Five Elders on a competent level, coming out unscathed does not seem realistic, since the Five Elders are some of the strongest entities within One Piece.

Shanks stopping Kaido might also have been an action taken in favor of the Five Elders. The Marineford War would have become too one-sided if Kaido were to arrive, and the entire war would have been a huge blow to the World Government's authority.

Akainu as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Shanks stopping Akainu from eliminating other marines and halting Green Bull from invading Wano could have been motivated by similar reasons. Both actions would have been disastrous for the World Government and, by extension, the Five Elders.

Shanks stealing the Nika Devil Fruit and saving Luffy from being consumed by a Sea King remain his most conventionally benevolent actions. Shanks' involvement and allegiance to the World Government cannot be dismissed just yet, as much about his character remains unknown. Given Shanks' decision to mysteriously pursue the One Piece after Nika's awakening and his possible descent from the World Nobles, it is still possible that he ends up becoming an antagonist.

Final Thoughts

One Piece chapter 1135 will be released on January 3, 2024, and will be available for reading on Shueisha's MANGA Plus platform. Many fans expected the Elbaph arc to focus on an internal power struggle within Elbaph royalty. However, chapter 1134 has revealed that the story will involve direct participation from the World Government and possibly, the God Knights.

Shanks also recently visited Elbaph and left before the Straw Hats' arrival. While Shanks' current whereabouts are completely unknown, it is still possible that he will return to Elbaph in future episodes.