Shanks could bring One Piece's Haki system to levels unseen by using it to get his left arm back

Modified Aug 10, 2024 21:30 GMT

Shanks could bring One Piece's Haki system to levels unseen by using it to get his left arm back (Image via Toei Animation)

Shanks, one of the Yonko has been a mystery for a long time and has a lot of power in the One Piece world. As a pirate who has mastered all three types of Haki (Haoshoku, Busoshoku, and Kenbunshoku) Shanks is one of the strongest Haki users out there. Despite losing his left arm, Shanks might have an ability that goes beyond the conventional.

This theory states that Shanks has found a way to manifest a new arm using his mastery of Haki combining all three types to create a physical manifestation that’s at par with his original arm. By tapping into the hidden potential of Haki in ways never seen before Shanks can take Haki to new heights and will show fans the full extent of its power when he faces Blackbeard.

One Piece: Shanks' potential in creating his left arm from scratch

Shanks' arm was bitten away when he was saving Luffy (Image via Toei Animation)

Throughout One Piece, Shanks is consistently depicted with his left side often obscured, leading to speculation that this is more than a mere artistic choice. While it could be argued that this decision simplifies the drawing process, it seems unlikely that Oda, known for his meticulous attention to detail, would take such a shortcut. This deliberate portrayal may suggest a deeper narrative purpose.

Shanks has been surrounded by some of the most formidable Haki users since his time with Gol D. Roger's crew. Despite possibly not mastering Haki at that time, he undoubtedly gained a comprehensive understanding of both its basic and advanced forms.

Shanks has been shown fighting using his one arm with a sword (Image via Toei Animation)

As one of the few elite fighters relying solely on Haki, it is reasonable to conclude that Shanks possesses an unparalleled knowledge of this power. After losing his arm while saving Luffy, it is plausible that Shanks embarked on a journey of intense training, seeking ways to overcome his disability.

Through this process, he might have discovered a method to combine the three forms of Haki—Observation, Armament, and Conqueror’s Haki—to create a manifested version of his lost arm.

One Piece: Shanks' mastery of Haki in creating his arm

Shanks uses his Haki as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

Although this idea seems far-fetched, it has lingered in the minds of fans for years. The theory posits that Shanks uses each type of Haki to replicate the different "layers" of an arm.

Observation Haki, which is primarily about sensing the intentions and movements of others, could theoretically be used to simulate the nerves and sensory functions of the arm. Armament Haki, often depicted as a form of invisible armor, might be employed to construct the muscles and bones, particularly through the advanced technique of Emission.

Lastly, Conqueror's Haki, representing the physical manifestation of a person’s willpower, could serve as the means through which Shanks channels signals from his brain to his manifested arm, enabling him to wield it effectively in combat.

One Piece: Shanks' trump card

Edward Newgate (Image via Toei Animation)

The question remains as to why Shanks does not openly utilize this manifested arm. The answer could lie in its role as his trump card. Throughout the series, Shanks does not encounter an adversary strong enough to force him to reveal this hidden asset. The widespread belief in the One Piece world is that Shanks has only one arm, and he may prefer to maintain this misconception, allowing him to be underestimated.

In his brief clash with Whitebeard, Shanks likely refrained from revealing this ability because the encounter lacked lethal intent. Similarly, during the Marineford War, Shanks might have prepared his manifested arm under his cloak, only for the situation to de-escalate, negating the need for its use.

It's also plausible that Shanks sparred with Mihawk early on to test and refine this technique, although he might have initially struggled to maintain control over the manifestation. Over time, he likely perfected this ability, with Mihawk possibly aware of its existence but choosing to keep it a secret out of respect or at Shanks' request.

However, the concentration required to maintain the arm while protecting those under his command would make Shanks reluctant to use it unless absolutely necessary. This trump card might finally be unveiled in a climactic battle against Blackbeard, symbolizing the ultimate showdown between Haki and Devil Fruit powers.

Final thoughts

Shanks' unparalleled mastery of Haki, combined with his concealed potential to manifest a new arm, could revolutionize the One Piece world’s understanding of Haki. By pushing its boundaries to unprecedented levels, Shanks may ultimately redefine combat and strategy, introducing a new era of formidable power.