Shanks and Luffy will battle in One Piece, but now how fans expect

Fans speculate One Piece will end in a hardcore fight between Luffy and Shanks for the sake of the final treasure. While a conflict between these two fast friends might actually be popular, it might be due to Shanks judging the potential of the Straw Hat Pirates' captain so he could join forces with Luffy against the enemies.

Their conflict has been foreshadowed numerous times, and Shanks is the person most in need of this battle because his army of pirates could be relatively weaker than other Emperors of the Sea. So, after a battle to analyze Luffy's potential, Shanks and the Red-Hair Pirates would join the Straw Hat Grand Fleet to accompany Luffy on his journey to become the Pirate King.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this article solely belong to the author.

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One Piece: Why the battle between Shanks and Luffy might only be a way for them to join forces

Shanks and Luffy as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Monkey D Luffy is the central protagonist, and Shanks is one of the supporting characters from One Piece. These two were united when the latter lost his arm while protecting the former from a Sea God. This marked the start of Luffy's journey to become the Pirate King and return the Straw Hat to Shanks one day.

As speculated in one of the most popular theories among the fandom, the end of the series could see Shanks and Luffy exchange blows in a serious battle. This theory might come true eventually but the purpose would be more wholesome, just like the friendship between Shanks and Luffy.

First, their battle might not be between their crew but more so between the captains, Shanks and Luffy. Secondly, their battle won't be a hardcore fight to the death but a fight where they will showcase their moves to each other. This fight has been foreshadowed through various hints, like both of them being after the One Piece and Shanks taking down Luffy's allies like Bartolomeo.

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

After witnessing Luffy's remarkable growth, Shanks might join the Straw Hat Grand Fleet to witness Luffy's dream become a reality. However, the question remains on why he would do that. Amongst the current Four Emperors, Shanks might have the weakest army of pirates. Buggy has the Cross Guild, Luffy has the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, and Blackbeard has his 10 Titanic captains.

Shanks joining hands with Luffy could be a safe choice for his survival because his crew is also the oldest and is getting weaker by the passing chapter. So, after a battle with Luffy, Shanks could join Luffy's side.

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Final thoughts

A clash between Roger and Whitebeard (Image via Toei Animation)

The situation between Luffy and Shanks could be similar to the rivalry between Roger and Newgate because the latter pirates belonged to opposite sides but were still fast friends at the end of the day. However, making the Red-Hair Pirates a weak pirate crew might be the only drawback of this theory. So, readers may take it with a grain of salt.

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Related Links:

• One Piece theory proves Shanks' arm was a necessary sacrifice for Luffy's rise to fame
• Shanks could still be One Piece's final villain, but it hinges on Luffy, Blackbeard, and a major betrayal
• Shanks' true role in One Piece was finally uncovered and Luffy's destiny is a huge part of it