Shanks' scar has always meant more than One Piece fans thought

Modified Dec 26, 2024 08:30 GMT

In the One Piece series, Shanks’ scar, slashing across his left eye, has always symbolized his strength and the battles he’s survived, especially his fight with Blackbeard. But recent events in One Piece chapter 1134 reveal that this scar is more than just a reminder of his past, instead it has become a vital clue to a deeper mystery.

Fans now believe the scar is key to telling Shanks apart from a possible twin connected to the mysterious Holy Knights. This surprising twist changes how we view Shanks’ role in the One Piece world, raising new questions about his true alliances and the purpose behind his actions.

Shanks’ scar as a marker of identity in the One Piece world

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

The legendary scar across Shanks' left eye is one of his most defining traits, a mark left by his fierce rivalry with Blackbeard. Over the years, fans have considered it a visual reminder of Shanks' battles and the dangers he has faced. However, chapter 1134 unveils a startling revelation that Shanks’ scar might be more than a physical wound— it’s a key identifier.

In the latest chapter, two cloaked figures mysteriously teleport to the castle in Elbaph. One of them bears a striking resemblance to Shanks, specifically the version of him seen during his meeting with the Gorosei during the Reverie.

Shanks was at Elbaph before Luffy reached (Image via Toei Animation)

This raises an immediate question: How could Shanks be in two places at once? After all, he had recently decimated Captain Kid’s crew on the shores of Elbaph and was last seen traveling with his own crew. The only plausible explanation is the existence of Shanks’ twin, a revelation that could fundamentally alter our understanding of his character and the overarching One Piece plot.

The scar serves as a critical detail in differentiating between Shanks and his twin. When Shanks met the Gorosei, his scar was curiously absent from the right-side angle, a stark contrast to its usual prominence. This discrepancy was overlooked by many at the time but gained immense significance in light of the recent chapter.

Shanks' twin at Mary Geoise (Image via Toei Animation)

It suggests that the figure who appeared before the Gorosei was not Shanks himself but his twin, potentially one of the mysterious Holy Knights. This subtle detail about the presence or absence of the scar now stands as a crucial marker of identity between the two.

Shanks’ twin and the Holy Knights connection

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The existence of a twin raises intriguing possibilities, particularly regarding the Holy Knights. The silhouettes of the Holy Knights, as teased earlier in the manga, hinted at one figure resembling Shanks. If Shanks’ twin is indeed one of the Holy Knights, it would explain his presence at the Reverie and his sudden appearance at Elbaph’s castle.

This theory not only solves the mystery of Shanks’ simultaneous activities but also introduces a compelling dynamic to the story. The Holy Knights are known to be direct enforcers of the World Government, a position that starkly contrasts with Shanks’ role as a Yonko and a protector of balance.

The twin’s allegiance to the Holy Knights could signify a deeper connection between Shanks and the World Government, one that has been deliberately obscured until now.

The scar’s role in identifying the real Shanks also adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. It’s not merely a battle wound but a distinguishing feature that sets the Yonko apart from his twin.

This revelation reshapes how fans perceive key moments, such as Shanks’ encounter with the Gorosei. The scar, or lack thereof, provides the answer, making it a crucial element in unraveling the truth.

Final thoughts

Blackbeard gave Shanks his iconic scar (Image via Toei Animation)

Shanks’ scar is more than just a battle wound, it has become a vital clue to his true identity. The discovery of his possible twin and ties to the Holy Knights changes how we see him, raising questions about his loyalties, past, and connection to the World Government’s hidden plans.