Shanks in One Piece: From Roger's crew to the final war

Shanks, one of the most powerful and enigmatic characters in One Piece, has captivated fans since his first appearance. From his childhood days aboard Gol D. Roger’s ship to his rise as one of the Four Emperors, Shanks has been a pivotal figure in the One Piece world. He's not just a fearsome pirate; his journey is intricately tied to Luffy’s growth and the mysteries surrounding the One Piece treasure. As One Piece enters its Final Saga, Shanks' role has never been more critical, and his story is far from over.
Before Shanks became the legendary pirate known across the Grand Line, he was a young boy aboard Gol D. Roger's ship. Together with Buggy, Shanks sailed the Grand Line, bearing witness to some of the most defining moments in pirate history. However, when Roger’s crew reached Laugh Tale—the final island—Shanks did not join them. He stayed behind to care for the sick Buggy, a decision that would later have a deep impact on him. After Roger's death, Shanks learned of the island's secrets, though their full significance remains a mystery, shaping the man he would become.
Following Roger’s execution, Shanks set out on his own journey, forming the Red Hair Pirates. Over time, he became one of the most influential and feared pirates in the world, ultimately earning the title of "Yonko" (Emperor of the Sea). His rise wasn’t only built on strength; it was through forming deep bonds and making choices that would impact the pirate world for years to come.
Shanks' connection to Luffy is one of the most emotional and pivotal elements in One Piece. Their bond began long before Luffy even dreamed of becoming the Pirate King. When Shanks visited Foosha Village, he met a young Luffy, and their lives became forever intertwined. During an attack by a Sea King, Shanks sacrificed his left arm to save Luffy. In an unforgettable gesture, he entrusted Luffy with his iconic straw hat, asking him to return it once he became a great pirate.
This moment sparked Luffy’s dream of becoming the Pirate King, and Shanks’ influence has remained a guiding force throughout Luffy’s journey. The emotional weight of their shared history makes their eventual reunion one of the most eagerly anticipated events in One Piece.
Although Shanks doesn’t frequently appear, every time he does, his presence is significant. One of the most iconic moments occurred at Marineford, after the deaths of Ace and Whitebeard. With nothing more than his presence, Shanks stopped the war, preventing further bloodshed and forcing even the most powerful Marines to stand down. This single act solidified Shanks' position as one of the most influential figures in the world.
Another crucial moment came when Shanks visited the Five Elders at Mary Geoise. While the details of their conversation remain a mystery, this encounter highlighted just how far Shanks' influence reaches, even among the highest echelons of the World Government. He is not just a pirate; he's a key player in the global political arena.
During the Wano Arc, Shanks showcased the terrifying power of his Haki when he stopped Admiral Ryokugyu from attacking Wano. Without drawing a sword, Shanks’ overwhelming Haki forced the Admiral to retreat, once again proving that Shanks’ mere presence is enough to alter the course of major events.
While Shanks lacks a Devil Fruit ability, his mastery of Haki makes him one of the most formidable pirates in existence. He can use all three forms of Haki: Observation Haki, Armament Haki, and, most notably, Conqueror’s Haki. His Conqueror’s Haki is so powerful that it can incapacitate weaker enemies and even make the strongest pirates, like Blackbeard, pause in their tracks. This mastery of Haki allows Shanks to face off against the world's top-tier pirates on an even footing, proving that strength doesn’t only come from Devil Fruits but from sheer willpower and skill.
In the One Piece world, where Devil Fruits reign supreme, Shanks is a reminder that raw determination and the mastery of Haki can make someone just as dangerous, if not more.
One Piece Film: Red offered fans a deeper look into Shanks' character, revealing more than just his pirate persona. In the film, Shanks’ daughter, Uta, is introduced—an extraordinary singer with a powerful Devil Fruit ability. Her desire to create a peaceful world through music takes a dangerous turn, forcing Shanks to protect her from a catastrophic series of events.
This film added new layers to Shanks’ character, showing not only his fearsome side but also his softer, more protective nature as a father. Film: Red became the highest-grossing One Piece film to date, earning over $246 million worldwide. It gave fans a glimpse of Shanks’ personal life, making him even more relatable and adding emotional depth to his already complex character.
As One Piece enters its Final Saga, Shanks’ role becomes more crucial than ever. With Luffy, Blackbeard, Buggy, and other pirates all racing to find the One Piece treasure, Shanks’ actions could decide the outcome of the Final War. His connection to the treasure is likely tied to some of the series' greatest mysteries—such as the Void Century, Joy Boy, or the will of D. Shanks could be holding key information that will change the course of history.
Fans continue to speculate about Shanks’ true motivations. Is he working toward a secret goal, one that could reshape the world? As the Final War looms, Shanks’ decisions will likely have far-reaching consequences, making his every move more significant than ever.