This article includes spoilers from the One Piece Elbaf Arc.
Overview
- Shanks exhibits strength superior to Kaido’s, showcasing formidable power against top-tier pirates.
- Luffy has not yet matched Shanks’s achievements, particularly in overcoming remarkable adversaries like Loki.
- For Luffy, Shanks emerges as a pivotal challenge, representing his ultimate trial before claiming the One Piece.
Table of Contents
- Shanks: A Step Above Kaido
- Luffy Falls Short of Shanks’s Strength
- Shanks: The Final Challenge for Luffy
Shanks: A Step Above Kaido
Historically, Kaido stood as the seemingly unbeatable force in the One Piece universe, famously referred to as the strongest creature on land, sea, or air. His legendary matchups in the Wano arc proved his might, especially in confrontations with the Akazaya and the Worst Generation. Fans witnessed Luffy’s formidable Gear 5 struggle against Kaido, underlining the latter’s stature.
“Hey beck, don’t you think it’s time? To claim the One Piece, that is!” — Shanks
However, the narrative shifted dramatically with the onset of the final saga. Shanks’s confrontation with Kid took observers by surprise, revealing an unmatched level of strength that set him apart. Whereas Kid had withstood strikes from both Kaido and Big Mom, he faltered against Shanks’s ferocious attack, which made clear the power disparity between the two Yonko. This overwhelming show of strength bolstered Shanks’s position at the pinnacle of pirate hierarchy among fans.
Importantly, Kaido himself recognized Shanks as one of the few able to contend evenly with him in battle. Just as Oden almost defeated Kaido, so too does Shanks carry the legacy of legendary pirates like Whitebeard, Roger, and Rocks.
Furthermore, in a recent SBS, Oda hinted that Shanks had mastered Supreme King Infusion by the age of 15. This early display of talent solidifies Shanks’s reputation as a prodigious genius, capable of infusing Conqueror’s Haki into his moves without formal training.
Luffy Falls Short of Shanks’s Strength
Luffy’s Journey Yet to Match Shanks
While Luffy’s strength as an Emperor is undeniable, he remains a tier below Shanks. During the Elbaf arc, Shanks is revered as a monstrous figure, especially after his victory over Loki—an entity known for having the capability to annihilate entire lands. This historical achievement positions Shanks in an unparalleled light, underscoring the vast gap between him and even the formidable Luffy.
The concerns regarding Luffy’s ability to defeat Loki were echoed by Scopper Gaban, who, despite acknowledging Luffy’s victory over Kaido, expressed uncertainty about Luffy’s chances against Loki. Such dialogue reinforces the portrayal of Loki’s destructive might.
The only man who was capable of capturing Loki was Shanks. Before him, nobody could stop Loki.” — Scopper Gaban
Thus, it’s clear that in the grand hierarchy of power among the Emperors, Shanks stands alone at the summit, drawing parallels to the late Pirate King, Roger. Buggy recognized Shanks as a successor to Roger, highlighting the former’s potential to achieve similarly monumental feats. The comparisons drawn to Joy Boy emphasize Shanks’s remarkable Haki, suggesting that he is not only on par with Roger but also on a unique pedestal in the pirate world.
Shanks: The Final Challenge for Luffy
Shanks as a Roadblock for Luffy
Fans may wonder why Shanks has yet to be labeled the strongest or challenge figures like Big Mom or Kaido directly. The answer lies in his strategic patience—waiting for the arrival of Nika. Recognizing Luffy’s unique potential in his ‘white form, ’ Shanks has positioned himself as Luffy’s ultimate challenge. Defeating Shanks would signify Luffy’s ascendancy beyond Roger, a crucial milestone in his quest.
Additionally, Shanks’s involvement now hints at his influence in the anticipated conflict against the World Government, promising a climactic confrontation.
For those eager to experience more of this epic saga, One Piece is available through Viz Media, with chapters accessible for free on both Shonen Jump and Manga Plus. Mark your calendars for Chapter 1141, set for release on March 2, 2025.
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