Initially introduced in the very first chapter of the One Piece manga, Shanks remains one of the series’ most enigmatic characters, deeply connected to protagonist Monkey D. Luffy’s backstory. With the latest arc featuring Elbaph, fans were given fresh intrigue when two newcomers appeared, reminiscent of the Gorosei from prior arcs. One of these newcomers bore an uncanny resemblance to Shanks, prompting many to reevaluate the significant moment when Shanks sacrificed his arm to protect a young Luffy. This has led to widespread speculation regarding whether there were deeper motives behind his decision to let the Sea King take his arm all those years ago.
Fan theories have circulated about Shanks potentially having an evil twin brother since his presumed encounter with the Gorosei during the Reverie arc, where discussions about a specific pirate took place. Following the recent developments in Elbaph and the emergence of his lookalike, many believe this theory is gaining traction. Notably, only Shanks’ scars, including the distinctive marks on his face from battling Blackbeard and his amputated arm, differentiate him visually from his potential twin. The prevailing thought is that Shanks’ loss of his arm was deliberate, with many fans convinced his strategy runs much deeper beneath the surface.
Unpacking Why Shanks Truly Lost His Arm to the Sea King
While Shanks Claims He Bet It on the New Era, Other Reasons Might Exist
The initial theory surfaced on the One Piece subreddit from user kingJustin900, positing that Shanks didn’t sacrifice his arm for the reasons generally accepted by fans. Instead, it suggests Shanks reciprocated his arm to prevent Luffy from being misled by his evil twin brother. The audience possesses limited insight into Shanks’ true intentions, but it’s widely presumed that he is aware of his connections to the Celestial Dragons and their influence over the government.
Many believe Saint Figarland Garland is Shanks’ father, given their striking likeness during the God’s Valley incident. With Garland now elevated to a member of the Gorosei and potentially leading the faction, it’s feasible that Shanks’ twin has taken on a significant role. Considering the recent defeat of the Gorosei by the Straw Hats at Egghead, it seems plausible that Garling dispatched his son to ambush Luffy unexpectedly, a scenario that Shanks may have foreseen using his advanced Haki capabilities.
Shanks’ Sacrifice Was More Than Just a Lesson for Luffy
Shanks’ Decision to Sacrifice His Arm Holds Greater Significance
Much like other enthusiasts within the One Piece community, many Reddit users contest the notion that Shanks simply allowed the Sea King to take his arm or that he was incapable of fighting it off. One theory postulates that Shanks possesses a Devil Fruit that permits him to mitigate the effects of water on his abilities, potentially sacrificing his Armament Haki for limb protection. However, would Shanks genuinely resort to such a measure?
Viewers learned during his confrontation with Captain Eustass Kid that Shanks is willing to do whatever it takes to safeguard his allies, despite their dependence on his formidable strength. Would he intentionally relinquish his arm merely to motivate a young boy in the East Blue and lessen his own strength to protect others? Many fans believe Shanks holds an unyielding faith in Luffy’s future as a great pirate, which is reflected in his apparent disinterest in checking Luffy’s progress throughout the series. This leads to the conclusion that his act of sacrificing his arm wasn’t merely a way to ensure Luffy internalized his faith.
In summary, while the range of theories is vast—including some far-fetched notions—Shanks’ loss remains a perplexing aspect of the overarching narrative. Despite this moment being pivotal and emotionally charged in establishing Luffy’s journey, it may appear increasingly contradictory in light of Shanks’ revealed powers. Fans are hopeful that One Piece will soon address these inconsistencies, allowing writer Eiichiro Oda to unveil yet another surprising twist.
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