Though rarely appearing directly, Red-Haired Shanks is one of the most influential characters in One Piece history. From his days as a member of Roger’s crew to becoming one of the Four Emperors, every action Shanks takes, big or small, triggers massive domino effects that shape the current world.
Here are five pivotal moments proving why Shanks is the silent game-changer of One Piece.
1. Freeing Slaves at Mary Geoise
Fisher Tiger is known as a hero who freed slaves, but chapter 1167 reveals a shocking secret. While escaping, Tiger was stopped by a mysterious figure he mistook for a Celestial Dragon Knight.
Instead of attacking, this figure broke Tiger’s chains with a sword and pointed out the location of an unlocked weapons cache.
Based on context and silhouette, this figure was none other than Shanks. At the time, Shanks likely held the rank of “God’s Sword,” just below “God’s Knight,” granting him access to the Celestial Dragons’ secret areas in Mary Geoise.
This single act enabled Fisher Tiger’s large-scale slave liberation, freeing Boa Hancock, her sisters, Koala, and many others. It also led to the creation of the Sun Pirates and shifted the world’s stance on slavery.
2. Stealing the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika Devil Fruit
The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika has been hunted by Imu and the Five Elders for centuries. About 12 years before the main story, the World Government finally secured it, entrusting CP9 (with Who’s-Who as escort) to guard it.
However, during transport, Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates attacked and stole the legendary fruit, making it vanish once again from the World Government’s control.
This bold move not only ruined Who’s-Who’s career but also ensured the government could never reclaim the Nika fruit. It created the perfect chance for Monkey D. Luffy, Joy Boy’s heir, to eventually eat and awaken its power.
3. Shaping Monkey D. Luffy’s Destiny
Shanks’ extended stay in Foosha Village left an immeasurable impact on young Monkey D. Luffy.
To young Luffy, Shanks embodied the ideal “true pirate”, strong, confident, joyful, free-spirited, and fiercely loyal. Later, Luffy’s Straw Hat Pirates would clearly reflect the Red Hair Pirates’ ideals.
Most importantly, Shanks and his crew unintentionally left the Gomu Gomu no Mi (actually the Nika fruit) behind, which Luffy ate. This set the foundation for Luffy’s power to grow and eventually become the new Joy Boy.
The entire One Piece story, centered on Luffy, began from this small moment: Shanks deciding to rest longer in Foosha Village.
4. Stopping Kaido from Joining the Marineford War
This briefly mentioned event had huge consequences. Kaido and King planned to chase Whitebeard’s crew heading to Marineford.
Shanks intervened and stopped Kaido at sea. Though the details remain unclear, Shanks convinced Kaido to abandon his pursuit.
Had Kaido, a bloodthirsty Emperor, appeared at Marineford, the battle would have escalated into an all-out war among multiple Emperors. By stopping Kaido, Shanks prevented Marineford from becoming an even more devastating battlefield.
5. Ending the Marineford War
After Whitebeard’s death, the Navy, Blackbeard Pirates, and Whitebeard’s remnants wanted to keep fighting. The war risked spiraling out of control.
Shanks’ arrival changed everything. Calm but commanding, he declared he was ready to face anyone continuing the conflict. That simple statement was enough to end the deadly battle that had claimed countless lives.
This moment also saved young Marine Koby, who bravely opposed the brutal war and nearly got killed by Akainu. Moreover, Shanks’ presence created a crucial opening for Luffy and allies to retreat safely.
In summary, Shanks is a unique character. Though not the main protagonist, his decisions and interventions have created historic turning points that indirectly shaped Luffy’s growth and the One Piece story as we know it today.