One Piece is known for its vast and long-running storyline, so it’s no surprise that it has inspired countless fan theories. From characters’ powers and backgrounds to their future paths, fans have eagerly analyzed every detail.
Among them, Red-Haired Shanks stands out as the character with the most theories, thanks to his decades-long mysterious presence. Here are eight of the most shocking fan theories about Shanks.
1. Shanks is descended from the World Nobles (Tenryubito)
Fans have long wondered why Roger and Rayleigh found Shanks as a baby inside a treasure chest on God Valley, an island once controlled by the World Nobles. This connection led to speculation that Shanks is the son of a World Noble.
This theory has now been confirmed true. Shanks indeed carries the bloodline of the World Nobles, and his biological father is Figarland Garling.
2. The person who met the Five Elders was not Shanks but his twin brother
The moment a figure who looks exactly like Shanks, wearing a black cloak, calmly entered Mary Geoise to discuss “a formidable pirate” with the Five Elders shocked many fans. This sparked the theory that Shanks has a duplicate or a twin, especially since the scar over the left eye was deliberately hidden.
Once again, fans were right. The person who met the Five Elders is Shanks’ twin brother, Figarland Shamrock.
3. Shanks deliberately lost his left arm
Fans have long speculated that Shanks intentionally let the Sea King bite off his arm while saving Luffy. Many believe he wanted Luffy to feel indebted and motivated to set sail.
This theory is highly likely true. Recent flashbacks reveal a special mark on Shanks’ left arm, believed to be a contract seal from Imu given to the Holy Knights (God’s Knights). This suggests Shanks willingly sacrificed his arm related to the government.
4. Shanks intentionally let Luffy eat the Gomu Gomu no Mi devil fruit
Many fans believe Shanks did not accidentally let Luffy eat the Gomu Gomu no Mi (which is actually the Mythical Zoan: Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika). This devil fruit is heavily guarded by the World Government, making it nearly impossible to steal, yet Luffy ate it with ease.
Fans think Shanks saw the potential of a future Joy Boy in Luffy. However, this remains a theory and has not been confirmed by Oda.
5. Shanks’ goal is to maintain world balance and continue Roger’s dream
What is Shanks’ ultimate goal? A major theory suggests he wants to keep the world’s balance by restraining the World Government’s power. At the same time, he aims to carry on Roger’s unfinished dream at Laugh Tale, where Roger once lamented arriving too early. Shanks is waiting for the right moment or the right person, like Luffy, to reach Laugh Tale, since the original plan for Ace fell apart.
6. Shanks can see far into the future
Advanced Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku Haki) allows users to see a few seconds ahead. But fans believe Shanks is even more powerful: able to see the “future of the entire world.” This explains why Shanks appears at key historical moments, like the Marineford War. While Shanks’ mastery of Observation Haki is confirmed, his ability to see far into the future remains a theory.
7. Shanks knows all the secrets about the Void Century, Joy Boy, and the Sun God Nika
It’s no surprise if Shanks knows about Imu, but does he also know about the Void Century or Joy Boy? Fans believe that because Shanks understands these secrets, he has carefully planned his actions with precision and organization. Oda has yet to confirm this.
8. Shanks is a double agent who was once part of the Holy Knights?
When Shamrock, Shanks’ twin, appeared before the Five Elders, fans suspected Shanks might be a double agent working for both pirates and the government.
This theory is partially true. In the past, Shanks was indeed a key figure within the Holy Knights when he returned to Mary Geoise and received a symbol from Imu.