The final saga of One Piece is thrilling fans with the arrival of numerous powerful characters. From the unpredictable moves of the Four Emperors, the involvement of Admirals, to the display of legendary strength like Garp. Yet, the main focus now is the new power hierarchy Eiichiro Oda has established, placing Shanks as the third strongest pirate in history, only behind Joy Boy and Davy Jones.
Joy Boy and Davy Jones: Two “monsters” from the Void Century
Before discussing Shanks, we need to look at the peak of power: Joy Boy and Davy Jones. Based on fragments from the past, these two are the only figures who make Imu, the world’s ruler, tremble. Joy Boy’s Haki is so strong it causes Imu physical pain and psychological torment right at Egghead.
Meanwhile, Davy Jones possesses power so fearsome that Imu wants to erase his bloodline from history forever. Although Luffy and Blackbeard inherit the potential of these two gods, they have yet to reach that pinnacle. The title of “strongest contemporary pirate” belongs to one person: Red-Haired Shanks.
The feat at Elbaf: Shanks single-handedly defeats Loki and Ragnir
What sets Shanks apart? The answer lies in an incredible achievement revealed by Oda just recently. Six years ago, Shanks defeated both Loki and Ragnir (the guardian deity of the legendary Devil Fruit) alone.
To grasp how impressive this feat is, consider Shanks’ opponents.
Ragnir is a creature who has guarded Elbaf’s legendary Devil Fruit for centuries. Even King Harald and countless great warriors were rejected by Ragnir for lacking the strength and willpower. Ragnir’s power is considered on par with, or even surpassing, Admirals and only yields to those with supreme Conqueror’s Haki.
As for Loki, after consuming the legendary Devil Fruit, he reached a completely new level of power. He once overwhelmed King Harald, who had received the “Deep Sea Covenant” from Imu. With Imu’s power-up, King Harald is confirmed to have surpassed the level of Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, and Whitebeard. Loki’s defeat of Harald proves he is the strongest figure in the One Piece world recently.
The one at the top of the new era
Six years ago, when Shanks faced both Loki and Ragnir at once, he emerged victorious and personally chained Loki to bring him back to Elbaf. This means Shanks’ current power surpasses even the legendary Rocks D. Xebec and the strongest king in Elbaf’s history, Harald.
Fourteen years ago, Shanks admitted he wasn’t strong enough to stop Harald. But after intense training and growth, he has become a force even the Five Elders fear: “When Shanks gets angry, no one can stop him.”
From using Haki to knock Admirals back miles away to one-shotting Kid and Killer, Shanks proves he is the greatest wall anyone seeking the One Piece treasure must overcome. He is not just a Yonko, he tops the list of the strongest living pirates in history, second only to the divine legends from 800 years ago.