One Piece chapter 1167 might be one of the most exciting chapters in the entire series because it focuses heavily on the character Shanks the Red-Haired. Shanks is one of the most important characters that Oda has deliberately kept mysterious for the Final Saga. Most fans assumed Shanks was just a powerful pirate.
However, over time, Oda has started revealing deeper secrets about this red-haired character, showing he has close ties with the World Government. Some fans are confused about whether Shanks is a hero or a villain, especially after learning he joined the God’s Blade, the right hand of the Holy Knights, about 15 years ago. But there’s a major reason behind this decision.
Shanks was a God’s Blade member 15 years ago
The Elbaf arc of One Piece is currently in one of its most intriguing flashback phases. After the God Valley incident ended, the Great Pirate Era began, and fans saw Shanks appear at the Holy Land of Marijoa.
At Marijoa, it was revealed that Shanks was a member of the Holy Knights, serving as their right hand. He even bore a World Government seal that allowed him to pass through the Abyss. He received the Shallow Sea Seal and had been part of the God’s Blade 15 years ago.
Fans might easily assume Shanks is a villain, but to truly understand why he joined the Holy Knights, we need to look deeper. Shanks didn’t join to help them or because he’s the son of a Celestial Dragon. The main reason he joined was because of Roger.
Shanks aims to gather information on Imu
Shanks inherited Roger’s true will, even though he knows he is not Nika. To fulfill Roger’s dream, Shanks needs to collect as much information as possible about Imu. He certainly returned to Marijoa to learn everything he could about Imu and the World Government’s leaders.
More importantly, maintaining contact with Imu could help him get closer to the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, the Devil Fruit Shanks seeks. This is clearly shown by the fact that he stole this Devil Fruit from the government 13 years ago and passed it on to the next Joy Boy, Luffy.
Shanks will carry out Roger’s legacy
Shanks may have Celestial Dragon blood, but he is definitely not a villain. He is one of the most important characters in One Piece and above all, the true heir to Roger’s will. Just before Roger died, he told Shanks something very specific, likely related to Shanks’ Celestial Dragon lineage. Roger may have also entrusted Shanks with finding the Nika fruit and ensuring the next Joy Boy appears at the right time.
Shanks is the one who will usher in a new era and pave the way for Luffy to break the chains of all oppressed people. He is one of the most crucial characters in One Piece and certainly not a villain. His joining the God’s Blade was entirely for a good cause, as he wanted to gather as much information as possible. Evidence of this is how he freed Fisher Tiger 15 years ago and helped facilitate a major prison break from Marijoa.