When it comes to the world of One Piece, fans know that Oda crafted it masterfully with countless legends from ancient times and legendary characters spanning 900 years up to Roger’s era.
Within the Navy ranks, names like Sengoku and especially Vice Admiral Garp, the Legendary Hero, have become iconic figures of the past. However, few know that Oda once intended to reveal another character so powerful he could stand on equal footing with the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, right within the Navy. Now, a shocking secret about Shiki has come to light!
Oda originally wanted Shiki to be a Navy Admiral
Fans know the Golden Lion Shiki as one of the main antagonists in the One Piece world and the villain of the movie Strong World (though that version is non-canon).
In fact, Shiki’s strength rivals Roger’s. He was once one of Roger’s greatest adversaries. His power was so overwhelming that when he attacked Marineford after Roger’s capture, Sengoku and Garp had to team up to stop him. Shiki even destroyed half of Marineford, a feat never seen before, placing him among legends.
Even more surprising is that Shiki was originally conceived as a Navy Admiral. When Oda first sketched the character, he drew him standing alongside Sengoku as a Navy Admiral.
Recently, Shiki appeared in One Piece chapter 1155 under the nickname Gokudo, referring to someone who follows a knightly code. In other words, this might reflect Oda’s original vision of his sense of justice, a Chivalrous Justice, a noble and honorable code.
Shiki could have been Roger’s rival within the Navy
Fans know Shiki was once a member of the Rocks Pirates. His strength and personality have always marked him as a cunning, intelligent pirate who believed in the pirate way more than most.
However, if Oda had stuck to his original plan, Shiki being a Navy Admiral would essentially confirm he was also a main rival to Roger within the Navy ranks.
Within the Navy, the only figure who could directly challenge Roger was largely Garp. But in Oda’s initial concept, Shiki was also destined to be Roger’s opponent.
It’s very likely Oda completely dropped the idea of Shiki as a Navy Admiral. Still, this cannot be confirmed for sure. Currently, fans know little about Shiki’s past before he appeared on Elbaf with the Rocks Pirates 56 years ago. Did Shiki serve in the Navy before becoming a pirate? Only Oda can provide the final answer to this shocking secret.
According to Gamerant