Fans have long believed that Luffy’s accidental consumption of the Gomu Gomu no Mi (Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika) was fate. However, the latest One Piece chapter delivers a shocking revelation: Red-Haired Shanks originally intended this divine power for someone else entirely.
This new truth not only reshapes how we view Shanks and Luffy’s relationship but also highlights the grand yet tragic vision the Yonko holds for the legacy of the late Pirate King Gol D. Roger.
Shanks’ year-long mystery in the East Blue: Who was he searching for?
For years, fans wondered why a powerful pirate like Shanks would stay anchored in Foosha Village for over a year. The East Blue is known as the weakest sea, so there seemed no reason for someone at Shanks’ level to linger so long.
The answer emerged in chapter 1169: Shanks was searching for Roger’s son. About 14 years ago, during a conversation with Scopper Gaban in Elbaf, Shanks learned of a child with the Pirate King’s bloodline being raised by Garp. Instantly, Shanks planned to groom this child as the next generation’s successor.
Ace was the chosen one to become “Nika”
Based on new details, it’s clear Shanks stole the Devil Fruit from CP9 and brought it straight to the East Blue with the sole purpose of giving it to Portgas D. Ace.
Shanks firmly believed Ace would carry Roger’s will and become the next Pirate King. Roger once declared that the one to find the One Piece treasure would be his son, and Shanks was trying to make that prophecy real by preparing the “ingredients”, the power of the Sun God Nika, for Ace. However, since Garp kept Ace’s identity hidden, Shanks spent a year searching in vain without even knowing the boy’s name.
Why did fate choose Luffy over Ace?
Although Shanks prepared everything for Ace, fate had other plans. While Shanks was busy searching for Roger’s son, Luffy accidentally ate the Devil Fruit. But was it really an accident?
In the One Piece world, Zoan-type fruits, especially Mythical ones, are said to have their own will. The Nika fruit escaped the World Government for 800 years and has the right to choose its owner. Analysts believe that even if Shanks had found Ace, the fruit would have rejected him.
The key difference lies in spiritual compatibility. Ace carried heavy burdens, hatred, and darkness from the cursed bloodline of the “Pirate King,” while Nika embodies freedom, laughter, and the desire for liberation. The fruit’s own will rejected noble bloodlines to find the right person. It sensed in Luffy a pure, fierce yearning for freedom, a true “Joy Boy” it had patiently awaited for over 800 years.
Roger’s legacy and the choice of the era
Though Shanks’ original plan failed, Luffy awakening Nika’s power shows destiny is on the right path. Shanks may have failed to crown Ace as king, but he found someone even more suited to change the world.
Oda’s revelation leaves fans heartbroken for Ace, who missed his chance at this ultimate power and chose to follow Whitebeard, meeting his end at Marineford. Yet it also confirms a truth: the greatest power is not for those with the most prestigious bloodline, but for those with the freest hearts.