Shanks is one of the most beloved characters in One Piece, yet he remains a mystery even after nearly three decades. He sparked Luffy’s journey by inspiring him to become a pirate and unintentionally passing on the “world’s most ridiculous” Devil Fruit power. Despite his huge influence, Shanks rarely appears, but every time he does, it’s a pivotal moment.
As one of the strongest characters in the series, fans have high expectations for Shanks. Not only him, but his crew also possesses abilities that will play a major role in the final story. One Piece is gradually unveiling the secrets behind this character and his true purpose. However, the real meaning behind a key scene has been completely lost in translation.
Shanks’ goal has always been One Piece, but there’s more to it than that
The legendary treasure One Piece, left behind by Pirate King Gol D. Roger, is one of the greatest mysteries that kicked off the Great Pirate Era. As a pirate and former member of Roger’s crew, Shanks is also among those who crave this legendary treasure. Chapter 1054 shook the community when Shanks told Benn Beckman it was time to take One Piece.
However, according to @DawnStussy, a Japanese translator, the true meaning behind Shanks’ statement is quite different:
“What about Shanks? He says, ‘奪りにいこうか。ワンピース。’ The kanji used here means ‘to seize by force’ (奪う), suggesting Shanks plans to steal One Piece from its rightful owner. He might know who truly possesses One Piece, which is why he chose this wording.”
Since the manga is released worldwide in multiple languages, the meaning behind some scenes can shift depending on the translation, losing the nuance and original intent. While much about Shanks remains unknown, at least we now understand that his desire for the treasure isn’t about adventure, but something deeper we have yet to grasp.
One Piece slowly reveals the mysteries surrounding Shanks
Before chapter 1054, Shanks never showed much interest in the treasure, but after seeing Luffy’s Gear 5 form on the wanted poster, he may have realized the world is heading toward a major change.
It’s still unclear how much Shanks knows about the world, Luffy’s Devil Fruit, and the treasure, but clearly there is more to him than he lets on. Shanks’ worldview shifted even before Roger’s execution, and what the Pirate King told him had a huge impact on his life. Chapter 1082 revealed Shanks doesn’t want to chase the treasure, yet he still wants to be a pirate. The Final Saga is gradually uncovering his origins and true power.
Shanks belongs to the Figarland family, one of the World Nobles serving Imu as Holy Knights. His father, Saint Figarland, is one of the Five Elders and Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, while his twin brother Shamrock is a Commander. Shanks and the Figarland family know about their connection, but Shanks has refused to join them.
Furthermore, in a flashback, Gaban calls Shanks the Child of Destiny, possibly linked to a prophecy. Although Shanks hasn’t appeared in the Elbaf arc yet, this arc has revealed much about him, including how his mother died during the Holy Valley Incident. As the manga enters its final saga, we can expect to learn more about his intentions sooner than expected.