Why Shanks Will Dominate One Piece (And How It Happens)

Last updated on November 18th, 2025 at 11:14 am

Listen man, I’ve been reading ‘One Piece’ since the beginning when I was like a kid, Shanks has just always been that guy. You know the type appears once or twice a decade, pulls off something completely ridiculous and is never heard from again.

But here’s the thing, from what Oda has confirmed recently we are now entering into the “Year of Shanks” and after understanding everything that happened in Elbaf I think we’re about to see his face all over the place.

So what’s changed? And what theories are really worth your attention? Let me break it down.

Oda Isn’t Playing Around Anymore

First off Oda said straight-up that more of Shanks = Final Saga. That’s not fan speculation. that’s the creator advising us to fasten our seatbelts.

I was re-reading some old chapters and yup, Shanks appearance signify turning points. Marineford? He stopped the war. Meeting the Five Elders? Never got to the bottom of that one, but it counted. Now, with the Elbaf Arc hot, he’s actually protecting the homeland of Giants. This isn’t random cameos anymore.

The Family Drama Is Wild

Here’s where it gets crazy. Recent chapters also just dropped a bombshell on us: Shanks’ dad is one of the Five Elders, Saint Garling Figarland. Oh, and he’s got a twin brother named Shamrock Garling who is allegedly raising hell.

I thought this was a joke when I first read it. But it explains so much. Why is it that Shanks can just stroll in the meet the Elders? Why does he balance world powers and not just conquer it all? Dude’s practically pirate royalty with Celestial Dragon blood. That’s not your typical Yonko background.

(Now the Elbaf connection makes sense as well.) Shanks isn’t merely dropping by he’s their protector. And with how Oda’s been laying the groundwork for giant culture, I’m going to guess we will also find out why she accepted that role and declined joining the World Government.

His Haki Is Genuinely Terrifying

Let’s discuss power level for a moment. I always knew Shanks was a monster, but the more Haki is explained to people the more you are like ‘GET OUT OF HERE.”

(He’s mastered all three varieties to an insane extent. His Conqueror’s Haki once wrecked Whitebeard’s ship by walking across it. His Armament Haki negated Akainu’s magma fist as if it was just an injury. But there is even more to it: his Observation Haki doesn’t only work in order for him to see the future, he can also cancel other people’s Future Sight.

That nickname “killer of Observation Haki”? Earned. He has this thing called “Sign of Presense” where he can shut off his own presence and throw predictions. Picture battling someone who has the ability to know what you are going to do before you even do it, only he is already three plays ahead of you and invisible in plans.

No Devil Fruit. Just Haki. That’s terrifying.

The Blackbeard Showdown Everyone Is Waiting For

I doubt any One Piece viewer/fan I’ve spoken to doesn’t believe that Shanks vs. Blackbeard is going down. Setup’s been there since Blackbeard gave him that scar pre-series.

Most theories agree this will be the battle that starts the final war. Blackbeard is hunting Devil Fruits and the mayhem he is throwing Seed. Shanks keeps Luffy’s passage and supports balance. They’re perfect opposites.

And here’s my guess: the confrontation will be triggered when Luffy finally returns that straw hat. Shanks cannot take anymore sidelines, blackbeard will see it as his opportunity to take down a yonko. It’s the right time. we’re in the Final Saga, Luffy’s getting close, and all the pawns are being put into place.

What I Think Happens Next

Here’s what I’m predicting, based on all of my reading an fan theories I’ve consumed:

Elbaf Arc will explain why Shanks protects the Giants + likely flashback to his childhood with the Figarland. We’ll get to know what actually is his objective – I doubt its just “help Luffy become Pirate King” There’s something bigger.

Shamrock either becomes a villain or exposes something about Shanks that changes every view of this man so far. “Twin storylines in manga don’t tend to round off well,” he said.

The Blackbeard battle does come to pass, but here’s the twist: I believe Shanks may be on the losing end. Not die, just get wrecked so hard Luffy has to step in. It would be an excellent way to put Luffy over his mentor and give Blackbeard some serious villain points for the endgame.

Why This All Matters

“Shanks was the mystery box of One Piece for 25+ years. We’ve gotten crumbs. Now Oda’s cracking open the vault, and considering we already know what little has been shared about his family, abilities, and place in the Final Saga. I’ll bet everything I have on 2025 and beyond as my next chance at answers.

If you have been hoping for Shanks content, it is finally time. Stay current with the Elbaf Arc chapters every new release recently has been jaw-dropping, or so to speak. And if the theories are only half accurate, we are on the verge of seeing one of the most significant characters in this show’s history finally stepping into the spotlight.

Just don’t count on him sticking around for good. That’s never been Shanks’ style.

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