Among the plethora of characters that make up the One Piece storyline, one of a kind stands out in terms of fame and mystery, said Shanks the Red-Haired.
As the plotline is reaching its climax, more details – from the latest chapters to exclusive real-life hints – are implemented to clear one of the mysteries burning on the entire fanbase’s lips: “Is Shanks a Celestial Dragon?”
As you’ve probably guessed, we are going to delve into the evidence of the theory stating Shanks to be a Celestial Dragon, and gauge its plausibility with some counterarguments.
I’ll lead you through this adventure that has put on fire in the soul of a passionate fan that I am, since 2008.
This moment will be graved in your memory, as the one where we, together unveiled a massive foreshadowing of One Piece.
Without further ado, let’s sail !!!
Overview of Celestial Dragons
Head and shoulders above the World Government, the entire structure of One Piece’s world is ruled by a royal caste, auto-claimed as the guarantor of the world and acknowledged as gods.
They are the World Nobles, also known as Tenryūbitos.
After destroying the Ancient Great Kingdom, the alliance of the 20 kingdoms attested themselves, and their progeny as the highest authorities in the world, then responsible for laws and prominent decisions.
Even the Five Elders, who are also Celestial Dragons, are devoted to the will of their likes.
And, their godly residence is the Holy Land Mary Geoise, after the tragedy of God Valley, which we’re going to talk about later.
As expected, a great majority of the Celestial Dragons are racists to an unimaginable extent.
They even wear special helmets not to breathe the same air as “mere humans”, and can buy slaves during some “shopping events”.
Come to think of the rumors of babies being executed because they held the sight of those godly-ish, and despicable nobles, in Chapter 497/ Episode 391.
Funny fact: the lineage of the Nefertaris also belongs to the Celestial Dragons cast but their ancestors decided not to move to Mary Geoise.
Evidence supporting the theory
As we delve into the enigma that is Shanks, one cannot help but be intrigued by his mysterious past.
Unlike other characters in the One Piece series, little is known about Shanks’ origins and family background.
This lack of information and other related evidence has sparked numerous theories among fans, with some speculating that he might be a Celestial Dragon.
By the way, have you ever wondered about Luffy as an unacknowledged Celestial Dragon?
Here are some details that buy credibility to the theory:
The incident of God Valley
Throughout the story of One Piece, a few pieces of information have been sprinkled about a notable event, as striking for its audacity as for its consequences: the Incident of God Valley.
For the first time in history, humans – in the person of the phenomenal Rocks D. Xebec and his crew – rebelled against the god-ish figures of the world, the Celestial Dragons.
We just knew that the Marines, incapable of protecting their gods by themselves, made a deal with Gol D. Roger. Justice ended up winning and the Oro Jackson sailed to new horizons with some of the treasures of the island.
The most interesting part is that this event has a meaningful link with Shanks’ shady origins, especially the way it was released.
Exclusively in Japan, the first three million attendees were given the Volume 4000000000, a special volume relating the very first introduction of Shanks to the plotline.
This short volume confirmed that the Roger’s Pirates found Shanks in a chest, among the treasures they brought from God Valley.
This detail lends credence to the theory, inferring that some nobles probably hid their newborn in this chest, in a last attempt to save his life.
The Figarland family
Taking a closer look at the events of the movie “One Piece Red”, we got further insight with his plausible last name: “Figarland”.
There was a scene where the members of the Gorosei, worried about the potentially dangerous popularity of Uta across the world, were planning her elimination.
But one of them brought up her membership in the Figarland Family, whereupon they totally cleared up the idea of her execution.
It would be impossible to kill a Celestial Dragon since Uta was known to be his biological daughter.
Moreover, the existence of the Figarland was confirmed recently in Chapter 1086, along with the mysterious God’s Knights.
Stay up to date, the series is reaching its end!
Shanks’ intervention at Marineford
Another compelling piece of evidence supporting the theory of Shanks being a Celestial Dragon lies in how he interrupted the Summit War.
We remember that Shanks threatened to take part in the war if they didn’t stop it then. To which Sengoku said that he will accept his request, only because “it was him”.
Although Shanks was strong enough to turn the tables at that right moment, only a Celestial Dragon would have such a privilege to make this confrontation meet its end.
If Shanks were to meddle, any force of the World Government wouldn’t dare to lay a finger on those they’re meant to protect.
Furthermore, we know that Shanks, even being a pirate, is the first one to have gotten a private interview with the Gorosei. This highly infers his noble bloodline.
Shanks’ hair color
From the first time the Celestial Dragons made an appearance, a remarkable detail was common to them: their hair color.
Even if every character with a unique hair color isn’t a World Noble, let’s note that every World Noble has a distinguished natural hair color. From the bright blue of Nefertari Vivi to the blond hair of Doflamingo.
Counterarguments against the theory
For every theory, there are also counterarguments to balance the whole thing up and gauge how realistic they are.
One of them is the fact that the last name of Shanks hasn’t been yet attested, and it’s still theorized.
On another hand, most of the movies of One Piece and the other licenses of the Shonen world are non-canon. That’s the reason why we are still waiting for approval from the uncontested master Oda.
Is Shanks a Celestial Dragon? Final word
In summary, the theory that Shanks is a Celestial Dragon in One Piece has sparked speculation among fans.
While certain elements such as the God Valley incident, Shanks’ intervention in Marineford, and his interactions with the World Government support this idea, it remains unconfirmed. But regarding these clues, this theory is highly likely to be plausible.
The mystery surrounding Shanks adds intrigue to the storyline and leaves fans eagerly awaiting future developments to uncover the truth.
By the time confirmation raises, keep sailing Otakus!
