The One Piece series has been nothing short of an exhilarating show of battles, a roller coaster of emotions, and a thrilling experience of true freedom.
We owe all of these adventures Luffy got us through to one prominent figure and mentor back to Foosha village, said Red-Haired Shanks. Like a log pose, Shanks pointed the piracy direction to Luffy, totally acknowledging his model role.
As fan theories and speculations often lead to a part of the truth unveiled, we seek answers to the recent burning question: « Will Shanks die? ».
In this post, we are examining the evidence of the eventual death of one of the series’ most iconic figures – Shanks.
We know death to be treacherous waters to One Piece. However, fear not, for I am your guide through this perilous odyssey, a devoted explorer of the One Piece universe since 2008.
So, enough talking, and let’s embark!!!
What raises doubts about Shanks’ destiny?
Red-Haired Shanks is undeniably a tremendous legend, head and shoulders above famous pirates.
As the only former Emperor of the current Quatuor after the death of Kaido and Big Mom, his few appearances proved him to be a quite skilled fighter.
No one could forget that he was a significant factor in the end of the Summit War, or that he was respected by the aforementioned emperors.
How many of them are capable of immobilizing an Admiral from afar with their overwhelming Haki, one-shotting Eustass Kid, or even stalling attacks with Whitebeard?
With all these factors in mind, it’s almost inconceivable that Shanks would die in battle. But who could have predicted the tragic fate of Whitebeard or Oden?
As is usually the case in history, circumstances play a major role in a character’s fate.
Now that we’ve considered that possibility, let’s focus on the reasons for such a dramatic event involving Shanks.
The Mentor’s Legacy Plot Curse
When it comes to shonen anime and manga, mentor figures often play a pivotal role in the protagonist’s journey, especially through death.
Think of Hiriluk, Professor Clover, Corazon in One Piece, or even Jiraiya in Naruto, and Kaito in Hunter x Hunter.
Most of these characters are the narrative significance of mentor figures sacrificing themselves for their apprentices.
This commits the latter to getting stronger for a possible avenge or triggers a revolution in their pupil’s personality.
The greater the bond, the stronger and revolutionizing the sorrow.
Sadly enough, Shanks could fit into this pattern: the dying godfather transferring his will to the young Emperor Luffy. We have been given to see how impactful Ace’s death was on Luffy’s thrive.
I wonder how many time skips it would take this time.
Jokes aside, the plot is highly inferring that Shanks would follow this well-trodden path.
Passing the Torch: Gol D. Roger smile
The One Piece narrative thrives on the concept of inherited legacies, and lineage has immense significance.
Remember the little newborn that was entrusted to Garp before a historic execution? His name was Ace D. Portgas.
The sacrifice of Gol D. Roger played a pivotal role in setting Ace on the trail of piracy, as a legacy.
And this is likely to happen again. One question remains: « Who is the heir?
Could it be that Makino’s child is his own descendant?
Since the appearance of Makino and her child, there has been speculation that the child is Shanks’ son.
If so, Shanks’ death could serve to pass on his legacy to his descendants, creating a powerful link between his past and the future of the series.
This child, wearing Luffy’s straw hat, could follow in his father’s footsteps and become a key character in the rest of the story.
Only time will tell.
The Blackbeard Showdown
The clash between Shanks and Blackbeard is one of the most anticipated moments in One Piece.
As we analyze Blackbeard’s history, we find eerie parallels between characters whose actions led to significant character deaths in the series.
Thus, is Blackbeard destined to be the one to bring Shanks to his end?
Intriguing, right? But frightening too.
Who doesn’t remember the bitter revelation about Shanks’ scar origin. Though he was not as strong as he is now, neither was Blackbeard.
The latter could very well be his executioner, proving his rise to power by eliminating one of the original Emperors. Get ready for some All-for-One (from the My Hero Academia series) vibes from Teach.
This battle would be epic and moving, marking a major turning point in the history of One Piece.
And, whenever Shanks loses, it will accelerate the final confrontation between Luffy and Blackbeard.
The Downside of Haki
The last, but not least theory about Shanks doesn’t rely on any strong foe, but on the overuse of his key asset: the Haki.
Shanks is known to wield a unique form of haki. Could it be that this immense power comes at a price?
We have already encountered a case similar to Shanks, who possessed a more submissive Haki, said Gol D. Roger.But after a few years, he developed an illness of unknown origin.
Would we conclude that unique haki, unknowingly using vital energy, pushes one’s body to its limits? Such a revelation would shed light on the precarious balance between great strength and great weakness.
Thus, Shanks’ use of Haki would cause his health to deteriorate to the point where he would be forced to retire or eventually die if he continued to push.
Certainly, Red-Haired would find a way to die proudly like his mentor.
Will Shanks die soon? Final words :
As we near the end of our journey, we’ve traversed theories and examined the impact of mentorship, lineage, and rivalry in the One Piece universe.
Rest assured, it’s not masochistic to wonder about a character’s eventual death. Rather, it is realistic, as it helps to face it and truly admire the remarkable turn of the story beyond the grief.
The fate of Shanks remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – legends often bow out to pave the way for even
greater ones to be born. Like an intertwined relay race.
Until we set sail again, may the wind be at your back and the treasure within your grasp.
Keep sailing, Otakus!
