One Piece: Did Luffy have foreknowledge of Shanks's arrival in Wano? Analyzed
Unveiling the thrilling twist in One Piece: Was Luffy aware of Shanks's secret presence in Wano? The surprising entrance of Shanks during the Wano arc has captivated the hearts of manga and anime enthusiasts worldwide
Shanks' sudden arrival at the end of the Wano arc in One Piece has been warmly received by fans of both the manga and the anime. Along with announcing his decision to finally pursue Gol D. Roger's legendary treasure, the Red-Hair Pirates' captain showcased his extraordinary Conqueror's Haki, which displayed its influence on his target from a considerable distance. Some fans have even dubbed it as WiFi-Haki.
This noteworthy event took place in either chapter 1055 of the manga or episode 1082 of the anime adaptation. Shanks' formidable presence in Wano had not gone unnoticed. However, it remains uncertain if Luffy recognized his old friend when he sensed the immense Haki. Nevertheless, he mentioned that a familiar face had appeared in his thoughts.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the One Piece manga.
One Piece anime implies that Luffy knew Shanks was nearby
One Piece fans got a surprise towards the end of the Wano arc when Shanks and his Red-Hair Pirates unexpectedly showed up off the coast of Wano. This happened during a grand banquet taking place in the Flower Capital, where everyone was celebrating the downfall of the tyrants, Kaido and Orochi.
The conditions were perfect for a potential reunion between Luffy and Shanks, who had been separated for countless years. Shanks had full knowledge of Luffy's presence on the island, as the news of the events that occurred in Wano had been divulged to the world by Morgan, disregarding the Five Elders' desires.
Bartolomeo as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)
The reunion was disrupted due to current events caused by the sudden popularity of the Straw Hat Pirates. One of their fans, Bartolomeo, went as far as burning Shanks' Jolly Roger and replacing it with Luffy's. Despite his desire to meet his old friend, Shanks had to prioritize maintaining the favor of those who respected him.
Before setting sail again, the Red-Hair Pirates intervened by using Shanks' powerful Conqueror's Haki to apprehend Admiral Ryokugyu. The admiral was in the midst of a battle against the Nine Red Scabbards of Wano and the newly crowned shogun, Momonosuke, just outside the Flower Capital.
Ryokugyu originally planned to capture Luffy in order to impress Fleet Admiral Akainu, especially following his humiliating defeat at the hands of Sabo during the Reverie. However, upon sensing the immense power of Shanks' Haki, Ryokugyu immediately abandoned his mission.
Ryokugyu on the receiving end of Shanks' formidable Haki in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)
Back in the Flower Capital, members of the Straw Hat Pirates, including Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Jinbe, were fully aware of the ongoing events. They kept a close eye on Momonosuke, ready to intervene if necessary. They also felt a strong and powerful Haki presence, but were unaware that it belonged to Shanks.
The manga and anime do not explicitly state whether Luffy knew Shanks was nearby. All we know is that Luffy sensed a familiar presence. In the anime, Luffy tightly held onto his straw hat and his face lit up, suggesting that he had a suspicion that Shanks had arrived to lend a helping hand. The canonical status of the anime is always debated among fans, but scenes like this help to expand important moments.
Stay tuned for more anime and manga updates as 2023 progresses.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I was thrilled to witness the unexpected arrival of Shanks in the Wano arc of One Piece. The excitement among the fandom was palpable, and it was a testament to the enduring popularity of the series. Shanks' entrance was masterfully executed, leaving fans eagerly speculating about the implications for the storyline.
The ambiguity surrounding Luffy's foreknowledge of Shanks' arrival adds depth to the narrative. While it is not explicitly confirmed, the subtle hints and Luffy's reaction suggest that he may have had an inkling of his old friend's presence. This adds an emotional layer to their anticipated reunion, which has been eagerly awaited by fans for years.
Overall, the introduction of Shanks in the Wano arc has breathed new life into the One Piece storyline. It has opened up a plethora of possibilities for future developments and has left fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this epic saga.
