One Piece: Oda Teases Revelations about Shanks's Family

Shanks, a beloved character in One Piece, has long been awaited by fans for a more prominent role. Although present from the beginning, he was not as involved as fans had hoped. Despite being a fan favorite, his significance in the story was limited to the final saga of the series. Consequently, Shanks was largely sidelined throughout the majority of the narrative. However, as One Piece enters its final saga, it is finally time for Shanks to take center stage. In recent times, fans have been discovering more about Shanks's character, and the latest One Piece chapter even hints at the possibility of him having siblings.

Shanks's Birth In One Piece

The origins of Shanks were a long-standing enigma in One Piece. However, as the Wano story approached its conclusion, author Oda began teasing details about Shanks's past. One Piece Film Red unveiled significant information, including Shanks's family name, birth circumstances, and upbringing. In the early parts of the series, Shanks mentioned his hometown was situated in the West Blue, but details regarding his birthplace and family remained elusive. This changed with One Piece Film Red, bringing much-needed clarity to the matter.

The revelation that Uta is Shanks's daughter suggested a potential connection to the Figarland Family. The Five Elders suspected Uta to be Shanks's legitimate child, indicating his affiliation with the Figarland Family and potentially making him a Celestial Dragon. Although information about Shanks's parents is limited at present, it is evident that his father is Saint Garling Figarland. Saint Garling, introduced as the leader of the Holy Knights, possesses immense strength, capable of judging and even eliminating regular Celestial Dragons. He survived the Garden Valley Incident, showcasing his prowess. Notably, Saint Garling bears a striking resemblance to Shanks, further affirming their blood relation. The confirmation of Saint Garling as Shanks's father has left fans eagerly anticipating their future interactions.

In addition, Shanks' origin was further revealed when it was discovered that he was born in the West Blue. The exact circumstances of his birth are still unknown, as it was expected that he would have been born in the Holy Land of Marijoa since Saint Garling was a member of the Founding 20 families. However, 38 years ago, Shanks was on the island of God Valley during a catastrophic event where powerful pirates, including Captain Rocks, attempted to seize the island's treasure. The Marines, led by Garp, also arrived at the island, resulting in a major battle that led to the death of Captain Rocks and the dissolution of the Rocks Pirates crew.

Interestingly, Shanks was found by the Roger Pirates inside a treasure chest on the island. Instead of riches, they discovered a baby and chose to adopt him. Over time, Shanks became Roger's apprentice. This explains why Shanks considers the West Blue as his place of origin, although it is unclear if he was actually born there.

Garling's Other Children

Shanks is not the sole offspring of Saint Garling, as evident in One Piece after episode 1096. On the island of God Valley, numerous formidable individuals clashed, attracting powerful pirates from around the globe who sought the treasures of the Native Hunting Games. The Rocks Pirates and the Roger Pirates took center stage in this event. Prior to the arrival of the pirates, the Native Hunting Games were already in progress, led by St. Garling himself. Interestingly, in a particular panel, Saint Garling is seen instructing his children on how to participate in the Native Hunting Games.

Initially, fans thought that Saint Garling was demeaning the other Celestial Dragons by referring to them as children, implying that their abilities were childish compared to his own. However, it is important to consider the potential for lost translation. In the Japanese version, Garling's choice of words and tone suggests that he is speaking to children in a gentle manner. It is possible that Garling had his own children present on God Valley, which aligns with the presence of Shanks on the island as well.

Where Are Shanks's Siblings?

Considering all factors, it can be presumed that every one of Saint Garling's offspring were present on the island of God Valley, 38 years in the past. Consequently, Shanks was left behind and subsequently discovered by Roger who nurtured him to become a formidable pirate. In the meantime, Saint Garling's other children, who remain unfamiliar to fans, were likely kept secure and returned to Marijoa. The number of Shanks' siblings remains unknown. It is plausible that there might be only one sibling, nevertheless, the possibility of there being more cannot be ruled out. The existence or status of these siblings is currently undisclosed.

Oda will not introduce these characters and then forget about them; they will likely play a role in the story soon. Given Shanks' involvement in the Final Saga, it will be interesting to learn about his relationship with his siblings and their personalities. It is possible that these powerful characters are now members of the Holy Knights, and fans may see them in action against the Revolutionary Army. Fortunately, it seems that fans won't have to wait long to witness these events.

Fans can read One Piece officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps, provided by Viz Media. The next chapter, One Piece 1097, is scheduled for release on November 5, 2023.

One Piece

One Piece is a manga series created by Eiichiro Oda from Japan. It revolves around the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, known as the Straw Hat Pirates, as they explore the treacherous Grand Line in search of the legendary treasure, the One Piece. Their ultimate goal is to claim this treasure and become the next ruler of the pirates. Apart from the manga, One Piece has gained enormous popularity and has expanded into various forms of media, including an anime adaptation that boasts over 1,000 episodes.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the recent revelations regarding Shanks's family in One Piece. The character has always been a fan favorite, and it's exciting to finally learn more about his backstory. The possibility of Shanks having siblings adds another layer of intrigue to the story, and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

The reveal of Shanks's father, Saint Garling Figarland, also raises some interesting questions about his lineage. Is Shanks a Celestial Dragon? And if so, how will this affect his role in the story? I'm also curious to learn more about the circumstances of Shanks's birth and how he ended up being adopted by the Roger Pirates. Overall, I'm very excited about the future of the One Piece story and can't wait to see what Oda has in store for Shanks and his family.