The Untold Story of Shanks in One Piece: Unveiling His Power, Mysterious Past, and Exclusive Netflix Adaptation Updates!

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Netflix's One Piece season 1 and the manga.

Summary

Shanks, a pivotal character in One Piece, had minimal on-screen presence during the inaugural season of the live-action adaptation. He was once an apprentice of the legendary Pirate King, Gold Roger, and shared a profound bond with both Luffy and the iconic straw hat.

Shanks wields incredible power through his mastery of Haki, a unique ability in the world of One Piece. Despite never consuming a Devil Fruit, he stands as one of the series' most formidable characters.

In Netflix's One Piece season 1, the live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's beloved manga, Shanks, portrayed by Peter Gadiot, holds immense importance not only for Luffy but for the entire storyline. His powers, backstory, and influential role in Monkey D. Luffy's journey, which were largely left unexplored in the first season, are crucial in comprehending the intricate world of One Piece.

Shanks had limited screen time in the initial season of One Piece, specifically excluding the Loguetown segment within the East Blue saga. Easter eggs referencing Shanks' story were present throughout the season, yet his true identity and significance were not fully explored. Below, we will delve into Shanks' character, the commencement of his narrative, and the reasons behind his paramount importance.

Shanks Sailed With The Pirate King Before One Piece

Shanks' story in One Piece predates the events depicted in the first season of Netflix's One Piece, which began with the death of Gold Roger. Shanks, who witnessed Gold Roger's execution along with many others, was a member of the original Pirate King's crew. He served as one of Gold Roger's apprentices and sailed alongside the greatest pirate the world had ever known. Buggy the Clown, whom Luffy confronts in One Piece season 1, was also an apprentice of Gold Roger. This is why Buggy recognizes Luffy's straw hat as the one Shanks used to wear. The origins of Shanks are shrouded in mystery, as he was discovered inside a treasure chest by Gold Roger's crew.

The straw hat that eventually became Luffy's actually belonged to Gold Roger. Shanks bore a striking resemblance to Luffy during his childhood, not just because of the straw hat. Despite his young age, Shanks participated in some of the most perilous pirate ventures, gaining more experience than most adult pirates could ever imagine. Shanks remained part of Gold Roger's crew until the soon-to-be Pirate King journeyed to Raftel, also known as Laugh Tale. However, neither Shanks nor Buggy accompanied Gold Roger to the island. It was there that the One Piece treasure, which later became legendary, was uncovered.

How Shanks Knows One Piece's Luffy

Following the execution of Gold Roger and the public revelation of the One Piece, Shanks proceeded to establish his own pirate crew. Approximately ten years prior to the main events of Netflix's One Piece, Shanks pilfered a Devil Fruit from the World Government. This particular Devil Fruit, widely speculated to be the Gomo Gomu no Mi, or Gum-Gum Fruit, possessed greater significance than initially perceived. Recently, One Piece confirmed that Shanks possessed knowledge of the true nature of the stolen Devil Fruit. This notion was also hinted at in Netflix's One Piece during the flashback at Windmill Village.

Despite his formidable power, Shanks does not constantly seek out trouble. The leader of the Red-Hair Pirates values spending time with his companions and obtaining rest before embarking on new adventures. This is why Shanks and his crew spent some time in Windmill Village before resuming their seafaring endeavors. During their stay, Shanks interacted with a child named Luffy, who had aspirations of becoming a pirate. Shanks served as a role model for Luffy, not just in terms of piracy, but as a person. Netflix's One Piece exemplified this when Luffy engaged in a fight to protect his friends and echoed the same sentiments once uttered by Shanks.

What Powers Red-Haired Shanks Has

Shanks, like Luffy, possesses the ability to discern the inherent goodness in individuals and refrains from immediately resorting to violence. However, should someone inflict harm or insult upon their close companions, both Shanks and Luffy unleash their formidable powers. Shanks' exceptional character is brilliantly encapsulated by the moment he willingly sacrifices his own arm to safeguard Luffy from a ferocious sea creature, although this event unfolded with some variations in the live-action adaptation as compared to the anime. Holding unwavering faith in Luffy's potential to become an extraordinary pirate, Shanks entrusts him with the iconic straw hat that once adorned the head of the legendary Gold Roger. Despite not crossing paths during the initial season of One Piece, the destinies of Shanks and Luffy remain deeply intertwined.

Contrary to the implications of One Piece episode 2, it is important to note that Shanks does not possess any Devil Fruit powers. The method by which Shanks halted the sea monster in the One Piece flashback is accomplished through a different type of unique power within this fictional universe, known as Haki. It is essential to mention that Haki is not introduced or acknowledged in One Piece season 1, but rather introduced later in the manga. Haki, unlike Devil Fruits, can be attained through diligent training and does not rely on external factors. It is tied to the awakening of various physical and extraordinary abilities. Notably, Haki is deeply interconnected with the user's strength of will, particularly in regards to the enigmatic Conqueror's Haki.

Shanks Is A Way Bigger Deal Than Netflix's One Piece Reveals

The Conqueror’s Haki holds immense significance in the realm of One Piece, being both exceedingly rare and remarkably puissant. By exerting their unwavering determination upon an adversary, users of this technique can effortlessly subdue them, effectively compelling them to yield to the user's indomitable will. Shanks, devoid of any Devil Fruit abilities, derives his formidable might from his adept mastery of Haki. His unparalleled control over his own mental fortitude and physical prowess renders him one of the most formidable figures in the world of One Piece. Shanks' exceptional proficiency in swordsmanship stands as yet another testament to his unrivaled capabilities, comparable even to celebrated characters such as Mihawk.

For those unfamiliar with the One Piece manga or anime, Shanks may appear insignificant in Netflix's One Piece. Shanks only makes brief appearances in a few scenes of the live-action adaptation, mainly as part of Luffy's origin story flashbacks. This aligns with the original story, where Shanks' true significance is revealed later in the manga. As a recurring joke in One Piece, Shanks is known to appear once a year in the anime and then disappear. To delve into Shanks' past and his experiences after leaving Windmill Village, the upcoming seasons of One Piece, particularly season 2 and beyond, should explore further.

How Netflix's One Piece Has Changed Shanks In Live-Action

Shanks ascends to the esteemed rank of one of the Four Emperors, who, together with the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the Marines, wield authority over the expansive realm of One Piece. It is through the delicate equilibrium between these three forces that the intricate machinery of the One Piece world successfully operates. Being confirmed as one of the Four Emperors is tantamount to proclaiming Shanks as one of the four preeminent pirates in the entire One Piece universe within this specific juncture of the narrative.

Some changes were made to the manga in Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece, particularly with regards to the character Shanks. In the live-action version, Shanks appears slightly older during the execution of Gold Roger, which differs from the original story. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding Shanks' loss of his arm were altered in the live-action series. Instead of swimming to rescue Luffy like in the manga, Shanks now embarks on a boat to save him, managing to protect Luffy by using Haki to subdue the sea beast. This contrasts with the original manga where Shanks swims to Luffy, pulling him away from the creature at the cost of losing his arm.

In the manga, Shanks informs Luffy that his crew will be searching for the One Piece after departing Windmill Village. However, in the One Piece Season 1, this scene is altered to Shanks suggesting that his pirates have stayed in Windmill Village for an extended period and should return to the sea. The first season did include an important moment where Shanks discovers from Mihawk that Luffy has become the most wanted pirate in East Blue. If there is a One Piece Season 2, Shanks' storyline will continue to be developed in the live-action adaptation, although his screen time may still be limited.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.