One Piece’s Shanks is without a doubt one of the most beloved and mysterious characters in the entire manga. While his appearances in the story have been limited, they are often of great importance to the plot. One moment fans have been waiting for years involving the Red Hair Pirates Captain ishis inevitable reunion with Luffynow that both are world-famous figures.
Chapter #1131 of the manga might be hinting at the idea that this long-awaited event will occur soon, during the Elbaph arc of the series. This entry contains many similarities to one of the earliest but most significant events in Luffy and Shanks’ relationship: The attack of the arrogant and weak bandit Higuma. It might be possible that the series is preparing for a similar situation occurring soon, with these two charactersjoining forces to defeat the ominous Loki.
Luffy’s Conversation With Loki Mirrors His Encounter With Higuma
The Straw Hat Captain Will Never Allow Anyone To Insult His Friend
During episode #4 of theOne Pieceanime, and the very first chapter of the manga, a crucial event in Luffy’s childhood was revealed. As a child, the future Straw Hat Captain saw Shanks as an inspiration, as a man who embodied his desire to be free and travel the world. This is the reason why when Higuma, a bandit who lived near his native Foosha Village, insulted his friend, Luffy angrily defended him. His outburst caused him to fight against the criminal, an encounter that almost ended with the protagonist losing his life.
One Piece Confirms Shanks Is Roger’s True Successor And Not Luffy
Though fans have long assumed Luffy was Gol D. Roger’s successor, Shanks is actually a more qualified candidate.
In the end, he had to be rescued byShanks and his powerful crewin one of the series’ most emotive scenes. Luffy’s first encounter with Loki seems to mirror his fight against Higuma. Not only did the accursed prince of Elbaph insult his dear friend, but the Straw Hat reacted violently, using his Gear 4 transformation to try and hit the giant. With this simple action, the manga might hint at Loki becoming free at one point and attacking Luffy with the help of his followers. Shanks could come back to Elbaph unexpectedly to fight alongside his old friend.
Shanks Has Been Looking For Luffy Lately
With Bartolomeo’s Defeat, Nothing Stops The Emperor From Finding His Friend
When the Land of Wano arc came to an end, fans of theOne Piecefranchise wondered why Shanks did not attempt to meet with his friend despite being extremely close to each other. In chapter #1126, the reason behind this decision was revealed, as the Red Hair Pirates did not want to encounter Luffy untilBartolomeo was taken care of for having burnt their flag in the past. With nothing more stopping him from meeting Luffy, Shanks might be looking forward to speaking with the Straw Hat Captain.
After saving him from Higuma and the terrifying Lord of the Coast, The Red Hair Captain made his friend promise that he would returnhis iconic straw hatonce he was a great pirate. Luffy might still not be the King of the Pirates, but there is no doubt that he is among the most influential and powerful pirates in the world. With the series entering its Final Saga, it might be time for Luffy to fulfill his promise, and Elbaph might be the perfect arc for this to occur.
Shanks and Luffy Could Team Up To Beat Loki
The Red Hair Pirate Might Already Have Defeated The Prince
When Shanks was mentioned in his presence, Loki immediately began attacking the Emperor’s honor, calling him a coward and stating that he could defeat him. This statement has led many fans to believe thatthe Prince of Elbaph might have been defeated in the past by the Red Hair Captain. If the accursed fake Sun God were to be released again, which would most likely occur at some point during the current arc, it would be a great excuse to see Luffy and Shanks teaming up together.
The two Emperors of the Sea joining forces could be the only way to defeat and recapture the prince beforehis mysterious legendary Devil Fruitcauses massive damage to the world. Since chapter #1131 confirmed that Luffy does not see Shanks as an enemy, it is unlikely that he will want to fight his idol, which implies their reunion might involve Shanks learning how much more powerful his mentee has become.
Whether Shanks arrives at Elbaph as an ally to the Straw Hats or not,One Piecehas been hinting at the long-awaited reunion between the two iconic captains occurring soon.
One Piece
Cast
The One Piece anime began in 1999 and follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy with rubber-like abilities, as he embarks on a journey to find the legendary treasure “One Piece.” Inspired by the pirate Shanks, Luffy aims to become the King of the Pirates, accompanied by a diverse crew.
