One Piece: Is Shanks really evil?

This article contains spoilers for the Egghead Island story arc of One Piece.

Summary

• Shanks is a mysterious figure in the world of One Piece, being both Luffy's mentor and the Sea Emperor.

• He has shady ties to the World Government, leading some fans to believe he may be evil.

• Despite speculation, Shanks is well respected and hints that he is one of the few good pirates in history.

Since Shank's first appearance at the beginning of The One Piece one story, fans have speculated about the origins and true intentions behind Luffy's former mentor figure. Since the character appears only rarely in the story, while still having a large impact on the world, so little information has been shared about the character that One piece fans need to start filling in the blanks.

However, with the level of speculation involving Shanks, some theories are bound to be a little stranger than others. From theories about a twin brother or his true connection to Luffy in the world One pieceShanks is one of the few characters, along with Dragon, open to more speculation. This includes many things that suggest that Shanks himself is actually evil and is trying to fight or betray Luffy by the end One piece.

Shanks is a mysterious figure in One Piece

He is Luffy's idol and at the same time is connected to the world government

Shanks, like many One piece fans know, he is an important figure in Luffy's life. Shanks is Luffy's idol and role model pirate, as well as being the one who gave him his Straw Hat many years ago. However, Shanks, at the same time, is a Sea Emperor who constantly claims weaker territories to protect. In many ways, of all the other Warlords, with the exception of Whitebeard, Shanks is the most selfless and helpful Warrior in the world. One piece.

Guns are not for threatening. I'm for stocks! Are you willing to risk your life? – Shanks

At the same time, Shanks has some darker ties to the World Government One piece. It is heavily implied in the One Piece Movie: Red and throughout the story that Figarland Garling, the previous supreme commander of the Knights of God and current member of the Five Elders may be Shanks' father. At the same time, Shanks is granted special privileges when discussing matters with the Five Elders, directly implying that he has some connection to the highest positions in the World Government.

Shanks has become the snitch of One Piece

The Emperor has had some shady dealings throughout history

• Shanks' connection to the World Government makes him seem shady

• Shanks cruelly destroys enemy pirates

First, this connection with the World Government of One piece it's one of the reasons why many fans believe Shanks could be evil. Many fans in the community of One piece creating memes that constantly make fun of Shanks having private conversations with the Five Elders of the World Government, referring to him as a rat or a spy. Furthermore, many believe that he has a major plot that is brewing behind the scenes and will only be revealed towards the end of One piece.

At the same time, some fans believe he is evil due to the sheer ruthlessness with which he eliminates enemy pirates. Shanks completely decimated Captain Kid and his crew, presumably leaving him for dead. At the same time, Shanks also captured Bartolomeo and gave him an ultimatum to take poison or report Luffy, a rather cruel method. Even though it ultimately proved to be a test, Yassop, Shanks' sniper, still destroyed Bartholomew's ship as they were setting sail.

Shanks is too respected to be evil

Luffy and the giants respect Shanks for his morality

However, despite these small details, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that implies that Shanks is not evil. Shanks appears to have genuine care for Luffy, as well as the many islands he protects. Additionally, the giants of Elbaf hold Shanks in high regard, implying that he is honorable enough to have the noble giants on his side.

I'll leave this hat with you. He is dear to me. – Shanks to Luffy

Besides that, Shanks has too much respect for the former One piece The pirate king, Gol D. Roger, is evil. For Shanks, Roger is his idol and mentor. If Shanks were to do something too evil, it would go against everything Roger taught him.

Although there may be little evidence on which to form a theory One piece as for why Shanks might be evil, so far in the story, Shanks is one of the furthest pirates One piece from being bad. In many ways, Shanks is one of the few good pirates left and was the only morally good emperor before Luffy joined the fray. Unless something big happens later in the story of One pieceand it turns out his entire personality was a facade, there's almost no chance Shanks could be evil.