Shanks is no longer just the mysterious benchmark of power in One Piece. Over the last stretch of the manga, Eiichiro Oda has steadily pulled back the curtain, transforming Shanks from a legend who stood in the background into an active, terrifying force shaping the final saga. Here is everything we currently know about Shanks — canon, confirmed, and manga-backed — as of today.
Shanks’ Role in the Story Has Fundamentally Changed
For most of One Piece, Shanks functioned as an idea rather than a participant. He was the pirate Luffy admired, the man whose presence alone ended wars, and the symbol of what a “great pirate” looked like. That era is over. In the Final Saga, Shanks is no longer waiting. He has openly declared his intent to pursue the One Piece, placing him directly in competition with Luffy, Blackbeard, and the World Government. This single decision reframes everything about his character. Shanks is no longer a mentor figure standing at the finish line — he is now a rival walking toward it.
Shanks Is One of the Four Emperors — And Possibly the Most Feared
Shanks is officially one of the Four Emperors of the Sea, ruling the New World alongside the strongest pirates alive. His bounty currently stands at 4,048,900,000 Berries, placing him among the most dangerous individuals on the planet. What separates Shanks from other Emperors is not territory size or military scale, but reputation. Unlike Kaido or Big Mom, Shanks’ crew is noted for having no obvious weak links, with every core member implied to be elite-level. His influence is so significant that his mere arrival at Marineford ended the greatest war in modern pirate history without a single blow being exchanged.
His Haki Is on a Completely Different Level
The manga has now made it unmistakably clear: Shanks’ Haki may be the strongest we have ever seen. He is a supreme master of all three forms, but his Conqueror’s Haki stands in a category of its own. During the Wano aftermath, Shanks incapacitated Admiral Ryokugyu from miles away using Conqueror’s Haki alone, a moment that redefined what Haki is capable of at long range. This wasn’t intimidation — it was dominance. The series has also heavily implied that Shanks specializes in advanced Conqueror’s Haki coating, allowing him to clash directly with top-tier fighters without relying on a Devil Fruit.
Shanks Defeated Eustass Kid in Seconds
One of the most important manga moments for understanding Shanks’ true power comes during the Elbaf-related conflict, where he completely annihilated Eustass Kid. Kid, fresh off defeating Big Mom and riding the momentum of the new generation, was erased in a single decisive strike. Shanks used Divine Departure, a technique inherited from Gol D. Roger himself, instantly destroying Kid and his ship. This moment sent a clear message to the world of One Piece: Shanks is not a stepping stone. He is a wall.
His Connection to the World Government Is Real — and Dangerous
Shanks is the only known pirate who has been granted a private audience with the Five Elders, the highest authority of the World Government. This meeting confirmed that Shanks occupies a unique position in the global power structure. While his exact relationship with the Government remains unclear, it is evident that he is viewed differently from other pirates. This mystery deepened with the revelation of the Figarland family, strongly implying that Shanks is of Celestial Dragon lineage. While Shanks himself rejected that world, his bloodline may explain both his influence and the Government’s hesitation to move against him.
Shanks Has No Devil Fruit — By Choice
Unlike most top-tier fighters in One Piece, Shanks possesses no Devil Fruit abilities. Everything he has achieved comes purely from physical skill, swordsmanship, and Haki mastery. This choice makes his strength even more striking in the modern era, where Devil Fruits often define combat power. Shanks’ fighting style centers on his saber, Gryphon, and overwhelming Haki pressure, reinforcing the idea that he represents the peak of what a “pure” pirate can become without supernatural enhancements.
His Crew May Be the Most Balanced in the Series
The Red Hair Pirates are repeatedly described as the most well-rounded Yonko crew. Members like Benn Beckman, Lucky Roux, and Yasopp are treated not as subordinates, but as monsters in their own right. Beckman in particular has been portrayed as someone even Admirals treat cautiously. Unlike other crews built around a single overwhelming leader, Shanks commands loyalty through respect and equality, which may be why his crew functions with such terrifying efficiency.
His Relationship With Luffy Is Now Inevitable
Shanks’ promise to meet Luffy again once he becomes a great pirate is no longer a distant dream. With both characters actively pursuing the One Piece, their reunion is guaranteed — but it may not be friendly. Shanks serves as both Luffy’s inspiration and his final ideological test. Where Luffy represents freedom without compromise, Shanks represents responsibility, balance, and restraint. Their eventual meeting is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally loaded moments in the entire series.
Shanks Is a Final Saga Pillar, Not a Side Character
At this point in the manga, Shanks is no longer a mystery kept alive by absence. He is a central pillar of the Final Saga, actively moving pieces on the board. His power has been demonstrated, his influence confirmed, and his intentions declared. Whether he stands as an ally, obstacle, or ultimate rival to Luffy remains unclear — but what is certain is this: One Piece cannot end without Shanks standing at the center of it.
