Could it be that he’s leading Luffy towards one piece?
Shanks probably knows more about it than anyone sans Roger’s crew.
I don't know if he's leading him anywhere directly. Shanks hasn't really influenced Luffy's future save for actually providing him with the Gomu Fruit. We can see from the flashback that this and losing his arm are seemingly intentional (?).
Im not saying hes some insane mastermind, but something is off. He knows about Nika, but the question is how? The Gorosei explicitly say its a kept secret for hundreds of years, and Shanks didnt go to Laugh Tale.
Granted, yes, he seems to know more than he lets on. Hes decided now of all times to go after One Piece. So i dont think he's "leading" Luffy to it, but planning on encountering him there. Or in a more sinister way (which im not entirely sure of), takes One Piece before Luffy gets there.
But still....my question really comes down to the Gorosei scene. Without it, Id be inclined to agree about Shanks. However, the feel he posed no danger, and accepted his request to meet with them. They are not good people, and run a government built on control.
So what I don't get is his actual intention. It does seem "good" to me, but I can't help but feel there is a darker motive at play with it.
don't judge Shanks too early
Not judging him too early, his role is about getting Luffy to do something, I get that. However, it's been painted in a weird way. Usually when characters are this mysterious, they have more than they let on, and it's not for the greatest reasons.
Yes, he's great in this chapter for having the common decency to defend people who just won their fight and are exhausted, but he's still the same man who completely maimed Kid and intend to go after Barto, which is counter to what he just did for Luffy lol.
I just think that with all of that power, we are becoming naive to think Shanks is this powerful ally only who serves only as a crutch to help Luffy become PK. It's not that simple imo.