Recently it feels like Shanks is getting a lot less love from the fandom, people had no problem putting him as the strongest for the longest possible time and now he is sometimes not even in the Top 3. What is the point of Shanks and the RHPs in the story? Why has Oda only shown him very slightly from time to time? He has been involved in quite some stuff offscreen and onscreen.
Character Discussion What is the purpose of Shanks and RHPs in the story?
- Thread starter Blazing Lion
- Start date
Which fandom shows Shanks less love? You mean the clowns in this forum? That like 5-10 people circle jerking and patting each others back. Shanks just won a strongest poll in Japan beating freaking Roger.
Regarding their role, the obvious one is getting beaten by Blackbeard. But that would be too predictable and I am starting to think Shanks' crew might be used to fight a different faction of antagonists.
Regarding their role, the obvious one is getting beaten by Blackbeard. But that would be too predictable and I am starting to think Shanks' crew might be used to fight a different faction of antagonists.
To establish Luffy as underdog once again vs BB who after having beaten Shanks will be elevated.
And of course give the BB vs Luffy fight another emotional layer that it currently does not have based on Luffy´s reaction to BB so far.
And while Shanks by himself is not a fully fleshed out character, his role as mentor for Luffy and his importance for him have been established pretty well (even more than Ace´s significance for Luffy before his death), so it´s gonna hit hard.
And of course give the BB vs Luffy fight another emotional layer that it currently does not have based on Luffy´s reaction to BB so far.
And while Shanks by himself is not a fully fleshed out character, his role as mentor for Luffy and his importance for him have been established pretty well (even more than Ace´s significance for Luffy before his death), so it´s gonna hit hard.
I personally think that Oda would surpass himself in shitty writing after Wano ending if he makes Shanks only real appearance be a hype tool for BB. To me Shanks is sort of like Gandalf where he is getting involved in all sorts of things.
Meeting WB to stop Ace
Stopping Kaido before MF
Stopping the MF war
Meeting the Gorosei at MJ about that pirate
Stopping GB in Wano
Setting out for OP
Meeting WB to stop Ace
Stopping Kaido before MF
Stopping the MF war
Meeting the Gorosei at MJ about that pirate
Stopping GB in Wano
Setting out for OP
Or they ARE antagonists. Not straight up evil villains mind you but people that will get in Luffy's way eventually. Go back and read every Shanks scene since 902/903. Something is definitely off about the character. Oda has made these subtle things noticeable that allowed peoppe to guess Kanjuro's betrayal.
Honestly, it kind of baffles me that people think Shanks vs BB is this massively set up thing, moreso than Luffy and Shanks.
Lets go back to where this shit originates:
1. Luffy's intent to actually fight Shanks:
2. His reaction to Luffy's 1.5 billion bounty. You cant tell me the author draws straight up allies this way without any actual sense of competition or ulterior motive:
3. His clear connection to the WG. In any context, it does not make sense. If its about BB, why even talk to the WG? Him being a threat to WG stability is just as bad as Luffy. Both lead to its destruction. Hell, finding One Piece is exactly what they are trying to prevent:
4. This scene (and the scene before it about Shanks blatantly stating he'll attack Barto)....
5. Not to mention the now known facts that he's likely a WG Royal Family member ("Fearland Family"l, was found on God Valley (where CDs used to also reside), has a weird scene with Roger where hes crying over something and we are never told (supporting hidden motivation), AND the fact that Oda has stated Shanks has his own plans for the New Era.
Im not saying BB and Shanks arent inherently tied together, but it makes little sense at this point for BB to repeat the same exact shit with Shanks that hes doing with Law, or if even theres this idea that BB would win considering every ridiculously notable feat Shanks has in this story. I could post 5 more examples of that if need be.
Tldr: People are fucking in denial about how strong Shanks is and what he represents in this story to the MC. There is very clear endgame motifs thrown around with the character that people are blatantly missing.
Honestly, it kind of baffles me that people think Shanks vs BB is this massively set up thing, moreso than Luffy and Shanks.
Lets go back to where this shit originates:
1. Luffy's intent to actually fight Shanks:
2. His reaction to Luffy's 1.5 billion bounty. You cant tell me the author draws straight up allies this way without any actual sense of competition or ulterior motive:
3. His clear connection to the WG. In any context, it does not make sense. If its about BB, why even talk to the WG? Him being a threat to WG stability is just as bad as Luffy. Both lead to its destruction. Hell, finding One Piece is exactly what they are trying to prevent:
4. This scene (and the scene before it about Shanks blatantly stating he'll attack Barto)....
5. Not to mention the now known facts that he's likely a WG Royal Family member ("Fearland Family"l, was found on God Valley (where CDs used to also reside), has a weird scene with Roger where hes crying over something and we are never told (supporting hidden motivation), AND the fact that Oda has stated Shanks has his own plans for the New Era.
Im not saying BB and Shanks arent inherently tied together, but it makes little sense at this point for BB to repeat the same exact shit with Shanks that hes doing with Law, or if even theres this idea that BB would win considering every ridiculously notable feat Shanks has in this story. I could post 5 more examples of that if need be.
Tldr: People are fucking in denial about how strong Shanks is and what he represents in this story to the MC. There is very clear endgame motifs thrown around with the character that people are blatantly missing.
His purpose may be what we saw in chapter one - saving Luffy by sacrificing himself.
In chapter 1, he saved him from @Lor D. Coast but in the end, he might save him from Sea Kings.
Hypnosis is a thing, whether through Jango or Lafitte but it is there. Lafitte is very convenient as well.
Brainwashed Shirahoshi using the power of Poseidon and attacking Luffy and Shanks gives his life to save don Luffione...
Not good enough.
In chapter 1, he saved him from @Lor D. Coast but in the end, he might save him from Sea Kings.
Hypnosis is a thing, whether through Jango or Lafitte but it is there. Lafitte is very convenient as well.
Brainwashed Shirahoshi using the power of Poseidon and attacking Luffy and Shanks gives his life to save don Luffione...
Not good enough.