Fans Have Already Met One Piece’s Man Marked by Flames and He Confirms the Biggest Shanks Theory

Despite its scheduled release date of August 5, 2024, the raw scans for One Piece chapter 1122 have already been revealed. Additionally, the chapter reveals the Straw Hat Pirates’ successful escape from Egghead Island, marking the end of an incredible arc and hinting at the beginning of the potential final arc as they continue their journey towards the grand treasure.

Referring to the great treasure, there remains one missing element necessary to reach One Piece. This particular component is currently possessed by the Man Marked by the Flames. The man has encountered the Five Elders and based on the author’s statement at Jump Festa, it is likely that this individual has already been introduced and the Straw Hat Pirates may be approaching him.

Please note that this article includes the author’s opinion and may contain spoilers from the One Piece manga series.

One Piece: Exploring the Identity of the Man Marked by the Flames

The Blackbeard Pirates mentioning the man marked by the flames (Image via Shueisha)

The enigmatic figure known as the Man Marked by the Flames has been referenced by many pirates throughout history. Following their victory against Kaido and while discussing their future plans, Captain Kid playfully alluded to this individual and claimed that they possess the final Poneglyph.

During a conversation among the Blackbeard Pirates, Shiryu provided a more comprehensive account of this individual, who could potentially have ties to the World Government and sail on a dark pirate vessel. Additionally, he possesses the ability to generate whirlpools, likely attributed to a devil fruit power.

The two-page spread as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

In the latest chapter of One Piece, number 1121, Vegapunk’s speech concluded with a two-page panel featuring renowned scientists and their claims that discovering the grand treasure would alter the course of the world’s destiny. Apart from the familiar figures shown in the two-page spread, there was also a mysterious character depicted as a silhouette.

According to Vegapunk’s statement, the individual who could potentially discover the One Piece could be among those depicted in the silhouette, possibly the Man Marked by the Flames. This character could play a significant role in the series’ final saga, but their true identity and potential introduction in the past remains a mystery.

During Jump Festa 2024, Eiichiro Oda made a statement about an upcoming fight between two individuals, but refrained from revealing their identities. It is speculated that these two could possibly be the highly-discussed twin brothers, Shanks and his sibling.

Despite being adversaries, the Gorosei and Shanks met in episode 887 in a somewhat awkward exchange that hinted at the Gorosei’s respect for the pirate. This seemed paradoxical given the World Government’s stance against piracy, as it would be illogical for the leaders of the government to hold Shanks in high regard.

Shanks' twin meeting the Gorosei as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation) — Shanks’ twin meeting the Gorosei as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

It is possible that this individual is Shanks’ doppelgänger, bearing a striking resemblance to him. However, unlike Shanks who became a pirate after being discovered by the Roger Pirates in a chest, this person’s life may have taken a different path as a high-ranking Celestial Dragon, much like their father, and potentially even a God Knight. It is likely that a long-standing conflict between the two could come to a head, leading to a final showdown between Shanks’ twin and the Straw Hats.

During the Jump Festa 2024, Oda referred to both individuals as “persons”instead of using their names. This was due to the fact that they were twins, and as the name of Shanks’ twin has not yet been disclosed, the author did not want to diminish the excitement by revealing it too soon.