Oda Teases Shanks as One Piece’s Potential Final Villain: Signs of What’s Ahead

Recent spoilers for One Piece chapter 1126 have introduced exciting developments in the narrative, suggesting that Shanks may possess a mysterious expertise in poisons. While this chapter is anticipated to kick off the Elbaf arc, featuring the full Straw Hat Crew arriving on Elbaf, it primarily centers on character dynamics and hints at Shanks’ calculated pursuit of the coveted One Piece treasure.

Shanks has not been definitively labeled as an antagonist; instead, he is one of the most formidable and influential side characters in the series. Yet his cryptic ties to the Celestial Dragons and questionable decisions have led fans to speculate that Oda might be grooming him to become one of Luffy’s ultimate rivals.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.

One Piece: Oda Teases Shanks as the Potential Final Antagonist

Shanks as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

According to the alleged spoilers for One Piece chapter 1126, the focus shifts from the Straw Hat crew’s journey to Elbaf towards the aftermath of a confrontation involving Shanks’ crew and Bartolomeo’s crew. This crew is known to be part of Luffy’s Grand Fleet, and the encounter concluded with significant losses for Bartolomeo’s team.

Specific details remain scarce, but it appears that Shanks assigned Bartolomeo the dangerous task of delivering a lethal poison to Luffy within a month. Bartolomeo ingested the poison himself, and subsequently, Shanks disclosed that the entire scenario was a test of loyalty.

Though this poison test seems like a minor element, it may hint at a darker aspect of Shanks’ character; this moment could serve as Oda’s subtle indication of Shanks attempting to undermine Luffy.

While the confrontation doesn’t provide conclusive evidence, it signifies a clash between Shanks and Luffy’s circle. Hints of Shanks being a primary antagonist have been sprinkled throughout the story, including his direct quest for the One Piece and meetings with the Five Elders in Mary Geoise.

Fans speculate that Shanks’ possible father, Saint Figarland, rising to an Elder position could foreshadow Shanks’ eventual role as an antagonist. A showdown between Shanks and Luffy seems increasingly inevitable, given their converging objectives.

Final Thoughts

One Piece chapter 1126 is set to release on September 15, 2024, promising to unveil numerous additional details not yet present in the spoilers. Despite indications that the entire Straw Hat crew may vanish by the chapter’s conclusion, this could merely be a precursor for the introduction and exploration of the “Man marked by flames,”a figure surrounded by many fan theories over the past year.

Although the Elbaf arc hasn’t commenced, the following chapters are likely to serve as interlude episodes, establishing plot points that will eventually unfold in the upcoming arc.

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