Shanks, One Piece’s Final Villain Hinges on Luffy, Blackbeard, and a Major Betrayal

In One Piece chapter 1121, a mysterious swordsman was revealed among the prominent figures of the Grand Line, leading to speculation that Shanks could be the ultimate enemy in the series. This theory quickly lost traction due to lack of evidence. However, there may be additional evidence in the real world that supports the idea of the Red-Hair becoming the final antagonist.

This all traces back to the beginning of Luffy’s story when he unknowingly consumed the devil fruit that was previously stolen by Shanks. As a result, Luffy inherited Shanks’ iconic Straw Hat and eventually turned against him after obtaining an awakened devil fruit. The conversation also brings Blackbeard into the mix, as he possesses the power to steal devil fruits from their rightful owners.

This article is speculative in nature and may contain potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series.

Exploring Shanks as the Final Antagonist of One Piece

The double spread as seen in the chapter (Image via Shueisha)

In chapter 1121 of One Piece, the culmination of Dr. Vegapunk’s message was revealed. The scientist predicted that the discovery of the One Piece would bring about a major change in the world. The chapter concluded with a double-spread featuring prominent figures such as Imu, the four emperors of the sea, high-ranking marine officers, and members of the Revolutionary army.

Despite the majority of the fandom believing that the mysterious silhouette holding a sword was the twin brother of Shanks, this theory of Shanks being the final antagonist of the series eventually died down as it lacked proper reasoning.

Despite initial doubts, the theory has since regained attention and support, this time with sound reasoning. As many fans may recall, Shanks’s introduction shows him witnessing Luffy consuming the Gum-Gum devil fruit without his consent. However, it is widely believed that Shanks ultimately forgave Luffy for this transgression and passed on his dream of becoming the Pirate King to him.

Shanks and Luffy as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Although the situation may vary this time, after witnessing Luffy consume the devil fruit he had taken, Shanks was compelled to assign Luffy the task of awakening its powers. This was due to his knowledge of the fruit’s true nature as the Human-Human devil fruit (Model: Nika). Despite this, it raises the question of why he would become an antagonist, especially since he is powerless to change anything after Luffy’s consumption of the fruit.

The potential alliance between Shanks and Blackbeard may hold the key, as the scar on Shanks’ face connects the two. Following the events of the Marineford war, Blackbeard’s notoriety spread globally, indicating that Shanks may have also become aware of his presence.

Shanks and Blackbeard as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

This suggests that the Straw Hat Pirates are approaching Elbaf Island while the two Emperors are summoning their respective forces. Furthermore, the enigmatic figure featured in the most recent chapter (chapter 1124) may possibly be Shanks.

It is possible that he is waiting for Luffy on Elbaf Island, not out of a desire to reunite with him since he gave him his Straw Hat, but rather to betray him and seize the awakened Nika fruit using Blackbeard’s abilities. This would result in Luffy losing his devil fruit powers and becoming an ordinary individual.

Despite this, Shanks could potentially go even further by betraying Blackbeard and ending his life in order to eliminate the threat of the Nika fruit and its concept of freedom. This act would solidify Shanks’ true identity as a Celestial Dragon, with a persona that contrasts with JoyBoy’s ideals of freedom. It is also possible that this is the reason why Shanks was able to meet with the Five Elders.

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