One Pieceis known for weaving numerous mysteries into its narrative while resolving only a few along the way. However, with the series now in its final saga, many long-standing questions are finally being answered. The latest revelation revolves around the popular and fan-favorite character,Shanks, and his so-called “evil version.“Ever since Shanks was shown meeting the Five Elders during the Levely Arc, fans have been analyzing and speculating about this darker side of his character.
With the appearance ofFigarland Garling, a member of the world’s nobles, and his past depiction bearing a striking resemblance to Shanks, fans began speculating that the individual who appeared before the Five Elders might not have been Shanks but rather his evil twin. With the release ofOne PieceChapter #1137,all doubts have been put to rest. The series confirms the popular fan theory by introducing this enigmatic version of Shanks as Shamrock, Figarland’s son and an entirely different person, confirming that Shanks never had a dark past.
One Piece Introduces Shamrock, the Presumed Evil Twin of Shanks Fans Speculated About for Years
From One Piece Chapter #1137, “Introducing Shamrock”
InOne Piece’s current arc, Shanks' evil counterpart is shown intruding on Elbaf, revealed to be on a mission to recruit Loki into becoming a world noble. However, with Loki’s repeated rejections,One PieceChapter #1137confirms that this enigmatic figure is Shamrock Garling,the son of Figarland Garling, as he reveals his intention to discard Loki. Fans had long speculated about this connection since Figarland’s younger version was depicted with a striking resemblance to Shanks, and now it has been officially confirmed.
Shamrock is also revealed to be the Captain of God’s Knights, having replaced his father, who has since become one of the Five Elders. While the popular theory suggesting that Shamrock is Shanks' evil twin and the son of Figarland Garling has partially been confirmed with the latter revelation, the possibility of their connection as twins could also soon be unveiled. Given that Shanks' heritage has never been fully explained, it seems entirely plausible that he is, in fact, Figarland’s son who was abandoned,as hinted inOne Piece Film: Redand its companion manga.
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Regardless of what Shanks' lineage might uncover, it is clear that he is not playing a double-sided character but remains true to the person he has always been depicted as. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility ofShanks having a darker side, as the series has already dropped numerous hints suggesting its existence, with him possibly also fighting Luffy.
Shanks Isn’t as Kind as Fans Think Him to Be
The Emperor Has Shown a Ruthless Nature More Than Once
Despite Shanks' modest portrayal, fans often forget that he is a fearsome pirate and one of the Emperors of the Sea. To uphold his reputation as a pirate and his position as an emperor,One PiecedepictedShanks and his crew confronting Bartolomeoand his crew for their rebellious act. Just when it seemed Shanks might let Bartolomeo escape, as fans hoped due to his modest demeanor, he and his crew wiped out the entire group with a single, decisive strike,confirming Shanks' ruthless nature as a pirate.
Given Shanks' status as a fearsome pirate, it is clear that he achieved his position through ruthlessness when necessary. With Shanks now declaring his intention to pursue the One Piece, the ultimate treasure, his path is destined to cross with Luffy’s as rivals for the same goal. A confrontation between the two, long anticipated by fans inOne Piece, might take place after all, with Shanks also revealing his warrior spirit and ruthless nature in a clash against Luffy.
