For years, Shanks has stood as a symbol of honor, charisma, and the mysterious calm of One Piece’s chaotic world. However, a significant segment of the fanbase has long questioned whether this red-haired emperor is hiding something more sinister. In this article, we’ll examine some of the most popular fan theories claiming Shanks is a villain — and compare them to the latest manga developments to see which ones still hold water.
Theory #1: Shanks is Collaborating with the World Government
Perhaps the most notorious scene fueling this theory comes from Shanks’ unexpected appearance at Mary Geoise, where he speaks directly to the Five Elders (Gorosei). This encounter shocked fans — what is a Yonko doing in the holy land of the Celestial Dragons? Some theorists claim this shows Shanks is secretly aligned with the government, acting as a balance or puppet behind the scenes. However, since the content of that conversation is still unknown, this theory remains open-ended.
Theory #2: He Always Shows Up at Critical Moments — Too Convenient?
From stopping the Paramount War to influencing key players like Whitebeard and Luffy, Shanks seems to appear only when it matters most. This has led some fans to suspect he’s subtly shaping the world to his own design. Still, this could simply be narrative design — as a key player, his presence during big moments is natural.
Theory #3: Shanks is a Celestial Dragon (Tenryuubito)
One of the wildest yet enduring theories is that Shanks is actually a Celestial Dragon, using his status and connections to move freely between pirate and political worlds. His refined manner, lack of bounty increases, and special privileges have fueled this idea. However, there is zero canonical evidence to support this claim — it’s a stretch, but entertaining nonetheless.
Theory Verdicts
– Government Collaborator: Plausible, but inconclusive.
– Strategic Appearances: Logical, but may be coincidence or storytelling.
– Celestial Dragon Theory: Popular, but lacking hard evidence.
Conclusion: Is Shanks a Villain?
At this point in the manga, there is no solid evidence to label Shanks as a villain. If anything, his actions — like saving Luffy, preventing wars, and advocating for peace — suggest a complicated but ultimately benevolent figure. Still, One Piece has taught us to question everything. If Shanks does have hidden motives, the truth will undoubtedly shake the world. Follow ‘Kousatsu Answers’ for more theory breakdowns and answers to the fandom’s biggest questions!