One Piece creator confirms big plans for Shanks in the final saga
One Piece, the famous world-conquering manga and anime juggernaut from Eiichiro Oda, is moving into its final climactic Final Saga. As the series begins to wrap up after more than 25 years, Oda has gone on record to confirm what Long Ring Long Land fans have been hoping for all along —Shanks, the red-haired swashbuckler who launched Luffy's adventure, will be a central, pivotal player in the saga's last arc.
This announcement has sparked new global enthusiasm, particularly for the old-school fans that have been waiting decades to finally see Shanks in action. For returnees, it's an excellent opportunity to delve into one of the most groundbreaking tales in anime history.
Who exactly is Shanks in One Piece the mysterious pirate who inspired Luffy's dream
Shanks is one of the most important and enigmatic characters in all of One Piece. He's the pirate who, through his adventures, inspired a young Monkey D.
Luffy to pursue his own dream of becoming the Pirate King. Shanks is responsible for giving Luffy his signature straw hat—the very same hat previously owned by the infamous Gol D. Roger.
For all of his pivotal role in the story, Shanks has only appeared sporadically over the course of the narrative. A founding member of the Yonko, the four most powerful pirates in the world, Shanks is characterized by his easy-go-lucky attitude, overwhelming strength, and mysterious intentions. Fans have long argued over which side they should take: is Shanks the washed-up hero, the fateful guardian figure, or the creepy predator?
Eiichiro Oda says it loud and clear: Shanks will dominate the final saga
In a recently resurfaced 1998 quote, Oda stated:
'When Shanks appears frequently in the manga, you can assume that One Piece has entered the Final Saga.'
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Certainly, that prophecy has come true.
In the last few chapters, Shanks has appeared in consecutive chapters, proving Oda's decade-plus plan true. The red-haired pirate isn't just back — he's front and center . As far as Oda's concerned, Shanks has been one of the biggest players pushing the story's action forward and he'll play a direct role when it comes time to clash over the One Piece treasure, the Void Century's secrets and perhaps the world's fate.
Shanks was always waiting—for
Nika
, for Luffy, and for the new era
Throughout the Wano arc, fans discovered that Luffy's Devil Fruit was not the Gomu Gomu no Mi—it was the Mythical Zoan Fruit, which is related to the Sun God Nika, a freedom-loving warrior of legend. In retrospect, it is now obvious that Shanks was aware of Nika the whole time.
From his mysterious dealings with the Five Elders to his knowing smile at Luffy awakening his full powers, Shanks's every action indicates that he's been biding his time—for Nika, and for Luffy—to free the world.
Shanks is not just an ally—He may be Luffy's biggest rival
We've seen Oda develop Shanks for more than the purpose of simply being this mentor archetype, rather one of the final big challenges—or allies—that Luffy will encounter. Some diehard fans think Shanks is protecting the last island, Laugh Tale, while others think he'll confront Luffy and try to halt his progress to save the balance of the world.
There are even fan theories that Shanks is actually working for the World Government, which would make him not only a hero, but one of the most dangerous characters in the series.
Might he be the final obstacle standing between the Pirate King and the throne? All of this will be disclosed in the Final Saga.
Egghead arc confirms Shanks's role among the 'main players'
In this most recent arc on Egghead Island, it was Dr. Vegapunk's transmission to the world that set off a chain reaction around the globe. Shortly after his announcement, the manga introduced the main characters of the Final Saga—Luffy, Blackbeard, the Revolutionary Army, the World Government, and Shanks.
This eventual visual confirmation raises Shanks to a joint level of importance with the protagonist himself. Oda is sending a message loud and clear here: Shanks will not merely serve as a moral lodestar for the story. He will define it.
Beyond everything outside the four seas: Shanks's history is key to the endgame
Shanks was originally an apprentice on Gol D. Roger's ship, which would mean he has direct knowledge of the One Piece treasure and the world's hidden secrets. He might already have an idea of what's on Laugh Tale, the last island.
Armed with that wisdom, and with his recent machinations in the ongoing story, fans are convinced Shanks will either lead that new era—or prevent it from coming about prematurely.
When does the next chapter of One Piece come out
One Piece Chapter 1148 has now come to a conclusion, altogether paving the way for the next chapter, One Piece Chapter 1149, which will be officially available on Sunday, May 25, 2025, for the majority of readers around the world. Japanese fans will be receiving it at midnight on Monday, May 26th.
Currently, you can read the most recent chapters for free and legally on Manga Plus or the Shonen Jump app.
The era of Shanks begins now
For too long, and after decades in the shadowsAfter over a decade of speculation surrounding his role, Red-Haired Shanks is finally taking center stage, for better or worse. Eiichiro Oda has made it very clear that he's no side character, he's one of the main focal points to One Piece's monumental conclusion.
Whatever role he plays, friend or foe, one thing is clear. Shanks is about to shake up the world of One Piece for good.
If you've ever wanted to discover what makes One Piece so special, now is the perfect chance to head aboard and find out. The original pirate that started it all is back — and the end is finally in sight.
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