Theories About Shanks – The Mysterious Pirate Captain in One Piece
Shanks, the captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, is one of the most iconic characters in the One Piece universe and has collaborated with the World Government. In the film One Piece Film: Red, Shanks is also hinted to be a part of the Figarland lineage and was raised by Gol D. Roger after the God Valley Incident. At that time, there wasn’t much information about the Figarland family, but there is a strong suspicion that Shanks possesses the bloodline of the Celestial Dragons.
The theories regarding Shanks have existed for some time before the release of One Piece Film: Red, but the film’s debut has sparked renewed interest in this speculation. Eventually, Oda confirmed that the members of the Figarland family are indeed Celestial Dragons.
However, considering Shanks’ personality, many fans are skeptical about his collaboration with the World Government, despite his background. Thus, a new theory has begun circulating that there may be another person resembling Shanks—possibly his twin brother—who works with the World Government and may have connections with other characters. The evidence supporting this theory is quite compelling.
Who is the twin brother resembling Shanks in One Piece?
The twin brother of Shanks was officially introduced in chapter 1137, named Figarland Shamrock.
Shamrock bears a striking resemblance to Shanks, though he has no scar on his face and slightly longer hair. He is the son of Saint Figarland Garling, one of the Celestial Dragons in the World Government. Garling is a notable figure from God Valley, where Shanks was raised before being taken under Roger’s wing.
Shamrock is introduced as a major player in the ongoing narrative, taking over after his father was appointed as the leader. While there are some uncertainties, it’s quite possible that Shamrock is Shanks’ brother since there could be other connections involved.
While fans who support this theory are excited to see it confirmed, some others wish to see the darker side of Shanks, a character who collaborates with the World Government and plays a significant role in the story.
Additionally, some fans have expressed their disappointment on Reddit. One commenter noted, “If Shanks could be a representative of the Navy/Celestial Dragons, the transformation into a pirate to seek One Piece, the ancient relics, and the Gomu Gomu no Mi would be perfect. In the final battle, Luffy could confront Shanks and the World Government.”
Another user remarked, “Shamrock looks like a major plot twist. Why create a twin brother for Shanks if he hasn’t been developed yet? It doesn’t resemble how Supernovas were introduced at the end. Here, we have another Shanks before we even know Shanks.”
A third user wrote, “I always knew Shanks would have a brother. My point is… well… Shanks is strong, intelligent, and all, but it seems like a missed opportunity to introduce his ‘brother’ too late in the anime, like the 2.0 version of Sanji: not interested in the family and being left behind.”
Of course, there are also those who controversially argue about the implications of Shanks: “Everything I have to say would go against all those who doubt Shanks. I know my uncle is not some ruthless villain lurking in the shadows. Shanks has outsmarted all accusations!!!”
Even when fans are clear that Shanks is not the child of the World Government, this still could lead to confusion in the storyline, as many characters might have seen Shamrock and mistaken him for Shanks.
