There has been a popular theory regarding Shanks being the descendant of a Tenryuubito (Celestial Dragon) in One Piece that has stirred quite a debate among fans.
So why does this theory exist? Let’s explore the reasons below!
1. Shanks Belongs to the Figarland Family
The Figarland family was hinted at in the movie One Piece Film: Red. The Celestial Dragons even suspect that Uta is part of the Figarland family, as she is believed to be Shanks’s biological daughter. However, due to a lack of evidence, it is confirmed that Shanks is not Uta’s biological father; he found Uta in a treasure warehouse.
Although there is not much information regarding this lineage, based on what has occurred, it seems that they are a family of noble blood. In fact, it is said that the Figarland family may have been among the highest-ranking Celestial Dragon families in the past.
2. Shanks Was Discovered
Roger and Rayleigh discovered Shanks in a treasure warehouse located at God Valley. Therefore, Shanks has been part of Roger’s crew since he was just one year old. (Shanks is currently 39 years old, and God Valley happened 38 years ago.)
The incident at God Valley occurred during a grand banquet on the island. This location witnessed the presence of the Marines, with Roger’s crew and Rocks pirates present. Additionally, there were Celestial Dragons and a number of nobles in attendance.
The question remains: who placed Shanks in the treasure warehouse? Could it have been one of the Celestial Dragons?
3. Shanks Could Have Encountered the Gorosei
Shanks is a notorious pirate but he could also have the means to meet the Gorosei — the leaders of the World Government. Just consider for a moment: could Kaido, Red-Haired Shanks, Big Mom, or Blackbeard have the same opportunity?
Therefore, Shanks’s encounter with the Gorosei has been confirmed to contain something significant regarding Shanks himself. The five elder leaders of the Celestial Dragons issued a command to the guards outside before hearing what Shanks had to say.
In the past, there have been situations where the Marines held Shanks in high regard and complied with his requests. For instance, during the Marineford War, Shanks demanded a ceasefire between the Marines and the pirates, and it was honored.
4. Some Similarities Between Shanks and Doflamingo
Donquixote Doflamingo carries the bloodline of the Celestial Dragons. He is a formidable warrior, mastering all three types of Haki, and keeps the secret of the “Tyrant” of the World Government. Many speculate that Doflamingo knows the secrets of Mary Geoise.
On the other hand, Shanks is also a powerful pirate with mastery over all three Haki types. Notably, Shanks’s Conqueror’s Haki is even stronger than Doflamingo’s. Furthermore, Shanks has the ability to communicate with the World Government, even though he is a pirate.
It is speculated that the Celestial Dragons include at least one warrior family. Therefore, the previous noble families have been connected to maintain the power of the Celestial Dragons. Eventually, 19 families decided to settle back in Mary Geoise, while the only family to refuse is the Alabasta royal family.
So, could it be that the Celestial Dragons actually have the potential to become powerful warriors, yet choose to remain weak and dependent as seen in the current storyline due to their luxurious lifestyles?
However, what if a Celestial Dragon had to live outside of Mary Geoise? We have seen how powerful Doflamingo is; what if Shanks’s situation is similar to Doflamingo’s?
