Shanks’ true nature in One Piece stirs debate. Non-canon novel hints merge with recent manga events, questioning the motives and future impact.

Shanks’s appearance in One Piece has been limitedly short and mysterious. However, Eiichiro Oda has made his move recently to give the character its place. His charismatic personality and strength have helped shape the destiny of Monkey D. Luffy. But the character is now facing a phase of controversy about his nature.

Ace’s Spade Pirate | Credit: Toei Animation

Fans have unearthed information from a non-canonical novel of Portgas D. Ace, suggesting that Eiichiro Oda may have already planted seeds of doubt regarding Shanks. It has prompted a re-evaluation of his actions and motives within the series.

A Non-Canonical Revelation With Canonical Implications

The non-canonical novel gives details of Portgas D. Ace‘s early adventures as a pirate. It included an encounter between Ace and Shanks. In that meeting, he was described as having a reputation as a “rookie hunter.” It has taken on new significance in light of recent developments in the manga.

Ace meets the Red-Haired Pirates | Credit: Toei Animation

An X user @kingkaido96 shared a post saying that Shanks lives up to his reputation of being a rookie hunter as the new spoiler of One Piece 1126 came out. The chapter features Shanks and his crew engaging in a loyalty check with Bartolomeo Pirates using fake poison. The incident has led many to reassess Shanks’ true nature.

From the time he made his appearance, he was shown having childish behavior and was always portrayed as a funny charismatic character, who likes to play pranks and jokes for amusement. This might be a reason some fans believe him to be a rookie hunter. While others disapprove of this claim about their favorite character, pointing out that he was just protecting his territory.

Being that the novel is a non-canon, fans are now wondering if Eiichiro Oda may have intentionally included this detail as a subtle hint about Shanks’ true character.

Shanks Implications for the Future of One Piece

Fans speculate that Shanks’ nature as a rookie hunter or rookie bully has significant implications for the future of the One Piece story. Fans are skeptical about his role in the grand narrative, mostly his relationships with other key characters.

Shanks and his crew | Credit: Toei Animation

Throughout the series, he has been portrayed as a mentor figure and inspiration for Luffy, who wanted to have a crew just like his. In the meantime, the new information raises questions about whether his interest in Luffy was genuinely generous or part of a longer-term strategy.

Also, his meetings with Whitebeard, his mysterious meeting with the Five Elders, and his recent clash with Eustass Kid all take on a new significance in light of his identity as a rookie hunter. Will these aspects of Shanks’ character play out in future chapters or may reshape the power dynamics of the New World?