As a ‘One Piece’ fan, there are a few things we know to be true. The fan theories can be both true and far-fetched. For instance, readers knew Sabo was alive all along. They also knew that Sanji had a royal lineage, or at least suspected it. But here’s the thing: Oda dropped one of the biggest plot reveals.
A cherished pirate, his ties to the aristocracy were a bolt from the blue. The worst part is that he is linked to a Celestial Dragon, and there’s a catch to it. While the series offers a paradox in this case, there are also exceptions. It showcased a plot reveal no one expected, and here’s why it all works out.
Piracy Meets Paradox in ‘One Piece‘
Shanks, being both a pirate and a powerful figure, is more than that, and we knew it all along. He spoke to the Gorosei, and that’s where the speculation began. In the manga, it was revealed that his father is Figarland Garling. The man is anything but saintly and is one of the Celestial Dragons. He is ruthless and unforgiving, representing the xenophobic nature of the elite. Shanks, on the other hand, is an equalizer. Why so?
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This is because of his heritage as both a Celestial Dragon and a commoner. He is a formidable pirate, although he uses it to facilitate stability. It is clearly paradoxical that his character can be perceived as morally grey. This is especially true given his stature as a Yonko and his ties to the World Government. So, while it is paradoxical, Shanks embodies the duality of both a pirate and a close associate of the World Government. It was clearly not on anyone’s bingo list, but here’s where things get interesting.
Shanks as an Antithesis to Celestial Dragons
While Shanks used his influence to talk to the Five Elders, we miss out on something really important. He is a close associate, yes, but he is also an antithesis. Why? Well, he represents Magnolia’s will and her dream. She wished for her children to be raised with compassion and kindness. Unfortunately, she was killed by Figarland, after which the Roger Pirates raised Shanks.
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Shamrock inherited Figarland’s brutality while Shanks inherited Magnolia’s serenity and compassion. The evil twin trope was unanticipated, but it does set the red-haired pirate apart. While both brothers are cut from the same cloth, they differ in their zeal. One protects while the other destroys. It also holds for their motives and ambitions in the story. Where Shamrock inflicted torture on the giants in Elbaph, Shanks rose as a protector of the island.
The red-haired pirate Shanks exists as an antithesis, a complete opposite of the Celestial Dragons and the World Government. He embodies the true meaning of being an emperor. This is evident in his actions to unify the people and protect them against the tyranny of the WG. He uses his status and lineage to bring in stability and order. This is precisely why the plot twist worked out so perfectly. Don’t you all think so?
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