ONE PIECE Analysis! – Summary of 9 foreshadowings of “Red-Haired” Shanks’ betrayal! Is he the villain of the enemy? What is the meaning behind the perspective of the wanted poster? Are Imu’s swords and footsteps the same? - Manga Analysis

The popular character in “ONE PIECE” is “Red-Haired” Shanks. He’s the man who entrusted Monkey D. Luffy with the straw hat, the protagonist, and he’s also the one who stole the Gum-Gum Fruit from the World Government. However, his actions are shrouded in mystery, such as his connection with the World Government behind the scenes, including the Five Elders.

While “ONE PIECE” still has many characters whose true identities remain unknown, “Red-Haired” Shanks is the only one who has remained so mysterious since his introduction in the first episode. While enigmatic figures often gain popularity in the real world, the same can’t be said for Shanks of the Four Emperors.

Therefore, the hypothesis that “Red-Haired” Shanks could be an “enemy of betrayers” is widely known in the “ONE PIECE” speculation community.

So, this time, let’s thoroughly examine the hypothesis that “Red-Haired” Shanks ≒ betrayer (enemy). Is the popular “Red-Haired” Shanks really a betrayer? An enemy? Were there hidden clues indicating collusion between Shanks and Imu?

Table of contents

The matter of Shanks’ portrayal actually being frightening
1. Why is Shanks often portrayed with a shadow cast over him?
What’s the extent of the damage inflicted by Shanks’ opponents so far?
1. Is Shanks trying to diminish Luffy’s influence?
Is there foreshadowing in Shanks’ “Wanted Poster Perspective”?
Was “Red-Haired” meant to signify a “Red Draft”?
Was Shanks monitoring Luffy all along?
What does Shanks define as a “noble pirate”?
What foreshadowing suggests Shanks was colluding with “Imu”?
1. They had the same rapier sword
2. They had the same “footsteps” sound: “Katsun.”
What does the Red-Haired Pirates secure?
Luffy and Shanks will eventually clash over the “straw hat.” ?
The foreshadowing that Shanks was the mastermind boss was in Volume 25’s “Boss”?
Did even the collaboration snack contain foreshadowing?
Why didn’t Shanks appear in the collaboration with Monster Strike?

The matter of Shanks’ portrayal actually being frightening

Many “ONE PIECE” readers likely have a positive image of Shanks, but upon closer examination, it’s evident that there are many depictions of a “scary atmosphere” surrounding him.

Although Shanks initially had a refreshing image, during his second appearance, there was a “strong shadow” cast over his entire face. This was when news of Luffy’s bounty being set at 30 million berries for the first time, after defeating Arlong, was relayed by “Hawk Eyes” Mihawk. Despite “Red-Haired” Shanks expressing joy, saying “So you’ve come, Luffy,” one might wonder why such a shadow needed to be cast.

While it could be attributed to Shanks feeling unwell from excessive drinking at the feast just prior, coupled with the sudden appearance of his former rival “Hawk Eyes” Mihawk, the portrayal seems to lean heavily towards a villainous vibe. It’s particularly mismatched for a character portrayed as a good person.

Even after defeating Charlotte Katakuri and Luffy’s bounty skyrocketing to 1.5 billion berries, Shanks is depicted with a fearless grin, murmuring, “We’ll be seeing each other soon, Luffy,” yet again with a shadow cast over his face.

Despite the joyous occasion of reuniting with Luffy, why is he depicted in such an eerie manner?

Why is Shanks often portrayed with a shadow cast over him?

Additionally, in Luffy’s flashback scene of Shanks during the Fish-Man Island arc, Shanks is also depicted eerily.

While the scene where Shanks entrusts Luffy with the straw hat is shown from Luffy’s perspective, Shanks’ face is still shaded. Of course, Ace and Jinbe’s faces are also shaded, but there are significant differences, with Ace showing a “point of death” and Jinbe displaying “intense anger.”

Even in positive scenes where Shanks is “entrusting his feelings,” it’s unnatural for his face to be symbolically shadowed by negative imagery. In fact, Silvers Rayleigh, also a former member of the Roger Pirates, who sends Luffy off with encouragement to “go to the top,” doesn’t have any shadows on his face.

In a certain cover art of Volume 70, Shanks’ eyes are completely hidden by shadows, resembling the expression of a villain. Similarly, the eyes of Blackbeard (Marshall D. Teach), positioned above Shanks, are also entirely hidden by shadows, indicating a deeper meaning.

Members of the Worst Generation like Eustass Kid and Killer were targeting “Red-Haired” Shanks, and in those scenes, Shanks’ eyes are depicted as “completely white,” far from the expression of a good person. Even if Kid and others were targeting him, was it necessary to portray him in such a frightening manner?

Of course, simply having shadows doesn’t make one a criminal, otherwise even Conan Edogawa might get upset. However, Shanks’ appearances are not that frequent, so the abundance of shadowy depictions suggests Oda’s deliberate intent.

What’s the extent of the damage inflicted by Shanks’ opponents so far?

Looking back at the characters “Red-Haired” Shanks has faced, there are Blackbeard, Kaidou, Eustass Kid, Bartolomeo, and others. While Luffy has both enemies and allies, the degree of damage inflicted by each opponent varies greatly.

For instance, just before the Marineford War, Shanks had a confrontation with Kaidou, but both sides walked away without any apparent damage. How they reached a resolution remains unknown. It seems their strengths were evenly matched, but there are no signs of a full-blown battle.

Even with his nemesis Blackbeard, who gave him the three scars over his left eye, despite encountering him again at Marineford, Shanks chose to mediate between him and the Marines. Despite facing formidable enemies, Shanks consistently opts for avoiding direct conflict.

However, the character who suffered the most damage from Shanks is Eustass Kid. Losing his left arm to Shanks, Kid had to craft a giant scrap metal prosthetic using his Magnet-Magnet Fruit powers.

Although Luffy had conflicts with Kid, they, along with Trafalgar Law, represented the three major figures of the Worst Generation. After defeating Big Mom (Charlotte Linlin), Kid and Law’s bounties are on par with Luffy’s at 3 billion berries.

Is Shanks trying to diminish Luffy’s influence?

Considering Shanks’ proximity to Luffy, his harsh treatment of Kid feels somewhat out of place. Is there an underlying intention to diminish Luffy’s influence?

Additionally, Bartolomeo, who idolizes Luffy the most, burning the flag of the Red-Haired Pirates in a cover illustration is quite impactful.

Everyone remembers when Luffy vehemently defended the pirate flag against Wapol in Drum Kingdom, stating that the skull symbolizes belief and pirate flags are pledges of life—they’re not something to be trampled upon lightly. Pirate flags are sacrosanct to pirates.

Despite this, Bartolomeo boldly burns the Red-Haired Pirates’ flag. Could it be that Bartolomeo perceives Shanks as a threat instinctively because of his admiration for Luffy? Perhaps it’s because Shanks is seen as an enemy, engaging in clandestine dealings with the World Government.

Is there foreshadowing in Shanks’ “Wanted Poster Perspective”?

Next, let’s analyze the foreshadowing that Shanks might be an enemy of betrayers.

Firstly, looking at the old Wanted Posters of the former Four Emperors, it’s noticeable that only Shanks is looking slightly off-camera, towards a different direction. Unlike the others, he’s not making direct eye contact with the viewer. What does avoiding eye contact generally indicate psychologically?

Avoiding eye contact is often interpreted as a sign of “distrust or dislike towards the other person.” It suggests not wanting to make eye contact because one dislikes the other person. Additionally, shifting one’s gaze away from the other person can also indicate a feeling of guilt or discomfort, not wanting the other person to see one’s true feelings.

In other words, this could be the strongest evidence that Shanks is a betrayer.

Furthermore, the fact that Shanks isn’t making eye contact also implies that he’s aware of “where the camera is.” Looking at it from this perspective, Shanks seems to be consciously rejecting being photographed, even though he might have understood beforehand that he was going to be photographed.

Even in the new Wanted Posters of the Four Emperors, Shanks continues to avoid making eye contact. Conversely, Luffy, the wearer of the straw hat, contrasts with this behavior by “covering his eyes.” There’s a saying “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” and it seems like they’re trying to “not see the evil of ‘Red-Haired’ Shanks.”

Was “Red-Haired” meant to signify a “Red Draft”?

As suggested by his epithet “Red-Haired,” Shanks’ physical characteristic is indeed his red hair. There should be foreshadowing of betrayal hidden in this red color.

Because red is a symbol of revolution. In fact, many discussions liken “ONE PIECE” to the French Revolution, with Imu being considered the leader. Therefore, it can also be interpreted as a connection to Imu.

In Japan, the word “akagami” (赤紙) often evokes memories of the “Red Draft” issued before the war. A “Red Draft” is a temporary summons issued by the military for compulsory conscription. While the term “Red Draft” is frequently heard in manga, anime, and movies, it’s something issued by the military.

So, could “Red-Haired” Shanks be indirectly indicating that he’s “on the Marines’ side”? Additionally, the “Red Draft” is also used as a warning sign indicating the danger level of buildings damaged immediately after an earthquake. Thus, red carries a strong nuance of alerting to danger.

Was Shanks monitoring Luffy all along?

Furthermore, “Red-Haired” Shanks always appears in the character introductions at the beginning of the comics. Some speculate that this implies he was covertly monitoring Luffy’s footsteps all along.

In a comment made when serialization resumed on July 18, 2022, Oda used the expression “preparation spanning 25 years.” While the hypothesis of the main villain appearing in the first episode or volume has already been discussed, if Shanks were indeed an enemy, this expression “preparation spanning 25 years” would be the most fitting.

What does Shanks define as a “noble pirate”?

On the other hand, Shanks demanded that Luffy become a “noble pirate” as a condition for returning the straw hat.

Although there was a brief moment where Shanks seemed to encounter Luffy during the Marineford War, he left the scene with the words “our promises are different.” However, even Shanks’ expression at this moment is unsettling. There’s no hint of concern for the critically injured Luffy; instead, a glimpse of anger can be seen.

Therefore, it’s necessary to consider what “noble pirate” means to “Red-Haired” Shanks.

The key to this may lie in the “Gum-Gum Fruit.” It was later revealed that Shanks stole the Gum-Gum Fruit being transported by CP9. This Gum-Gum Fruit was revealed to be a Mythical Zoan-type Human-Human Fruit, model: Sun God Nika.

After returning from Laugh Tale, Captain Gol D. Roger asked Shanks something and upon learning something, Shanks burst into tears immediately. This is believed to be because Shanks learned the conditions for obtaining ONE PIECE and the circumstances under which Roger couldn’t obtain it.

Furthermore, it’s believed that “Nika‘s ability” and the “straw hat” are related to obtaining ONE PIECE. Just as Eren in “Attack on Titan” couldn’t simply use the ability of the Founding Titan, the straw hat might only hold significance when worn by someone from the Family of D.

Perhaps because Roger entrusted the straw hat to Shanks, he ultimately couldn’t obtain ONE PIECE. When Shanks learned this fact, he might have shed tears out of a sense of self-blame.

At the very least, Shanks, who isn’t part of the Family of D, couldn’t accomplish anything on his own, so it’s certain that he entrusted Luffy with the “key straw hat.”

Shanks waited for “Luffy’s Awakening”

That’s why the key to obtaining ONE PIECE is precisely the “Gum-Gum Fruit (Human-Human Fruit Model: Nika)” and the “straw hat.”

Therefore, Shanks’ reason for “waiting for Luffy” is believed to have been waiting for the awakening of Sun God Nika‘s ability. Even his expression during the Marineford War seemed to imply Shanks was impatiently urging the weak Luffy to “hurry up and awaken and go to Laugh Tale.”

In fact, upon seeing Luffy’s wanted poster with Gear 5, a state where the abilities of the Human-Human Fruit are awakened, “Red-Haired” Shanks starts making serious moves to obtain ONE PIECE. This is clear evidence that Shanks knew Nika‘s ability was necessary to obtain ONE PIECE.

Normally, he wouldn’t easily part with the memento (straw hat) of his benefactor, Roger. He wouldn’t have taken the Gum-Gum Fruit daringly from CP9 and eaten it without causing any anger. In other words, Shanks is using Luffy, a member of the Family of D, to reach Laugh Tale himself.

Although Shanks had once said during the Roger Pirates era, “If you’re going, we’ll go on our own ship someday,” he hadn’t been aiming for Laugh Tale until now. However, it’s not that Shanks gave up on Laugh Tale; he was simply waiting for Luffy’s awakening.

While Shanks often talks about “betting on the new era,” it’s clear that he sees Luffy as a pawn in his own ascent.

Is Shanks intending to “capture” Luffy?

Therefore, it’s possible that Shanks didn’t refuse to meet Luffy out of concern for him but solely for the sake of his own agenda.

While there are memorable scenes where Shanks saves Luffy even at the cost of losing an arm, he remarks, “It’s a small price to pay. Just one arm.” Upon closer examination, it’s unlikely that losing his precious arm just for the sake of a boy he happened to meet in a distant sea would come cheaply.

However, if it’s to achieve the goal of reaching Laugh Tale, sacrificing even an arm wouldn’t come cheap. In fact, he might even get change in return.

Indeed, in the scene where Shanks mentions, “Shall we go for ONE PIECE?” the letters “Nika” are casually drawn on his wrist. Just before awakening Gear 5, the number 5 is drawn on Luffy’s expression. Clearly, this is an intentional play.

Moreover, the expression “go for” is suspicious in itself. Because “capture” is a term used for “living beings.” In other words, it implies taking away from Luffy. Normally, “take” or “steal” would suffice.

Additionally, the name of the sake Shanks is drinking is “Rokujuu Nana-shu Go-ban” (67th Sake, No. 5). Sake names often hide clues. In fact, this aligns with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, known as “Fate.”

In other words, there was foreshadowing that “it was fate for Shanks to take Luffy from the beginning.” Woop Slap, the mayor of Foosha Village, also muttered, “Is it fate for Luffy to become a pirate?” This might have hinted at a future antagonistic relationship with Shanks.

Is Shanks also using Blackbeard, another member of the Family of D?

In that regard, it seems highly probable that Shanks is even using Blackbeard, Teach. This is because Blackbeard is also a member of the Family of D, just like Luffy.

Previously, before the Marineford War, Shanks was attempting to persuade Whitebeard, saying, “Back off from Blackbeard Teach. Stop Ace.” However, he might have been trying to “save Blackbeard’s life” rather than persuading Ace. Essentially, since Blackbeard is fundamentally in the wrong, persuading Ace doesn’t make sense.

Moreover, during the Marineford War, wasn’t it possible for Whitebeard to arrive before dying? Is it not possible that Blackbeard was waiting for Whitebeard to obtain his power, judging by the situation of the battle?

If Shanks still resents Blackbeard to the extent that his eye scar still aches, then why doesn’t he just kill Blackbeard himself? Unlike other pirates, Shanks always wanders without a stronghold, so it’s still unclear why he would let Blackbeard go without pursuing him like Ace.

While there’s already speculation about Shanks and Blackbeard becoming allies, there’s also a possibility that the two are secretly collaborating. At least, Shanks’ series of actions seem to be filled with “self-centered behavior” to an unsettling degree.

What foreshadowing suggests Shanks was colluding with “Imu”?

Next, let’s consider the possibility of collusion between Shanks and Imu.

Imu is the shadowy ruler who even the Five Elders, who control the world government, kneel before. On the other hand, it was revealed during the Levely arc that Shanks is connected to the Five Elders behind the scenes. So, does Shanks have no connection with Imu? Is there no possibility of collusion between Shanks and Imu?

It appears that there were two points of commonality between Shanks and Imu: their swords and their footsteps.

They had the same rapier sword

Shanks’s beloved sword is named Gryphon, which is a type of weapon known as a “rapier.” Rapiers typically feature a large “basket hilt” to protect the hand, and Shanks’s Gryphon also has a distinctive large, curved basket hilt.

Similarly, the sword presumed to be owned by Imu also features a basket hilt. This is more clearly depicted in the anime version of ONE PIECE.

Additionally, the scabbard Shanks currently carries is positioned on the “right side.”

However, it’s worth noting that during his childhood, Shanks was seen with the scabbard on the “left side.”

While it’s not unusual for the position of the scabbard to change given that Shanks has lost his left arm, when wielding a sword with the right arm, it’s normal to sheathe it on the “left side.”

Thus, one reason for the change in scabbard position could be to represent the duality of good and evil within Shanks. Initially portrayed as a good person, but gradually becoming popular, prompting a deliberate transition to a villainous character?

They had the same “footsteps” sound: “Katsun.”

While it may be a slightly weak basis given that characters in the Whitebeard Pirates also wield rapiers, there are other depictions that link Shanks and Imu.

That would be their “footsteps” sound.

Normally, Shanks wears sandals similar to beach sandals. Therefore, his footsteps sound like “strolling.” In the world of ONE PIECE, sandals are usually made of soft materials, so they wouldn’t produce metallic footsteps.

However, during Shanks’s visit to the Holy Land Mary Geoise to meet with the Five Elders, a sound effect of “Katsun…” was used for his footsteps. Although it’s not visible because he’s wearing a black cloak, it’s clear that Shanks isn’t wearing sandals like beach sandals.

And Imu‘s footsteps also sound like “Katsun…” Similarly, both are depicted wearing black cloaks, and it can be inferred that they’re wearing shoes with hard soles. From the fact that both are depicted within the same Volume 90 of the comic, it seems intentional to link Shanks and Imu.

When examining the footsteps of other characters, for example, Dracule Mihawk’s footsteps sound like “Katsu…” Mihawk can be seen wearing leather shoes, but the subtle difference in footsteps from Shanks and Imu is noteworthy.

What does the Red-Haired Pirates secure?

The Red-Haired Pirates, led by Shanks, seem to hold the key as well.

The Red-Haired Pirates, captained by Shanks, are introduced as the “ironclad pirate crew.” This name seems to stem from their high average bounties, but “ironclad” generally means a strong defensive posture.

However, a pirate’s job is to plunder others’ treasures. There shouldn’t be anything to protect; pirates are usually on the attacking side. Yet, if we consider what the Red-Haired Pirates are protecting, it makes sense that they are guarding Imu and others from pirates who oppose the World Government.

As mentioned earlier, after Luffy’s Human-Human Fruit model “Nika” awakens, the Red-Haired Pirates finally make a move to obtain ONE PIECE. The timing seems unnatural, and Shanks’s expression is still intimidating.

However, considering their role as protectors, with Luffy awakening to Gear 5, the possibility of reaching Laugh Tale has suddenly increased. So perhaps Shanks is also aiming for Laugh Tale to stop Luffy? No, he might have no choice but to go there.

Considering Shanks’s psychological motivations, he seems to be on Luffy’s enemy side.

In fact, during their initial promise, when Luffy asserted he would become the Pirate King, Shanks responded by saying, “Become a great pirate and come back.” At first glance, it sounds like Shanks is encouraging Luffy to become the Pirate King.

However, conversely, if Shanks also aims to become the Pirate King, he will inevitably stand in Luffy’s way. In other words, if Shanks aims to become the Pirate King, a clash with Luffy in the future becomes inevitable. Therefore, the possibility of Shanks being an ally seems low.

Luffy and Shanks will eventually clash over the “straw hat.” ?

There are plenty of scenes linking Luffy and Shanks.

For instance, in the milestone episode ONE PIECE Chapter 1000, before Luffy awakens Gear 5, there’s a silhouette of him wearing the straw hat (bottom left).

This scene mirrors the gesture of Shanks giving Luffy the straw hat in the first episode of ONE PIECE (middle left). Thus, this becomes one of the scenes that strongly portrays Shanks as an ally.

However, when Shanks leaves, he says, “I’m entrusting this hat to you. It’s my precious hat. Come back someday… after becoming a great pirate.” If we interpret these words straightforwardly, Shanks never explicitly said he was “giving” Luffy the straw hat.

Therefore, it’s often forgotten that the straw hat will eventually return to Shanks. Despite Luffy being nicknamed “Straw Hat Luffy,” there’s a foreboding sense that the key item, the straw hat, might disappear.

And the one to take the straw hat from Luffy will be “Red-Haired” Shanks.

Because their actions synchronize completely, the ownership of the straw hat is already in limbo. Hence, the potential for a new conflict over the “ownership of the straw hat” and the foreshadowing of a clash between Luffy and Shanks over it were hidden from the start.

The foreshadowing that Shanks was the mastermind boss was in Volume 25’s “Boss”?

Let’s consider the possibility that Shanks was the “boss” behind it all. Could he have been the final boss of ONE PIECE?

The evidence for Shanks being the boss lies in the “boss” on the cover of Volume 25. While this volume predicted the new Four Emperors, the mysteries surrounding the central white goat and the “boss” in the upper right corner remain unsolved. However, it turns out that this “boss” is hinting at the Shanks ≒ boss hypothesis.

Why? Because when translated into English, “親方” (Oyakata) becomes “Boss.”

The reason for the boss’s position right next to Shanks is to subtly convey that he is the boss of ONE PIECE. In fact, the boss is raising his thumb, not as a gesture of approval but rather to subtly point to Shanks and say, “He’s the boss.”

Looking at the expressions of the other Four Emperors, Buggy appears to be open-mouthed in surprise.

While the two below also have their mouths open, it seems to express a furious roar of “I can’t forgive Shanks for being an enemy!”

Shanks, on the other hand, wears a calm expression, perhaps because he knew everything as the final boss?

Did even the collaboration snack contain foreshadowing?

There are various collaboration products released in the world, but in August 2022, in commemoration of “ONE PIECE FILM RED,” the snack “Ottotto” collaborated with ONE PIECE. From this, the possibility that “Red-Haired” Shanks was an enemy traitor can be inferred.

Ottotto is generally a snack with a large number of snacks in the shape of fish, but in the collaboration with ONE PIECE, it mainly took the form of characters from the Straw Hat Pirates. Honestly, it might seem like they’re pushing it, but characters like Luffy and Chopper were surprisingly faithfully reproduced.

Among them were shapes like Sabo, Ace, the Thousand Sunny, Gum-Gum Fruit, and the Straw Hat, but mostly shapes related to “Luffy’s allies.” However, despite being a collaboration with a movie featuring Shanks, the “Red-Haired” Shanks-shaped snack was conspicuously absent.

The reason lies in the surface packaging of the Ottotto.

That’s because the theme of this snack was “finding allies.” In other words, “Red-Haired” Shanks is not one of Luffy’s allies, so he wasn’t included in the snack. Therefore, Oda used the collaboration product to blatantly spoil Shanks’s identity to the readers.

Why didn’t Shanks appear in the collaboration with Monster Strike?

In August 2022, “FILM RED” collaborated with Monster Strike, but “Red-Haired” Shanks was not included as a gacha-limited ally character. Of course, Uta was the main character, but the “RED” in the movie title undoubtedly refers to “Red-Haired” Shanks. It’s unnatural for him not to appear.

Also, the following month, Puzzle & Dragons collaborated with ONE PIECE, but even though characters like Katakuri and Kaido appeared as gacha-limited enemy characters, despite “FILM RED” being the main event, “Red-Haired” Shanks was still not included as a gacha-limited character.

Here, characters like Silvers Rayleigh and Whitebeard (Edward Newgate), who were vice-captains of the Roger Pirates, also appeared as gacha-limited characters, and like Monster Strike, it seems unnatural that only “Red-Haired” Shanks did not appear as a collaboration character.

Surely, from the perspective of the gaming company, popular characters like Shanks would have been included in the gacha or collaboration characters no matter how much money was offered. However, there must be Oda’s strong will or purpose behind the fact that he did not appear as a gacha-limited or collaboration character.

In other words, it is probably because Shanks has been deliberately set up as the mastermind who will eventually betray Luffy that he was not deliberately included as a collaboration character. Indeed, all circumstantial evidence tells the story of “Shanks’s true identity ≒ mastermind, enemy hypothesis.”