Ever since Red-Haired Shanks was introduced in One Piece, fans have been doubtful about his role in the story. While his intentions have been recently cleared with the revelation of his brother Shamrock, it still does not explain his mysterious personality and his end goal, which could be a big turning point for his character and for the narrative as a whole.
There are many speculations about Shanks serving as the guiding light for Luffy, who will eventually help the reincarnation of Joy Boy liberate the world, but none of them have any solid proof. Plus, accepting such a big responsibility comes with the risk of life, which One Piece fans are not ready to accept for a popular character like Shanks.
However, another popular theory hints that Shanks might be destined to die in the final saga, and Eiichiro Oda has already foreshadowed it. His death is hinted at through his age, which is the same as the other prominent One Piece characters who eventually lost their lives within the narrative.
One Piece theory hints at Shanks’ death
According to a theory posted by @PookiePiece on X, prominent One Piece characters Ginny, Oden, Shandian warrior Kalgara, and Lvneel Kingdom’s Admiral Mont Blanc Noland all died at the age of 39. These characters had crucial significance to the One Piece storyline and eventually succumbed to death at the exact age at which Shanks is right now.
Not only that, all four of these characters played the supporting role, which helped in the progression of the narrative, which is also speculated by many One Piece fans for Shanks.
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The only difference is that Shanks would provide a supporting role for Luffy’s character, preferably in the Final Saga against his most dangerous opponents and enemies.
This could easily lead to his death, thus adding him to the “27 Club of One Piece.” It is an informal list of popular musicians who all died at the age of 27. There is a big possibility that Eiichiro Oda might take reference from it and add Shanks to a similar list involving One Piece characters like Oden, Ginny, etc.
Shanks’ death could affect One Piece in a big way
If the above-mentioned theory turns out to be true and Shanks indeed dies at 39, his death could work as a catalyst that will change the One Piece world in a major way. There are two ways that his death could affect the story and probably Luffy’s character development within One Piece.
The first is if he dies at the hands of Blackbeard. If this happens, it would be the perfect epilogue for the much-awaited battle between Luffy and Blackbeard. It would motivate Luffy to take down the current most dangerous pirate in One Piece and then clear his way to the One Piece treasure and in connection, gain the title of the Pirate King.
The second is if Luffy and Shanks meet and Luffy joins Shanks in taking down the World Government. Shanks in some way might get sacrificed and thus shift the responsibility of liberating the world on Luffy’s shoulders. This would not only motivate but also force Luffy to take down Imu and the rest of the World Government in One Piece, thus bringing a perfect end.
One Piece is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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