In Chapter 1134 of One Piece, fans were left astounded by the unexpected arrival of a man strikingly similar to Shanks, who appeared through a summoning circle akin to those used by the Five Elders. This revelation has fueled speculation that this individual may not be the true captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, leading to theories about him possibly being a twin or a clone of Shanks. Such theories signify a transformative juncture in Shanks’ narrative.
Interestingly, this twist did not invoke the level of shock that many might have predicted. The One Piece community had previously teased this concept, with numerous fans dropping hints about the existence of a sibling or a clone of Shanks, supported by various clues woven throughout the storyline.
Theories About Shanks’ Sibling Explored
Foreshadowing In the Series
Despite the initial surprise over Shanks’ lookalike confronting Luffy at Elbaph, the story had long hinted at such possibilities. Over the years, Eiichiro Oda, the esteemed creator of One Piece, dropped various breadcrumbs signaling that Shanks may indeed have a sibling or a clone. A pivotal clue appeared in Chapter 907, where a figure resembling Shanks engaged in formal discourse with the Five Elders about a mystery pirate. This moment caused quite a stir upon its introduction.
Initially, many fans speculated that Shanks might have betrayed his allies or been colluding with the World Government. However, seasoned observers noted that the manner of speech attributed to this figure was unusually formal, indicating something was amiss. The narrative took another turn during the God Valley incident in Chapter 1096, where a younger version of Saint Figarland Garlin, believed to be Shanks’ father, was depicted urging children to witness his violent acts during a manhunt.
This brief but impactful scene became critical in advocating for the theory that Shanks may have had a brother. The Clue further deepened when a spread highlighting key characters for the Final Saga in Chapter 1121 featured a shadowy figure resembling Shanks. This additional mystery seemed impossible, as the original Shanks was also included in the same imagery. Together, these elements have led fans to a strong consensus about the existence of a sibling, further affirmed in Chapter 1134.
The Twin as an Antagonist
His Father’s Influence Shaping Him
If the newly introduced character in Chapter 1134 is indeed Shanks’ sibling, he could emerge as a formidable antagonist within the series. Shanks stands among the most formidable pirates, with few capable of matching his strength in battle. It’s plausible that his sibling possesses a similar level of power, positioning him as a substantial threat to the Straw Hats.
Additionally, if he was raised under the tutelage of his father, Garlin—leader of the infamous God’s Knights—he may embody a stark contrast to Shanks. While Shanks is known for exercising restraint and violence only when deemed necessary, his sibling could be entirely different, driven by a ruthless ambition to succeed. Notably, during Jump Festa 2025, Oda hinted at an impending character capable of inciting chaos in Elbaph, potentially hinting at this new figure whose arrival threatens the peace of the Land of the Giants.
Exploring the Cloning Theory
The History of Cloning in the Series
While the notion that Shanks may have a twin has garnered significant traction, the concept of cloning remains a plausible alternative. The One Piece saga has seen its fair share of artificially created beings, as illustrated by the introduction of the Seraphim in the Egghead arc. The idea that either Shanks or his new doppelgänger might originate from a cloning experiment initiated by the World Government cannot be entirely dismissed.
This particularly intriguing theory, while initially seeming implausible, hinges on the series’ history of exploring ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial humans. As the narrative unfolds, the mystery surrounding Shanks’ lookalike is poised to be unveiled, with critical implications for the ongoing journey of Luffy and his crew.
In conclusion, the character’s true identity is likely to play a crucial role in shaping future events in the One Piece narrative. Whether as Shanks’ twin or a clone, this figure could become Luffy’s most formidable adversary, pushing him beyond his current limits.
Leave a Reply