One Piece Reveals Shanks’ Twin: A Long-Awaited Twist Set Up in the Manga

The recent plot twist in One Piece has left fans reeling: Shanks, a pivotal and beloved figure in the series, has a twin who bears a striking resemblance to him. This unexpected revelation has significantly reshaped the narrative surrounding the infamous Captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, as penned by Eiichiro Oda.

While the announcement took many by surprise, some astute fans had speculated about the possibility of Shanks having a twin for quite some time, with theories circulating for months, if not years. Many readers believe they have deciphered the potential role this “Shanks’ twin”may play in upcoming chapters, bolstered by previous hints subtly woven into the storyline.

Hints of a Sibling: A Long-Standing Theory

Prepared for the Revelation

In Chapter #1134 of the manga, fans were astonished to witness a character who looks exactly like Shanks make his entrance in Elbaph. Some speculated that this figure could be the true captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, but this theory was quickly debunked. The character arrived via a summoning circle—an ability associated solely with the influential Five Elders, who are currently situated in Mary Geoise.

Additional scrutiny revealed further clues indicating that this individual was not Shanks. Fans recalled a pivotal moment in Chapter #907, where a similar figure was spotted in the audience chamber of the Five Elders. At that time, many believed this was Shanks, but close examination highlighted key differences: his lack of the trademark scar and a notably formal manner of speech. Chapter #1121 even showcased his silhouette, undeniably establishing the existence of Shanks’ doppelgänger.

Unraveling Shanks’ Origins

Connecting to Oda’s Original Concept

Shanks' original knight concept from Oda's early work.

Originally, Oda envisioned a different storyline titled Land, the Dragon, and the Ten Thieves. Although he ultimately abandoned it in favor of One Piece, certain aspects, including the protagonist’s appearance, persisted. Intriguingly, an early rendition of a character named Shanks was introduced—a knight who appears to have inspired the Red-Haired Emperor as fans know him today.

Speculation surrounds Shanks’ twin, who is believed to potentially serve the World Government. This character may be linked to the elite order known as the God Knights, tasked with safeguarding the Celestial Dragons. While Oda did not directly convert Shanks into a knight, his brother may still draw heavily from this initial idea, leaving fans eager to uncover his true significance.

Fans Speculate on the Twin’s Role

Figarland Garling, the head of the Figarland family.

It is gaining traction that Shanks is actually a descendant of the Figarland family, a lineage of Celestial Dragons. After being discovered as a child by Gol D. Roger during the storied God Valley incident, Shanks’ lineage plays a crucial role in understanding his character. The head of this family, Figarland Garling, previously led the God Knights and has now taken his place among the Five Elders.

Recently, a fan account, @writingpanini, proposed a thought-provoking theory regarding Shanks’ twin before the official sibling revelation. This theory postulated that Shanks and his twin might embody the mythological figures Skoll and Hati, children of the wolf Fenrir. While Shanks reflects Skoll’s pursuit of the sun, aspiring to bring freedom to the world, his twin—the embodiment of Hati—represents a desire to uphold the status quo, regardless of the consequences. This narrative was further reinforced in the recent chapter, where it is unveiled that Shanks’ twin has traveled to Elbaph to meet with Loki, the island’s exiled prince, whose Devil Fruit powers could draw inspiration from Fenrir.

The One Piece series is poised to delve deeper into this critical storyline as it advances into the thrilling Elbaph arc. Fans are eager to discover the implications of Shanks’ mysterious twin, promising an engaging continuation of this epic saga.

Source: @writingpanini

Source & Images