This article contains spoilers from the One Piece series.
One Piece chapter 1167 might just be one of the most intriguing chapters in the entire series and that is because it focuses heavily on the character of Red-haired Shanks. As fans know, Shanks is one of the most important characters in the story that Oda specifically chose to save for the final Saga. Most fans assumed Shanks to be just another pirate who became incredibly strong in One Piece.
One Piece: Why Shanks Is Both A Celestial Dragon And A D Clan Member, Explained
Fans know Shanks is a part of the Figarland family. Shanks could, however, also be a D.
However, over time, Oda started revealing deeper mysteries about this red-haired individual, and it is clear that he actually has ties to the World Government. Some fans are quite confused as to whether Shanks is good or evil, especially after seeing him join the ranks of the God's Blade, the right hand of the Holy Knights, in One Piece around 15 years ago. While it is true that Shanks joined the Holy Knights as their right hand, there's a big reason behind why he chose to do so.
Shanks Was A Member Of The God's Blade 15 Years Ago
One Piece's Elbaf arc is currently in the most exciting flashback of all, and it is quite clear to see that Oda has now skipped time by many years after the conclusion of the God Valley Incident. Now, the Great Pirate Era has already begun, and fans see Shanks in the Holy Land of Marijoa.
Luffy, the time for us to meet is getting a lot closer. — Shanks, One Piece
In the Holy Land, Shanks is revealed to be a member of the Holy Knights as their right hand man. In fact, it was also revealed to the fans that he was branded with a seal of the World Government that allows him to pass through the Abyss. He received the Shallow Sea seal and was already a member of the God's Blade 15 years ago.
Shanks Wants To Collect Information On Imu
Given that Shanks joined the ranks of such an evil organization, fans, understandably, assume him to be somewhat evil. However, to truly understand why Shanks joined the Holy Knights, one needs to look at things on a deeper level. Shanks did not join the Holy Knights because he wanted to aid them, or because he is the son of a Celestial Dragon. The main reason he joined this rank is because of Roger. Shanks is the one who inherited Roger's true will, even though he knows that he is not Nika.
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Whitebeard's very first mate has been revealed, and he has an interesting connection to Marco the Phoenix in One Piece.
Nobody hurts a friend of mine and expects to get away with it. — Red Haired Shanks, One Piece
To bring to life the world of Roger, Shanks needs to collect as much information on Imu as possible. Shan ks most definitely went back to Marijoa to find out all he could about Imu and those at the very top. Most importantly, keeping in contact with Imu could also put him close to the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, which is what Shanks sought, as is clear from the fact that he eventually stole it from the Government 13 years ago, and delivered it to the next Joy Boy.
Shanks Will Finally Fulfill Roger's Will
Shanks may be a Celestial Dragon, but he is certainly not an evil individual. He's one of One Piece's most important characters, and above all, he's the true inheritor of Roger's will. Shortly before Roger died, he told Shanks something very specific, and it is likely that this was related to his Celestial Dragon lineage. Roger could also have entrusted Shanks with finding the Nika fruit and ensuring that the next Joy Boy emerges at the right time, following the rebirth of Poseidon into the world.
Shanks is the one who will usher in a new age and pave the way for Luffy to break the chains of all those who are oppressed. He is one of One Piece's most important characters and he is most certainly not evil. He might have become a God's Blade, but it is all for the sake of good because he wants to get as much information on them as he can possibly get. The fact that he was the one who freed Fisher Tiger 15 years ago and allowed for a massive breakout from Marijoa is proof of that.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1167 is November 30, 2025. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps.