This article explores why Shanks had the perfect background to be the main character of the series, as well as what 'The Child of Destiny' could mean.

Shanks has come to be regarded as one of the best side characters ever, not only in One Piece, but in the anime industry in general. While he started his journey as an idol and mentor to Luffy, he has gained much more prominence in the world since then, with many even stating that, after Luffy, Shanks is likely the most important character in the entire franchise.

While this isn't something that everyone initially agreed with, the incredible flashback about the old generation during the Elbaf arc seems to imply that there is even more mystery to Shanks than what everyone thought at the beginning, which makes him even more important to the story than previously believed. So, in this article, let's go over why Shanks should have been the main character of One Piece.

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By Haider Haroon Rasheed

Shanks' Lineage Is The Most Unique One In The Entire Franchise

A Member Of Opposing Factions

First Appearance	One Piece, Chapter 1, "Romance Dawn - The Dawn of Adventure"
Story Arc	Romance Dawn

Shanks has always been an elusive figure, even from the very beginning. While everyone initially believed him to be a happy-go-lucky and overly positive pirate at the start, a far colder side to him was shown towards the end of the very first chapter, where he killed members of Higuma's crew and then proceeded to show a mysterious ability that effortlessly scared away the Lord of the Coast, later revealed to be Conqueror's Haki.

Although his appearances in the franchise have been brief, Shanks has always been portrayed as an incredibly powerful and prodigious warrior who is renowned across the world, both by friends and enemies. It was explained that Roger's legendary technique, the Divine Departure, required an unparalleled mastery of Conqueror's Haki to perform and was so difficult to do that none had been able to replicate it. The only exception, however, was Shanks, as he managed to teach himself this move just by viewing his captain at the age of 15.

However, as talented a warrior as he may be and as masterful as his Conqueror's Haki is, the real reason why many fans are now saying that Shanks should have been the main character of One Piece was revealed in Chapter 1158 of the manga. Here, it was shown that Shanks was the child of St. Figarland Garling and a woman native to God Valley, which was quite a surprise as everyone previously believed that his lineage was purely from the Celestial Dragons.

While this itself isn't that big of a deal, the subsequent Chapter 1159 explained why it actually is. In his conversation with Harald aboard his ship, Xebec revealed his true name to be Davy D. Xebec, explaining that he was a descendant of the legendary pirate, Davy D. Jones. Not only that, but he also revealed that his homeland was none other than God Valley itself, where the rest of his family and his kin have resided for centuries, presumably ever since the Void Century.

I ain't sure if the timing is good or bad, but two years ago, I had a kid. To keep them totally safe, I sent my family away... Back to my hometown. Told them to "count on the Davy Clan". My hometown... Is God Valley.

With this, it's not hard for fans to connect the dots. Since Shanks' mother was a native resident of God Valley and Xebec explained that God Valley was the home of the Davy Clan for centuries, a very clear connection can be made; that Shanks may actually be a Davy Clan member himself, making his real name Davy D. Shanks. The possibility of this being the case shakes the foundations of the entire One Piece world, since it not only reveals Shanks to be a member of the D. Clan, but it also makes him a cousin of Blackbeard.

Many have suspected for years that Shanks is secretly a member of this fabled clan, but the possibility of this being the case is greater now than ever. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense as to why Scopper called him the 'Child of Destiny', as Shanks would be the only character in the entire story who is both a member of the D. Clan and is a Celestial Dragon as well, making him the perfect candidate to become the main character of the series.

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By Rei Penber

**What This Could Mean For Shanks' Future In The One Piece Series**

What Awaits The Legendary Figure?

conquerors-haki — Luffy, Shanks, and Roger from One Piece

Shanks' end may be tragic.

At the current moment, it's impossible to know what the 'Child of Destiny' means for Shanks. However, many believe that, due to his incredible lineage and ties to the two most important groups in the entire story, Shanks' role in the Final War is going to be the most significant after Luffy's own. The common theory is that he is going to be the one who will set the path for Luffy to fully become the Sun God who will save the world.

However, at the same time, the common consensus is that he will die at the very end of the series, which may be the final push that Luffy needs to fulfill his destiny. Many even believe that it is Blackbeard who will finally bring this fate for Shanks, which would be even more tragic if the theory behind Davy D. Shanks ends up being true, since it would be his cousin doing so. For now, fans just have to wait and see what Oda has been cooking up for the Final War.

One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.