This article contains spoilers from the One Piece series.
One Piece Chapter 1167 might just be one of the most exciting chapters in the entire series and that's because it focuses a lot 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 that Shanks was just another pirate who became incredibly strong in One Piece.
One Piece: Why Shanks is both a Heavenly Dragon and AD Clan member explained
Fans know that Shanks is part of the Figarland family. Shanks can also be a D though.
But over time, Oda began to uncover deeper mysteries about this red-haired individualand it is clear that he actually has ties to the World Government. Some fans are quite confused if Shanks is good or evil, especially after seeing him join the ranks of the Blade of God, the right hand of the Holy Knights, in One Piece about 15 years ago. Although it is true that Shanks joined the Holy Knights as their right-hand manthere is a big reason behind why he chose to do that.
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's pretty clear that Oda has now skipped many years past the conclusion of the God Valley Incident. Now the great age of piracy has already begun, and fans see Shanks in the holy land of Marijoa.
Luffy, the time for us to meet is getting very close. — 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 fans that he was stamped with a seal from the World Government that allows him to pass through the Abyss. He received the Seal of the Shallow Sea and was already a member of God's Blade 15 years ago.
Shanks wants to gather information about Imu
Given that Shanks joined such an evil organization, fans understandably assume that he is somewhat evil. But to really understand why Shanks joined the Holy Knights, one has to look at things on a deeper level. Shanks didn't join the Holy Knights because he wanted to help themor because he is the son of a heavenly dragon. The main reason he joined this rank is because of Roger. Shanks is the one who inherited Roger's true will, despite knowing that he is not Nika.
One Piece: Eiichiro Oda may have just revealed Whitebeard's original first mate
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. — Redhead shafts, One Piece
To bring Roger's world to life, Shanks needs to gather as much information about Imu as possible. Shanks definitely went back to Marijoa to find out all he could about Imu and those at the very top. Most importantly, keeping in touch with Imu can also put him close Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nikawhich is what Shanks was looking for, as evidenced by 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 is one of One Piece's main characters, and above all he is the true heir to Roger's will. Just 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 make sure the next Joy Boy appears at the right time, after Poseidon's rebirth into the world.
Shanks is the one who will usher in a new era and pave the way for Luffy to break the shackles of all those who are oppressed. He is one of One Piece's most important characters and he is definitely not evil. He may have become a God Bladebut it's all for the best because he wants to get as much information about them as he can. The fact that he was the one who freed the Fisher Tiger 15 years ago and allowed 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 for One Piece Chapter 1167 is November 30, 2025. In Japan, One Piece is released at 12:00 PM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps.
