This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Elbaf Arc.
Shanks is one of the most important One Piece characters and fans know that he is one of the most crucial players when it comes to the series' final saga. He's also a character that Oda has always wanted to draw more of, and now that the Final Saga is upon us, Oda has slowly begun to integrate him into the story. Shanks serves the role of one of the four emperors of the sea i One Pieceand he got this position 6 years ago. However, he plays an even bigger role as destiny's childand the man who set Luffy on the path to becoming a pirate.
1 year later, One Piece writer Oda reveals Elbaf's main villain, and it's not Imu
Imu will not be Elbaf's main villain. The real enemy will shock the fans of One Piece.
Regardless of how the fans see it, Shanks will certainly have a huge impactand figures of such importance often come with great force. Shank's strength lies primarily in his Hakibut there is another ability that he likely possesses that Oda teased himself, and that is one Devil fruit. Fans will be shocked to find out Shanks uses a Devil Fruitbut evidence in the manga strongly supports this. Here's everything you need to know about how Shanks has a Devil Fruit powerand what power he possesses.
Shanks's Sword Might Hold A Devil Fruit Power
Shanks is primarily a powerful Haki user. He relies on this skill in battle, and the fans know it very well. Shanks gained the power of Haki at a very young age. In fact, before he was even 15, Shanks could use abilities that advanced the Conqueror's Hakiwhich was confirmed by Oda himself. Most fans see Shanks as a Haki monster that cannot be stopped in battle, and while that is correct, it must also be noted that Shanks is also potentially a Devil Fruit user.
I'm not saying it's not fair, Navy. But raid the worn new green leaves that changed the era of piracy forever? Don't you think you are doing too much? Are you so afraid of the new era? – Shanks
Of course, Shanks saved Luffy from drowning One Piece chapter 1, so his Devil Fruit power couldn't have come back then, but he doesn't necessarily have to eat the Devil Fruit himself to get this power. The true secret behind Shanks's Devil Fruit power lies in his swordwhich is definitely one Highest class sword.
Shanks changed his sword after Romance Dawn
When One Piece began, Shanks was seen carrying a sword with a very unique hilt. This sword was used by him for quite some time, but after the time jump at the end of One Piece chapter 1, Shanks had grown greatly in influence and power. By this time, Shanks had already acquired a new sword. Interestingly enough, Shank's sword was named Gryphon by Oda. For those who don't know, Gryphon, or Griffin, is a mythical lion-like beast with the head, tail and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.
Why are you crying? It's just an arm. I'm just glad you're safe. – Shanks to Luffy
Oddly enough, Shank's spirit animal is also a lionaccording to Oda, which fits the Gryphon theme. Now, for the longest time, fans weren't sure if Shanks had a Devil Fruit power. In Elbaf, on the other hand, Oda almost confirmed that his sword had a Devil Fruit ability.
Shank's sword has the power of a gryphon
In the Elbaf arc of One Piece, the fans met Shamrock Figarland, Shank's twin brother, for the very first time. After his introduction, Shamrock showed the power of his sword named Cerberus. It was pretty easy for fans to see that Oda drew one parallel between Shanks and Shamrock. Shamrock's sword is named after a mythical beast, Cerberus, or the guardian of the gates of hell. And sure enough, Shamrock proceeded to harness the power of an actual Cerberus, emerging from his sword.
Shank's sword is also very similar in appearance to Shamrock'sand it is also named after a mythical creature. It's pretty easy to see how Shanks wields the power of the Gryphon. Oda himself supports this idea by making it ambiguous how Shanks fights:
Q: What is the name of Red-haired Shank's sword?
A: Apparently it's called “Griffon”. We've known Shanks since the very first chapter, but how does he actually fight? — Eiichiro Oda
It also explains how Shanks quickly travels from one place to another. For example, during the Paramount War, Shanks transported himself from the New World to Paradise almost instantly. If his sword can transform into Gryphon, then that explains how the ship made it all the way to Marine Plaza so quickly.
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 December 1, 2025. In Japan, One Piece is released at 12:00 JST on Monday, which is 11:00 EST or 8:00 PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps.
