Oda drops a massive hint about Shank's ultimate goal

This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Elbaf Arc.

Important takeaways

• Shanks wants to destroy the Celestial Dragons, hinted at by the “Death of God” technique.
• Shanks will likely fight in the upcoming great war in One Piece.
• Shanks aims to test whether Luffy is Joy Boy and aid in the destruction of the Celestial Dragons.

The captain of the Red Hair Pirates, Shanks is one of the most powerful individuals in the world One Piece who rules the seas with great authority. He is also one of the characters that fans have known since the very first parts of the story, specifically the Romance Dawn Arc. Shanks is one of the first characters seen in One Pieceand his importance to Luffy's journey to becoming the Pirate King is profound. In fact, it was Shanks who set Luffy on this path and motivated him to create a crew stronger than his own and surpass him one day.

Of course, Shank's role in One Piece was always going to be massive, but Oda specifically said that Shanks would become more important towards the end, which is the final saga. Now, One Piece is in the Final Saga, which means that everything about Shanks, from his strength, all the way to his goals, will finally be shown to fans. When it comes to his goals specifically, fans don't know much and while he seems to be somehow connected to the Will of D, along with much else, he has overall goals that remain unknown. Now, however, Oda seems to have given a huge hint as to what Shanks really wants in on One Piece.

Shank's Mysterious Purpose in One Piece

• Shanks has maintained the balance of the sea for a long time
• In reality, Shanks is the enemy of the gods

Speaking of Shank's purpose, it has largely been kept a secret by Oda. Shanks has not been active in the early parts of One Pieceother than small engagements here and there where he has been seen trying to make peace or at least try to keep it between different parties. Meanwhile, Shanks is actively invested in Luffy's growth, and he is invested in making sure there is peace and stability in the world. This is evident from Shanks en route to the Whitebeard Pirates, where he asked the Yonko to call Ace back from his hunt for Blackbeard. Shanks said that Blackbeard would beat Ace and it would lead to disastrous consequences, which is what ended up happening.

Around the time of the Paramount War, Shanks stopped Kaido from attacking the Whitebeard Pirates and preventing them from going to Marineford, where they aimed to rescue Ace. Similarly, fans know that Shanks also came to Marineford himself, where he stopped the Summit's war for good, allowing both sides to retreat and save face. Shanks is therefore seen as a mediator by many. However, this is not his true goal. Shanks doesn't want balance on the oceans. Instead, he's waiting for the right time to come, which is why, after the events of the Wano War, in the New World, Shanks has openly stated that it's time for him to get serious now and set his sights on One Piece.

Hey Beck! I think it's time we go claim it… One Piece! – Shanks

For the very first time in his life as a pirate, Shanks is now openly going after One Piece and his claim to it will be more aggressive than any Yonko, as evidenced by his speaking patterns in Japanese. This has shocked many readers considering that quite a few of them believe that he had no interest in One Piece. Now, however, Shanks has shown that he has bigger plans.

Oda hints at what Shanks wants

Shanks might want to destroy the celestial dragons

Shank's goals are, of course, somewhat confusing to readers. After all, in his deepest hearts, he believes that Luffy will continue to be the Pirate King. Yet, at the same time, Shanks is pushing for One Piece self. Likewise, Shanks seems to want to stop the advance of the World Government, yet he was seen meeting with the Five Elders in secret. All of this has left fans very confused, but a small hint from Oda may have revealed what Shanks really wants. This was revealed during his fight against Eustass Kid in the Egghead Arc. When Shanks met Kid, he unleashed a technique called Divine Departure, or Kamusari on him.

This technique was so strong that it ended up defeating him in a single blow. It is the etymology of this technique that reveals what Shanks really wants.

Shank's technique, Kamusari, is written in Japanese as 神避, which literally translates to “Death of God”. Curiously, it is based on ancient Japanese records known as kojiki, from 1300 years ago. This word, which simply says the death of God, could imply that Shanks wants the death of the Heavenly Dragons, as they are the gods of the One Piece world. This makes even more sense when you consider the fact that this is actually a technique from none other than the former Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Roger was against the Celestial Dragons, even though he wasn't the one who started the Great War. It is clear that he seemingly passed the mantle to Shanks, who now continues this war against the Celestial Dragons and aims for their demolition.

It's not time for Luffy to meet me yet! – Shanks

About why Shanks is pushing One Piecethe reason may simply be to actually see if Luffy is the one the world is waiting for, or, in other words, Joy Boy, or not. Shanks specifically stole the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, meaning he knew of its importance. Apparently, he also reacted when he saw that Luffy had harnessed the power of Gear 5 and become Nika. Shanks was waiting for Nika's arrival, but that doesn't mean he can simply leave him alone.

Shank's job is to test Luffy and see if he is truly the one the world is waiting for and fit to carry the burden or not. More than that, Shanks wants to help destroy the Celestial Dragons, despite being a Celestial Dragon himself. This is his ultimate goal in One Piece, and this is what makes his character so interesting.

Will Shanks fight in the Great War?

Shanks will likely participate in the upcoming Great War in one piece

With that in mind One Piece is in the final saga, Shanks will definitely continue to fight in the final war. It also depends on when the final war ends up. This war could start as soon as the Elbaf arc, or it could wait until Luffy claims One Piece and then launches an all-out assault on the World Government. Regardless, Shanks could be an active part of this war, and given that his wish is seemingly for the death of the Celestial Dragons, or at least for them to be stripped of their authority and powers, Shanks will have an important role to play here, especially as a guide to none other than Joy Boy himself.

One Piece is available to read via Viz Media. The series can be read by fans officially and for free in the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The release date for the next chapter of One Piece, One Piece 1132, is set for December 1, 2024.