Who is the 'certain pirate' Shanks warned the Five Elders about?
During his secret meeting with the Gorosei in Chapter 907, Shanks requested to speak with them about a "certain pirate". This led to speculation about the pirate's identity, with Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard) and Monkey D. Luffy being the main candidates. The true identity changes how fans interpret Shanks's motives.
The Blackbeard Theory: A Repeat Warning
Many fans believe Shanks was warning the Five Elders about Blackbeard, similar to his earlier warning to Whitebeard. Shanks had told Whitebeard that Blackbeard was a threat not to be taken lightly. With Blackbeard's power and influence growing post-timeskip, Shanks might see him as a significant danger to world stability and sought to inform the highest authority.
The Luffy Theory: Nika's Revival
Another theory arose after it was revealed that Luffy's Devil Fruit was the Mythical Zoan, Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. Shanks stole the Nika fruit from a World Government ship before Luffy ate it. With Luffy becoming an Emperor and awakening the fruit during the Wano arc, Shanks might have reported this to the Gorosei, indicating the emergence of the "Warrior of Liberation". Some believe Shanks might have intentionally focused the government's attention on Luffy to test him or push events forward.
Why was Shanks allowed to meet with the Five Elders at all?
Shanks's ability to meet with the Five Elders is highly unusual given their typical disdain for pirates. This access is a major point of discussion, with two primary explanations proposed.
Figarland Lineage: A Celestial Dragon Connection
There is strong evidence suggesting Shanks has a secret Celestial Dragon heritage. The Figarland family, a high-ranking Celestial Dragon family, has been introduced, and it's heavily implied that Shanks is related to them, possibly through Figarland Garling. This lineage could explain his ability to enter Marijoa and be granted an audience with the Five Elders.
Balance and Manipulation: A Calculated Diplomat
Shanks acts as a strategic figure who influences world events to maintain a balance of power. He has intervened in major conflicts before, such as stopping Kaido from joining the Marineford War. His meeting with the Five Elders could be another instance of him working to prevent a major threat from causing premature chaos. The Five Elders may see Shanks as a necessary figure for managing other unpredictable forces, making their interaction a pragmatic one despite their general distrust of pirates.
Comparison: Blackbeard Theory vs. Luffy/Nika Theory
| Aspect | Blackbeard Warning Theory | Luffy/Nika Revelation Theory |
|---|---|---|
| Motivator | Threat to World Stability | Fulfillment of inherited destiny |
| Shanks's Role | Pragmatic peacemaker / Balance keeper | Strategic guide / Instigator |
| Evidence | Shanks's past warnings to Whitebeard about Teach and his known distrust of Blackbeard. | The stolen Nika fruit, Luffy's eventual awakening, and Shanks's actions post-meeting. |
| World Government's Reaction | Would logically be more cautious about Blackbeard, though their subsequent actions are focused elsewhere. | After the meeting, the Gorosei become obsessed with the Nika fruit and eliminating Luffy, directly following a supposed warning. |
| Risk for Shanks | Entering Marijoa as a pirate to tattle on another pirate is extremely risky and relies on a special arrangement or lineage. | Revealing Nika's location directly puts Luffy at risk, but could be a deliberate action to push Luffy towards awakening and the end game. |
| Current Manga Status | Recent revelations point towards Blackbeard, but a direct link between Shanks and the elders is not yet fully confirmed. | Increasingly strong correlation as the story focuses on the Nika fruit and Luffy's importance. |
What are the leading theories about the 'certain pirate'?
Most theories identify either Blackbeard or Luffy as the subject of Shanks' conversation. The Blackbeard theory focuses on Shanks's concerns about Teach's dangerous ambitions, while the Luffy/Nika theory suggests Shanks was informing the government about the Nika fruit's awakening or intentionally provoking their focus on Luffy. Shanks's potential Celestial Dragon heritage could explain his access.
Conclusion
Shanks’s visit to the Five Elders is a significant mystery in One Piece. The identity of the "certain pirate" he discussed is unconfirmed, but theories suggest it was either Blackbeard or Luffy. These theories highlight Shanks as a highly influential figure with a complex agenda, operating beyond typical pirate conflicts. His actions indicate a deep understanding of global power dynamics and a calculated effort to maintain balance until the right moment for a new era. Shanks's unique relationship with the World Government underscores the intricate nature of the series' final saga.
