Oda gives a massive hint of Shanks' ultimate goal

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

Key things

• Shanks wants to destroy the Sky Dragons, indicated by the technique “Death of God.”
• Shanks will probably fight in the upcoming big war in One Piece.
• Shanks aims to test whether Luffy is a Joy Boy and help destroy the Sky 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. She is also one of the characters that fans have known since the very early parts of the story, specifically the Romance Dawn Arc. Shanks is one of the first characters seen in One pieceand its 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 him and one day surpass him.

Of course, Shanks' role in One piece was always massive, but Oda specifically stated that Shanks would be more important towards the end, which is the Final Saga. Now, One piece is in the Final Saga, which means everything about Shanks, from his strength to his goals, will finally be revealed to fans. As for his goals specifically, fans don't know much, and while he does seem to be somehow connected to the Will of D, along with many others, he has overarching goals that remain unknown. However, now it seems that Oda has dropped a massive hint of what Shanks really wants One piece.

Shanks' mysterious purpose in one piece

• Shanks kept his balance at sea for a long time
• In reality, Shanks is an enemy of the gods

When it comes to Shanks' intent, Oda has largely kept it a secret. Shanks was not active in the early parts One pieceother than a little entanglement here and there where he was seen trying to make peace or at least trying to keep peace between different parties. At the same time, Shanks is actively invested in Luffy's growth and invested in ensuring peace and stability in the world. This is evident from Shanks heading to the Whitebeard Pirates where he asked Yonko to recall Ace from his search for Blackbeard. Shanks stated that Blackbeard would defeat Ace and that it would lead to catastrophic consequences, which eventually happened.

Around the time of the Paramount War, Shanks stopped Kaido from attacking the Whitebeard Pirates and prevented them from going to Marineford to rescue Ace. Likewise, fans know that Shanks even came to Marineford itself, stopping the Summit War for good and allowing both sides to retreat and save face. Shanks is thus perceived by many as a mediator. However, that is not his real goal. Shanks doesn't want balance on the seas. Instead, he waits for the right time, which is why, after the events of the Wano War in the New World, Shanks openly stated that it was time for him to get serious now and set his sights on One Piece.

Hi Beck! I think it's time we go and pick up this… One Piece! – Shanks

For the very first time in his pirate life, Shanks now openly pursues One Piece and his claim to it will be more aggressive than any Yonko, as shown by his speech pattern in Japanese. This shocked many readers, considering that quite a few of them believe that he had no interest in One Piece. But now Shanks has shown that he clearly has bigger plans.

Oda hints at what Shanks wants

Shanks might want the destruction of the sky dragons

Of course, Shanks' goals are somewhat confusing to the reader. After all, deep in his heart, he believes that Luffy will become the Pirate King. At the same time, however, Shanks insists One piece alone. Similarly, Shanks seemingly wants to stop the advance of the World Government, yet has been seen in secret meeting with the Five Elders. All of this left fans very confused, but one small hint from Oda may have revealed what Shanks really wants. This was revealed during his battle against Eustass Kid in the Egghead Arc. When Shanks met Kid, he unleashed a technique on him called Divine Departure, or Kamusari.

This technique was so powerful that she eventually defeated him with a single punch. It's the etymology of this technique that reveals what Shanks really wants.

Shanks' technique, Kamusari, is written in Japanese as 神避, which literally translates to “Death of God”. Curiously, it is based on ancient Japanese records called kojiki from 1300 years ago. This word which simply says Death of God could indicate that Shanks wants the death of the sky dragons because they are gods in the world of One Piece. This makes even more sense considering the fact that this is actually none other than former pirate king Gol D. Roger's technique. Roger was against the Sky Dragons, even though he wasn't the one who started the Great War. He seemingly passed the mantle to Shanks, who is now waging this war against the Celestial Dragons and seeking their destruction.

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

About why Shanks insists One piecethe reason could simply be to find out 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. He also apparently reacted when he saw Luffy use the power of Gear 5 to become Nika. Shanks has been waiting for Nika to arrive, but that doesn't mean she can simply let him take the things.

Shanks' job is to test Luffy to see if he is truly who the world is waiting for and if he is capable of carrying the burden or not. More than that, Shanks wants to help destroy the Celestial Dragons, despite being of Celestial Dragon descent himself. That's his ultimate goal in One Piece, and that's what makes his character so interesting.

Will Shanks fight in the Great War?

Shanks will probably participate in the upcoming big war in one piece

Given that 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 takes place. This war could start as soon as the Elbaf arc, or it could wait until Luffy claims it One piece and then launch an all-out assault on world government. Regardless, Shanks could be an active part of this war, and with his desire seemingly being the death of the Sky Dragons, or at the very least stripping them of their authority and powers, Shanks will play a major role here. , notably as a guide to none other than Joy Boy himself.

One Piece is available to read through Viz Media. Fans can officially read the series for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The release date for the next One Piece chapter, One Piece 1132, is set for December 1, 2024.