Shanks

, also known as , is one of the overarching protagonists of the One Piece franchise. 
He is a legendary and powerful pirate in the Grand Line, being the chief of the Red Haired Pirates and one of the Four Emperors residing in the New World, which is the second half of the grand line. With a standing bounty of 4,048,900,000 berries, he is one of the most wanted pirates in history. 
He is Monkey D. Luffy's childhood hero and a former apprentice of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, alongside Buggy. He used to be a rival of "Hawkeye" Dracule Mihawk (who gave up all of his interests to fight Shanks due to him losing his arm). He is also the adoptive father of the World Greatest Diva Uta. He is greatly respected and feared by Pirates and Marines alike in the One Piece world. This is despite him having a 'soft' and easy-going nature, rarely seen directly involving himself in actual combat. He is old friends with the two captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, Dorry and Brogy.
He is voiced by and (who also voiced Guan Xing and Prince Liam) as a child in the Japanese version of the anime, and by Christian J. Lee in an alternate English dub by Odex, Tom Souhrada in 4Kids Entertainment English dubbed, and in the Funimation English dubbed of the anime. In the Live-action, he was portrayed by .
==Appearance==
Shanks is a tall, muscular man, with an extremely imposing figure, although his stature is relatively akin to a normal human (at least compared to the other Emperors, most of whom stand over twenty feet tall). He has neck length, tanned skin, and black eyes. The most striking feature about Shanks is the color of his red hair, of which his nickname 'Red Haired Shanks' stems from. He also has three scars across his left eye, which were given to him by Marshall D. Teach more than 12 years ago. 
He's always seen wearing brown, baggy pants, a white, button up, T-shirt, and an extremely long, black cape behind him. He has exposed, hairy legs, and brown sandals on his feet. When he was younger he wore a brown Straw Hat, which he previously received from his Captain, Gol D. Roger, but that ended when he gave it to Monkey D. Luffy. He wields a massive sword called Gryphon, which he has sheathed on his right side. 
A decade before the start of the series, Shanks lost his left arm saving Luffy from a Sea King. 
==Personality==
In spite of his status as an Emperor, Shanks has shown to be one of more noble-hearted pirates in the world. He is generally a casual, laid- back individual, preferring to take his time as he and his crew leisurely travels around the world, rather than rushing from one place to another. In this aspect, Shanks is not cruel like many other pirate captains, nor does he rule over his crew and territory with fear to gain respect. His friendly nature means he will not purposely seek to harm others, and he is able to make serious characters like Dracule Mihawk join in with his fun. He also likes teasing people, as demonstrated by his apparent reactions to Luffy as a child. In this aspect, Shanks himself is like Luffy, specifically in his younger years. 
Shanks is against the idea of needless bloodshed, even if honor is involved. He only ever seems to step up for a fight when someone important to him is in danger or when the consequences are too severe to ignore, such as the case of Blackbeard. He also seems to admire those who have courage, as seen when a young Luffy stood up against Higuma for insulting Shanks and also when he saw Koby gathering his courage to stop the war, as the young marine believed that it was pointless to continue. As part of his pacifist nature, he has demonstrated to be capable in diplomacy, in which he was able to ceasefire between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines, convincing Sengoku to agree with his proposition, in spite of the latter's hatred of pirates.
Nonetheless, much like many other pirates, Shanks does not like to play by rules and understands that things cannot always be resolved through peaceful matters, showing that he's more than willing to resort to drastic measures to get his threats across. He has little to no tolerance for those that threaten his close allies and friends, or those that pick on those unable to fend for themselves. This is when he confronted Ryokugyu at Wano when he attacked its citizens following the Onigashima Raid, threatening him with his intimidating presence. He also allowed his fellow giants, Dorry and Broggy, to wipe out Eustass Kid's crew after their captain had intended to attack his territory, in spite of them willing to surrender afterwards. Much like many others, he too is interested in claiming One Piece and understands the dangerous means and methods of achieving it so.
For this reason, Shanks is not as simple-minded as he appears and has shown to be a complex person with his own views. For example, he believes if two people share very different views, it is better they go their separate ways and has his own plans for the new generation. 
==Biography==
===Past===
Shanks was born 39 years ago in a wine producing town somewhere in the West Blue, a year before the God Valley incident. 38 years ago, for reasons unknown, an infant Shanks was found at God Valley in a treasure chest by Roger and Rayleigh who subsequently took him in. It is unknown whether he was born on the island or hailed elsewhere.
He was around the age of 9, when he became an apprentice pirate alongside Buggy the Clown aboard the Oro Jackson, the pirate ship of Gol D. Roger. During this time, he and Buggy would often argue over trivial matters, earning them a scolding from the First Mate Silvers Rayleigh. One night, Shanks surprised Buggy by trying to tell him of what the Captain did, this caused Buggy to accidentally swallow the Chop-Chop fruit. Acting quickly, Shanks dove into the sea to rescue him, though Buggy held a grudge for costing him a fortune for several years. 
27 years ago at age 12, the crew faced off against the Golden Lion Pirates led by Shiki. Shanks was seen trying to calm a panicking Buggy about the impending battle, to no avail. A year later, they faced off against the Whitebeard pirates for days and nights. Then, he met Marshall D. Teach for the first time, expressing jealousy when Buggy told him that Teach has never slept a day in his life. 
He and the others were initially skeptical of Kozuki Oden after he was recruited but after some time they grew fond of him. Shanks also befriended Inuarashi and Nekomamushi while they were on board. The crew had many adventures including going to Fishman Island and Skypeia before they made their way to Laugh Tale. However, Shanks and Buggy were unable to go after Buggy fell ill and Shanks stayed behind to tend to him. Upon the crew returning, Roger had been labeled the Pirate King. Shanks witnessed Roger disband the crew and shed tears at parting with Roger and Oden.
At age 15, Shanks witnessed Roger's execution in Loguetown, shedding tears for his former captain. After the event, he started making plans to form his own crew and spoke to Buggy about One Piece. Shanks revealed that he was not ready to go after the treasure before he asked Buggy to join his crew, but Buggy was upset Shanks was not going to be Roger's successor and refused to work for him. This would be the last time they meet until twenty two years later, though Shanks heard rumors of Buggy being a pirate. 
Since the Roger Pirates disbanded, he set out on his own, gathering new crewmates and became the captain of the Red Hair Pirates. He sailed through the Grand Line, visiting all seas, spending most of his time partying, the occasional duels with his rival Dracule Mihawk and having a fun time. 
More than 20 years ago, at age 19, Shanks took care of his adopted baby daughter Uta on his ship. He then sang her a song to soothe her, which cultivated her love for songs in adulthood, eventually making her a well-known idol. 
At some point in time, he fought Marshall D. Teach who left a permanent scar on his right eye. Ever since, he has remained wary of the latter and his intentions. 
13 years ago, when Shanks was 26, he and his crew attacked a government and Gomu Gomu no Mi Devil Fruit that was guarded by CP9 agent Who's-Who. They were able to pillage the ship and take the devil fruit. 
A year later, he was at the East Blue and he met the young Monkey D. Luffy in Foosha village, an island in the eastern part of the Goa kingdom. His bounty was revealed to be 1 040 000 000 billion berries in the One Piece Red movie at this time. Around the same time, Shanks became acquainted with Luffy and they formed a friendship while they were in Makino's bar the mountain bandits led by Higuma the bear entered as they were looking for sake. Shanks gave Higuma the remaining sake and Higuma said it wasn't enough and threw it at Shanks, who laughed it off. When that was happening Luffy got mad at Shanks and ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi Devil Fruit. Seeing this, Shanks told him to spit out the fruit but it was too late, so Shanks explained devil fruits take away one's ability to swim forever. 
After that, Luffy got into a fight with the mountain bandits, which caused the Red Hair Pirates to look outside and see Luffy being in trouble after one of the mountain bandits placed a gun at Shanks' head but Lucky Reaux shot the bandit. Shanks' first mate Benn Beckman which caused the mountain bandits to fight and end up defeated but their leader Higuma used a smoke bomb to go to the ocean and dump Luffy there but then a sea king attacked which killed Higuma but Luffy escaped and tried frantically to stay afloat. The sea king moved to attack Luffy but Shanks intervened to save Luffy, losing his left arm in the process. With his Haoshoku haki, he scared the sea king away and comforted Luffy. However, Luffy broke down because Shanks lost a limb for him but pirate paid it no mind. He later gave Luffy his straw hat with a promise to return it to him when he becomes stronger and they meet again. 
Around this time (more than a decade ago), Shanks left Uta behind so she wouldn’t be chased by the world for being his daughter. He wanted to keep her on board his crew coinciding with her own desire, but had to take the blame for a genocide, causing them to separate. Her talent was too great, and he didn’t want to impede her future. He would frequently keep up with her new releases like a proud father. 
Upon returning to the Grand Line, he was reunited with Rayleigh at Saobody Archipelago and the latter asked about his Straw Hat and lost arm. Shanks informed him about Luffy and how he was similar to Roger, causing Rayleigh to yearn to meet the boy. In an earlier point in time, Shanks ceased dueling with Mihawk because he lost his arm but they stayed on good terms, as Shanks told him about Luffy.
At another point, he was recognized by the world as one of the Yonko, being the youngest pirate to hold the title. 
Three years ago, Portgas D. Ace set out to sea and tracked Shanks and his crew to an island. Shanks initially assumed that the young pirate came to challenge him, ready to unsheathe his sword. However, Ace quickly told him that he was not there for a fight and he only came to thank Shanks for saving his younger brother. Shanks realized that Ace was Luffy's brother, becoming delighted as he didn't know Luffy had a brother. He invited Ace and his crew to party with him becoming good friends not too long later.
=== East Blue Saga===
====Loguetown Arc====
Dracule Mihawk visited Shanks, who was notified by a scared member of his crews. Shanks was suffering from a hangover and asked Mihawk if he was looking for a fight. Mihawk revealed after Shanks lost his arm, he no longer plans to face him. He brought up Shanks' old story of a strange boy in a small village before he showed Shanks and the crew Luffy's new wanted poster, showing Luffy is starting out. Surprised to see his ward as a pirate, Shanks celebrated with his crew and had Mihawk join in.
===Sky Island Saga===
====Jaya Arc====
Shanks later expressed an interest in Ace's pursuit of Blackbeard and sent new recruit Rockstar to deliver a note to Whitebeard concerning this matter. Angry that Shanks sent him a letter, Whitebeard told Rockstar his captain must come in person and bring plenty of good rum. Elsewhere, Shanks talked on a Den Den Mushi to Rockstar, where he laughed how the old man has not changed a bit and denied Rockstar the chance to redeem his honor against the Whitebeard crew before ordering him to come back. When Beckman questioned whether or not he should go to Whitebeard, stating the Government and Marines will be displeased though Shanks told him that he didn't care before he told the crew should prepare for battle. 
=== Water 7 Saga===
====Post Enies Lobby Arc====
The Red Hair Pirates destroyed the marine fleet impeding them before Shanks met up with the Whitebeard Pirates. He used his Haoshoku haki to incapacitate some of the crew before he briefly traded words with Marco who refused his offer to join his crew. After Whitebeard ordered the crew to leave, he and Whitebeard caught up on the past. Shanks also gave a vague hint as to why he lost his arm. Soon he requested him to stop Ace from pursuing Blackbeard, but Whitebeard refused, saying that Teach needs to be taught a lesson about the moral code by, which pirates live by. Their disagreement led to a battle, where both sides retreated and the result unknown. 
===Summit War Saga===
==== Amazon Lily Arc====
Shanks, knowing that Whitebeard was on his way to rescue Ace, understood that war will break out. He intercepted and battled Kaido and the Beasts Pirates who were on their way to join the war. The details of the battle are unknown but Shanks made Kaido retreat and later made his way to Marineford.
====Marineford Arc====
Once Shanks arrived, he saved Koby from Akainu, respecting him for standing up to the marines to stop the battle since they had already achieved their goal. His presence shocked everyone, as he announced that he came to end the war. 
While at Marineford, he was briefly reunited with the Straw Hat before he noticed Buggy in the air and asked him to return the item to Luffy, promising a treasure map for his act. He also told his crew while he liked to see Luffy again, it was not the right time. As a result, Akainu yelled at him for letting Luffy slip away.
He is later yelled at by Buggy after it was discovered that he lied about the map, though he shrugged it off while saying he is happy to see Buggy, despite the latter being annoyed with him. He then proceeded on with his business, while Buggy realized he could escape because of Shanks.
Saying that he will not let anyone disrespect Ace's and Whitebeard's deaths, he soon challenged the three groups that if any of them wished to continue fighting, they will have to take him and his crew on. His declaration scared the marines and caused many to back down. He also confronted Blackbeard who taunted him on his facial scar, irritating him. After a tense standoff, Blackbeard decided to retreat from the battlefield because he got what he wanted was not ready to fight Shanks and his crew yet. 
His past and pedigree were enough to convince Fleet Admiral Sengoku to stop the war and assume the repercussions involved in ending the war. He then stated that his crew will oversee the burial of Whitebeard and Ace with his request being accepted. 
==== Post-War Arc====
He later attended the funeral of the fallen, while mentally comparing Ace to his late father on not turning back for disrespect to his allies. He then turned his thoughts to hoping Luffy will overcome his loss. 
===Yonko Saga===
====From the Decks of the World: The 500,000,000 Man Arc====
Shanks and his crew attended a wedding, while reading about the Straw Hat Pirates' activities in Dressrosa.
 
====Levely Arc====
As the news of Luffy's exploits at Totto Land spread across the world, Shanks read the newspaper and learned of Luffy's new bounty of 1.5 billion berries and stated that he looked forward to seeing Luffy again.
Shanks later went to Marejois, where he snuck through security while wearing a cloak. Although the reverie was being held, he met with the Five Elders in person to tell them about a certain pirate and they agreed to hear him out.
Shanks went near Wano Country after hearing that Luffy became a Yonko. He spoke to his crew about the idea of going after the one piece. He drove off Admiral Ryokugyu by using powerful Conqueror's Haki and telling him to get lost for his attempt to kill Luffy. The Admiral complied, stating he was not ready to battle Shanks and his crew for now. It turns out the Straw Hats were aware of Ryokugyu being around and Luffy happily speculates on the Haki. The Red-Haired Pirates sailed off. Shanks revealed he came to Wano believing Blackbeard would be there but Teach anticipated Shanks' pursuit on him, knowing he is still not strong enough to fight Shanks yet. Shanks picked up Marco to return him back to Sphinx although he did offered Marco of joining his crew only for him to declined and announced his retirement as a pirate.
===Egghead Arc===
After dropping Marco back to Sphinx, Shanks goes to Elbaf where he and his crew partied with the giants. He used his advanced Haoshoku Haki to give Eustass Kid two options: the first is leave and give up his Road Poneglyph copies to him or the other which is to fight him in a winner-takes-all fight. Kid chooses to fight Shanks for revenge upon him taking his arm. 
The subordinate pirates under Shanks wanted to defend him, despite their lack of strength and pitiful bounties. Kid saw an easy victory and sought to destroy them all in a single attack. Unfortunately for Kid, Shanks had used his Haki to foresee that disastrous result and had the crews withdraw while he fought them alone. Using one sword attack, Shanks easily defeated both Kid and Killer, causing the Kid Pirates to give him the Road Poneglyph copies to the Emperor and begged him to spare their life. However, Shanks allowed both Broggy and Dorry to destroy the Kid Pirates' ship where Kid and his crew fell into the sea, leaving their status unknown.
==Powers and Abilities==
Being a Yonko, Shanks is easily in the upper echelon of the most powerful characters in the series. This is a well-known fact, even though he has yet to be shown in a prolonged battle, and he's never been seen going all out yet. Shanks has also held the title of Yonko for six years, and is deemed on the same level of pirates who were veterans like Whitebeard, Big Mom and Kaido.
Shanks is considered a legendary pirate and threat to the World Government and Marine. His strength was hinted it at when his fellow emperor Whitebeard stated his duels with Dracule Mihawk, the strongest swordsman in the world, were an amazing sight. Shanks could clash with Whitebeard, a man ten times his size without much effort. Another sign of his strength is that held off fellow Emperor Kaido a day prior to the Marineford War and made it to the area, a day later without a scratch. Kaido, who is regarded as the Strongest Creature in the World, even considers Shanks to be the top six strongest people (consisting of Rocks, Whitebeard, Roger, Oden, and Luffy) that can fight him in a battle to the death. When he arrived at Marineford, Future Fleet Admiral Akainu, who fought several commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates and even Whitebeard himself, decided not to fight him after Shanks easily blocked his kill shot. When he challenged the marines on the battlefield, they backed off because they couldn't risk fighting another Emperor, despite being fired up from Whitebeard's death. Blackbeard, a pirate who recently strengthen his crew with deadly criminals and possessed two devil fruits also chose to retreat than face Shanks; while stating he was not ready to face him yet. The Five Elders also respect Shanks, listing him as one of the few people capable of stopping Blackbeard who ran amuck in the New World. After the timeskip, the elders were even willing to have a meeting with Shanks. He easily defeated Eustass Kid (a pirate from the Worst Generation whose bounty is worth 3 billion) who was one of the victors against another Yonko.
He is able to provide a lethal level of intimidation just from a glare, and the few skills he's known for, gives him an air of intrigue as to what he's truly capable of. Aramaki, a recently promoted Marine Admiral also chose to leave Wano after realizing Shanks was near and threatening him, stating he didn't plan on facing Shanks yet. 
Of all the emperors, he has no Devil Fruit, which is further impressive because that makes his strength natural.
===Stealth Master ===
Shanks is extremely stealthy being able to erase his presence completely or make opponents think he is somewhere else. This was seen when he arrived to Marineford and intercepted a blow from Akainu with nobody seeing him until the attack was blocked. He later did so again at Mary Geoise, where he snuck through the residence of the Celestial Dragons while only wearing a cloak.
===Swordsmanship===
The name of Shank's sword is Gryphon. It's currently unknown if it's a ranked blade, and if it is, what rank it holds. He's a master swordsman, although the precise extent of these skills is currently unknown. The sword was described to be specialized in fire based attacks. It is also a conduit for Shanks to project the advance applications of Haki.
Due to his longtime rivalry with Dracule Mihawk, the current greatest swordsman in the world, it has been speculated by fans that Shanks was the previous holder of that title, but so far that hasn't been confirmed or denied. He's only seen using his sword two times in the series. Once, during a brief clash with Whitebeard, on the latter's ship, and the second time during a brief clash with Akainu, at the tail end of the Marineford War. The only extended fight that's known of where he would have used his sword are the many he had with Mihawk, especially the final battle that Whitebeard referenced, but it has yet to be shown.
==== Haki====
Shanks is one of the few characters capable of using all three types of Haki. So far only him, Luffy and Kaido have use the advanced application of each one.
==== Haoshoku Haki====
His ability to use Haoshoku was first hinted at shortly after his introduction, with him using the intimidation factor of Haoshoku to frighten off a Sea King with a single glare. The pressure he emits is strong enough to bring Vice-admiral Momonga to his knees, as well as intimidate Admiral Kizaru and Fujitora forcing them to retreat. He was able to intimidate and cause Admiral Greenbull to yelp in pain, forcing him to retreat despite being miles away from Wano. Shanks was also able to telepathically speak to the Admiral and warn him of his mistake.
While Shanks was boarding Whitebeard's ship for their meeting, dozens of Whitebeard's men (seasoned men able to survive the New World) collapsed into unconsciousness as the ship itself began taking physical damage from Shanks' mere presence. 
He has shown the advance application of this skill by augmenting his attacks with the infusion of Haoshoku Haki. His Haki was also able to split the skies with Whitebeard and replicate Roger's signature technique, 'Divine Departure". His use of it was even more impressive than the former Pirate King as he was able to One Shot both Kidd and Killer, while Roger did not even cause Oden to become unconscious.
====Busoshoku Haki====
Shanks has great mastery over Busoshoku Haki. During the Summit War of Marineford, his Haki-infused sword easily blocked Akainu's magma-enhanced punch. which was powerful enough to burn stronger enemies such as Ace, Jinbe, and even the Emperor Whitebeard. he also can utilize the advanced application of emitting Busoshoku Haki out from his blade, allowing him to attack opponents without making physical contact.
====Kenbunshoku Haki====
Shanks possesses the ability to use Kenbunshoku Haki, as revealed in his vivre card and has almost unrivalled mastery over it. He is known for being the Killer of Observation Haki as he is able to stop people from being able to use it as seen from Kidd. He also has masterful control over the aspect of pinpointing specific individuals over far distances, as seen in Wano and Elbaf.
He has the ability to see into the future, and has shown to be able to do it far longer and efficiently than Katakuri. The former was able to do it for more than 10 seconds while the latter did it for only a few seconds.
==Heroic Acts==
*Saved Buggy from drowning.
*Adopting the abandoned baby Uta.
*Saved Luffy from the sea king.
*Saved Koby from Sakazuki.
*Stopped the Marineford War to prevent more deaths.
*Protected his daughter from the Marines.
*Drove Admiral Ryokugyu out of Wano Country.
==Trivia ==
*Shanks has several traits that separate him from the other Four Emperors:
** Shanks is the only member confirmed to have not eaten a Devil Fruit.
**Shanks is the only member who is not an Admiral of a Fleet.
**Shanks is the only member of the original Four Emperors to not be a member of the Rocks Pirates.
**Shanks is the only member of the original Four Emperors to not wear a tattoo.
**Shanks is the only Emperor confirmed to have not been born in the Grand Line, hailing from the West Blue instead.
*In Shanks' bounty of 4,0 48,9 00,000, the 4-8-9 can be read as shi-ya-ku (シヤク). This could refer to his given name "Shanks" (シャンクス Shankusu.
*Shanks is the first character in the series to use Haoshoku Haki.
**In fact, he was the first character to show any form of Haki, in the first chapter no less.
*In the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Japanese fan polls of most popular characters, he was ranked the 3rd, 7th, 11th, 8th, 14th, and 11th, respectively. Making him the most popular of the Four Emperors in each, and being in the first two the most popular character outside the members of the Straw Hat Pirates.
* In One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3, Shanks' taunt action allows him to put on sunglasses, which is a reference to his Strong World costume.
*Shanks' favorite foods are kimchi fried rice and lobster.
* In the anime, when Ace meets Shanks, it can be seen that Shanks still has both arms, even though he lost his left arm to the Lord of the Coast. This however, appears to be an error. This is corrected in the home release of the episode.
* In the previous generation of the Four Emperors, Shanks was the youngest before Luffy's rise.
===SBS Based Trivia===
*According to Oda, Shanks is the one character that resembles himself the most out of all the One Piece characters, because of his cool and calm personality and stand-out attire.
*In reference to Shanks and Buggy's "which is colder" question, a fan asked Oda who got it right. Oda went on to explain that the Arctic was just a mass of ice and the Antarctic was a continent, which was made of land. Since land is colder than the sea (and the Arctic is frozen sea whereas the Antarctic is frozen land), Shanks was correct and the South Pole is colder.
*If a child asked Shanks for the Gomu Gomu no Mi, he would tease them about being ten years too young to eat one.
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