Shanks is one of the most intriguing and powerful characters in One Piece. As one of the Four Emperors, Shanks has earned a reputation for being a figure who holds incredible influence in the world. Recently, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, referred to Shanks as “untouchable,” sparking a lot of discussion among fans. But what does Oda really mean by this? To understand why Shanks is considered “untouchable,” we need to look at his unique position in the story and the way he plays a crucial role in the narrative.
One of the most important reasons for Shanks’ “untouchable” status is the way he balances power, diplomacy, and mystery. Unlike other powerful figures in One Piece, Shanks is not just a brute force of strength; he knows when to act and when to hold back. His Yonko status is not only about his fighting skills, but also about his ability to prevent chaos.
For example, during the Marineford War, Shanks arrived on the battlefield at a crucial moment and was able to stop the war simply with his presence. He didn’t need to fight or issue threats; his mere arrival was enough to halt the violence. This shows that Shanks possesses an unmatched ability to influence situations and control events without needing to rely on his physical strength. This ability to keep peace and prevent chaos makes him a unique and powerful figure in the One Piece world.
Another reason Shanks is considered “untouchable” is his role as a narrative anchor in One Piece. Throughout the series, Shanks is often seen as a mysterious and distant figure, with much of his story and actions left to be revealed. Oda uses Shanks as a way to protect key plot developments, making sure that the character’s actions do not disrupt the flow of the story too soon.
Shanks’ importance to the story cannot be overstated. He has a deep connection to Luffy, the protagonist, and his role in the larger world is crucial to the progression of the plot. However, Oda has kept Shanks’ true motivations and backstory largely hidden, making fans eager to learn more about him. Shanks’ story remains in the background, building anticipation for when he will finally reveal his full potential and the role he plays in the upcoming battles.
Shanks also stands out because of his leadership qualities. Unlike many other pirates who rule through fear and domination, Shanks leads with respect and a sense of responsibility. He is a protector of his crew and allies, always prioritizing peace over conflict when possible. This sense of honor and leadership is one of the reasons why Oda has made Shanks such a powerful figure in One Piece.
In a world full of pirates and warriors who use violence to achieve their goals, Shanks represents a different kind of strength. He doesn’t need to constantly prove his power because his reputation precedes him. His ability to balance strength with wisdom is what makes him “untouchable” in the eyes of many fans.
Eiichiro Oda’s statement that Shanks is “untouchable” highlights the unique position he holds in One Piece. Shanks is not just a physically strong character but also a master of diplomacy, peacekeeping, and leadership. His presence in the story prevents chaos and allows for key plot developments to unfold. As a mysterious figure with a deep connection to Luffy and the larger world, Shanks serves as an important anchor in the narrative, building anticipation for his eventual showdown. For these reasons, Shanks remains one of the most untouchable and fascinating characters in One Piece.
