This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf arc in One Piece.
Summary of Key Points
- The reunion between Shanks and Luffy is eagerly awaited, with Lodestar Island being the likely venue for their meeting.
- Shanks departed from Elbaf to address significant issues, including confronting Bartolomeo and pursuing Blackbeard.
- Luffy’s ultimate challenge will occur when he faces Shanks for the last Road Poneglyph, a pivotal step in his quest to become Pirate King.
Table of Contents
- Why Shanks and Luffy Didn’t Unite in Elbaf
- The Fated Reunion: Lodestar Island
- Why Luffy vs Shanks is Luffy’s Greatest Challenge
The imminent reunion of Luffy and Shanks is arguably the highlight of the One Piece saga. From the very beginning, Luffy drew inspiration from Shanks, setting forth on his journey to become a formidable pirate. While Luffy admires Shanks, his ambition transcends mere emulation; he strives to surpass Shanks and to build a pirate crew that exceeds his mentor’s legacy.
As Luffy and Shanks prepare to meet, fans are left wondering whether Luffy will fulfill the promise he made to his mentor or if Shanks’ gamble on the new generation will ultimately falter.
Reasons Behind Shanks and Luffy’s Failure to Meet in Elbaf
- Shanks Had Other Crucial Matters to Address
- Luffy Still Needs to Develop
Many fans anticipated the long-awaited reunion between Luffy and Shanks on Elbaf, considering that Shanks has a protective claim over this territory. However, the Elbaf arc demonstrated that Shanks had pressing issues to attend to elsewhere. Shortly after arriving, Shanks departed Elbaf to deal with Bartolomeo, who had insulted him by burning his flag and replacing it with the Straw Hat Pirates’. In a dramatic turn of events, Shanks responded decisively by taking down Bartolomeo’s ship.
If I let you go unpunished, those under me would question my ability to protect them. — Shanks to Bartolomeo
Moreover, another critical mission on Shanks’ agenda is to locate Blackbeard, a pursuit that has long been part of his narrative arc. The history between Shanks and Blackbeard sets the stage for a significant clash in the future, potentially preceding Shanks’ reunion with Luffy, thus heightening the suspense for fans.
Lodestar Island: The Anticipated Reunion Point for Luffy and Shanks
Lodestar Island: The Endpoint of the Grand Line
During the Oden flashback, it was clarified by Roger that the island at the end of the Grand Line is not Laugh Tale but rather Lodestar Island, which all routes converge upon. It’s at Lodestar where Roger’s crew uncovered vital information about the Rio Poneglyph and the remaining Road Poneglyphs necessary for accessing Laugh Tale. After gathering this knowledge, he continued on his journey to find Laugh Tale.
Hey Beck, isn’t it time we went to claim the One Piece? — Shanks to Ben Beckman
It stands to reason that Luffy’s eventual reunion with Shanks will occur on Lodestar Island, especially since Luffy is rapidly advancing through the Grand Line and won’t obtain the last Road Poneglyph from Elbaf. Instead, he is of the mindset to move forward, and Lodestar Island presents a critical juncture in his journey. It’s possible that he will discover key information there, even as he encounters Shanks, the Emperor of the Sea, also on this pivotal island.
Luffy vs Shanks: The Ultimate Challenge
Shanks and the Key to the Treasure of One Piece
In the unfolding narrative of One Piece, it has been revealed that the key to the last Road Poneglyph is held by the “Man with the Burn Scar.”Notably, Scopper Gaban, introduced during the Elbaf arc, bears such a scar. If he indeed possesses the key, there’s a strong possibility that he may have handed it to Shanks, reinforcing their familial ties. This situation sets Luffy up for a showdown with Shanks for control of the last Road Poneglyph, marking Shanks as Luffy’s ultimate test on his path to becoming Pirate King.
The stakes are high; succeeding in this battle against Shanks will elevate Luffy’s claim as Pirate King, while defeat could shatter his dreams and ambitions.
Fans can anticipate the release of One Piece chapter 1146 soon, scheduled to drop later this week. In Japan, it will debut at 12 AM JST on Monday, with international readers likely to gain access on April 20. For those eager to read, the chapter will be available for free via Manga Plus.