One Piece Confirms Shanks as Gol D. Roger’s True Successor

The world of One Piece has long been filled with mysteries, but one of the biggest questions among fans has always been about Gol D. Roger’s true successor. While many assumed Monkey D. Luffy would carry on Roger’s legacy as the next Pirate King, recent revelations indicate that it’s actually Red-Haired Shanks who carries Roger’s true will.  

This shift doesn’t undermine Luffy’s journey, but rather it positions Shanks in a unique place within the world of pirates and adds layers to the relationships and aspirations of both characters.

Shanks’s Bond with Gol D. Roger

Shanks, who served as a cabin boy on Roger’s ship, had a deep, formative connection with the Pirate King. From a young age, he was inspired by Roger’s ideals, having witnessed his strength, wisdom, and charisma firsthand. 

Shanks took this influence to heart, shaping his own path based on the vision he observed in Roger. Unlike other pirates, Shanks rarely pursues treasure or personal glory. Instead, he focuses on maintaining a balance of power and protecting those he cares about, similar to the philosophy Roger embodied. 

Their relationship was more than just a mentor-student bond; Roger saw a kindred spirit in Shanks, sharing with him insights he passed on to no one else, not even close crewmate Silvers Rayleigh.

Shanks’s Unique Stance in the Pirate World

In the current world of One Piece, Shanks stands out as an Emperor with immense influence and respect. He’s known to keep the peace, sometimes acting as a mediator rather than a traditional pirate. This pacifistic approach is unusual for a figure of his power, but it closely aligns with Roger’s vision of a free world, without domination or unnecessary conflict. 

Shanks’s goal isn’t to become the Pirate King but to protect Roger’s legacy, understanding the responsibility that comes with knowledge of the One Piece and the secrets of the Void Century. His meeting with the Gorosei in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise shows his influence extends beyond just his strength; he’s respected by allies and feared by enemies alike.

Luffy’s Path to a New Dream

Luffy’s journey has always paralleled Roger’s in spirit, but he’s charting a distinct course. While Shanks may embody Roger’s will, Luffy is focused on creating his own legacy. From his early years, Shanks inspired Luffy to become a pirate, and the straw hat Luffy wears originally belonged to Roger, symbolizing this shared lineage. 

However, where Shanks safeguards Roger’s ideals, Luffy’s approach is carefree, fighting for his friends and personal freedom rather than upholding an inherited dream. This distinction highlights how One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda designed Luffy’s character to be unique—his ambitions aren’t tied to a past era but to his own vision of freedom and camaraderie.

What This Means for the Future of One Piece

As the series progresses, Shanks’s role as Roger’s true successor could mean he holds the final pieces of the puzzle needed to reach Laugh Tale. Shanks may play a pivotal role in guiding Luffy, ensuring he reaches his potential without becoming a mirror image of Roger. 

This revelation not only adds weight to Shanks’s purpose but clarifies Luffy’s unique path. One Piece fans now see how these two characters, each carrying Roger’s influence differently, are meant to shape the future in complementary but distinct ways.