Shanks has been portrayed as the villain in One Piece for a long time, but it looks like Eiichiro Oda might have saved him from all the allegations.

SUMMARY

Shanks is one of the most mysterious character in One Piece.
For the longest time fans have believed him to be the villain of the series.
However, Oda has cleared him from all the allegations proving that he is indeed his favorite.

With the revelation of Twin Shanks in One Piece chapter 1134, Eiichiro Oda has finally vindicated Shanks from all the allegations and blame that made him look like the villain of the series. For the longest time, fans thought that Shanks was the ultimate villain of One Piece who was going to betray everyone, but as of now, all these allegations have been nullified.

Shanks in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

While this is certainly a big and effective change in the narrative, it doesn’t come as a surprise, considering Oda’s preference for Shanks as a character. The One Piece manga creator has always favored him in almost every aspect of the series, and it is quite noticeable. Thus, for him to clear Shanks’ name was in a way anticipated by the fans.

This way, Oda has cleared the path for Shanks to do his own thing and once again become the fan-favorite One Piece character that he always was. Now Oda can focus on Shanks’ character development and give him the conclusion that he had planned for him since the beginning of One Piece.

Eiichiro Oda prefers Shanks over everyone

Shanks was one of the first characters that Oda introduced in One Piece. He was the character who not only inspired Luffy to become a pirate but also secretly helped him along the way through difficult situations like Marineford, Wano, etc. Not only that, he also was placed on a pedestal that Luffy hoped to reach one day and is slowly moving towards it through his One Piece journey.

And while symbolically Shanks became a true force of nature, he did not contribute much to the story until Wano. Shanks was transformed into the mysterious character who, despite making very rare appearances, was loved and appreciated by fans.

This was Oda’s plan to make Shanks an important figure till the end and reveal him and his goals at the right moment.

Shanks from One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

This is why he preferred him in almost every instance of One Piece. Be it the SBS, One Piece movies, manga series, or the anime storyline, Shanks is Oda’s most cherished One Piece character and will most likely remain till the series reaches its much-awaited conclusion.

Eiichiro Oda saved Shanks from the allegations

The most recent example that hinted at Eiichiro Oda’s preference for Shanks was the revelation of Shanks’ twin. Shanks’ mysterious aura confused fans a little bit as they didn’t know much about his character or his goals in One Piece. Plus, when they saw him (his twin) meet the Five Elders, many of the fans were certain that he was the villain of the series.

Shanks meets the Five Elders in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

From there on, every possible action that he took pointed at him being the main antagonist of One Piece. From his declaration of claiming One Piece to him saving Wano from Ryokugyu, fans question his every move, which also put a dent in his reputation. This is why Oda decided to clear his name by introducing the Twin Shanks, who was already anticipated by some.

While the revelation of Twin Shanks was already destined, the timing of it made all the difference as Shanks’ character was being questioned the most because of his connection to Elbaph in One Piece. But from now on, it is certain that he will be the helping hand that Luffy needs in the final war against the evil incarnations of the series.