One Piece fans have questioned Shanks’ role in the series for a long time but one character’s redemption might help Shanks clear his name.

SUMMARY

For the longest time Shanks have been targeted by One Piece fans who believe that he is the villain.
However, his name can be cleared by the redemption of Yasopp in One Piece.
Yasopp’s reason for abandoning Usopp will help Shanks with all the allegations.

The question about Shanks’ role in One Piece is still a major point of concern for many fans, as Oda has not yet officially revealed Shanks’ true goal within the narrative. Thus, the debate about whether he is an antagonist or not is still making rounds on the internet, and it will continue to do so until Oda makes it clear by bringing Shanks into the central storyline.

“Red-Haired” Shanks from One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

However, there is one member of his crew who might be able to help Shanks with all the allegations about him being a villain in One Piece. This character is none other than Yasopp, the sniper of the Red-Haired Pirates and the father of Usopp. Although Yasopp and Usopp are father and son, they have most likely never met each other.

Yasopp’s relationship with Usopp is one of the most important aspects of the much-awaited meetup between the Straw Hat Pirates and the Red-Haired Pirates. This is because Yasopp might have to explain his absence to Usopp, which might not only clear the differences between him and Usopp but also help with the revelation about Shanks’ character in One Piece.

The estranged relationship of Usopp and Yasopp

Ever since Usopp was introduced in One Piece, the one aspect of his character that has remained a mystery is his relationship with his father Yasopp, who is also a crucial member of Shanks’ crew. Fans don’t know much about Usopp and Yasopp’s relationship aside from the fact that Yasopp left him and his mother, Banchina when he was just a baby.

However, despite being estranged for so long, both characters have respect for each other and value their bond. Usopp is proud of the fact that his father is one of the greatest pirates in the One Piece world, and Yasopp has also shared stories about Usopp with Luffy when he was a kid. This proves that the two have a chance to reconcile with each other.

Yasopp in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

But it won’t be as easy as it sounds because Yasopp has been absent from Usopp’s life since the beginning. Not only that, he didn’t even visit him when his mother was dying and Usopp was left all alone. Thus, Yasopp will need a decent explanation that would justify his long absence from Usopp’s life.

Yasopp’s redemption might clear Shanks’ name

Yasopp’s redemption in the eyes of One Piece fans and Usopp depends upon the explanation he gives for his absence. Considering the fact that Yasopp has never gone back to Syrup Village and has always been by Shanks’ side, it is safe to say that the reason will be pretty important and most likely be connected to the fate of the One Piece world.

If his explanation involves aspects like working against the World Government or exposing Imu’s secret, then he might have a chance at redemption.

It might clear his name in the eyes of One Piece fans and also Usopp, who could even offer to help his father in his mission. But if this assumption holds any credence, it will also clear Shanks from all the blame for being the villain.

Yasopp’s mission will obviously be connected to Shanks’ goal in One Piece, and thus it will clear out all the allegations about Shanks being the villain. This is why fans will have to wait till the reunion of Shanks and Luffy’s crew to find out Shanks’ real intentions within the One Piece narrative.