When it comes to the strength of Shanks in One Piece, opinions are divided. On one hand, his bounty is lower than that of Kaido, Big Mom, and Shirohige. On the other hand, the Navy trembles at the mere mention of his name. So just how strong is Shanks? Here are 8 clues to his power:
1. Shanks can use the Divine Departure sword technique
Gol D. Roger had a sword technique called Kamusari or Divine Departure, which he used to launch Kozuki Oden. In Chapter 966, it was revealed that Shanks can also use the same technique. Eustass Kid and Killer fell under its power.
2. Shanks has a high level of Kenbunshoku Haki
In Chapter 1079, Shanks demonstrates the ability to see the future. He prevents Eustass Kid from attacking, knowing that allied ships will be destroyed.
3. Shanks is incredibly fast
In One Piece Film: Red, Shanks is shown to be able to keep up with Kizaru, a human made of light. While the events of the film are non-canon, Chapter 1079 shows Shanks moving quickly to attack Kid with the Divine Departure.
4. Shanks is the only Yonko who does not eat a Devil Fruit
Shanks has twice shown his swimming ability, saving Luffy from a Sea King and saving Buggy from drowning. He is the only Yonko who is not known to consume a Devil Fruit.
5. Shanks has Haoshoku Haki
When Shanks makes his entrance at Marineford, he uses Haoshoku Haki to knock out members of Whitebeard’s crew. In SBS One Piece Volume 65, creator Eiichiro Oda states that if Shanks and Rayleigh were placed in the same situation as Luffy, they could knock out twice as many people with Haoshoku Haki.
6. Shanks fought evenly with Mihawk
Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman, and Shanks had a duel with two arms. Mihawk respects Shanks so much that he declined to fight him with only one arm.
7. Shanks became a Yonko with one arm
Shanks lost his arm before he became a Yonko, but he still rose to become one of the four most powerful pirates in the world.
8. Shanks has the respect of the Navy
The Navy is terrified of Shanks, which is saying something considering they have defeated numerous other pirates.
In conclusion, Shanks is a formidable pirate with a high level of Haki, swordsmanship, and speed. His lack of a Devil Fruit does not seem to hinder him in battle either. While Shanks may not be as ruthless as Kaido or Big Mom, he is still a force to be reckoned with.
