One Piece: How an Epic Cliffhanger Sets Up Shanks' (Surprising) Final Battle

One Piece chapter #1138 stands out as one of the most impactful releases in recent years, delivering an extensive lore dump that reshapes long-standing theories. While the mural reveal at the chapter’s climax is undeniably its most striking moment, other revelations carry equal weight. Notably, the long-speculated theory of Shanks having a twin is confirmed when Shamrock acknowledges him as his brother. This revelation is significant, as it dispels any lingering doubts about Shanks being a traitor, ultimately reaffirming his character’s integrity.

The chapter also showcases Shamrock in action, particularly highlighting his sword, Cerberus. Under his command, the weapon demonstrates formidable power, enough to intimidate even the mighty giant, Loki. More than just a display of strength, this reveal serves a deeper narrative purpose. Shamrock’s sword directly contrasts Shanks’ character, symbolizing their opposing ideals. This thematic divide strongly suggests that the two brothers are destined to clash, likely during the final war.

One Piece Might Be Setting up Shamrock as Shanks’ Final Opponent

Shanks and Shamrock Embody Exact Opposite Ideals, Hinting They Are Bound to Clash

The opposing ideals embodied by Shanks and Shamrock extend beyond their roles as a pirate and an officer of the Celestial Dragons' justice. A deeper layer of this contrast is revealed through Shamrock’s sword in One Piece chapter #1138. Like Shanks, Shamrock wields a saber-type sword, yet the true distinction lies in their weapons’ symbolism. Shamrock’s sword, Cerberus, and Shanks’ sword, Gryphon, are deeply rooted in Greek mythology, offering insight into their thematic opposition.

In mythology, Cerberus is the three-headed hound tasked with guarding the gates of the underworld for Hades, while the Griffin is a celestial guardian, protecting treasures for kings and nobles. This parallel is unlikely to be coincidental. Twin brothers standing on opposite sides of the world, embodying opposing ideals, foreshadow an inevitable confrontation.

With One Piece yet to showcase Shanks in full combat and the final war drawing closer, a clash between the two seems increasingly likely. Additionally, Shamrock’s sword not only sets him up as a potential opponent for Shanks in the final war but also suggests that Shanks may still have untapped power, both within himself and his blade.

Shanks Might Also Bear a Formidable Power in His Sword Like Shamrock

One Piece rarely provides detailed character descriptions upfront, but when it does, the information tends to be significant. Chapter #1137, "Introducing Shamrock," establishes his status but notably makes no mention of him possessing a Devil Fruit. In contrast, Gunko is explicitly confirmed to have one. This omission suggests that the immense power Shamrock displays through his sword may stem from his own abilities rather than a Devil Fruit. If true, this could imply that Shanks wields a similar power.

Shanks’ sword, Gryphon, may also reflect the mythical traits of its namesake, emphasizing its majestic and protective nature. Given that the Griffin is known as a guardian of the treasure, Shanks could play a crucial role in defending the final treasure from the World Government during the climactic war of One Piece, highlighted likely in his fight against his twin brother and paving the way for Luffy’s rise as the King of the Pirates and also, as the Sun God Nika, mark the end of the World Government’s reign of tyranny.