Fan theory speculates that Shanks’ death is around the corner and it will be a result of his battle with one of the worst villains of One Piece.

As the Elbaph arc of One Piece proceeds, fans are of the opinion that someone or the other is in great danger, And if there’s one person who carries the biggest death flag on their head, it’s Shanks. Eiichiro Oda has been giving Shanks a little too much attention lately, leading fans to suspect the author’s intentions even more.

Shanks is one of the major characters in One Piece and also an extremely powerful one. The death of such an impactful character is bound to shake up the fandom.

Fan Theories State Shanks Might Die in the Elbaph Arc

Shanks gives Luffy his Straw Hat in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

Shanks has played a pivotal role in Luffy’s journey. It was because of the Red Hair Pirates that Luffy acquired the Nika Devil Fruit. Shanks not only lost his arm to save Luffy, but he has often appeared at moments when the Straw Hat was in distress. Thus, the death of Shanks will be a huge loss for Luffy, which might bring him to the brink of destruction, just like Ace’s death did. After the loss of Ace, Luffy returned more powerful than ever, and Eiichiro Oda could be planning something similar with Shanks to give Luffy one last boost of rage, which would be enough to defeat the final villains.

There have also been several death flags in the One Piece manga that lead fans to believe Shanks could die soon. In one of the color spreads of One Piece, Shanks is seen having a chat with Sabo and Ace. Ace has already passed away, while Sabo was presumed to be dead for plenty of chapters. Positioning Shanks with them could indicate his impending fate.

Shanks saves Luffy from a Sea King and loses his arm in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Bartolomew burnt the Jolly Roger of Shanks in One Piece, and a fan theory states it could be a death flag for Shanks. According to the theory, when Blackbeard died, his flag was burnt by Brownbeard. Thus, the burning of a crew’s flag might mean destruction in the series. While Shanks has already taught Bartolomew a lesson, he might not be the person to look out for.

Shanks Might Die at the Hands of Blackbeard in One Piece

Blackbeard – Marshall D. Teach | Credit: Toei Animation

According to a fan theory, Shanks’ death will be at the hands of Blackbeard. The resultant rage that will build up inside Luffy will edge him towards a Gear 5 rampage, in which Blackbeard will be killed. A battle between Shanks and Blackbeard is inevitable.

Now that Blackbeard is rising toward the position of the ultimate antagonist in One Piece, a huge event is required to hype him up. And what better way to do so other than for the pirate to defeat Shanks? Given that Shanks is one of the most powerful pirates in existence, defeating him would be a huge feat for Blackbeard.

There has always been tension between Shanks and Blackbeard. The two met for the first time after a skirmish between the Whitebeard and Roger Pirates, and both were on opposing sides. Later on, Blackbeard gave Shanks his three scars, which led Shanks to recognize him as a threat. When Shanks confronted Blackbeard at Marineford, the latter retreated because he was not ready to face Shanks at the time.

Shanks is already looking for Blackbeard in One Piece, and it could be for a rematch. The rivalry, coupled with the bunch of death flags, could mean it is time to bid Shanks a premature goodbye.