One Piece has reached an exhilarating milestone as the final saga unfolds, intensifying the rivalry between Shanks and Luffy.

Fans have eagerly awaited the day when Luffy, who Shanks once challenged to return his beloved Straw Hat after becoming a great pirate, would finally face Shanks in a meaningful confrontation. With Luffy now recognized as a Pirate Emperor, the scales have tipped, yet an incident involving one of his crew members might have inadvertently ignited a Pirate War that could lead to the long-awaited reunion.

The completion of the Egghead Island arc marks a spectacular launch into One Piece‘s final saga, filled with dramatic encounters and startling revelations that hint at significant repercussions for the entire pirate realm as well as the vilified World Government. Recently, Bartolomeo, the rambunctious captain from Luffy’s Grand Fleet, ignited controversy by setting fire to a Red-Haired Pirate Flag within Shanks’ territory, leading to dramatic retaliations in chapter #1126.

Luffy’s Biggest Fan Could Have Triggered a Conflict With His Greatest Idol

Following Luffy’s Victory Over Kaido, Shanks Now Takes a More Prominent Role

Bartolomeo demonstrates his unwavering loyalty to Luffy in chapter #1126 during a confrontation with Shanks, where he clarifies that he and his fellow Fleet members had joined forces in defiance of Luffy’s wishes. This acknowledgment cements the respect that Luffy has garnered, even reaching the ears of Shanks. Although Shanks appears to show restraint towards those loyal to Luffy, allowing the burning of his flag would undermine his reputation as a protective Pirate Emperor among the villages reliant on him.

In a twist, Shanks’ crew presented Bartolomeo with counterfeit poison intended for Luffy, which Bartolomeo ingested in a display of loyalty. Surprisingly, he managed to survive the reckless act but faced severe repercussions when his ship, proudly bearing the Straw Hat flag, was hit by fire from Usopp’s father. This attack is expected to escalate tensions with Luffy’s supporters.

Shanks’ assault on the Barto Club is likely to provoke a response that could draw Luffy’s companions back into the saga as they rally against the perceived transgression. While Luffy has risen in prominence since toppling Doflamingo, his allies have been conspicuously absent since the Straw Hat Fleet’s formation, which makes Shanks’ latest actions potentially pivotal in reintroducing them into the narrative.

Shanks’ Attack on Bartolomeo’s Ship Will Have Consequences

Luffy’s Straw Hat Fleet is Comprised of Seven Loyal Pirate Crews

Although the Dressrosa arc faced criticism for its extensive cast of characters, creator Eiichiro Oda has skillfully woven them into One Piece‘s overarching narrative, with greater significance likely to unfold in the series’ climactic arcs. Should the remaining six pirate crews under Luffy’s banner decide to retaliate against Shanks, it could lead to an unprecedented conflict of epic proportions. As the struggle to claim the title of One Piece‘s next Pirate King escalates, the inevitable clashes between Pirate Emperors may be on the horizon, with Luffy poised to confront Shanks in due course.