One Piece’s Shanks is without a doubt one of the most beloved and mysterious characters in the entire manga. While his appearances in the story have been limited, they are often of great importance to the plot. One moment fans have been waiting for years involving the Red Hair Pirates Captain is his inevitable reunion with Luffy now that both are world-famous figures.

Chapter #1131 of the manga might be hinting at the idea that this long-awaited event will occur soon, during the Elbaph arc of the series. This entry contains many similarities to one of the earliest but most significant events in Luffy and Shanks’ relationship: The attack of the arrogant and weak bandit Higuma. It might be possible that the series is preparing for a similar situation occurring soon, with these two characters joining forces to defeat the ominous Loki.

Luffy’s Conversation With Loki Mirrors His Encounter With Higuma

The Straw Hat Captain Will Never Allow Anyone To Insult His Friend

During episode #4 of the One Piece anime, and the very first chapter of the manga, a crucial event in Luffy’s childhood was revealed. As a child, the future Straw Hat Captain saw Shanks as an inspiration, as a man who embodied his desire to be free and travel the world. This is the reason why when Higuma, a bandit who lived near his native Foosha Village, insulted his friend, Luffy angrily defended him. His outburst caused him to fight against the criminal, an encounter that almost ended with the protagonist losing his life.

In the end, he had to be rescued by Shanks and his powerful crew in one of the series’ most emotive scenes. Luffy’s first encounter with Loki seems to mirror his fight against Higuma. Not only did the accursed prince of Elbaph insult his dear friend, but the Straw Hat reacted violently, using his Gear 4 transformation to try and hit the giant. With this simple action, the manga might hint at Loki becoming free at one point and attacking Luffy with the help of his followers. Shanks could come back to Elbaph unexpectedly to fight alongside his old friend.

Shanks Has Been Looking For Luffy Lately

With Bartolomeo’s Defeat, Nothing Stops The Emperor From Finding His Friend

When the Land of Wano arc came to an end, fans of the One Piece franchise wondered why Shanks did not try to meet with his friend despite being extremely close to each other. In chapter #1126, the reason behind this decision was revealed, as the Red Hair Pirates did not want to encounter Luffy until Bartolomeo was taken care of for having burnt their flag in the past. With nothing more stopping him from meeting Luffy, Shanks might be looking forward to speaking with the Straw Hat Captain.

After saving him from Higuma and the terrifying Lord of the Coast, The Red Hair Captain made his friend promise that he would return his iconic straw hat once he was a great pirate. Luffy might still not be the King of the Pirates, but there is no doubt that he is among the most influential and powerful pirates in the world. With the series entering its Final Saga, it might be time for Luffy to fulfill his promise, and Elbaph might be the perfect arc for this to occur.

Shanks and Luffy Could Team Up To Beat Loki

The Red Hair Pirate Might Already Have Defeated The Prince

When Shanks was mentioned in his presence, Loki immediately began attacking the Emperor’s honor, calling him a coward and stating that he could defeat him. This statement has led many fans to believe that the Prince of Elbaph might have been defeated in the past by the Red Hair Captain. If the accursed fake Sun God were to be released again, which would most likely occur at some point during the current arc, it would be a great excuse to see Luffy and Shanks teaming up together.

The two Emperors of the Sea joining forces could be the only way to defeat and recapture the prince before his mysterious legendary Devil Fruit causes massive damage to the world. Since chapter #1131 confirmed that Luffy does not see Shanks as an enemy, it is unlikely that he will want to fight his idol, which implies their reunion might involve Shanks learning how much more powerful his mentee has become.

Whether Shanks arrives at Elbaph as an ally to the Straw Hats or not, One Piece has been hinting at the long-awaited reunion between the two iconic captains occurring soon.