Gol D. Roger passed away from an unidentified illness prior to his execution, but could Shanks have played a role in his demise?

Gol D. Roger is a significant and legendary character in One Piece. He was not only the former Pirate King but also the captain of the Roger Pirates and the owner of the enigmatic treasure known as the One Piece. Roger possessed knowledge of the Void Century, the Ancient Weapons, and the enigma surrounding the Will of D.

Being a D carrier himself and having conquered the Grand Line, the World Government executed this powerful figure. However, his last words—echoed at the beginning of every One Piece episode—ignited the Golden Age of Pirates. This raises the question: how could such a formidable legend succumb to a mere illness?

Gol D. Roger walking to his execution in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

In addition to being the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger was known for his kindness. He was the biological father of Portgas D. Ace, and although they never met, he wished for the best for his son. Before Ace’s birth, he played a mentoring role to Shanks and Buggy—both of whom are now Emperors of the Sea—and had a fatherly connection with them during their youth. Yet, numerous theories circulate regarding the true nature of Shanks.

One intriguing theory posits that Shanks may have poisoned the Pirate King. What could prompt such a theory, given Shanks’ profound respect for his former mentor?

Would Shanks Actually Poison Gol D. Roger?

Shanks’ relationship with Gol D. Roger was incredibly close; the Pirate King met him as a baby and gifted him his iconic straw hat when he was just eight years old. Shanks was visibly devastated by Roger’s execution and cherishes many memories of his mentor. He often notes the similarities between Luffy and Ace and Roger in their unique ways. So, why do fans speculate that Shanks would poison his father figure?

Leading up to his execution, Gol D. Roger experienced a severe illness that caused him to cough up blood and deteriorate slowly. Even Crocus, the doctor of the Roger Pirates, couldn’t find a cure. This is partially why Roger met his end with few regrets.

So, what prompts fans to believe that Roger’s illness was actually the result of poisoning? In a recent chapter, Shanks tested Bartolomeo’s loyalty by giving him a (fake) poison that he claimed would lead to quick death through bleeding out. Given the swift nature of this poison, it seems unlikely that Shanks poisoned Gol D. Roger, who suffered a prolonged illness.

Accidental Poisoning or Intentional?

Shanks as a child in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Some fans who are skeptical yet intrigued by this theory contemplate that Chopper, in his past, unintentionally poisoned his mentor, Dr. Hiriluk, who held no resentment towards him. If Shanks did indeed poison Roger, it might have been an accident while attempting to help cure him—leading to an unintended acceleration of his illness. However, it’s also questionable if Eiichiro Oda would revisit this narrative arc.

If this theory holds weight, it could redefine Shanks’ relationship with Luffy, and perhaps Roger forgave Shanks to allow him to guide the next Joy Boy—knowledge they might have uncovered on Laugh Tale. Nonetheless, all of this remains speculative, and only Oda can provide clarity on these mysteries.