Shanks is very dear to Luffy since the beginning of One Piece, but many theories suggest his death will be in the hands of this hated character.

One Piece fans love to theorize and more often than not, their theories surround the Red-Haired Pirate Shanks. The charismatic and powerful captain has accumulated a huge fanbase and his mysterious ways appeal to these theory masters, from being a Celestial Dragon to his ultimate fate. One Piece is full of foreshadowing and fans have collected hints that suggest Shanks will die at some point, but they have different versions of what might happen. One of them involves a notoriously hated villain.

Red Haired Shanks from One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

The infamous Emperor has several connections within the One Piece world. He started as a Roger Pirate ever since he was an infant and rose up to be one of the Emperors of the Seas with the strongest Conqueror’s Haki in their world. However, his signature scar was the work of someone very unexpected: Marshall D. Teach, more commonly known as Blackbeard. There are several hints that Blackbeard might finish the job somewhere in the near future out of all the enemies (or maybe allies) that might defeat Shanks.

Blackbeard’s Part in The Death of Shanks

Shanks using Haki against the Sea King in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

While Shanks’ scar is one of the most iconic markings in One Piece, the backstory of it is a mystery other than Blackbeard, who was responsible for it. Blackbeard was also responsible for setting off the events that led to Ace’s death, someone else precious to Monkey D. Luffy. We know Shanks’ history with Luffy and that Blackbeard will do anything to achieve his own goals. He, after all, betrayed his crewmate and stole his former captain’s Devil Fruit. However, fans claim there are other hints that foreshadow his death.

In a color spread for Chapter 874, the Red Haired Captain is wearing skull-patterned khakis, which symbolize death. Ace’s death was foreshadowed similarly but with cards instead. Another hint comes from Bartolomeo who burnt Shanks’ Jolly Roger on impulse without knowing his history with Luffy. If you recall, Whitebeard’s Jolly Roger was burnt by Brownbeard in Foodvalten after his legendary death.

This connection, however, is pretty loose as Shanks is still alive and Bartolomeo is pretty oblivious. Now, Bartolomeo’s fate remains unknown. On the other hand, Whitebeard’s death would’ve naturally caused several pirates to capture his territory. That being said, Blackbeard is the most likely candidate to be responsible for Shanks’ death with his two Devil Fruits and a history of remorseless violence, although Shanks’ superior Haki might give him the edge.

Shanks’ Dying Would Be A Repeat of Marineford

Shanks saves Luffy in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

It would be a cheap shot if Eiichiro Oda kills off another person who Luffy loves so greatly. After losing Ace, Luffy’s emotional state was broken like we’ve never seen before. If the theories are true, Shanks’ death will undeniably have the same impact. It will hit even harder if the person responsible is Blackbeard, who was responsible for Ace’s death. No One Piece fan would recover from this.

Shanks is the last original Emperor left in the series, with the other three emerging throughout One Piece. Someone more powerful has to challenge him who isn’t Eustass Kid or Bartolomeo and might have a better chance at succeeding. However, there’s no reason why Luffy couldn’t be the one to defeat him. Many theorize Luffy will have to fight Shanks for the One Piece; if true, it will be legendary.