Many One Piece Fans Are Convinced That Shanks Visited The Gorosei And Not Shamrock
A new theory has taken over the One Piece community, and this time it centers around one of the series’ most mysterious figures — Red-Haired Shanks. Following recent chapters and alleged leaks, many fans are now convinced that the red-haired figure who once appeared before the Gorosei wasn’t a Holy Knight named Shamrock, but Shanks himself.
The debate has exploded across X, Reddit, and YouTube, with fans re-examining every panel, line of dialogue, and symbolic hint tied to that fateful meeting in Mary Geoise. For a growing portion of the fandom, the idea that Shanks personally met the Gorosei fits the story’s themes — and makes him far more dangerous and influential than previously imagined.
The Scene That Sparked the Debate
The controversy traces back to the scene where a man bearing a striking resemblance to Shanks appears in the holy chambers of the Gorosei, requesting to talk about “a certain pirate.” At the time, the moment was already shocking: a Yonko being allowed into the heart of World Government power was unheard of.
Later, as the God Valley and Holy Knight elements of the story developed, some fans and theories began suggesting that this mysterious figure might not have been Shanks at all, but a Holy Knight — possibly one named Shamrock — who simply shared his red hair and basic silhouette.
However, as the God Valley flashback adds more context about the balance between pirates, marines, and the World Government, many readers feel that explanation no longer holds up. Instead, a strong wave of fan opinion insists:
“It makes way more sense that it was actually Shanks in that room — not a random lookalike with a new name.”
Why Fans Believe It Was Shanks, Not Shamrock
Supporters of the “It Was Really Shanks” theory point to several key details:
- The Aura and Presentation
The way the character is drawn — calm, confident, and treated with immense respect — feels like Shanks, not a subordinate. The Gorosei aren’t shocked by his presence, but they are noticeably serious, implying they’re dealing with someone whose influence rivals their own. - Narrative Weight
Revealing that an important scene like that was actually a side character named Shamrock risks undercutting its impact. Fans argue that Oda tends to reserve those kinds of iconic, shadowy meetings for characters who are central to the main plot, and Shanks fits that role far more than a newly introduced Holy Knight. - Thematic Consistency
Shanks has always existed in a strange gray zone: a pirate with Yonko status who still seems capable of negotiating with the World Government. Having him personally visit the Gorosei strengthens the idea that Shanks operates on a level beyond simple piracy — as a true “balance keeper” in the world. - The Red Hair Factor
While designs can repeat in One Piece, the specific combination of red hair, cloak, and posture is strongly tied to Shanks’ brand. Many fans feel making that silhouette belong to another character would be needlessly confusing.
For these readers, tying the scene to Shanks — not Shamrock — preserves the tension and mystery that has surrounded him since chapter one.
The Counterargument: The Shamrock Supporters
Not everyone agrees. There is still a vocal group of fans who believe that the figure was, in fact, Shamrock, a high-ranking Holy Knight with a distinct role in the story.
Their main points include:
- The World Government’s Paranoia
Letting a Yonko casually stroll into the heart of Mary Geoise seems wildly out of character for the Gorosei, especially given their fear of the “D.” clan and destabilizing forces. A trusted Holy Knight acting as a stand-in makes more sense from their perspective. - Room for New Characters
Oda is known for introducing late-game characters with major roles in world history. Giving someone like Shamrock a big entrance through that scene could be a way to build him up as a key enforcer of the World Government. - Potential Twist Fuel
If fans assume it was Shanks, revealing later that it was a different person all along would be a classic Oda misdirection — the kind of rug-pull he’s used before with identities, lineages, and false assumptions.
Even so, as more fans reread the scene in light of recent chapters, the “It was Shanks” camp seems to be gaining momentum.
The God Valley Arc Has Taken Over the Fandom
All of this is happening against the backdrop of the God Valley arc, which has become one of the most captivating storylines in One Piece history — and it’s easy to see why so many readers are obsessing over every detail tied to Shanks and the Gorosei.
The God Valley Incident has become one of the most captivating storylines in One Piece history, and many fans aren’t ready for it to end. Eiichiro Oda’s exploration of this long-mysterious event has brought together legendary figures like Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, and even the enigmatic Imu — creating a flashback that feels more like a grand historical epic than a side story. The arc dives deep into the power struggles that shaped the modern world of One Piece, revealing long-hidden secrets about the Celestial Dragons and the early days of piracy. For many, it’s a rare glimpse into the “true history” of the world, something fans have been waiting for since the manga’s earliest chapters.
With every new reveal about the World Government’s cruelty and the hidden players behind world events, the idea of Shanks openly talking with the Gorosei becomes even more loaded. Was he negotiating? Warning them? Threatening them? Or playing a long, dangerous game that puts him somewhere between hero and accomplice?
The God Valley flashback doesn’t answer these questions directly — but it gives them far more weight.
Fans Don’t Want to Return to the Straw Hats Yet
Surprisingly, many readers say they don’t want to go back to the Straw Hat Pirates just yet.
Social media platforms are full of fans expressing that this arc feels like the most thrilling part of One Piece in years — with its dark tone, intense storytelling, and lore-heavy revelations. While Luffy and his crew are the heart of the series, the God Valley storyline offers something entirely different: a look at the legends and events that shaped everything we know. One fan summed it up best on X (formerly Twitter): “If we return to the Straw Hats now, it’ll feel like waking up from a dream.” The sentiment highlights a unique moment in the fandom, where the past has become more captivating than the present adventure.
Within that “dream,” Shanks’ potential involvement with the Gorosei is one of the most intriguing dangling threads. Many fans feel that if Oda confirms it really was Shanks in that room — not Shamrock — it would instantly reframe his role in both God Valley’s legacy and the current balance of power.
What This Means for Shanks’ Role in the Final Saga
The theory doesn’t just change how fans view one panel — it changes how they view Shanks as a character.
If Shanks truly visited the Gorosei:
- He becomes a political actor, not just a powerful pirate.
- His relationship with the World Government is far murkier than previously thought.
- His interest in Luffy and the new era could be tied to secret knowledge he gained through that meeting.
Some fans have gone even further, speculating that Shanks might be protecting the world from a worse outcome by acting as a negotiator — or that he might have his own hidden agenda that doesn’t fully align with either pirates or the Government.
If it was Shamrock instead, then the focus shifts away from Shanks and onto the Holy Knights as a terrifying new pillar of the World Government’s military might. That would open the door for major future battles — but for many fans, it doesn’t hit as hard as the idea of Shanks personally stepping into the heart of enemy territory.
A Testament to Oda’s Storytelling and Legacy
The enthusiasm surrounding the God Valley flashback underscores Eiichiro Oda’s enduring genius as a storyteller. After more than two decades, he continues to surprise fans by revealing layers of history that connect generations of pirates, marines, and rulers. The arc’s pacing, emotion, and scope have reminded readers of One Piece’s golden era — a blend of mystery, world-building, and drama that few series can match. Even as some fans fear that returning to the Straw Hats will slow the story’s momentum, others believe this balance between past and present is what makes One Piece timeless. Whether the flashback ends soon or continues, the God Valley saga has already cemented itself as one of the most powerful and defining chapters in the series’ history.
And in the middle of that saga, one image — a red-haired man standing before the world’s highest rulers — has become a lightning rod for speculation.
Was it Shanks, or was it Shamrock?
For now, the answer lives in theories, redrawn panels, and heated comment sections. But whatever Oda ultimately reveals, the fact that a single scene can drive this much debate is proof of just how deeply One Piece has its hooks in its audience — and how important Shanks has become to the story’s endgame.
