This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Elbaf Arc.
One Piece's Elbaf arc continues to expand upon the character of red-haired Shanks. Years ago, Oda stated in his interviews that the moment One Piece starts focusing on Shanks, fans should assume that the Final Saga is well and truly underway. Now, fans know that Shanks is central to most exciting plotlines in Elbaf, which goes to show how important this phase of One Piece truly is.
One Piece: Why Shanks Is Both A Celestial Dragon And A D Clan Member, Explained
Fans know Shanks is a part of the Figarland family. Shanks could, however, also be a D.
In the Elbaf arc, fans were properly introduced to the past of red-haired Shanks. Oda also went on to reveal his family, which includes his unnamed mother, Garling Figarland, and his twin brother, Shamrock Figarland. Now, in One Piece Chapter 1169, Oda has revealed a character that Shanks considered his little brother, and that is none other than Portgas D. Ace.
Shanks Considered Ace His Second Brother In One Piece
- Ace Was The Son Of Gol D. Roger
- Gaban and The Roger Pirates Considered Shanks And Buggy Their Sons
In One Piece Chapter 1169, fans got to see Shanks and Gaban continue their conversation in Elbaf 14 years ago. The two spoke about an array of things, but one conversation that stood out quite a lot was concerning Ace. Gaban revealed to Shanks that he met Garp a while ago, and that it was revealed to him that Roger ended up having a son named Ace.
Captain Roger had a son? Then he's definitely my little brother already. With Roger's blood, that kid might really go on to become the Pirate King in the future! — Shanks on Ace
Most fans had assumed that Gaban and Rayleigh were unaware of Ace's birth. Oda went on to confirm that both of them were actually aware and that Shanks was aware as well. Upon hearing about Ace's birth, Shanks quickly stated that Ace is his little brother. While not related by blood, both of them considered Roger their father in different ways. Shanks believed Roger to be his actual father, while Ace was his biological son, even though he rejected Roger right up until the very end.
Blood relations don't hold much weight in the world of One Piece. Oda always shows that bonds don't necessarily need to be blood-related for people to consider each other family. The Whitebeard Pirates were the epitome of this, but often, with individuals such as Luffy, Sabo, and Ace, Oda has shown that brotherhood can extend beyond blood. Similarly, Shanks considered Ace his brother even though Ace did not reciprocate this due to not having known Shanks for long enough.
Shanks Tried To Stop Ace From Chasing Blackbeard
After taking into consideration the fact that Shanks considered Ace his little brother, his actions suddenly start making a lot of sense. Up until the point Shanks knew that Ace was under Whitebeard's protection, he did not do much, but the moment his crew figured out that Ace was chasing Blackbeard to avenge the death of Thatch, Shanks sought out a meeting with Whitebeard.
One Piece: Oda Has Already Revealed The Second Son Of Rocks D. Xebec, And It Is A Yonko
Blackbeard is confirmed as Rocks's son, but another Yonko might also be this legend's child in One Piece.
Shanks clearly begged Whitebeard to recall Ace from this mission, not knowing the truth that Ace had defied Whitebeard's orders. Shanks knew the threat that Blackbeard posed and did not want his little brother harmed, which is why he wanted to protect him from danger as much as possible. Unfortunately, this attempt failed, as Ace eventually lost to Blackbeard and ended up being handed over to the World Government, which led to his execution.
Shanks Couldn't Save Ace In Time In One Piece
Even though Shanks failed to stop Ace from fighting Blackbeard, he attempted to save Ace in his own way during the Paramount War. Unfortunately for him, Kaido was planning an attack on Whitebeard at the same time. In order to prevent Whitebeard from wasting his time against Kaido, Shanks intercepted the Yonko somewhere in the New World and forced him to retreat back to Wano.