This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Elbaf Arc.
When it comes to villains in One Piece, few can stand next to the absolutely spectacular character that Oda created in Donquixote Doflamingo. Doflamingo stood as the main villain of the Dressrosa arc of One Piece, and it is quite clear for fans to see that he set a very high standard. Very few villains come close to Doflamingo in terms of what they offer to the story, but now, with the final saga of One Piece, it seems that Oda has finally given fans someone who can actually compete with him and potentially even go on to surpass him.
One Piece: Oda Finally Reveals The Ultimate Devil Fruit Ability
The Ultimate Devil Fruit ability has been revealed, and its awakening will surpass even that of the Nika fruit in One Piece.
This villain is none other than Shamrock Figarland, who is also the twin brother of the red-haired Emperor, Shanks. He is a very important character in the Final Saga, given that Oda highlighted him specifically on the most important page of the Final Saga so far, and he has a massive role to play as a big villain moving forward.
Shamrock Figarland Will Be One Of One Piece's Best Villains
Shamrock was first revealed to the fans in the Elbaf arc of One Piece as a member of the World Government who serves the Holy Knights of Imu. Shamrock appeared in Elbaf with the goal of conquering the land and assimilating them into the army of the World Government. Of course, this was not simple for him to accomplish, but he has already made quite an impression.
This is the land of the Giants. The ferocious warriors of Elbaf once conquered the New World long ago in the past. The World Government shall have their power, no matter what! — Shamrock Figarland to Gunko in One Piece's Elbaf Arc
As the commander of the Holy Knights, it is quite clear that Shamrock is very powerful. In fact, the likes of Doflamingo don't even hold a candle to the level of strength that Shamrock possesses. It is quite clear to see that Shamrock is a monster in combat, and this is especially clear from the fact that Shamrock told Loki that he is below his level.
That said, being a villain is more than just about strength. Shamrock also possesses tremendous importance in the story overall. After all, he is the twin brother of Shanks, one of the most important characters in One Piece. Whereas Shanks fights for the good side, Shamrock is truly evil and his actions in Elbaf have proven that to the fans already. By all means, he could serve as an evil Shanks in the story.
Shamrock Is One Of One Piece's Most Important Characters
In One Piece's Egghead arc, specifically in chapter 1121, Oda highlighted Shamrock Figarland as one of the most important characters in the story. Even though he serves the Holy Knights, who are even under the Five Elders, Shamrock is considered to be a prodigy in the ranks of the World Government.
This is my son, Shanks. He's Shamrock's younger brother. Once he acquires the power of the Deep Sea Pact, he should become a great asset to us, on the same level as Shamrock himself. — Garling Figarland introducing Shanks to Harald in the Elbaf Arc
He is an absolute monster, comparable to the level of Shanks, as was confirmed recently in the Elbaf flashback, and that automatically makes him very interesting. Of course, his background remains a big mystery so far, but the fact that he is connected to the Government and directly related to Shanks makes him a formidable villain for the future.
Shamrock Might Fight The Yonko In The Future Of One Piece
Given his level of strength, Shamrock most certainly will find himself getting involved in some massive battles in the future of One Piece. Right now, he is an important character when it comes to the race for the One Piece, and the first battle that he will most likely fight in the Final Saga will come against Blackbeard. If Blackbeard has already attacked the Holy Land of Marijoa, then it is Shamrock who will stand in his way since he was called back to the Holy Land immediately.
One Piece: Shamrock Figarland's Strength and Abilities, Explained
Shamrock Figarland, Shanks's twin, possesses powerful abilities and power.
However, Blackbeard is not the only character that he will clash against. Shamrock will most likely also be trading blows against Luffy at some point in the story, which is what gives him phenomenal villain potential.
Shamrock Vs Shanks Could Be His End
Most importantly, however, Shamrock could be the final villain in the path of red-haired Shanks. Given that these two are twin brothers, they might eventually fight against one another, and Shamrock could be the last man to stand in Shanks' way in the final war, once it begins.
Be it strength, writing, or character importance in the grand scheme of things, Shamrock has all he needs to surpass Doflamingo as One Piece's next best villain. Hopefully, Oda will live up to the expectations and deliver a phenomenal character in Shamrock as the final saga continues.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas to lay claim to the grand treasure known as the One Piece. The manga is currently in its Final Saga. One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1168 is December 7, 2025. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps. Doing so will ensure that fans always support the author.