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In what is sure to be a groundbreaking revelation in the One Piece manga, Eiichiro Oda has confirmed the long-standing fan theory that Shanks, the revered pirate, has a twin brother.
This disclosure comes in One Piece Chapter 1137, which formally introduces Shamrock Figarland who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Red Haired pirate.
Who is Shamrock Figarland?
Shamrock Figarland is the son of Saint Figarland Garling, a former leader of the Holy Knights who now holds a position among the Five Elders, the highest governing body in the One Piece world.
Following his father’s promotion, Shamrock took over as the Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights.
As revealed in the latest chapter, Shamrock is playing a pivotal role in the World Government’s efforts to expand its dominion. Accompanied by fellow Holy Knight Gunko, he arrives on Elbaf to secure the allegiance of the island’s prince, Loki.
Physically, Shamrock is nearly identical to Shanks, apart from minor differences such as longer hair and the absence of Shanks’ trademark scar and missing arm.
This, along with Shanks’ mysterious links to the Celestial Dragons, and the way he was chanced upon the Roger Pirates more than confirms the twin brother theory which the fandom has been peddling for quite some time now.
What is the Shanks Twin Brother Theory?
The Shanks Twin Brother theory has been a topic of debate among fans for years, gaining momentum after subtle hints about Shanks’ origins began to surface in the series. The theory (before the latest reveal) suggested that Shanks had a twin brother.
According to this, Shanks was separated from his family during the infamous God Valley Incident, an event that also involved the dissolution of the Rocks Pirates and the intervention of Monkey D. Garp and Gol D. Roger.
Fans speculated that Shanks, as a child, was taken in by the Roger Pirates, growing up unaware of his connection to the Figarland family and his twin brother.
The theory gained further traction when Shanks was shown to have mysterious ties to the World Government, such as his secret meeting with the Five Elders in Mary Geoise. Some fans even posited that these interactions might not have been Shanks at all, but Shamrock impersonating him – which has come true in One Piece 1137.
The uncanny resemblance between the two characters had long been a source of intrigue especially in the recent Elbaf arc chapters.
Why This Theory Matters
The confirmation of the Shanks Twin Brother theory will obviously have some major implications for the One Piece storyline. Given where the Elbaf plotline is headed, he will placed in direct opposition to the Straw Hat Pirates, particularly as his actions hint at an impending confrontation.
Moreover, this dynamic also raises questions about the true extent of Shanks’ involvement in global affairs and his ultimate motivations.
Were all of Shanks’ achievements his own? Or did everyone misunderstand Shamrock for Shanks.
Truly interesting time for One Piece, and especially Shanks’ fans ahead!! However, one ray of hope in this whole development is the fact that Shanks’ will probably not turn out to be an antagonist down the line.
The Shanks evil theory was also gaining momentum in the fandom, along with the Shanks’ twin brother theory, thanks to his presence at the Mariejois. However, with Shamrock’s introduction, the fans of the Red Haired pirates can breathe a sigh of relief.
He won’t be involved in a confrontation with Luffy after all!!
