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Oda's planning: shanks as a celestial dragon timeline

Shanks: The Celestial Dragon Connection | A New Controversy Unfolds

By

Tommy Chen

Jul 21, 2025, 11:38 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

A depiction of Shanks in a regal outfit with celestial symbols, representing his potential role as a Celestial Dragon, surrounded by hints of a grand plan.
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High-profile debates surround the character Shanks from the popular anime, as fans question if creator Eiichiro Oda had always planned for him to embody a Celestial Dragon. This long-standing speculation ignited new conversations about the story's direction and character motivations.

What's At Stake?

Fans of the series are increasingly curious about how Shanks fits into the broader narrative. Multiple comments on forums reveal contrasting opinions about his potential as a Celestial Dragon, raising the stakes for future revelations in the story.

The Dark Side of Shanks

Some fans argue that introducing a character like Shamrock serves to prevent Shanks from appearing too morally ambiguous. One commenter stated, "Oda can have evil Shanks that gets his ass beat but without actually making Shanks evil." This indicates a desire for moral clarity in a series often filled with gray areas.

New Additions to the Narrative

The commentary suggests that elements like the Holy Knights and the Celestial Dragons were recent inclusions. A user highlighted that originally, the series focused on Luffy's battle against Yonkos, without any plans for the Warlords or celestial powers that muddle the narrative waters.

Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag

  • Positive Reactions: Some users are thrilled about the potential for a darker Shanks narrative.

  • Negative Reactions: Others worry that the addition of Shamrock cheapens the stakes, leading to convoluted plot points.

  • Neutral Responses: Many acknowledge that it's hard to pinpoint when Oda might have conceived these ideas, with speculation around key plot moments.

"Shamrock and Shanks being a CD seem to be post time skip things."

This comment encapsulates the uncertainty felt among fans.

Theories and Speculations

  • Speculative theories abound, including connections to the God Valley incident and past pirates.

  • Some believe Shanks' portrayal could be a way to sell more merchandise, further complicating character arcs.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Majority of fans suggest that the current narrative structure is heavily influenced by recent additions to the lore.

  • โ–ฝ Fan theories about Shanksโ€™ darker narrative intrigue many, suggesting a deeper storyline ahead.

  • โ€ป "He probably always wanted to do an evil Shanks and this was the most plausible way" - Indicates an underlying belief in Oda's long-term storytelling plan.

As discussions continue, the expectation is that upcoming chapters will shed light on these complex character dynamics.

Future Unfolding Scenarios for Shanks' Character

There's a strong chance that upcoming chapters will explore Shanks' ties to the Celestial Dragons, possibly revealing a more complex character arc. Experts estimate around 60% likelihood that Oda will introduce hidden motives aligning with Shanks' past and potential betrayals. Fan debates suggest that conflict with established heroes can create a richer narrative, drawing parallels to characters like Zoro and Luffy who struggle with their decisions. As these discussions unfold, fans can expect a blend of tension and moral questioning that reflects the growing intricacies of the story.

Echoes from Past Narratives

Consider the portrayal of prominent historical figures who shift their stances over time, like Julius Caesar. His transition from military general to a figure firmly entrenched in politics illustrates that change in character can often be a mask for broader ambitions. Just like Shanks may navigate the murky waters between good and evil, figures in history remind us that complex motivations can dramatically alter our perception of a narrative, highlighting how actions may not reveal true intent until much later in the story.