One Piece Teases the Real Reason Shanks Lost His Arm

Throughout the unfolding narrative of “One Piece”, a character who consistently captures viewers’ interest is Shanks. Apart from the Pirate King, it could be persuasively argued that Shanks played a significant role in Luffy’s current trajectory by igniting his passion and serving as his idol. Luffy’s adventure essentially commences when Shanks rescues him and hands over his iconic straw hat as a symbol of trust. Given this, as the series has unveiled more details about Shanks and his prowess, fans have revisited this pivotal moment with many inquiries, particularly concerning why Shanks lost his arm. The latest arc of “One Piece” might offer some enlightenment on this longstanding question.

In chapter 1152 of “One Piece”, we delve into a past event 14 years ago, on the day Harold perished. During this flashback, viewers discover that Shanks was also in Elbaf on this tragic day. The story unfolds with Gaban and Shanks relaxing together in a sort of homemade hot spring at Gaban’s residence. This scene offers fans a new sight of Shanks’ left arm, adorned with an unusual tattoo. The design of the tattoo bears a striking resemblance to the emblem on the Holy Knights’ armbands and could be the symbol of the ‘abyss’ mentioned by St. Killingham in chapter 1140. If true, it is plausible that Shanks voluntarily gave up his arm to the Sea King during Luffy’s rescue, thus ridding himself of the abyss mark.

One Piece Teases Shanks May Have Had the Mark of the Abyss

For quite some time, viewers have pondered over why Shanks allowed the Sea King to bite off his arm, especially given that he later demonstrated immense power against Cipher Pol and the capture of Loki. Despite not being an Emperor at that moment, Shanks would have still been formidable, capable of handling even a Sea King. Yet, this incident remains a mystery, even when considering the possibility that Shanks may have used Conqueror’s Haki to intimidate the Sea King.

When Whitebeard inquired about his arm, Shanks casually stated that he wagered it on the upcoming era that Luffy and his peers would bring about, hinting at Shanks’ belief in Luffy’s potential, which was so significant he was willing to lose an arm for it. However, Chapter 1152 raises a fresh layer of intrigue regarding Shanks’ choice, suggesting there may have been another, much more sinister reason behind his action.

Shanks Gave Up His Arm to Cut Ties With the Figarland Family: A Theory

Previously, Shamrock disclosed that Shanks once journeyed to the Holy Land, an excursion he also discusses with Gaban in Chapter 1152. It’s plausible that this was when Shanks got his mark, rather than being born with it, as there are no earlier flashbacks showing Shanks with the mark as a child. However, it remains uncertain whether this mark is linked to the Holy Knights’ regenerative powers and immortality, although it seems more likely that it wouldn’t be, in order for the theory about Shanks’ arm to remain valid.

Regarding Shanks’ reasons behind discarding the Mark of the Abyss, Shamrock’s statements clearly indicate that Shanks had no desire to be associated with his biological family, the Figarland clan. It seems plausible that losing his arm was a deliberate act by Shanks to break away from the Figarland family and ensure he could not be summoned at their discretion. If the tattoo isn’t actually the Mark of the Abyss but rather a symbol of the Holy Knights, this hidden intention of severing ties with his World Noble lineage would still hold true. In any case, Shanks is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant characters in One Piece, and the Elbaf Arc could potentially alter fans’ perceptions of him and his selfless act for Luffy forever. Of particular interest, if Eiichiro Oda successfully executes this twist involving the Mark of the Abyss, it might just set a record as the biggest retcon in One Piece‘s history.

One Piece is available to read on Manga Plus and Viz Media.

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2025-06-23 03:09

One Piece Teases Shanks May Have Had the Mark of the Abyss

Shanks Gave Up His Arm to Cut Ties With the Figarland Family: A Theory

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