For decades, One Piece fans debated whether Red-Haired Shanks could truly rival the legendary monsters of the old era — Gol D. Roger, Whitebeard, and Rocks D. Xebec. Chapter 1158 of the manga finally delivered the answer. Eiichiro Oda has confirmed that Shanks is not only equal to those figures but may actually surpass them, making him the strongest pirate in the world today.
Shanks vs. Loki: A Feat Beyond Legends
Chapter 1158 revealed a chain of battles that redefined the power hierarchy.
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Harald vs. Rocks D. Xebec: Oda confirmed Harald was equal to Rocks, their clash ending in a stalemate.
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Loki vs. Harald: Years later, a stronger, demon-enhanced Harald was slain by Loki of Elbaf, proving Loki even stronger than Rocks.
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Shanks vs. Loki: Six years ago, Shanks himself defeated Loki — the same warrior who had surpassed Harald and Rocks.
This sequence makes one thing clear: if Roger and Whitebeard were equal to Rocks, and Loki bested Harald in his prime, Shanks defeating Loki puts him at the very top of the pirate world.
Shanks’ Rise to Yonko and Beyond
Shanks earned the title of Yonko following his victory over Loki, establishing himself as a peerless force. His use of advanced Conqueror’s Haki, combined with unmatched combat instincts, makes him a complete fighter who doesn’t rely on a Devil Fruit.
Now, Oda seems to be setting him up as the benchmark for Pirate King level strength. If Roger, Whitebeard, and Rocks defined the old era, Shanks represents the new generation’s pinnacle — a warrior even more terrifying than the legends.
Implications for the Final Saga
This revelation changes everything for the future of One Piece:
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Luffy’s Challenge: As a Yonko, Luffy must one day face Shanks, his greatest ally and rival, on equal footing.
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The Balance of Power: With Kaido and Big Mom gone, Shanks stands as the strongest wall against both Blackbeard and the World Government.
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Surpassing the Old Era: Oda may be signaling that the new generation is destined to surpass the old, with Shanks serving as the bridge between both eras.
Conclusion
Shanks has long been a mysterious figure, admired for his charisma and feared for his power. With Chapter 1158, Eiichiro Oda officially placed him above Roger, Whitebeard, and Rocks, confirming what many fans suspected but could never prove: Shanks is the strongest pirate in One Piece.
As the Elbaf arc continues, this revelation sets the stage for monumental battles — and for Luffy’s greatest test yet on the road to becoming Pirate King.
