One of the most intriguing mysteries in One Piece is the origin and history of the Red Hair Pirates, led by the charismatic and powerful Shanks. Shanks is one of the Four Emperors, the strongest pirates in the New World, and a former member of the Roger Pirates, the crew of the late Pirate King. He is also a close friend and mentor of Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of the series and the leader of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Shanks is known for his red hair, which earned him his epithet “Red-Haired Shanks”. He also has a scar across his left eye, which he received from a clash with Blackbeard, one of his rivals among the Four Emperors. Shanks is a master swordsman and a skilled user of Haki, a mysterious power that allows him to sense, manipulate, and resist the will of others.
But who is Shanks really? Where did he come from? And what is his connection to Rocks D. Xebec, one of the most legendary and feared pirates in history?
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Who is Rocks D. Xebec?
Rocks D. Xebec was the captain of the Rocks Pirates, a notorious pirate crew that existed 40 years ago, before the rise of Gol D. Roger as the Pirate King. Rocks was a ruthless and ambitious man who dreamed of becoming the King of the World, and he attacked anyone who stood in his way, including the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, and other pirates.
Rocks had a formidable crew that consisted of some of the most powerful and infamous pirates of his era, such as Edward Newgate (Whitebeard), Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom), Kaido, Shiki, John, and others. These pirates were not loyal to Rocks, but rather followed him out of fear or respect for his strength. They often fought among themselves, and some even tried to kill Rocks.
Rocks was eventually defeated by an alliance between Monkey D. Garp, a marine vice admiral who later became known as “The Hero of the Marines”, and Gol D. Roger, who was still an up-and-coming pirate at the time. The battle took place on God Valley, an island that mysteriously disappeared after the incident. The World Government tried to erase any traces of Rocks and his crew from history, as they considered them a threat to their authority and secrets.
Is Shanks Related to Xebec?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as there is not enough information about Shanks’ past or Xebec’s family in the series. However, there are some clues and theories that suggest a possible connection between them.
One clue is their appearance. Shanks and Xebec both have red hair, which is a rare trait in One Piece. They also have similar facial features, such as their eyes and nose. Some fans have speculated that Shanks could be Xebec’s son or grandson, or at least a distant relative.
Another clue is their name. Shanks and Xebec both have the initial “D” in their name, which is a mysterious letter that signifies a special lineage in One Piece. The “D” clan is said to be the natural enemy of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, and they are often involved in major events that shape the world. Some examples of “D” carriers are Monkey D. Luffy, Monkey D. Garp, Monkey D. Dragon, Portgas D. Ace, Gol D. Roger, Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard), Trafalgar D. Water Law, Jaguar D. Saul, and others.
The meaning and origin of the “D” are still unknown, but it is implied that they are somehow related to the ancient kingdom that was destroyed by the World Government 800 years ago during the Void Century. It is possible that Rocks was a descendant of this kingdom, and that he inherited its will and ambition to challenge the world order.
If Shanks is related to Xebec by blood or by name, it could explain why he has such a prominent role in One Piece’s story. He could be carrying on Xebec’s legacy in his own way, or he could be trying to redeem his ancestor’s sins.
The Mystery of the Red Hair Pirates
Another mystery surrounding Shanks is his crew, the Red Hair Pirates. They are one of the most respected and influential pirate crews in One Piece, but very little is known about them or their activities.
The Red Hair Pirates consist of 11 members: Shanks (captain), Benn Beckman (first mate), Lucky Roux (gunner), Yasopp (sniper), Rockstar (apprentice), and six unnamed members. They are all skilled fighters and loyal friends who share a love for partying and drinking.
The Red Hair Pirates are not interested in conquering territories or seeking fame or fortune. They prefer to roam freely across the seas, following their own whims and ideals. They have a friendly relationship with other pirate crews, such as the Whitebeard Pirates and the Straw Hat Pirates, and they often intervene in conflicts that threaten the balance of the world.
Some of their notable feats include:
- Saving Luffy from being eaten by a Sea King when he was a child, and inspiring him to become a pirate. Shanks also gave Luffy his straw hat, which was a precious memento from Gol D. Roger.
- Clashing with Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman, and leaving scars on his body.
- Stopping Kaido from interfering in the war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the World Government at Marineford.
- Ending the war at Marineford by arriving with his crew and declaring a ceasefire. He also prevented Blackbeard from taking Whitebeard’s body and his Devil Fruit, and paid respect to his former captain’s grave.
- Meeting with the Five Elders, the highest authority of the World Government, to discuss a certain pirate.
- Heading to Wano Country to join the battle against Kaido and Big Mom.
The Red Hair Pirates are shrouded in mystery, but they are undoubtedly one of the most important forces in One Piece. They have a connection to many of the major characters and events in the series, and they could play a crucial role in the final arc of One Piece.
Conclusion
Is Shanks related to Xebec? The answer is still unclear, but there are some hints and theories that suggest a possible link between them. Shanks and Xebec share some physical traits, such as their red hair and their “D” initial. They also have contrasting personalities and goals, which could indicate a family conflict or a different interpretation of their heritage.
Shanks is one of the most mysterious and influential characters in One Piece. He is the leader of the Red Hair Pirates, one of the Four Emperors, and a former member of the Roger Pirates. He is also a friend and mentor of Luffy, the protagonist of the series and the leader of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Shanks has a connection to many of the major characters and events in One Piece, and he could have a significant impact on the outcome of the story. He could be carrying on Xebec’s legacy in his own way, or he could be trying to redeem his ancestor’s sins. Whatever his true relationship to Xebec is, Shanks is definitely a character to watch out for in One Piece.
