Shanks is one of One Piece’s most popular characters. These quotes show you why.
As arguably the most popular shonen of all time, One Piece is chock-full of memorable characters that deliver iconic quotes. Gol D. Rogers’ final speech, Whitebeard’s dying words, Nico Robin’s plea for life, and Usopp’s heartfelt apology are all among the series’ best moments. However, there is another character whose dialogue often goes unappreciated: Shanks.
Although he is an Emperor of the Sea who undoubtedly possesses incredible strength, Shanks has never actually participated in an on-screen fight during One Piece. Instead, most of his impact has been made with words — he has stopped entire wars with only a few phrases. With his character set to play a massive role in One Piece‘s final saga, it’s worth taking note of Shanks’ greatest quotes.
Updated on April 20, 2023 by Kennedy King: Thanks to the release of One Piece Film: Red and recent appearances in the One Piece manga, Shanks’ presence is as tangible as it has ever been. He finally seems primed to stake his claim as the World’s Greatest Pirate, putting him on a collision course with almost every significant group in the series. While his role in the series will become clear in the near future, fans in search of answers would be wise to reexamine his dialogue thus far.
10. “I’ll leave this hat with you. It’s dear to me.”
Episode 4: ‘Luffy’s Past! Enter Red-Haired Shanks!’
Many fans would say that Gol D. Roger’s final words in Loguetown sparked the events of One Piece. As pivotal as these lines were, Monkey D. Luffy’s journey to becoming the King of the Pirates actually begins much later. When Luffy is given the legendary Straw Hat by Shanks, his perspective changes forever, due in large part to the words spoken by the Red-Haired Pirate.
Shanks doesn’t just bestow a great gift on Luffy’s head — he also tasks the young boy with bringing it back to him after he becomes a great pirate. Their inevitable reunion has been teased since the very first chapters of the series, and it all begins during this touching scene together.
9. “The courageous moments that you created… have changed the future of the world tremendously — for better or worse.”
Episode 488: ‘A Desperate Cry — Seconds of Valor that Change Destiny’
The battle that takes place at Marineford is among the most significant in One Piece history, and when Admiral Akainu goes to strike down Coby, things are at an all-time low. Thankfully, Shanks swoops in to save the young Marine and delivers one of the series’ best lines of dialogue in the process.
Throughout One Piece, Shanks has been a man of minimal conflict, as he’s met with the likes of the Five Elder Stars and Whitebeard in attempts to convince them to choose a less violent path. This is echoed by his demand for peace during the Summit War, which brings both sides together in a rare moment of unity.
8. “I’ve come to end this war!”
Episode 488: ‘A Desperate Cry — Seconds of Valor that Change Destiny’
When Shanks appears during the Summit War, he boldly claims that he has arrived to end the conflict. Most of One Piece‘s most powerful fighters were involved in the battle, so the fact that they immediately adhere to his demands says huge things about his abilities.
Had Shanks not arrived at Marineford, there’s a solid chance that the Whitebeard Pirates, Marines, and countless others would have been reduced to rumble. The delivery of his statement was worthy of an Emperor, and it set the tone for the events of One Piece post-timeskip.
7. “If anyone still wants to fight…then come! We will be your opponents!”
Episode 489: ‘Enter Shanks! The Ultimate War Ends at Last’
While Shanks’ greatest desire is peace, that doesn’t mean he lacks strength — his plea for the end of the Summit War would have been meaningless had he been unable to back it up. Should any member of the Marines attempt to continue fighting, Shanks makes it clear that his crew is more than prepared to take over.
Upon hearing Shanks’ challenge, none of the Marines — including their three Admirals, numerous Vice Admirals, and legendary Fleet Admiral — say a single word. The Emperor’s words were wise, but the looming threat behind them was even more significant.
6. “It’s okay to cry, but you have to move on.”
Episode 505: ‘I Want to See Them! Luffy’s Tearful Scream’
At the end of the Paramount War, Luffy is an emotional wreck, devastated by the loss of his beloved brother, Ace. In this moment of crisis, Shanks gives his young protégé a few parting words of wisdom. Adding on to his themes of pacifism and valuing life, Shanks lets the Straw Hat Pirates know that what’s important isn’t victory, but living to move forward.
Shanks understands that one’s response to loss plays a major role in defining their identity, so he emphasizes to Luffy the importance of making Ace’s death something meaningful. The fact that the Emperor of the Sea legitimizes Monkey D. Luffy’s feelings is amazing, but the advice Shanks provides about moving on is even more commendable.
5. “I bet this arm on a new era.”
Episode 316: ‘Shanks Moves! Ceremony to the Rampaging Age!’
As one of the most successful pirates sailing the Grand Line, Shanks clearly holds his own pirating career in high esteem. However, his response to Monkey D. Luffy’s cries about his missing arm is arguably the clearest indication that Shanks is interested in much more than selfish exploits.
While consoling Luffy about the loss of his arm, Shanks tells his companion that he “bet” the limb on the next generation of pirates. The Red-Haired Pirate cares deeply about those around him, and this moment makes it obvious that he’s dead serious about building a better world for those that follow in his footsteps.
4. “You can pour drinks on me… but good reason or not, nobody hurts a friend of mine!”
Episode 4: ‘Luffy’s Past! Enter Red-Haired Shanks!’
A lot of Shanks’ quotes touch on his sense of empathy, but not as many capture the pirates’ unique sense of humility. Shonen protagonists tend to be young, arrogant upstarts, so seeing a character who is effectively the inverse of this archetype feels like a breath of fresh air.
Shanks’ willingness to keep his sword sheathed during his encounter with the mountain bandits speaks to his innate desire for peace. Many would be humiliated by the actions of their leader, yet Shanks, a world-class pirate, somehow keeps his cool. However, when they eventually cross the line by kidnapping Luffy, the dark side of the Red-Haired Pirates emerges.
3. “We’re pirates! We don’t play by the rules!”
Episode 4: ‘Luffy’s Past! Enter Red-Haired Shanks!’
Shanks’ closing line to the mountain bandits that are trying to hurt Luffy is a grand statement that defines pirates for the series. Pirates abide by neither rules nor laws, and when things boil down, they’re outlaws and rulebreakers that proceed as they see fit.
The Red Hair Pirates’ jovial demeanors likely fool the bandits that capture Luffy, hence their attempt to assert dominance over the powerful pirate crew. This plan immediately goes out the window when Shanks laughs off their demands, instantly eliminating their entire crew.
2. “Pistols aren’t for threats. They’re for actions! Are you willing to risk your life?”
Episode 4: ‘Luffy’s Past! Enter Red-Haired Shanks!’
As seen with Kaido and Big Mom later in the series, taking out an Emperor of the Sea is easier said than done. While a bandit has a gun to his head, Shanks not only dares the gunman to shoot but gives the outlaw an entire monologue about being prepared to follow through on his threats.
More so than many of his peers, Shanks is a gifted orator that truly appreciates the powers of words. He taught Luffy a great deal in their short time together, largely because of his ability to deliver statements such as the ones he provides during his first episode on-screen.
1. “This girl is my daughter… If you want to take her, you better be ready to die!”
One Piece Film: Red
For over 20 years, One Piece fans were left completely in the dark regarding the background and family history of Red-Haired Shanks. While many of these details are still a mystery, One Piece Film: Red did provide some important insight regarding someone previously unseen in the series — Shanks’ daughter, Uta.
During One Piece Film: Red, Marine Admirals Fujitora and Kizaru attempt to take Uta into custody. This elicits a response from her father, who shows up and demonstrates what it looks like when an Emperor of the Sea exudes the full strength of his Conqueror’s Haki. Shanks states that he’ll end the life of any who try to take her, proving without a doubt that he is deadly serious about protecting his family.
Src: cbr.com
