One Piece’s Elbaph arc is slowly but surely becoming one of the most exciting entries in the beloved series created by Eiichiro Oda. While the story of Luffy’s new adventure is still in its early stages of development, with none of the crucial battles having commenced yet, it has not disappointed in causing hype among fans about what is coming next.

Oda, being the masterful storyteller he is, has used this arc to continue or introduce a new idea to the story in a subtle and easy-to-miss way. One of these new concepts could be the implication that Shanks is the one behind Luffy’s interest in liberating Loki. The Accursed Prince might be a test to see if the Straw Hat Captain is ready for the ominous final war of the series.

Shanks Asked Gaban To Test Luffy

His Trip to Elbaph Was No Coincidence

In chapter #1140 of the One Piece manga series, one of Roger’s crewmates, Scooper Gaban, challenges Luffy to a friendly fight to see if the youngster can take the key to Loki’s chains. As the two pirates battled, the older man gave the impression of not giving it his all, making jokes and toying with his opponent. It was not until Zoro ed the combat and Luffy activated his massively popular Gear 5 form that Gaban decided to surrender, giving them their price as he had promised.

Before the Straw Hats left to go find Loki, Gaban told them to come look for him after the battle, implying that he had an important message to deliver. Seconds later, the man had a brief flashback to a conversation he had with Shanks in the past. The context of their chat is not given in the chapter, as this memory is only depicted in one . Nonetheless, thanks to Gaban’s words, it can be deduced that Shanks was talking about Luffy, asking his former crewmate to trust the Straw Hat Captain.

Thanks to this, it can be inferred that Gaban attacking the protagonist was a test to see if he had the power and needed to defeat someone like Loki. There would be no point in giving Luffy the key to liberate the prisoner if the older man believed that he would be killed, as doing so would also put his family’s life in danger. Still, the fact that Gaban decided to test Luffy after Shanks asked him to trust his pupil could imply that the battle against Loki was the Red Hair Captain’s idea, this being the reason why he visited Elbaph recently.

Shanks Might Be Testing Luffy’s Real Strength

Loki Will Be the Ultimate Obstacle Before the Final Fight

Shanks asking Gaban to test Luffy’s strength before giving him the key is a small detail that could have huge implications for the Elbaph arc. If the Red Hair Captain indeed asked his friend to see if his pupil was ready to fight the Accursed Prince, there is a high possibility that the Straw Hat’s trip to the Land of the Giants was all a part of Shanks’ plan. The man might be trying to use Loki as a trial to see how much Luffy has grown over the last couple of years.

According to the people of Elbaph, the red-haired Yonko has been the only warrior able to defeat and seal Loki. This is not a surprise to fans, who know that Shanks is among the strongest characters in the franchise. Luffy, on the other hand, has proven to be a powerful and imaginative warrior, but has not yet been confirmed to be on Shanks’ level. As such, his fight against Loki might be his mentor’s way to see if he is ready for the dangers that await him on the final stretch of his journey to Laugh Tale.

Could Shanks Want To Fight Luffy?

​​​​​​​If Luffy Defeats Loki, He Might Be Considered an Equal

After Kaido and Big Mom were defeated in one of the best battles in the series, Shanks shocked fans by making an appearance in the Land of Wano and proclaiming that he would be the one to claim the titular One Piece treasure. This moment was included in chapter #1054 of the manga, and it caused fans to doubt the intentions of the Red Hair Captain concerning Luffy. The revelation that he might have been the one to plan Luffy’s fight against Loki once again casts doubt on his true motives behind training and befriending the younger pirate.

Although his motives can be seen as sinister, there is a far more entertaining explanation that goes perfectly with Shanks’ personality. The man wishes to see a world that will blossom under the influence of a new era, as revealed in chapter #1055. To make sure that the new generation of pirates is up to the task, he will likely challenge Luffy for the title of King of the Pirates. The Red Hair Captain likely did not wish to obtain the treasure, or he would have done so years ago.

Instead, he might be preparing to fight Luffy as an equal, ensuring that he is ready to reclaim the title Roger once held and protect the world from danger. Before he can openly challenge his pupil, Shanks needs to be sure that the Straw Hat Captain is just as, if not more, powerful than himself. Even though it is unlikely that Shanks will be the series' final boss, seeing as Im and the Five Elders are still considered the ultimate villains, he might be the final obstacle for the protagonist to claim the One Piece.

Shamrock Could Interfere With Shanks’ Plan

​​​​​​​Shanks Could Not Have Predicted His Brother’s Pressence on the Island

Despite how likely it is that Shanks predicted Luffy travelling to Elbaph and fighting Loki might be, there is one variable that he did not consider: his twin brother Shamrock. The commander of the Holy Knights recently arrived in the Land of the Giants as well, and he has already demonstrated he could be a major issue for the heroes. If Luffy wishes to fight Loki, he will also attract the attention of Shamrock, complicating his battle even further. Shanks might be forced to the fight, bringing with him the long-awaited reunion between him and his pupil.

​​​​​​​

One Piece’s Elbaph arc continues surprising fans with its incredible revelations and subtle foreshadowing. Before long, fans will surely find out if Shanks was the mastermind behind Luffy’s trip all along, as the battle against Loki is likely to begin soon.