Very few anime series have achieved the level of success that One Piece has achieved. Now that the manga has reached its last episode, the end is finally in sight, which means that a few key characters will eventually play a significant role in the story. Shanks is one of these characters, and he has only just appeared in the series since its inception.
Shanks is a member of the Four Emperors, which means he is one of the most powerful characters in One Piece, and he is the man who inspired Luffy to become a pirate. However, he did have a life before meeting the future captain of the Straw Hat Pirates.
8 He Joined The Roger Pirates
Shanks, like Luffy, wanted to be a pirate from a young age, and when he was nine years old, he joined the legendary Roger Pirates. He was an apprentice at the time, but he was still a full-fledged member of the crew, and he joined them on many adventures.
The Roger Pirates were the only crew to successfully complete the Grand Line, and they are the only known crew to ever reach Laugh Tale, the famous island that holds the One Piece treasure. Shanks never got to go to Laugh Tale because he stayed home to care for his fellow apprentice, who was severely ill at the time.
7 He Made Buggy A Devil Fruit User
Buggy was the apprentice who became sick, and he joined the Roger Pirates at the same time as Shanks. They tended to disagree on meaningless things. During a raid, the crew discovered the Chop-Chop fruit, and when Buggy realized its value, he attempted to steal it for himself.
Shanks ate a phony version of the Fruit to swindle the crew, but when Shanks discovered him, he hidden the real one in his mouth. Buggy was shocked by Shanks' reaction, but it's not all bad considering how Buggy has improved substantially in the short run-up.
6 He Participated In The Edd War
Shiki, the captain of the Golden Lion Pirates, was originally a part of the Rocks Pirates, so he and Roger had a long history. 27 years before the story began, Shiki and his fleet faced off against the Roger's crew.
Shanks fought alongside his crewmates in what is now known as the Edd War. Shiki's fleet had the numbers, but the battlefield was damaged by a hurricane that destroyed half of Shiki's ships. This allowed the Roger Pirates to defeat the opposing fleet.
5 He Witnessed Roger's Execution
Roger disbanded the crew shortly after becoming Pirate King, and in his final year of life, he met and fell in love with Portgas D. Rouge. When he learned that she was pregnant, he turned himself in to the Marines, who ordered him executed in the city he was born in.
Roger's final words were inspired by a new generation of pirates. A number of famous individuals were present, including Shanks, who mourned his death.
4 He & Mihawk Dueled Multiple Times
Dracule Mihawk is the world's strongest swordsman, which makes sense considering his experience with every bladed weapon and his keen eye for detail. He is a former Warlord of the Sea, and when the Marines tried to capture him, he successfully defeated a fleet that included several Vice Admirals by himself.
Mihawk is one of the most honorable characters in One Piece, which is why he does not continue to challenge Shanks to duels. They have fought several times before, but to have won the last duel against Shanks, Mihawk needed to win the final duel.
3 He Fought Blackbeard
Blackbeard and Shanks are the most powerful Yonko in the current era, and they have a long history. Both met when Blackbeard was a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, and they both fought for their respective crews on an unnamed island near Paradise.
Years later, Blackbeard was able to give Shanks the scars that were left over his left eye. This happened before Blackbeard acquired his two Devil Fruit abilities, which indicates that he is a skilled fighter with powerful Haki.
2 He Recruited Usopp's Father
Usopp is one of Luffy's closest friends, and he has one of the worst backstory. His father plays an important role in his backstory because he left Usopp and his mother to join a pirate ship, and that crew turned out to be the Red Hair Pirates.
Shanks went to Gecko Island in search of Yasopp two years after Roger's death, but Yassop did not join the crew until after Usopp was born. He joined Shanks in Luffy's hometown, and he has since become an officer.
He stole The Gum-Gum Fruit From The World Government 1
Luffy devoured the Gum-Gum Fruit shortly after meeting Shanks, and during the Wano arc, it was revealed how Shanks became in possession of the legendary Devil Fruit. The Gum-Gum Fruit is a Mythical Zoan which allows the user to transform into a legendary sun god who can turn his body into rubber.
This Devil Fruit has been sought after by the World Government for centuries because it is linked to Joy Boy and the Void Century. When Shanks and his crew raided a government ship, they discovered the Devil Fruit and stole it.