User blog comment:Yatanogarasu/The Trend Ends?/@comment-3242083-20110102194037/@comment-3242083-20110103033129

Yeah well, Surume is another matter. I don't think that kraken is able to talk, so Surume doesn't need a lot of character development (or screentime). Would be ok with me.

And yeah, Blackbeard has to kill someone strong to show his new powers to the world and the audience (us). Also, Luffy needs a reason to confront him... killing Shanks would do.

Would make a good ending... Luffy  covering the face of the deceased Shanks with his strawhat...  and thereby fulfilling his promise. Then kicking Blackbeards ass, as the pirate Shanks always imagined.