Shanks vs. Blackbeard: The Story Behind the Scar[]
Introduction[]
Shanks' scar has been a mystery since the early days of One Piece. However, it was later revealed that Marshall D. Teach, also known as Blackbeard, was responsible for giving Shanks his iconic scar. Shanks clarified that it was not a result of carelessness; even while being fully serious, he was wounded by Teach. This hints at Teach possessing formidable abilities, possibly related to claws.
In this conversation, Shanks also warned Whitebeard and told him to call back Portgas D. Ace from his pursuit of Blackbeard, as he knew how dangerous Blackbeard could be. Shanks also tried to tell Whitebeard that Teach had been hiding his true intentions and strength.
Shanks[]
Shanks, one of the Four Emperors (Yonko), is the captain of the Red-Haired Pirates. He was once a member of Gol D. Roger's crew when he was a kid and later became a very important figure in shaping Luffy’s journey. We have seen Shanks as a person with a calm and carefree personality, but he is also one of the most powerful figures in the One Piece world. Shanks is someone Luffy wants to surpass to prove himself as a worthy pirate, as they promised.
Marshall D. Teach[]
Blackbeard, also a Yonko, is the captain of the Blackbeard Pirates. He first joined the Navy to become a Warlord, and to get this position, he offered the Navy Portgas D. Ace, the son of Gol D. Roger. But in the end, Blackbeard betrayed the Navy too. After the abolishment of the Seven Warlord System, he made his way to becoming one of the Four Emperors (Yonko). He took Whitebeard’s place in the [[New World]]. Unlike any other character we have seen, Teach possesses the ability to wield two Devil Fruits: the Yami Yami no Mi (Darkness Fruit) and the Gura Gura no Mi (Earthquake Fruit).
The Scar’s Origin[]
Shanks ’ famous scar—three distinct claw marks across his left eye—was inflicted by [[Blackbeard]] before either of them became Yonko. This scar holds a deep meaning and an untold story.
The Connection to Elbaf[]
Elbaf, the land of giants, plays a crucial role in the One Piece storyline, and Shanks appears to have a strong connection to it. The Red-Haired Pirates are welcomed there, and after defeating the Prince of Elbaf, Loki, Shanks stayed and influenced the people of Elbaf.
Now, let’s examine the battle between Shanks and Loki. In previous manga chapters, we see the place where Shanks and Loki fought, and on the wall, we noticed a claw mark identical to the one on Shanks' eye.
Shanks V/S Blackbeard[]
I think that while Shanks was fighting Loki, Blackbeard arrived at Elbaf. At this time, he was still a member of the Whitebeard Pirates. Despite Blackbeard being part of Whitebeard's crew, Shanks remained cautious of him. Blackbeard, always in pursuit of powerful Devil Fruits, may have learned that Elbaf was protecting the Gomu Gomu no Mi (Luffy's Devil Fruit).
When Blackbeard arrived at Elbaf and saw Shanks and Loki fighting, I believe he waited until the battle was nearing its conclusion before launching his attack. Although Shanks must have sensed his presence, he was still unable to avoid Blackbeard’s strike. Shanks himself stated that he did not get his scar due to carelessness, suggesting he was aware of the attack but still unable to evade it. Given that Shanks could already use Advanced Observation Haki (which allows brief glimpses into the future), it is shocking that he still failed to dodge. Blackbeard’s relentless attacks missed Shanks but left a similar claw mark on the wall, reinforcing the mysterious power behind his strikes.
Conclusion[]
Shanks' scar is more than just a wound; it is a reminder of an unfinished battle. I believe Shanks will pay back Blackbeard for the scar he gave him. Let’s see what happens in the future and how Shanks actually got the scar.
"Oda’s genius lies in how he scatters clues across hundreds of chapters, only for us to look back and go—‘It was there all along.’ I’m just a fan trying to connect some of those dots, and maybe, just maybe, this scar tells a bigger story we’ve yet to fully see."
Thank you for reading!
I'm just a fan piecing together what I love about One Piece. I hope you enjoyed the theory as much as I enjoyed writing it.