Summary
Shanks is one of the most important characters inOne Pieceand the main reason why Luffy is even a pirate in the first place. His importance is such that Oda has saved him for the Final Saga, and from here onwards, he is going to be prevalent in the story.
He is incredibly powerful, despite not having any Devil Fruit ability. However, if Shanks were to have one, there are some very exciting picks that fans could go with for him, that would essentially strengthen him, or compliment his personality, in one way or another.
5Hana Hana no Mi
Of course, the easiest pick for Shanks when one goes for a Devil Fruit is the Hana Hana no Mi. This Devil Fruit belongs to the Paramecia class and is currentlybeing utilized by Robin. Essentially, it gives one the ability to sprout any part of their body or any limb from anywhere within close proximity. It could give Shanks another arm and help him out greatly in combat, while making him whole once again.
But, other than that, it could also aid him greatly in terms of assassination and espionage. Shanks’s skills would be taken to the next level, Shanks would even develop clones of his own body and use them in battle greatly, increasing his overall power output. Using abilities such as Demonio Fleur or something similar, Shanks could essentially turn into a monstrously powerful individual the likes of which could not be stopped easily.
4Gura Gura no Mi
The Gura Gura no Mi is one of the most powerful Devil Fruits inOne Piece. In fact, this fruit is said to hold the power to destroy the entire world, which essentially compares it to the ancient weapons themselves. This Devil Fruit was oncein possession of Whitebeard, and currently, it is in the possession of Blackbeard.
It would also have been phenomenal under Shanks, and that is simply down to the fact that Shanks is overpowered in nature. It would also parallel Shanks very well against Blackbeard. Blackbeard has the power of darkness, while the Gura Gura no Mi, which Whitebeard used to fight him, appears to be almost as if it is its opposite.
There are also not many people who could make safe use of this Devil Fruit, and a person such as Shanks, who thinks twice before unleashing his powers on innocents, would be perfect for it.
3Mera Mera no Mi
The Mera Mera no Miallows the user to create, turn into, as well as manipulate flames at will. This devil fruit would have been perfect for Shanks in many ways. For one, fans know the Shanks can ignite his sword in flame, and this was first hinted at inOne Piece Film Red.
This ability of his is also hinted at in the 4 billion volume, which was written by Oda himself. As such, fans know for sure that Shanks has the ability to ignite his sword. As such, it would make perfect sense for him to have an ability that allows him to manipulate and control fire. Gaining a Logia type of Devil Fruit would certainly elevate Shanks in terms of power and make him a force to be reckoned with, even more so than he is currently.
2Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika
The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nikais a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, and it also goes by the name of Gomu Gomu no Mi. This Devil Fruit is currently in possession of Luffy, but it would also have been perfect for Shanks.
Shanks and Luffy have very similar personalities. The only reason why Shanks does not have this Devil Fruit is that he was not born at the right time and it wasn’t meant for him. The Nika fruit chose Luffy as its user, due to having a will of its own, just like every other Zoan Devil Fruit. But, if one were to ignore that for the sake of it, then, Shanks would have made a fantastic Nika, given that he has every quality of being a phenomenal protagonist.
1Neko Neko no Mi, Mythical Model: Griffin
Quite easy,the perfect Devil Fruit for Shankswould have been the Neko Neko no Mi, Mythical Model: Griffin. For those who do not know, Griffin is a mythical creature with the body of a lion, and the head and the wings of an eagle. This creature exudes brilliance from the top to the bottom and Shanks would certainly have been perfect for it.
Another exciting reason why Shanks would have had this ability is because his own sword is named Gryphon as well. Shanks draws a lot of similarities to this creature, and given that his own spirit animal is a lion as well, according to Oda, this would certainly have been a perfect Devil Fruit for him, and elevated him to the next level.
