Shanks: Who Influenced the Red-Haired Pirate?

It’s hard to imagine a figure more enigmatic and inspiring in the world of One Piece than Shanks. With a calm smile, a straw hat, and the quiet power of a Yonko, he’s a man who shaped the course of history — and not just his own. His influence is most famously seen in the trajectory of Luffy’s dreams, but who helped shape Shanks himself? Behind his composed exterior lies a web of relationships and mentors that molded him into the pirate he is today. Let’s explore the key figures who influenced Shanks and helped forge his ideals, his strength, and his sense of purpose.

## Gol D. Roger

Shanks didn’t start his pirate life at the helm of his own ship — he began as a young cabin boy aboard the legendary Oro Jackson, the ship of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. This early exposure to a man who would one day change the world left a deep impression on him. Roger’s philosophy of freedom, his charisma, and his belief that the world was meant to be explored and rewritten by those bold enough to dream shaped Shanks’ worldview. Roger even allowed him to wear the straw hat — a symbol of trust and legacy — which Shanks later passed on to Luffy. Roger’s final words, igniting the Great Age of Pirates, were a spark that Shanks carried forward, not just in his own ambitions, but in how he inspired others.

## Red-Haired Shoujou (the Original Red Hair Pirates)

Before Shanks became the captain of his own crew, he was part of a pirate group led by a man simply known as Red-Haired Shoujou. This early band of pirates was instrumental in shaping Shanks’ understanding of camaraderie, loyalty, and leadership. Shoujou’s crew was known for its fierce fighting spirit and wild reputation, traits that Shanks inherited and refined. The name “Red Hair” itself seems to carry a legacy of strength and independence, and Shanks, as the next generation’s bearer, lived up to that reputation with a maturity that belied his youthful beginnings.

## Whitebeard (Edward Newgate)

Though Shanks and Whitebeard were rivals in the New World, their relationship was more complex than mere competition. Before he became a Yonko, Shanks was a young pirate who sought strength, and Whitebeard’s crew was one of the most powerful in the world. It’s believed that Shanks trained under Whitebeard for a time, learning not just combat skills but also the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership. Whitebeard’s philosophy of family and protection deeply resonated with Shanks, influencing how he treats his own crew and even how he viewed Luffy’s future. Their rivalry eventually turned into mutual respect, culminating in Shanks attending Whitebeard’s final moments — a rare and solemn gesture.

## Dr. Kureha

While not a pirate herself, Dr. Kureha played a crucial role in saving Shanks’ life after he lost his arm to the Sea King that also marked the end of his time in Windmill Village. Her blunt, no-nonsense approach to medicine and life likely left a mark on him. Her mentorship of Kaya and the way she kept the village safe in the face of danger probably reinforced Shanks’ belief in the importance of protecting others, even from afar. He may have been a pirate, but his actions — especially his decision to leave Luffy behind for his own good — reflect a deep understanding of sacrifice and care, values that Dr. Kureha embodied.

## Luffy

It might seem odd to list Luffy as an influence on Shanks, but in many ways, Luffy represents the embodiment of everything Shanks believes in. Luffy’s unwavering determination, his pure love for adventure, and his refusal to compromise his ideals mirror Shanks’ own spirit. Watching Luffy grow from a reckless boy into a formidable pirate gave Shanks confidence that the future would be in good hands. In passing on the straw hat, Shanks entrusted his legacy to Luffy — a gesture that speaks volumes about how much Luffy’s existence meant to him. Luffy didn’t just remind Shanks of his younger self; he gave him hope for what the world could become.

If you're curious about how Shanks turned these influences into a life of legend — and what advice he might give to a dreamer like you — you can talk to Shanks on HoloDream and ask him about the moments that defined his journey.