Could Ryokugyu Beat Shanks in One Piece?

The debate over whether Ryokugyu (Green Bull) could triumph over Shanks in a One Piece 1v1 engagement has been one of the most contentious discussions among fans. While many believe Shanks' ultimate haki alone is enough to palm off a victory over Ryokugyu, the complexity of the characters' powers and past battles paints a more nuanced picture. This article delves into various aspects of this question to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Shanks' Display of Haki

One of the most notable moments showcasing Shanks' immense haki is when he faced Ryokugyu during the conflict in Wano Country. In one particular episode, Shanks utilized his Conqueror's Haki, which was enough to strike fear into Ryokugyu, causing him to retreat. This display, though it might seem one-sided, highlights Shanks' unparalleled haki abilities.

Why Ryokugyu Should Not Be Underestimated

Despite his retreat, Ryokugyu's strength cannot be dismissed lightly. Let’s dissect some of his feats and the implications of those battles:

Feeding Off Kaido’s Crew:** Ryokugyu fought against Kaido's remaining crew, which consisted of powerful individuals, many of whom were injured but still formidable fighters. The fact that Ryokugyu could hold his own against such seasoned combatants suggests a level of strength that should not be ignored. Toe-to-Toe with Zoro and Sanji:** When Shanks revealed the presence of Ryokugyu, Zoro and Sanji were still recovering. Significantly, the information implies that if things had escalated, they would have fought Ryokugyu. Given that Zoro and Sanji are near the pinnacle of the martial arts world, this suggests that Ryokugyu likely possesses considerable strength. Confrontation with Akazaya Nine:** Ryokugyu demonstrated resilience by standing toe-to-toe with the Akazaya Nine, a formidable group of fighters. Even without Yamato's assistance, Ryokugyu managed to humiliate them with his aggressive tactics. This further attests to his considerable combat prowess.

The Complexity of Strength Comparison

The difficulty level of an engagement between Shanks and Ryokugyu would be more nuanced than a simple one-sided victory for Shanks. While Shanks' haki might be a significant factor, the strategic aspects and the power scaling of both characters also play crucial roles.

Assuming a 1v1 scenario, Shanks might take a slight edge due to his powerful haki, but the battle wouldn't be an easy one for Ryokugyu. The fight would be more of a low-mid difficulty, with Ryokugyu holding his own against Shanks, particularly if he has a good day.

Conclusion

The question of whether Ryokugyu could beat Shanks in One Piece is far from straightforward. Shanks' haki is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, but the historical context of their battles and Ryokugyu's impressive feats indicate that a close match is possible. Shanks may come out victorious, but the battle would certainly not be a one-sided slaughter.