Examining Shanks' Power in 'One Piece': After the Kidd Pirates' Battle

The latest update of Shanks' power in One Piece revisited the epic battle he had against the Kidd Pirates. This encounter raises several questions about Shanks' true strength and his standing among the most powerful characters in the world of One Piece.

Shanks' Haki Mastery

Shanks is renowned for his exceptional control over Haki, particularly Conqueror's Haki. His ability to utilize Haki at a level that can intimidate even the most powerful foes and influence large groups of people is a clear testament to his strength and presence. During the battle with the Kidd Pirates, Shanks demonstrated his prowess by defeating Eustass Kid and showcasing his capability to handle multiple opponents effortlessly.

Combat Skills and Reputation

Although specific details about his combat abilities are limited due to the lack of extensive fight scenes, Shanks is considered one of the top-tier swordsmen capable of holding his own against other elite fighters such as Mihawk and even the strongest of the Marines and Yonko. This is further highlighted by the Kidd Pirates' battle where Shanks managed to initiate a significant confrontation without losing to the leader, Eustass Kid.

Shanks is also one of the Four Emperors (Yonko) of the sea, placing him among the most formidable pirates. His mere presence is enough to deter conflicts, as exemplified during the Marineford War when he intervened to stop the fighting. This status and influence solidify his position as a top-tier powerhouse in the world of One Piece.

The Kidd Pirates' Fight

In the fight against Eustass Kid and his crew, Shanks displayed an overwhelming power. However, there is a debate over whether his attack was the final blow or whether Kidd's own attack ultimately finished him off. The explosion following Shanks' attack might suggest that Kidd's attack was more powerful and finished him off, but this is far from certain. Kidd's strategic use of his attacks and the extent of his injuries are crucial factors to consider.

One must remember that Kidd took two top-tier attacks: his own strongest attack and Shanks' attack. Despite being hit by both, Kidd did not succumb to the blows immediately. This suggests that both attacks were significant but not necessarily lethal. The fact that Kidd was able to stand back up, albeit injured, further implies that neither attack was enough to incapacitate him completely.

The efficacy of each attack can also be argued. Shanks' advanced Haki and experience in utilizing it effectively might have enabled him to land a more strategic strike, but Kidd's own strength and resilience indicate that his attack was powerful enough to inflict serious damage. This highlights the necessity of considering both the attacker and the defender's abilities in such battles.

Strategic Mind and Overall Strength

Beyond raw power, Shanks is also known for his strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex political landscapes. This ability to strategize effectively contributes significantly to his overall strength as a leader. In the Kidd Pirates' battle, Shanks demonstrated not just physical prowess but also tactical acumen, ensuring that the fight remained under his control despite Kidd's considerable strength.

Conclusion: Shanks' Equal Standing Among the Yonko

Considering all these factors, it is evident that Shanks remains an extraordinarily powerful character in One Piece, with mastery over Haki, exceptional combat skills, and significant influence in the world. His strength can be compared to that of other Yonko such as Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom. There is no clear indication of whether he is superior or inferior; his standing among the Yonko reflects his ability to match them on a battlefield as well as in strategic planning.

For now, Shanks remains at the same level as the other Yonko, with evidence suggesting that any Yonko could have achieved the same result. This leaves room for further exploration and development of Shanks' character in future arcs of One Piece.