What Would Have Happened If Shanks Was at Marineford: A Hypothetical Scenario

H1: Introduction

In the world of One Piece, the Marineford Conflict stands as a turning point in many NPC battles. This article delves into the hypothetical scenario of Shanks being present at Marineford during the war, exploring the potential outcomes and consequences of such a situation.

H2: Shanks' Power and Limitations

Shanks, known for his powerful yet less destructive nature, does not possess the destructive potential of Whitebeard, who wielded the Quake Quake Fruit. Despite his formidable presence, Shanks' fighting style focuses on outmaneuvering and deterring foes, rather than sheer destruction. Whitebeard’s ability to level the battlefield with the Quake Quake Fruit, demonstrated by his ease in mowing through Marine forces, is a stark contrast to Shanks' more strategic and less destructive approach.

When Whitebeard was on the battlefield, he demonstrated exceptional bravery and combat skills, overpowering numerous marine forces and nearly sinking Marineford. However, his downfalls came from unexpected attacks, such as Aokiji's freezing techniques and a critical injury from Squardo's attack. These insights illustrate the balance of power in the conflict and the complexity of potential outcomes if Shanks had been present.

H2: Hypothetical Scenario for Shanks' Inclusion

What if Shanks had been at Marineford during the war? If Shanks had been present, he would have aimed to keep the battle from escalating further and maintain the status quo. This would have meant that the Blackbeard Pirates and the Marines would not have been able to engage in a full-blown battle, thus preventing the severe casualties and destruction that resulted.

The inclusion of Shanks could have led to a ceasefire or at least a temporary truce initiated by Sengoku, the Grand Admiral, when both Shanks and Whitebeard were present. This would have provided a more controlled environment and given the respective forces a chance to negotiate or find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

H2: Impact of Shanks’ Inclusion on Key Characters

Given the potential impact of Shanks' presence, several key characters would have experienced different outcomes:

Ace: If Shanks had been at Marineford, there is a high likelihood that Ace would have been saved much earlier, reducing the overall trauma and impact of his death on Luffy.

Teach: It is less likely that Teach would have stolen Whitebeard's fruit, as Shanks would likely have thwarted such attempts, ensuring the stability of the conflict.

Luffy: Such a scenario might change the trajectory of Luffy’s post-timeskip journey. It is possible that he might not have undergone the two-year timeskip, given the shift in the conflict dynamics.

H3: Potential Consequences and Outcomes

Without the destructive force of the Quake Quake Fruit, and with Shanks' diplomatic efforts, the balance of power would have been different. Kaido, who was kept away by Whitebeard, might still have joined the battle, but the presence of Shanks could have prolonged the conflict to a point where the Marine institution might not have weathered such a pirate war.

In summary, the inclusion of Shanks at Marineford would have altered the dynamics of the conflict, leading to a more controlled and less destructive outcome. This hypothetical scenario offers a unique perspective on how individual characters and their actions can significantly impact the larger narrative of One Piece.

H2: Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of Shanks being at Marineford during the war presents a compelling "what if" scenario that challenges our understanding of the One Piece universe. By examining the potential outcomes and impacts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the role of each character and the complex balance of power that drives the story forward.