Shanks… everyone knows who Shanks is! He's a supporting character, but he's one of the most popular in the entire One Piece series. He's a legendary pirate and one of the strongest characters in the entire series, so it makes perfect sense that he's one of the Yonko! But how and when did this happen? How did Shanks become a Yonko? Keep reading to find out all the details!

Shanks was recognized as one of the Four Emperors about six years before the current timeline or about six years after he left Foosha Village. This information was confirmed in chapter 957 of the manga, adapted in episode 958, both of which focused on some details from the series' past. As for why, it is currently unknown what Shanks did to earn the title of Emperor, but since he and his crew were, at the time, famous throughout the world for their adventures and deeds, it does not surprise us that such a powerful and respected figure was named among the Emperors of the Sea.

As you might expect, Shanks' story will be the focus of this article, in which we will tell you his story up until the moment he became known as Emperor. We don't know the exact details, of course, since the series hasn't revealed the exact reason why he became Emperor, which is why it's necessary to review his story up to this point, from which you can deduce what happened to him and why he received the title in question. Spoilers will be present, so be careful how you approach certain parts of the article.

Shanks became Emperor about six years ago, but the exact circumstances are not known.

Chapter 957 of the manga, titled "Ultimate," released on September 30, 2019, revealed an important detail about Shanks's story. This chapter was adapted into episode 958 of the anime, titled "A Legendary Battle! Garp and Roger," which premiered on January 17, 2021.

The detail we're talking about is the information that confirms when Shanks became emperor. So, when was that? Well, the sources in question confirm that Shanks became emperor six years before the current date or six years after leaving the village of Foosha.

Now, if you're wondering what happened back then that earned him the title, we don't know. Eiichiro Oda didn't reveal these facts to us in the series, so we don't really know what Shanks did to earn the title in question, but it was obviously deserved, since only the most notorious pirates in the world have actually earned this title.

So, because we really have no idea what exactly happened, we'll be going over Shanks' known exploits during this time period, which will hopefully shed some light on what happened back then.

Shanks was born on an island in the West Blue. When he was one year old, Roger's Pirates found him in a chest in God Valley, so they took him in and he became their apprentice. He sailed with Roger for years, and during these adventures, he befriended Buggy the Clown while gaining much experience for his later career. After Roger's execution, Shanks formed his own crew and would soon embark on many adventures with them.

One of his first major adventures was an attack on a World Government ship, from which he and his crew stole the Gomu Gomu no Mi, which would later be accidentally consumed by Luffy, a young boy from Foosha Village who worshipped Shanks and wanted (unsuccessfully) to join his crew.

As a sign of respect, Shanks gives Luffy the straw hat Roger gave him, and he also ends up saving his life despite sacrificing one of his hands. How did the latter happen? Well, Luffy was kidnapped and taken out to sea, which was especially dangerous because Luffy couldn't swim after eating the Devil Fruit.

Shanks noticed Luffy in the sea about to be eaten by a Sea King that had just done the same thing to Higuma and intervened to rescue him, losing his left arm. The pirate used his Conqueror's Luffy, telling the animal to leave, which, terrified, ran away. He then thanked Luffy for defending them, telling him that Makino had told him what had happened. He then told him not to cry because, after all, he was a man, but the boy was even more desperate because Shanks had lost his arm. Shanks replied that it was nothing, being happy that he was safe.

Later, as the crew prepared to set sail, Luffy told him that he had heard they would never return, and he confirmed it, saying that they had been stationary for a long time and would be leaving for distant lands.

He asked him if he was sad, and the boy first denied it, then admitted that he was a little sad; however, he emphasized that he would not ask him to take him with them, explaining that he had decided to become a pirate relying solely on his strength.

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Shanks replied that even if he asked, he wouldn't accept it anyway, sticking out his tongue and adding that he was sure he would never become a pirate. Luffy shouted at him that he would become one, that one day he would find better friends than them, find the most precious treasures in the world, and become the Pirate King. Sensing that he wanted to surpass them, Shanks placed his hat on his head, telling him that he would gladly lend it to him and that it was for special occasions. He said that one day, when he became a great pirate, he would return it to him.

Shanks walked towards the ship and Benn Beckman told him there was no doubt Luffy would make it through. He replied that he was okay with that since he looked a lot like him when he was little.

He then ordered the anchor to be raised and the sails unfurled, so the crew could set sail. He later became friends with Dori and Brogi. That same year, Shanks met Rayleigh by chance on the Sabaody Archipelago, to whom he told about Luffy and his resemblance to Roger. He also told Mihawk about the baby. Shortly after, it was revealed that he had become emperor.