One Piece fans might not be happy when they realize that Shanks actually saved one of the strongest Navy Admirals in the entire series.

Ever since the time skip in One Piece, the Navy has seen a significant change in the power system as two of the three formal Navy Admirals have vacated their positions. While Akainu has been promoted to become the Fleet Admiral, Kuzan left the Navy to join the Blackbeard Pirates as their tenth Titanic Captain. Thus, the Navy had to replace them.

Ryokugyu and Fujitora | Credit: Toei Animation

The replacements of the two Admirals were Ryokugyu and Fujitora, who were appointed through the World Military Draft. Fujitora made his first appearance during the Dressrosa arc, and he left quite an impression on One Piece fans. However, Rykogyu’s track record has not been so good since his official appearance in One Piece, as the Admiral has faced a massive defeat even after being one of the strongest characters in the Navy.

But it could have been made a lot worse if it had not been for Shanks. Shanks saved Ryokugyu from getting embarrassed in front of the whole One Piece world, as he wanted to face Luffy after he awakened Gear 5. Considering his performance in front of the Nine Red Scabbards, there is a big possibility that Luffy could have taken him down quite easily.

Ryokugyu’s Track Record in One Piece

Ryokugyu was initially a police officer in the Taya Kingdom of the South Blue. He first appeared in One Piece as a silhouette, and his appearance caused a lot of uproar within the fanbase. This was because he was portrayed as a potentially dangerous opponent for the Straw Hat Pirates. However, his official appearance was the exact opposite of it.

Ryokugyu made a full appearance during the conclusion of the Wano country arc when he decided to apprehend Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates and make his name in front of Akainu. However, things changed against him when Shanks decided to intervene in the battle without even being present on the scene.

Admiral Ryokugyu | Credit: Toei Animation

His Haki’s presence forced Ryokugyu to leave Wano and go back. Thus, it did not work in his favor, and his image deteoriated in front of One Piece fans. However, he still is a crucial character in the One Piece narrative and soon might make another appearance that could potentially earn his some respect like Fujitora did during Dressrosa.

Shanks Indirectly Saved Ryokugyu

Fans have always speculated about what would have happened if Shanks hadn’t intervened and Ryokugyu had to face Luffy. The biggest factor that would have played a crucial role in their battle would have been Luffy’s Gear 5 abilities. The Wano arc proved to be one of the most significant for Luffy in terms of growth.

Admiral Ryokugyu’s abilities | Credit: Toei Animation

The One Piece protagonist not only learned a new Haki ability but also unlocked his strongest Devil Fruit ability yet. His power level reached a point where he was able to handle all five Elders at the same time.

Therefore, if he had faced Ryokugyu in Wano, he would have absolutely demolished him. It would have hurt his image as a One Piece Admiral even more.

Therefore, in a way, it was a good thing that Shanks intervened and stopped Ryokugyu. Because if he hadn’t done that, Luffy would have defeated him brutally. Ryokugyu needs to awaken his Devil Fruit powers or unlock new Haki abilities if he wants to take down the future One Piece Pirate King.