In the world of One Piece, Pirate King Gol D. Roger is remembered as one of the most powerful pirates to ever live. After his death, many fans believed that Monkey D. Luffy would inherit his full legacy. However, when it comes to raw power and combat style , the one who truly inherited Roger’s essence is none other than Red-Haired Shanks.

Roger – The Legend of an Era

Roger wasn’t born the strongest, but through time and battle, he rose to rival even Rocks D. Xebec , the once-feared ruler of the seas. After Rocks’ downfall, the seas entered the Roger Era , where his influence reigned supreme.

Unlike many powerful pirates, Roger had no Devil Fruit. All his might came from his unmatched mastery of Haki . His Conqueror’s Haki was considered the most powerful of his time, making him an unstoppable force. Only Whitebeard and Garp could stand on equal ground with him.

Shanks – The True Successor of Roger’s Strength

Roger’s death left a void in the pirate world, but it didn’t take long for a successor to emerge. That successor was not Luffy, but Shanks, who grew up as a member of Roger’s crew. To Rayleigh, Buggy, and the entire Roger Pirates, Shanks was like Roger’s adopted son.

  • Combat Style Similar to Roger: Just like his captain, Shanks doesn’t rely on a Devil Fruit. Instead, he wields overwhelming Conqueror’s Haki and uses his sword in a crushing, hammer-like fashion that can blow away everything in its path—mirroring Roger and Rocks’ technique.
  • Yonko Status: Shanks stands among the Four Emperors, maintaining balance on the seas. His mere presence was enough to intimidate Kaido and instantly end Kid’s ambitions.
  • Roger’s Legacy in Spirit: While not Joy Boy, Shanks embodies Roger’s strength and charisma more than anyone else. He is the closest mirror to the Pirate King in the current era.

Luffy – The Heir of Will, Not Power

There’s no denying that Luffy is the destined future Pirate King and the one who inherited Roger’s will of freedom —the dream of adventure, joy, and liberation of the seas.

Shanks heir of Roger One Pieceperson' '' 'hanks' 'redhair' 'scar' 'yelloweyes.

However, when it comes to inheriting Roger’s power and battle style , Shanks is the true heir. Roger lit the fire of the Pirate Era, Shanks preserved it with his strength and authority, and Luffy will be the one to surpass them both.

In One Piece, Roger’s will lives on in Luffy, but his strength and fighting essence live on in Shanks.

Sources: GameK