The legendary God Valley incident has finally begun in the One Piece manga. After a series of events in Loki’s flashback led to God Valley, Oda is carefully taking his time to introduce more iconic characters we once thought weren’t part of the God Valley incident. The latest addition is Monkey D. Dragon, Luffy’s father, who is confirmed to have been present in God Valley 38 years ago. In a twist of fate, Dragon’s presence in the God Valley island didn’t just set his destiny in motion, but it also altered the course of Shanks and Luffy. Let me explain how Oda’s usage of the butterfly effect in the God Valley incident reshapes our perspectives.
The Unexpected Connection Between Monkey D. Dragon and Shanks
It was during Kuma’s flashback that the author revealed that Dragon used to be a Marine officer prior to becoming the leader of the Revolutionary Army. While we waited to see Dragon’s time as a Marine officer, Oda granted our wishes by revealing that Dragon started as a cadet around the time of the God Valley incident. He was present on the fated island when Marines were ordered to shoot tranquilizing rounds and spread sleeping gas aimed at citizens. Only the future revolutionary army’s leader questioned why the Marines were performing this operation against innocent citizens.
Dragon learned why the Marines are just a puppet in the vile hands of the World Government that day. If you have read the latest chapter, you know that Figarland Garling slew his lover, also the mother of Shanks and Shamrock, and planned to snatch Shakky as his bride. Despite her severe injuries, the mother carried her twin children indoors in a desperate attempt to protect them.
In the final panel of One Piece chapter 1159, Monkey D. Dragon eventually found the injured mother along with her babies. The unnamed mother pleaded to Dragon not to let Garling take her twins and asked him to take both baby Shanks and Shamrock far away from this doomed island.
Monkey D. Dragon Saving Shanks Creates a Beautiful Butterfly Effect
We do know that only baby Shanks was found inside a treasure box by the Roger Pirates after the God Valley incident. The main prizes of the Native Hunting Competition after Shakky were the Devil Fruits. Since Dragon would eventually place Shanks inside a treasure box, it is highly speculated that Dragon consumed the Devil Fruit he found before safeguarding Shanks. Dragon was just 17 years old during the events of God Valley and he clearly didn’t have any powers at this time. All signs point to Dragon having found his wind-related Devil Fruit power at God Valley.
Also, we already know how Dragon’s attempt to save the Figarland twins might end up. While Shanks was saved, unfortunately, Shamrock would somehow end up with his father, Garling, as he is the leader of God’s Knights in the current timeline. Meanwhile, Dragon saved Shanks not just from death but from possibly becoming a despicable God’s Knight or a Celestial Dragon raised by Garling.
Fortunately, Shanks was raised a pirate by Roger and his crew later on. As destiny would have it, the pirate Shanks would go on to save Dragon’s son, Luffy, from a Sea King at the Foosha village years later. Moreover, Shanks would also be an idol figure who would inspire Luffy to become a great pirate.
Also, since Garling stopped Dragon from saving Shamrock, their paths may cross again, where Dragon may clash against Shamrock in the battle between the Revolutionary Army and God’s Knights in the final war of One Piece. Funny, how fate works, right?
These interesting parallels and unexpected connections we found in One Piece chapter 1159 are blowing the minds of One Piece fans. That said, what do you think about Dragon being the savior of Shanks in the past? Let us know in the comments below.
