The latest Vivre card folder, Folder 4, Part 2, was released in Japan on September 4, 2024, and it did not disappoint.
Titled Breakthrough! Pioneers of the New Genesis!! and Threatening! The Strong of the “New World”!!, these two volumes provided a wealth of new information about many characters, from beloved fan favorites to lesser-known figures.
Guernika From One Piece (Toei Animations)
The covers of these volumes feature Shanks, one of the most mysterious and powerful characters in the series, as well as Mononosuke, a character who has grown considerably over the course of the story.
However, among the many revelations contained in these volumes, one particular detail stood out to fans: the fate of Guernika, a character who some might have forgotten but whose story turned out to be deeply intertwined with key moments in the Wano arc.
Not only did the latest Vivre card reveal the proper pronunciation of Guernika’s name, which ties him to an important figure in the One Piece world, but it also confirmed that this CP0 agent met a tragic end during the intense final moments of the Wano arc.
Guernika’s Introduction in One Piece and Role in CP0
Guernika was first introduced in the Dressrosa arc as part of Cipher Pol 0 (CP0), the strongest and most elite branch of the World Government’s secret intelligence agency.
While CP9 had been feared for their ruthless efficiency in earlier arcs, CP0 was a step above them, both in terms of power and influence.
Guernika, like other CP0 members, wore a distinctive mask that concealed his true identity, adding to the air of mystery that surrounded him and his colleagues.
At first, Guernika’s role seemed relatively straightforward. He and his fellow CP0 agents were dispatched to Wano with a mission to negotiate a new supply of weapons.
The Wano arc revealed that the country, ruled by the tyrannical shogun Orochi and the fearsome Yonko Kaido, was a major supplier of weapons to the World Government and other factions.
The CP0 agents, including Guernika, were sent to secure these weapons and ensure that Wano continued to produce the materials necessary for the ongoing balance of power in the world.
Guernika From One Piece (Toei Animations)
However, things took a turn when the CP0 agents found themselves stuck in Wano far longer than anticipated.
Orochi’s selfish demands and manipulations kept the agents involved in the chaotic situation unfolding in the country.
As the Raid on Onigashima began and the war between the Pirate-Samurai alliance and Kaido’s forces escalated, Guernika and his fellow agents found themselves witnessing firsthand some of the most climactic battles in the series.
Guernika’s Involvement in the Raid on Onigashima
As the battle for Wano reached its peak, Guernika’s role became more prominent.
After receiving orders from Rob Lucci, one of the most dangerous and skilled agents of the World Government, Guernika and the other CP0 agents were given a new mission: capture Nico Robin.
The World Government had long sought the capture of Robin, who is the sole survivor of the Ohara Incident and the only person in the world capable of reading the ancient Poneglyphs, which hold the key to the location of the One Piece and other hidden truths of the world.
Despite their formidable abilities, the CP0 agents faced stiff resistance from the Pirate-Samurai alliance, who were determined to protect Robin and secure their victory over Kaido.
During the intense skirmishes, one of Guernika’s fellow agents, Maha, was killed in action. But Guernika, undeterred, continued to pursue his mission.
In a dramatic turn of events, Guernika found himself at the center of one of the most pivotal moments in the entire arc.
As Luffy and Kaido prepared to deliver their final blows in their climactic battle, Guernika, using his CP0 technique Tekkai (an ability that hardens the user’s body to the point where they can withstand powerful attacks), stepped in to disrupt the fight.
He held Luffy back just long enough for Kaido’s devastating attack to hit the Straw Hat captain.
Guernika From One Piece (Toei Animations)
This interference enraged Kaido, who had grown increasingly furious over the course of the battle due to multiple interruptions.
Kaido’s rage at having his duel with Luffy interrupted once again led to a devastating response.
In a moment of sheer brutality, Kaido struck Guernika with his massive kanabo (a spiked club that Kaido wields with terrifying strength), fatally injuring the CP0 agent.
Guernika, knowing that his fate was sealed, accepted his death without resistance.
However, before he died, he witnessed something extraordinary: Luffy’s awakening of his Devil Fruit power, the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika.
Guernika managed to send a final message to the World Government, revealing that Luffy had achieved this powerful new form before succumbing to his injuries.
Revealing the Details of Guernika’s Fate in the Vivre Card
While the events leading up to Guernika’s death were depicted in the Wano arc, the confirmation of his death and additional details about his character were revealed in the latest Vivre card release.
For those unfamiliar, the Vivre cards are official data books that provide detailed information about various characters, including their birthdays, heights, favorite foods, Haki abilities, and more.
These cards often serve to clarify or expand upon details that might not have been fully explored in the manga or anime.
In Guernika’s case, the Vivre card revealed several key pieces of information that shed new light on the character.
According to the card, Guernika was born on October 25, 2024, which would make him 42 years old at the time of his death.
His height was listed as 243 cm, marking him as a physically imposing figure, though still smaller than some of the other giants of the One Piece world.
Vivre Cards: Guernika (with a “k”, like “Nika” 👀) Birthday: October 25th Age: 42 (time of death) Height: 243cm Origin: West Blue Favorite Food: Garlic Observation and Armament haki user pic.twitter.com/TVm5cCqo7f — Artur – Library of Ohara (@newworldartur) September 4, 2024
Guernika hailed from West Blue, one of the four seas that surround the Grand Line, and his favorite food was revealed to be garlic.
The card also confirmed that Guernika was proficient in two forms of Haki: Observation Haki, which allows users to sense the presence, emotions, and intentions of others, and Armament Haki, which grants users the ability to harden their bodies and enhance their attacks with an invisible armor.
These abilities, combined with his Tekkai technique, made him a formidable opponent, though not enough to save him from Kaido’s wrath.
Significance of Guernika’s Name and Its Connection to Nika
One of the most intriguing revelations from the Vivre card was the true pronunciation of Guernika’s name. Prior to the release of the card, fans had speculated that the name might be a reference to Pablo Picasso’s famous painting, Guernica, which depicts the horrors of war and suffering.
In fact, Guernika’s name had previously been rendered as Guernina, further fueling this connection.
However, the latest Vivre card revealed that the correct pronunciation of his name is Guernika, a name that has a deeper connection to the mythology of the One Piece world.
Specifically, the name is now understood to reference Nika, the legendary figure who Luffy’s Devil Fruit is modeled after.
Luffy’s fruit, the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, allows him to transform into the form of the “Sun God” Nika, granting him incredible powers and the ability to reshape the world around him in a cartoonish, exaggerated manner.
Guernika Vs Kaido From One Piece (Toei Animations)
This revelation about Guernika’s name suggests that his character might have had a deeper thematic connection to Luffy and the concept of Nika, even though he ultimately died before these connections could be fully explored.
Had his name been revealed earlier, fans might have been able to predict Luffy’s transformation into Gear 5, which was one of the most surprising and internet-breaking moments in the entire series.
Guernika’s Death and Its Impact on the Story
While Guernika may not have been a major character in terms of screen time or narrative focus, his death served as an important moment in the Wano arc.
His interference in the battle between Luffy and Kaido, and his subsequent death at Kaido’s hands, underscored just how brutal and unforgiving the world of One Piece can be, even for powerful agents of the World Government.
Moreover, his final act of transmitting the information about Luffy’s awakened form to the World Government set the stage for future conflicts, as the revelation that Luffy possesses such a powerful Devil Fruit will likely have far-reaching consequences in the ongoing struggle between the Straw Hats and the World Government.
Guernika’s death also highlighted the complex dynamics within the One Piece world.
As a member of CP0, Guernika was part of the World Government’s elite, yet even he was ultimately expendable in the grand scheme of things.
His sacrifice demonstrated the lengths to which the World Government is willing to go in order to achieve its goals, even if it means losing valuable agents in the process.
Guernika From One Piece (Toei Animations)
The release of the latest Vivre card provided fans with a wealth of new information about Guernika, a character whose role in the Wano arc was both impactful and tragic.
From the confirmation of his death at the hands of Kaido to the revelation of his connection to Nika, Guernika’s story is a reminder of the many layers of intrigue and depth that One Piece continues to offer its fans.
As the series moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the information he transmitted about Luffy’s awakened Devil Fruit plays into the larger narrative, and whether other revelations about CP0 and the World Government will come to light.
Though Guernika’s journey ended in Wano, the consequences of his actions will likely continue to resonate throughout the world of One Piece as Luffy and his allies prepare for the next stage of their adventure.
The world of One Piece is a sprawling, intricate world of lore and character development that has attracted fans for decades.
Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is not just a story about pirates seeking treasure but a complex narrative woven with rich characters, intricate plots, and a deep universe that leaves much to the imagination.
Shanks – One Piece (Toei Animations)
Over the years, this complexity has given rise to a multitude of fan theories, some of which have gained traction and sparked significant debate within the community.
Among these, one particularly intriguing theory that has recently resurfaced is the notion that Shanks, one of the series’ most mysterious and celebrated characters, might actually be an evil figure.
The Emergence of the “Shanks is Evil” Theory
The theory that Shanks could be an evil character has been around for some time but has gained renewed interest recently.
Shanks, known for his charismatic presence and mysterious background, has always been a subject of speculation among fans.
The recent developments in the series, including the potential revelation of Shanks’ connections to the Celestial Dragons, have added fuel to this theory.
? pic.twitter.com/2B5nT3KU6o — Pew (@realpewpiece) September 3, 2024
The Celestial Dragons are a group of powerful and often malevolent figures in the One Piece world, and any link to them could imply that Shanks has hidden, darker motives.
The resurgence of this theory was particularly notable after a fan highlighted a scene from the anime’s new opening sequence.
In this sequence, Shanks is shown in opposition to Kid, a character who is frequently depicted as a rival or antagonist.
The visual portrayal of Shanks as a potential adversary to Kid led some fans to speculate that this could be a foreshadowing of Shanks’ future role as a villain.
The theory quickly gained traction among certain segments of the fanbase, igniting a lively and often humorous debate.
Anime Opening Sequence: Symbolism or Spoiler?
The anime’s opening sequence, which features Shanks facing off against Kid, has become a focal point for those supporting the “Shanks is evil” theory.
This sequence contrasts characters typically viewed as “good” with those seen as “bad,” positioning Shanks as a formidable opponent.
Some fans have interpreted this depiction as an indication that Shanks might eventually turn to the dark side.
The idea is that the visual representation in the opening sequence could be hinting at a significant plot twist involving Shanks.
One fan who supported this interpretation argued that the sequence could be foreshadowing Shanks’ transformation into an antagonist.
Luffy And Shanks – One Piece (Toei Animations)
This viewpoint has sparked considerable discussion, with some fans eagerly embracing the theory and others dismissing it as speculative.
The debate highlights the broader issue of interpreting anime content, which can sometimes lead to varying and sometimes contradictory endings.
Counterarguments: Criticisms of the Theory
As the “Shanks is evil” theory gained traction, many fans were quick to offer counterarguments.
One of the primary criticisms came from those who pointed out that the anime opening sequence was created by Toei Animation, not Eiichiro Oda.
Toei Animation often produces promotional material that may not accurately reflect the manga’s storyline or character development.
As a result, some fans argued that the sequence should not be taken as definitive evidence of Shanks’ true nature.
“Toei don’t know a shit about ending of One Piece. And they made this Opening not Oda,” one fan commented, reflecting the sentiment that the anime’s promotional content should not be used as a basis for serious theory crafting.
Can’t believe this nonsense made it to the english OP community — M O S S J U R O (@TheMags53) September 3, 2024
Another significant point of contention is that Shanks’ role as an adversary in the opening sequence does not necessarily imply that he is evil.
In One Piece, characters often occupy complex and multifaceted roles that are not strictly binary in terms of good and evil.
For instance, Luffy, the series’ protagonist, has expressed his intention to defeat all four Emperors, including Shanks.
By this reasoning, Shanks being depicted as an opponent does not inherently mean he is evil but rather that he is one of the significant challenges Luffy must overcome on his journey.
“Luffy said himself he needs to beat all 4 emperors. So by that standard Shanks is technically an enemy,” another fan pointed out.
This perspective suggests that antagonistic roles are part of the narrative structure rather than indicators of a character’s moral alignment.
Drawing Comparisons with Other Characters
To further challenge the “Shanks is evil” theory, fans have drawn comparisons with other characters who have taken on adversarial roles without being considered villains.
One notable example is Kuzan, also known as Aokiji. Kuzan has played the role of an antagonist in various story arcs but is not perceived as inherently evil.
His actions are often driven by complex motivations rather than sheer malevolence.
One fan explained this comparison, writing, “They are enemies doesn’t necessarily mean they’re evil tho, Kuzan for sure is not evil but he is an enemy.”
Yonko’s – Shanks, Kaido, Blackbeard (Twitter)
This comment underscores the idea that being an enemy or opponent in the context of One Piece does not automatically imply evil intentions.
Similarly, Shanks’ role as an adversary could be more about representing a significant challenge rather than indicating inherent villainy.
Another fan echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the depiction of Shanks as an enemy in the opening sequence is more about visualizing obstacles that need to be overcome rather than suggesting a literal alignment with evil.
“Doesn’t really work since Kuzan is not evil, it’s more so a visualization of an obstacle that needs to be overcome to progress in the journey,” they wrote.
This perspective aligns with the broader theme in One Piece, where characters face various challenges and adversaries as part of their growth and development.
Role of Fan Theories in the Community
The discussion surrounding the “Shanks is evil” theory also highlights the role of fan theories in the One Piece community.
Theories and speculations are a natural part of fandom culture, allowing fans to engage deeply with the narrative and explore different possibilities.
While some theories are grounded in concrete evidence, others are more speculative and based on interpretations of visual or narrative cues.
The “Shanks is evil” theory is a prime example of how fan theories can generate significant debate and engagement.
Shanks From One Piece (Toei Animations)
While some fans embrace such theories as exciting possibilities, others approach them with skepticism and critical analysis.
This variety of perspectives enriches the fan experience and contributes to the ongoing discussion about the series’ direction and character development.
Anticipated Future Developments
As the One Piece storyline continues to evolve, there are potential developments that could shed light on Shanks’ character and his connections to the Celestial Dragons.
Alleged spoilers for One Piece Chapter 1125 suggest significant changes involving Saint Saturn, another high-ranking Celestial Dragon.
According to these spoilers, Saint Saturn may meet his demise, leading to Figarland Garling’s ascension to the position of an Elder.
If Figarland is indeed Shanks’ biological father, this development could provide additional context for Shanks’ character and actions.
Shanks (Toei Animations)
The potential rise of Figarland Garling could also expand on the allegations against Shanks, offering further insights into his background and motivations.
As fans eagerly await these revelations, the theory that Shanks might be an evil character remains a topic of speculation and discussion.
The ongoing debate reflects the richness of the One Piece universe and the depth of engagement from its fanbase.
The Fun and Drama of Fan Theories
The debate over Shanks’ potential alignment with evil is a testament to the vibrancy and passion of the One Piece community.
Fans invest significant time and energy into theorizing about the series, and these discussions often lead to lively and entertaining exchanges.
Akagami Shanks Over Power (Twitter)
Whether or not Shanks is ultimately revealed to be evil, the theories and debates surrounding his character contribute to the excitement and engagement of the fanbase.
Fan theories, including the idea that Shanks might be evil, serve as a form of creative exploration and interaction with the story.
They allow fans to speculate on various possibilities and imagine how different plotlines might unfold. While not all theories will ultimately be proven correct, they add an element of fun and anticipation to the fan experience.
The “Shanks is evil” theory has generated a substantial amount of discussion and amusement within the One Piece fandom.
The theory, which gained attention following a recent anime opening sequence, has been met with a range of reactions from fans.
While some have embraced the theory and sought evidence to support it, others have criticized it as speculative and unfounded.
The anime’s promotional material, created by Toei Animation, has been a key point of contention, with many fans arguing that it should not be taken as definitive evidence.
Critics of the theory have highlighted the complexity of Shanks’ role and the broader theme of obstacles and challenges in One Piece.
Comparisons with other characters who have taken on adversarial roles without being considered evil further support the idea that Shanks’ role might be more about representing a significant challenge rather than indicating inherent villainy.
Red-haired Shanks (Toei Animations)
As the storyline progresses, future developments may provide additional context and clarity regarding Shanks’ character and his connections to the Celestial Dragons.
The ongoing debate and speculation reflect the depth and enthusiasm of the One Piece community, showcasing the rich engagement that fans bring to the series.
Regardless of whether Shanks is ultimately revealed to be evil, the discussions and theories surrounding his character are a testament to the passion and creativity of the fanbase.
Theories like these contribute to the vibrant drapes of fan interactions that make One Piece a truly unique and engaging experience for its audience.
