A Lasting Legacy: Who Are The Red Hair Pirates? (2024)

As the Final Saga unfolds, we need to take the time to address the Red Hair pirates.

The world of One Piece has become an increasingly chaotic place, leaving many to sink into a watery grave. The fat continues to be trimmed every arc. Honestly, the only way people have gotten this far is through talent or luck. One of the pirate crews – who happens to be the topic of discussion – backs one of One Piece’s Four Emperors. So, who are the Red Hair Pirates? What makes the captain and crew so significant? It’s time to peel back the layers of Shanks and his mangy crew.

Introduction To A New World

Led by their rather captivating captain, Shanks, the crew is known for their impressive strength and their sense of honor. The crew boasts diverse members, each possessing exceptional skills and strength. Though not all crew members appear prominently in the series, prominent members include Benn Beckman, Lucky Roux, and Yasopp.

The Red Hair Pirates’ reputation, combined with their mysterious and influential captain, makes them a significant force within the vast and treacherous world of One Piece. Their impact on the story and their connections to other key characters continue to unfold as the series progresses. This cementing their legacy as one of the most powerful and respected pirate crews in the Grand Line. They also just happen to be one of the crews that introduces fans to the anime and manga. Let’s dive into the crew.

Red-Haired Shanks: Hail To The Chief

Shanks was a former member of the legendary Gol D. Roger’s crew, which discovered the fabled treasure known as the One Piece. Shanks is a central character who plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of other key characters, especially Monkey D. Luffy, the main protagonist of the series.

Shanks is instantly recognizable by his striking red hair. Despite his somewhat carefree and laid-back demeanor, he commands immense respect. Shanks exudes this aura of authority that belies his jovial personality. He is a master of all three forms of Haki – Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki), and Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror’s Haki). This exceptional mastery of Observation Haki allows him to sense the emotions and intentions of others. Also, he can foresee incoming attacks and maintain a heightened awareness of his surroundings. Shanks Armament Haki grants him the ability to coat his weapons and body with an invisible armor, making his attacks even more powerful. He’s also rather adept at bypassing Devil Fruit defenses. What sets Shanks apart is his strong sense of honor and morality. For those new to the anime and manga, this deviates from the stereotypical image of a pirate.

Shanks champions ideals of fairness, protecting the innocent, and maintaining a delicate balance in the world. Shanks’ defining moment comes when he saves a young Monkey D. Luffy from a sea monster, losing his left arm in the process. His presence and actions continue to reverberate throughout the story, leaving an indelible mark on the One Piece universe.

Benn Beckman: The Right-hand Man

As Shanks’ right-hand man, Beckman is an indispensable and highly respected member of the crew. With a calm and composed demeanor, Beckman exudes an air of intelligence and strategic thinking. He is often seen smoking a cigarette, adding to his air of coolness. He is known for his sharp marksmanship skills, which match his reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the world of pirates.

Beckman’s level-headedness and wisdom make him an essential advisor to Captain Shanks, contributing to the crew’s reputation as one of the Four Emperors, the most powerful pirate crews in the world. Although his personal history remains largely undisclosed, his presence and interactions hint at a character of depth and significance, enhancing the mystique of the Red Hair Pirates and their interesting first mate.

Lucky Roux: A Hungry Achiever

With his imposing stature and jovial demeanor, Lucky Roux is a memorable character in the crew’s ranks. Lucky Roux stands out due to his large build and robust appearance. His portly charm and constant smile belie his incredible physical strength. Roux is known for his immense appetite, often seen enjoying hearty meals, which adds a touch of humor to his character.

Roux’s backstory and personal history remain largely undisclosed in the series; he’s known to be a trusted member of the crew and holds a position of significance. His loyalty to Shanks and his crew is unwavering, and his interactions with fellow crew members, particularly during moments of camaraderie and celebration, reflect his strong bond with them.

Lucky Roux’s role in battles and his combat abilities have not been extensively showcased.

Yasopp: A Role Model

Yasopp, also known as “Usopp’s Father” or “Chaser,” is a memorable member of the Red Hair crew. While not as prominent in the series as some other characters, Yasopp’s connections and influence play a significant role, particularly through his impact on his son, Usopp.

Yasopp is renowned as an exceptional sharpshooter, possessing incredible marksmanship skills. He wields a sniper rifle with precision and accuracy that are considered top-tier even among the world’s most skilled marksmen. His marksmanship is a reflection of his role within the Red Hair Pirates. He also occasionally advises Shanks in complicated situations like the Marineford War.

One of Yasopp’s most notable aspects is his relationship with his son, Usopp, who is a core member of the Straw Hat Pirates. Despite his absence for much of Usopp’s life, Yasopp’s reputation as a pirate and his departure from their hometown of Syrup Village to pursue his dreams of adventure left a significant impact on Usopp’s desires. This influence serves as a motivating factor in Usopp’s own journey to become a brave warrior of the sea and live up to his father’s legacy.

How Important Are The Red Hair Pirates ?

Besides being the harbinger for what is to come in the One Piece series, the Red Hair crew has left an obvious lasting impact. Shanks’ early encounter with a young Monkey D. Luffy left an indelible mark on the protagonist’s life. Shanks saves Luffy from a sea monster and inspires him to become a pirate, setting Luffy on his journey to find the fabled treasure, the One Piece. This encounter serves as the foundation for Luffy’s aspirations, motivation, and unwavering determination. Plus, the Red Hair Pirates’ conflict with the Blackbeard Pirates has far-reaching consequences. Shanks’ warning to Blackbeard regarding the danger of the power he sought led Blackbeard to reevaluate his actions. This interaction foreshadows Blackbeard’s ascent and foreshadows future confrontations between these two powerful crews.

Also, the status as one of the Four Emperors, the most powerful pirate crews in the world, grants them a considerable influence over the events and power dynamics in the One Piece world. Their presence in the New World and interactions with other crews shape the broader landscape of the story. Lastly, The Red Hair Pirates are distinct for their sense of honor and morality within the ruthless world of pirates. Shanks’ code of conduct and his crew’s willingness to protect the innocent and maintain a balance impact other characters’ perceptions of pirates and contribute to the moral complexity of the series.

We can’t wait to see what happens next.