The excitement surrounding Shanks is reaching new heights as Oda delves into his backstory and the rich history of Elbaf. Fans were first introduced to Shanks’ pivotal visit to Elbaf on the day of King Harald’s demise in One Piece chapter 1152. He had arrived with a crucial warning for the king, making us all curious about his intentions. Thankfully, the mystery began to unravel in One Piece chapter 1168.
Spoilers Warning:
This article contains spoilers about Shanks and Harald. Proceed with caution.
Shanks Warned King Harald About Imu’s Abyss Contract

On that tragic day when King Harald was murdered, Shanks sought to deliver an urgent warning. His departure from the Holy Land coincided with Harald’s ascension to the God’s Knights. In chapter 1168, it became clear that Shanks had abandoned his path toward becoming a full-fledged member of the God’s Knights, which would have required him to enter into a Depths Covenant with Imu.
The consequences of his choice are profound. With Shanks stepping aside, King Harald was next in line, ultimately leading him into an encounter with Imu. During their meeting, Imu granted Harald an Abyss Mark that conferred increased powers and the ominous gift of immortality.
Upon returning to Elbaf to revel in his new status as a World Government ally, King Harald was contacted telepathically by Imu. The sinister request? To muster an army of giant warriors. Surprisingly, King Harald resisted, opposing the violent legacy tied to his people. This resistance led to a shocking revelation: the secret obligation tied to the Depths contract was slavery—an unyielding command to obey Imu.
King Harald, under duress, was compelled to enslave his fellow warriors. This dire fate was precisely what Shanks had attempted to forewarn him about.
While in the Holy Land, Shanks couldn’t risk revealing the truth to Harald, masking himself as a Celestial Dragon. It’s likely he learned about Imu’s treacherous contracts from his family and fled, escaping the grasp of potential servitude. Sadly, by the time he arrived at Elbaf to help Harald, it was far too late.
Shanks was acutely aware of what enslaving Harald would mean, trying desperately to alter that dark future. Yet, Imu’s grip was already tightening, leading to Harald’s eventual demise. As we await the upcoming chapter, we can only speculate about the events surrounding King Harald’s death. Do you believe Shanks could have acted sooner to save him? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Wouldn’t it be interesting to learn what caused Shanks to engage with the king at such a crucial moment? Many theories abound regarding their meeting. If you share the same curiosity, you are not alone. Fans are often left wondering about the implications of Shanks’s choices.
How did Shanks become such a pivotal character in One Piece? His complex past interwoven with significant events adds depth to his character and raises questions about his intentions—especially regarding power dynamics within the World Government.
Are there other characters whose decisions mirror Shanks’s struggle against authority? Absolutely! Many characters in One Piece face ethical dilemmas between duty and personal morals, making them relatable and driving the plot’s intricacies.
Lastly, how does Imu’s contract system mirror real-world hierarchical power structures? Many fans draw parallels between this fictional system and issues we see in authority and governance today, making One Piece not just a fantastical adventure but a reflection on societal norms.
As we dissect these fascinating developments, don’t forget to stay tuned for more One Piece insights. Your adventure doesn’t have to end here; explore further with Moyens I/O.