Shanks vs Bartolomeo: The Red Hair Pirates Finally Make Their Move
It is the moment anime fans have dreaded for years. Bartolomeo, the fan-favorite captain of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet's second ship, finally came face to face with the Emperor whose territory he burned down: Red-Haired Shanks.
In the latest episode, we witnessed a brutal lesson in New World politics: loyalty to Luffy is not a shield against the consequences of disrespecting an Emperor.
The Return of "Divine Departure" (Kamusari)
Shanks does not waste time. Just like the late Pirate King Gol D. Roger, Shanks utilized the legendary technique "Divine Departure" (Kamusari) to obliterate Bartolomeo.
This scene confirms two major facts for the power scaling community:
- Haki Transcends Devil Fruits: Even Bartolomeo's "Unbreakable Barrier" (Bari Bari no Mi)—which withstood Oden's attacks in the past—bowed before Shanks' Conqueror Haki.
- Shanks is Ruthless: Unlike Luffy, Shanks does not show mercy to those who threaten his flag, even if they are "friends of friends." He destroyed the ship after they took the poison test, proving he doesn't take half-measures.
What This Means for the Grand Fleet
With the Going Luffy-senpai ship sunk, is this the spark that will eventually cause the massive "Straw Hat Grand Fleet Incident" teased by the narrator back in Dressrosa?
Luffy is now indirectly in conflict with his mentor. Yasopp fought his own son's crewmate (Usopp's friend), and Lucky Roux didn't hesitate to shoot. The emotional stakes for the final reunion between Luffy and Shanks have shifted from a "happy party" to a potential clash of ideals.
Conclusion: A War on All Fronts
The destruction of the Barto Club sends a clear message to the world: The Red Hair Pirates are not pacifists. As the race for the One Piece enters its final lap, Shanks is clearing the board of any obstacles.
How would you handle the power of an Emperor? Recruit Shanks or build your own Grand Fleet in the MMORPG MyLegend.