Red-Haired" Shanks,[9] commonly known as just "Red Hair",[12] is the chief[5] of the Red Hair Pirates[2] and one of the Four Emperors that rule over the New World.[3] Having sailed with the legendary Roger Pirates since he was an infant, Shanks would begin his pirate career on their ship as an apprentice alongside Buggy, before forming his own crew following Roger's death.[4]
Twelve years ago, while operating in the East Blue, Shanks inspired the young village boy, Monkey D. Luffy to go on his own pirate journey,[13] thus being responsible for the boy becoming the notorious outlaw he is today. He accidentally provided Luffy with the Gomu Gomu no Mi to eat,[14] and even sacrificed his left arm to save the boy from being eaten by the Lord of the Coast out at sea. Most notably, he also owned the straw hat that once belonged to Gol D. Roger himself and has become Luffy's signature accessory, having gifted it to the boy as part of a promise for them to meet again someday.
Ever since the beginning of the series, Shanks has been an important background character, usually being shown accompanying Luffy's ever-growing reputation as a pirate. He is a late, but still vital ally during both the Marineford and Wano Country Arcs. He and his crew also have a sizable role in One Piece Film: Red, which centers on Uta, Shanks' adoptive daughter.
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Appearance

As one of the Four Emperors, Shanks governs a fleet composed of multiple, individual pirate crews. Compared to the other Emperor's allies, Shanks' are famous for being weak. They acknowledge they only survived in the New World because of Shanks' protection. Still, Shanks worries about his fleet's well-being and does not charge for any sort of payment or condition for those who wish to bear his flag. For this reason, Shanks' subordinate captains adore him and are fiercely loyal to their Emperor.
Roger Pirates
Roger Pirates Defeat a Group of Marines
A young Shanks and the Roger Pirates defeat a group of Marines.
Shanks was found by the Roger Pirates at God Valley, back when he was just an infant.[48] As such, Shanks has had a close association with the crew ever since he was a baby.
Shanks had a close bond with Gol D. Roger, having acquired Roger's straw hat from him as far as the age of 8 years old.[21] Shanks cried at Roger's execution[49] and still thinks about him from time to time, as he compared Luffy to Roger when meeting him. After Ace's death, Shanks remarked on how he and Roger were similar in some ways.