Was Captain Kidd’s One-Shot by Shanks Expected in the Anime

Introduction to the Showdown

In the expansive world of One Piece, every battle adds a new dimension to the narrative. When it comes to the fierce confrontation between Captain Eustass Kidd and Vice Admiral Carriedo Shanks, many fans wondered if Kidd’s one-shot defeat was expected. This piece explores the factors that made Shanks’ seemingly inevitable victory a reality and why Kidd’s fall was a logical outcome.

Overview of the Battle

The battle between Shanks and Kidd is not just a slugfest of sea powers but a strategic showdown between two formidable characters. Specifically, in Chapter 1076, Shanks’ prowess was put to the test against Kidd, whose reputation as a strong and resilient fighter was challenged. Despite Kidd’s impressive feats, such as tanking various Big Mom attacks and suffering through multiple blows, the outcome was clear: Kidd would not stand a chance against Shanks.

Why Shanks is Indeed That Strong

Power Dynamics in One Piece

One Piece is a story of power, growth, and redemption. Shanks, as the mentor and father figure to our protagonist, Luffy, holds a significant place in the hearts of fans. Over his 25 years as the strongest of the Admirals, Shanks has earned a reputation for fearlessness and unparalleled strength. Conversely, Kidd, a former Poneglyphbreaker and notorious pirate, is often depicted as overconfident and inexperienced in the grand scheme of the world.

Performance in Previous Battles

Heavenly Bonbons: Kidd bravely faced the potent attack from Big Mom multiple times, showcasing resilience. Big Mom’s Attacks: Kidd was able to counter Big Mom’s punches and lightning attacks, indicating his battle prowess.

However, these strategic skirmishes do not overshadow the clear gap in power when facing someone like Shanks. Kidd’s previous battles, while impressive, do not provide a definitive proof of his ability to defeat an Admiral such as Shanks.

Anticipation and Expectation

The anticipation of Kidd’s defeat at the hands of Shanks was evident among fans from the very beginning. Many speculated that Kidd, while a formidable pirates, was ill-equipped to challenge someone of Shanks’ stature. Even the One Piece wiki and numerous fan predictions leaned towards Shanks emerging victorious.

Trend of Predictions

The trend among fans and critics was that a significant battle between Shanks and Kidd would showcase Shanks’ dominance. Predictions varied, but the consensus was that Kidd, despite his reputation, would ultimately succumb to Shanks' overwhelming strength.

Recency Bias and Overestimation

Impact of Recent Battles

Recent battles in Wano Country, where Kidd and Law were heavily involved, inadvertently caused a recency bias. Fans began to overrate these characters, calling them the new generation of One Piece. However, these ratings were based on the tactical nature of the battles and did not account for the raw power of Shanks.

Shanks vs. Maritime Tyrants

Shanks has faced numerous maritime tyrants, including Big Mom, and emerged with aplomb. His encounters with Big Mom, despite her superior power, were indicative of his unbeatable status. The idea that Kidd, or Law, could challenge someone as powerful as Shanks on a one-on-one basis seemed far-fetched.

Conclusion

Shanks’ one-shot defeat of Kidd was, indeed, expected by many fans of One Piece. The power dynamics, Shanks’ reputation, and the recent overestimation of Kidd and Law all contributed to the natural expectation that Shanks would claim victory. While Kidd’s battles showcased his resilience and tactical acumen, they were not enough to overcome the vast gap in strength between the characters.

Shanks’ victory over Kidd serves as a reminder of the unforgiving truth in One Piece: only those who prove their strength against the mightiest of enemies can truly be considered among the strongest.