Shiki

Biodata

Background / History

Shiki sailed with the Rocks Pirates and later commanded the Flying Pirates, a force once numbering tens of thousands. He regarded Roger as a rival and believed a storm had cost him the chance to become Pirate King 81 92 413 445 550.

Imprisoned in Impel Down's Level 6, Shiki tried to recruit the newly arrived Leon. Leon declined, but later obtained his cell key during an escape. Shiki had already begun cutting off his own foot rather than rely on him. They escaped together, though Shiki deliberately left Leon to face pursuing jailers while he retrieved his swords 81 87 88.

After Shiki helped Leon flee a pursuit by the Five Elders, the two visited Whitebeard. Shiki proposed that all three join forces to conquer the world, but his cooperation with Leon did not last: he tried to reclaim Kogarashi while Leon was drunk 91 92 95. For more than a decade afterward, Shiki prepared his STRONG WORLD plan with Doctor Indigo's help 477 534.

Appearance

Shiki's golden hair resembles a lion's mane, and a ship's wheel is embedded in his head 89 393.

• He loses his left foot during his first Impel Down escape attempt. He initially makes the severed foot appear attached with his Float-Float Fruit ability, then later uses the sword Sakura Jū as a prosthetic 87 92 393.
• He wears a golden cape when he appears above the battle at Reverse Mountain 393.

Personality

Shiki demands recognition for his name and standing, reacting angrily when Leon ignores or mocks him. He can be calculating—preferring preparation to a rash attack on the World Government—but also impulsive and vindictive. Even after repeated defeats, he continues to seek a confrontation that will make the seas acknowledge his power 81 83 90 95 479 544.

Abilities & Skills

Float-Float Fruit

Shiki can fly and make objects float, giving him control of the air and the ability to move enormous masses 89 91 480.

• He transports Leon on a floating sword and moves prisoners by floating a chain linking them 89.
• He shapes earth into giant lion heads and uses floating prisoners as a Human Tornado 480 478.
• His control has limits against comparable powers: Issho's gravity ability counters him closely enough that their fight turns to swordsmanship 396.

Swordsmanship

Shiki is a great swordsman who fights with powerful flying slashes. Even after losing a leg, he remains agile in aerial combat 81 95 480.

• Slicing Wave sends a large slash at an opponent 95 479.
• Lion's Valley of a Thousand Cuts meets a barrage of Leon's slashes 95.
• Without his famed blades, ordinary swords chip and break against Mihawk's Yoru 482.

Observation Haki

Shiki detects a potentially fatal slash from Mihawk and escapes at the last moment. Mihawk praises his Observation Haki 481.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Sakura Jū — one of Shiki's famed swords; he later uses it as a prosthetic for his missing left leg. Issho takes it after defeating him 88 393 399.
• Kogarashi — Shiki's other famed sword. Leon takes it during their escape, and Shiki's attempt to reclaim it ends their partnership 88 89 95.

Relationships

• Leon — a prospective recruit and temporary escape partner who becomes an enemy after their alliance fails and Leon keeps Kogarashi 81 87 95 394.
• Whitebeard — a fellow former Rocks Pirate whom Shiki unsuccessfully approaches about conquering the world together 92.
• Garp — a longtime adversary who battles Shiki at Reverse Mountain and later attacks his flying Impel Down force 393 550 551.
• Issho — a rival whose gravity powers challenge Shiki's aerial control; Issho defeats him in a sword fight 395 396 399.
• Dracule Mihawk — a swordsman who seeks a match with Shiki and later severs his remaining leg during their duel 454 479 482.
• Doctor Indigo — the Flying Pirates' doctor and combatant, trusted by Shiki and involved in the STRONG WORLD plan 477.
• Donquixote Doflamingo — another leading figure among the Impel Down escapees; Shiki ultimately rejects further scheming in favor of a direct attack on Hachinosu 447 544.

Story Role / Major Arcs

• First Impel Down escape: Leon frees Shiki from Level 6. Their uneasy partnership takes them to Mary Geoise and Whitebeard before Shiki departs 87 89 91 92 95.
• Reverse Mountain: Shiki interrupts a major battle, fights Garp and Issho, and is defeated by Issho. He returns to his old cell in Impel Down 393 396 399 413.
• Prisoner alliance: After another breakout, Shiki uses his ability to carry Impel Down through the sky as a base for a powerful criminal alliance. An attempted ambush at Hachinosu ends with Mihawk cutting off his remaining leg, prompting Shiki to withdraw 444 447 476 482.
• Renewed assault: Shiki rallies the prisoners for a direct strike on Hachinosu. Garp intercepts them and shatters their flying Impel Down platform with Galaxy Impact; Shiki survives and continues fighting him 544 550 551.

Notable Quotes

“Even pirates have their code! Besides... I am Shiki the Golden Lion!” 83

“Conspiracy and betrayal, that's the true nature of Pirates!” 550