Was Shanks expected to eat the Gomu Gomu no Mi? At the beginning of the series, we see Shanks carrying the Gomu Gomu no Mi fruit around like a treasure. Was he expected to eat this fruit? Or did he just sell it?



It's obvious he didn't want Luffy to eat it.
I don't think Shanks ever planned to eat the Gomu Gomu no Mi. I think he probably gave it to one of his crew members or sold it for some sake. With Shanks being one of the most powerful men in the world, I think if he ever wanted a Devil Fruit, he would have been able to get one pretty easily. If he wanted the Gomu Gomu no Mi specifically, then it would be a different story. However, I just can't think of any reason why he could have wanted that one Devil Fruit. There are more powerful fruits to go after which would suit him better, I think.