One Piece’s Luffy has accessed many powerful transformations through the years, but none is as important as his Gear 5 technique. This ability, awakened by the hero during his intense battle against Kaido, has proven to be not only his best and most reliable weapon but also a key part of the story of the series. Lamentably, despite the immense power that Luffy holds in this form, he has not been able to surpassthe most despicable villains.
Recently, fans have noticed that Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the series, has been hiding the solution to his problems in plain sight. The depictions of Joy Boy and Nika, two characters strongly linked with the Gear 5 form,have often included either a spear, sword, or shield. It might be possible that Luffy still needs to awaken his weapon to access his full power.
Could Gear 5 Still Be Incomplete?
Luffy’s Evolution Might Not Be Completed Yet
According to the lore of theOne Piecemanga, Gear 5 is the awakened form of Luffy’s Devil Fruit, the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. This treasure, consideredone of the strongest and most useful Devil Fruitsin the world of the series, allows the user to access the abilities of the sun deity worshiped by slaves in the past. By using it, the Straw Hat captain becomes not only one of the most powerful fighters on the planet but alsothe living embodiment of Nika the liberator. Yet, during his battle against the Five Elders, it becomes apparent that the pirate is not capable of defeating these monstrous opponents.
This has caused much confusion among fans over the last couple of months, since the previous wielder of Luffy’s Devil Fruit, Joy Boy, was implied to be several times stronger than them.Readers have theorizedthat Oda might still be hiding a secret transformation or technique that will help Luffy become powerful enough to beat the leaders of the World Government. This hypothesis comes from the fact that in almost every depiction of the diety that has been included in the manga,Nika has been seen wielding various weapons.
From swords to spears to shields, the Sun God has seldom been seen without holding a tool that could help him in battle. Luffy could be weaker than Nika at the moment because he does not have access to the weapons that his predecessor wielded. Until the protagonist can find or summon the tools that will help him increase his power, he won’t be ready to face his final adversaries. Worst of all, he will be nowhere near powerful enough to fight Imu,whose terrifying abilities only keep getting more dangerous.
Could the One Piece Be Nika’s Weapons?
Luffy Might Need To Reach the Treasure First
Ever since chapter #1 of theOne Piecemanga, one question has prevailed as the most significant among fans:the truth behind the titular treasure left by Roger on Laugh Tale. There have been various theories about what this coveted relic is, from bottles of sake to musical instruments that will bring joy to the world. Nonetheless, the possibility of the treasure being a long-lost weapon that could defeat Imu’s forces has also been quite popular.
Luffy not possessing the same weapons as the original Nika could be further proof of One Piece being a tool left behind for the next Joy Boy to save the world. If this is the case, the hero is not truly getting involved in the war against the World Government, despitethe biggest battle inOne Piecehistory occurring at the moment, because Oda knows he is not ready. Luffy still needs to recover the weapons left behind by Joy Boy and Nika to unlock his true potential and put a stop to Imu and their plan to drown the planet.
Luffy’s Weapons Might Have Already Manifested Themselves
Another Theory Suggests the Captain Already Has a Sword and a Shield
Like the theory of Luffy needing to find his weapons to face the World Government and become the new Joy Boy, another similar hypothesis has also gained popularity among fans. Many fans believe that the reason why Luffy has never seen it fit to acquire a tool to help him fight is because he knows that he never has to battle alone. From the leastpowerful members of the Straw Hat Crew to its mightiest warriors, the captain knows that he can always count on his friends to have his back.
Zoro and Sanji have proven to be particularly loyal to the captain, which has caused many fans to theorize that they are indeed the sword and shield to Luffy’s Nika.
Zoro and Sanji have proven to be particularly loyal to the captain, which has caused many fans to theorize that they are indeed the sword and shield to Luffy’s Nika. The former is quite easy to see, as the green-haired man is among the best and most skilled swordsmen in the world of the series. Zoro has also aided Luffy in many of his most difficult battles, from stopping Kuma from ending his life to redirecting a direct hit from Kaido and Big Mom. The swordsman acts like the blade that keeps enemies at bay.
Sanji, on the other hand, has often acted as a caring guardian who takes care of his friends, even when he needs to sacrifice himself to accomplish his goal. Not only is he the one who prepares delicious meals for his companions, but his superhuman resilience helps him survive attacks that would kill any of the other heroes. Sanji has been purposefully depicted as the shield that keeps the crew safe from danger. Luffy’s other friends have not had a role as clearly defined for them, but their abilities and loyalty are by no means lesser than Zoro’s or Sanji’s.
Luffy’s Growth Is Almost Assured
The Hero Will Need To Become Stronger
Although the idea of Luffy wielding a weapon during his final fight against Imu and their lackeys is objectively far-fetched, there is no denying that the man needs to become stronger somehow. His friends will be by his side during the upcoming confrontation, but the captain himself will need to greatly improve his abilities andevolve if he hopes to defeat the Five Eldersand bring freedom and joy to the world. The current war occurring in the Elbaph arc might be whatOne Piece’s protagonist needs to awaken his true power.
