As the curtains slowly draw on the epic saga of One Piece with the Wano Country Arc nearing its end, fans are left with more questions than answers. Among the myriad of mysteries, one that stands out involves the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, and the enigmatic origins of his Devil Fruit powers. A recent theory has emerged suggesting that Luffy’s Devil Fruit was originally intended for his brother, Portgas D. Ace, adding a new layer of intrigue to the already complex narrative.
The Unexpected Revelation
The Raid on Onigashima not only showcased Luffy’s mysterious Gear 5 transformation but also brought to light a startling revelation about his Devil Fruit. For the longest time, fans believed that Luffy’s powers stemmed from the Gum-Gum Fruit, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that turned his body into rubber. However, a twist in the tale came when Who’s Who, a former CP9 agent, revealed that Luffy actually possesses a Mythical Zoan type known as the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. This revelation, made during Luffy’s climactic battle with Kaido, not only has massive implications for the series’ narrative but also raises an important question: Who was the original intended recipient of this legendary Devil Fruit?
Delving into the Past: The Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika
To fathom the original intentions behind the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, one must delve into its peculiar history. As per the Five Elders, the highest-ranking council of the World Government, this Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit has existed since the days of the Void Century. Despite its existence, the fruit’s whereabouts remained a mystery for several hundred years, until it resurfaced eleven years before the main storyline of One Piece.
During a mission to transport the Devil Fruit across the Grand Line, Who’s Who and CP9 were ambushed by the Red-Hair Pirates led by Shanks. Emerging victorious from the clash, Shanks and his crew took possession of the Devil Fruit and later arrived in Foosha Village, where a young Monkey D. Luffy accidentally consumed it. The series hints at Shanks’ awareness of the fruit’s true nature and its importance, possibly due to his connections with the Celestial Dragons and Gol D. Roger.
Shanks’ Hidden Agenda: A Gift Meant for Ace?
Shanks is known for his calculated actions throughout the One Piece narrative. His decision to attack a CP9 ship to obtain the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, suggests a significant purpose behind the bold move. The reaction of the Red-Hair Pirates when Luffy consumes the fruit indicates that they had someone else in mind as the recipient—possibly Portgas D. Ace, who was soon to arrive in Foosha Village.
Raised by the Roger Pirates, Shanks had a close bond with the King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger. If Roger had shared the importance of the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika with Shanks, it’s plausible that Shanks might have seen Roger’s heir, Ace, as the one destined to awaken its true powers.
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However, fate had other plans as Luffy became the accidental heir to this legacy. Recognizing Luffy’s potential, Shanks not only sacrifices his left arm to save him from a Sea King but also entrusts him with his iconic Straw Hat, symbolizing a shift in belief regarding who the true successor to Sun God Nika’s legacy might be.
Unanswered Questions: A Legacy Reimagined
The theory surrounding Shanks’ original intentions for the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika adds a captivating dimension to the intertwined fates of Shanks, Luffy, and Ace. As One Piece navigates through its final saga, unraveling the histories of Sun God Nika, Shanks, and Luffy becomes imperative. Whether bound by destiny or mere accident, the trio’s connection poses a significant threat to the World Government, reminiscent of the challenges posed by Gol D. Roger himself.
As the tale unfolds, the anticipation surrounding the mysteries of the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, and the true heir to its legacy continues to captivate the hearts of fans, ensuring that the legacy of One Piece will resonate through the annals of anime history long after its conclusion.
