One Piece has been around for decades, with each arc revealing and connecting intricate details that fans may have overlooked or did not expect. The most recent manga chapter has generated a lot of heat regarding the true nature of Luffy’s new Devil Fruit. Chapter 1043 revealed Luffy facing a crushing defeat by Kaido, one of the four emperors. After defeating Luffy, Kaido revels in his victory, which was ultimately short-lived after Luffy unlocks his true form.

After the Luffy-Kaido battle in Chapter 1043, Momonosuke claims that he can’t hear Luffy’s voice, which was confirmed by Captain Kid and Trafalgar Law. This revelation throws the Samurais and Straw Hats into a panic; Momonosuke decides to surrender to Kaido, but he is convinced by Yamato to not give up, preventing the collaborative efforts of the Samurais and the Straw Hats from going to waste. However, suddenly, Momonosuke hears Zunesha’s voice, revealing Joy Boy’s rebirth after 800 years. At the same time, Luffy’s body structure changes, and what appears to be steam emanates from his mouth.

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Who is Joy Boy?

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There has been a lot of mystery surrounding the character of Joy Boy. He was a central figure that contributed to the history of Fish-Man Island, during the Void Century. The first mention of Joy Boy was in Chapter 628 of One Piece, during the discovery of the Sea Forest Poneglyph and its decryption by Nico Robin. Joy Boy brought Noah to Fishman Island 900 years prior to the One Piece timeline. He makes a promise to the citizens of Fish-Man Island, which he couldn’t keep. Later on, Joy Boy’s apology message to Poseidon for not keeping his promise was discovered on one of the poneglyphs.

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Joy Boy was also mentioned in the Gold Roger – Kozuki Oden flashback in Wano arc as the individual that hid the One Piece on the island, Laugh Tale. These revelations imply that Joy Boy was a key figure in One Piece despite the constant suppression of any information, concerning him by the oppressive World Government. It can also be inferred from the current chapters that Joy Boy is not a person, but a key title designated to a person that tries to “free” the world from oppression.

Chapter 1044, affirmed these suggestions; Zunesha claims that Joy Boy has returned, revealing that hears the “Drums of Liberation” which syncs with the awakening of Luffy’s Devil Fruit, Gomu Gomu No Mi. After Luffy awakens, he’s shocked that he is still alive as he ponders on the possibility. Luffy is aware he should have lost to Kaido, but instead he feels a surge of new energy as he names his new form, “Gear Five,” the peak of his powers.

Are There Hidden Truths to the Gomu Gomu No Mi Fruit?

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Meanwhile, the scenery changes, and the Five Elders in charge of the World Government in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise are revealed to be discussing a stolen Devil Fruit. An elder reveals his exasperation concerning the sacrifice of one of their elite agents that was dispatched to Wano. This CPO agent was mortally wounded by Drake, who impales him from behind with his sword in Chapter 1042. The member also mentions that their efforts were counterproductive since they ended up enraging Kaido. Another member justifies their actions by suggesting that it’s necessary to get rid of dangerous variables. A different member also reveals the World Government’s failure in acquiring the Gomu Gomu No Mi, Luffy’s Devil Fruit, for about 800 years. The member further states that the Devil Fruit appears to have a mind of its own, revealing that the Gomu Gomu No Mi was actually a mythical Zoan, shocking One Piece fans across the world. Generally, Zoan fruits have a mind of their own, but the Gomu Gomu No Mi’s evasion was on a different scale.

Further, in the World Government’s council discussion, the actual name of the Devil Fruit called, ‘Gomu Gomu no Mi” was revealed to be the Hito Hito no Mi (Human-Human fruit), Model: Nika. This Devil Fruit has the name of a god, Nika. In One Piece, although little information has been revealed about Nika, he is revered as the Sun God, a savior, and more. The Hito Hito no Mi fruits enable its user to have a rubber body, with the limitation of just their imagination. This frightening power was harnessed by Luffy - the main reason for him being able to change his punches’ direction, during the first round of his fight with Kaido in Onigashima. People that eat the Human-Human fruit have the abilities of the god after their Devil Fruit Awakening.

As the story perspective shifts from the elders’ discussion about the Hito Hito no MI’s power to Onigashima, Luffy unlocks his Gear Five as lightning emanates from him, knocking out Kaido’s subordinates. Suddenly, a large hand, apparently Luffy’s, appears, grabs Kaido, and swings him with little effort, before slamming him to the ground. Luffy is revealed to have fiery-colored hair, while he laughs for some unknown reason. Kaido apologizes for the CPO's interference in their previous battle before firing a blast breath at Luffy. Luffy evades it in time, pulling up a part of the ground, redirecting Kaido’s offensive ability back at him. Luffy’s facial features are now revealed, depicting his curly eyebrows and darker eyes.

These new revelations in One Piece generate a lot of questions, going back to Shanks obtaining the Gomu Gomu no Mi fruit. Possibly, Shanks orchestrated the whole saga, or he already knew about the Fruit’s true nature. Either way, Oda has more in store for One Piece fans, sooner or later.

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