Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is always famous for its unexpected plot twists. One of the most intriguing things recently is the idea behind Gear 5 (Gear Fifth), an awakened form of the Hito Hito no Mi devil fruit, Model: Nika.
The Gear 5 transforms the user’s rubber body, granting it not only godlike strength and durability but also the ability to manipulate and transform the environment. This refers to the awakening of the Paramecia type devil fruit, which elevates the user to a significantly higher level of power. During the final battle with Kaido on Onigashima, Luffy gained this ability, marking an important turning point in the story.
Eiichiro Oda’s draft reveals the secret to Gear 5’s power
According to an early sketch by One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, Luffy’s Gear 5 form increases when he smiles, an idea that fits perfectly with the character’s cheerful and free-spirited nature. In other words, the more Luffy smiles, the stronger he becomes.
The awakening of the Gomu Gomu no Mi, now known as the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika gives the user almost godlike freedom to fight. Luffy becomes a “Liberation Warrior”, positively influencing those around him. This power is described as “the world’s most ridiculous power”, emphasizing its exceptional and almost unbelievable nature.
Gear 5’s shape and physical power characteristics
In his Gear 5 state, Luffy undergoes notable transformations: his hair and clothes turn white, his eyes glow red, his pupils are ring-shaped, and white clouds fly around his neck. These changes in appearance are accompanied by significant increases in strength, speed, and durability, surpassing even the power of the awakened Zoan.
Luffy in his Gear 5 state can perform extraordinary physical moves, such as running in the air and transforming his body in surprising ways.
Luffy’s elasticity in Gear 5 form also exceeds that of his previous forms, allowing him to have almost cartoon-like flexibility. Luffy can use Gear 3’s ability to inflate his limbs and strengthen his muscles without needing to pump air, greatly increasing his strength.
Additionally, Luffy can extend the rubbery nature of his body to the environment, manipulating it to his advantage in combat.
Despite its incredible power, the Gear 5 still has limitations. Maintaining Gear 5 consumes a large amount of energy. Furthermore, Luffy is still vulnerable to slashing attacks, and there is a risk of his mind being destroyed by the innate nature of the “Sun God” Nika.
