Eiichiro Oda, the brilliant mind behind One Piece, has continuously dazzled fans with his intricate storytelling for over two decades. With Luffy taking the lead, the manga is now entering its final phase, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the resolution to the Straw Hats' journey.
The recent debut of Luffy's Gear Fifth form has sparked a viral theory, suggesting that his Zoan-type Devil Fruit may contain even greater power than previously imagined.
This theory, shared by Twitter user panini, delves into Luffy's new transformation, suggesting a fascinating connection to something beyond his own abilities. Based on the concept of the Zoan possessing a will of its own, Panini draws parallels with the teachings of voodoo.
#OnePieceTheory
The will of the Zoan fruit pic.twitter.com/nrgqY7YHym
— Panini (@writingpanini) April 7, 2024
“Notice how Luffy's demeanor changes when he transforms into his Nika form, almost as if he's embodying the essence of his Devil Fruit,” the user mused. “In Haitian Vodou, the lwa acts as an intermediary between humanity and Bondye, the supreme creator. Could these souls be the driving force behind the Devil Fruit?
This theory further dissects the concept of voodoo spirits influencing Luffy's newfound powers, likening the Devil Fruit to the mysterious lwa.
It suggests that these fruits, like lwa, seek to communicate with humanity through their users. Based on the idea that Devil Fruits appear in the world after the death of the previous user, Panini has created a compelling story surrounding the symbiotic relationship between the fruit and its consumer.
Expanding on this comparison, the theory speculates about a connection between Luffy and the Sun God Nika, suggesting that Gear Fifth may involve a form of spiritual possession.
“During Vodou rituals, individuals often enter a trance-like state to become vessels for the lwa,” the post explains. “Could Luffy allow Nika to manifest through him in Gear 5, bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds?”
The concept of soul possession, central to many voodoo rituals, further strengthens the foundation of the theory. Known as “chwal” or “horse,” the possessed individual becomes a conduit for spiritual communication.
The theory suggests that the specific rhythms and rituals associated with Gear Fifth may invite the presence of a specific lwa, allowing communication with Luffy through his altered state.
This complex fan theory emphasizes the deep connection between readers and the world of One Piece, demonstrating a level of engagement and analysis inspired by Oda's work.
Given Oda's penchant for drawing inspiration from practical activities, it would not be surprising if voodoo spirituality played a role in shaping the Zoan Fruit's hidden potential. If this theory is proven correct then writingpanini will be honored as one of the most profound theorists of One Piece.