Warning: This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf Arc of One Piece.
Overview of the Elbaf Arc Revelations
- Joy Boy is identified as the initial user of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, prior to Luffy.
- The origins of the Nika fruit date back to the First World, predating both Devil Fruits and Joy Boy.
- Oda hints at the potential existence of another Nika fruit user between Joy Boy and Luffy.
Article Navigation
- The First User of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika
- The Second Known User of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika
- Could There Have Been More Users of the Nika Fruit?
Uncovering the First User of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika
The Elbaf Arc in One Piece has unveiled thrilling new lore, shedding light on the history of Elbaf and the broader world of the series. Central to this arc is the revered figure of the Sun God Nika, whose connection to the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika—more commonly recognized as the Gomu Gomu no Mi—is of significant importance.
Initially presented as the first user of this unique Devil Fruit, Luffy’s role has evolved as more details about the fruit and its history were revealed. It has become increasingly evident that Luffy is not the inaugural user; rather, he is part of a lineage of users of this potent fruit.
The Original User: Joy Boy
- The Original Nika did not wield a Devil Fruit.
- Joy Boy emerged as the initial user of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.
Throughout much of the storyline, fans speculated on whether Joy Boy or an earlier figure known as Nika initially possessed the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. Insights from chapter 1044 revealed substantial context, clarifying that Luffy was not the first to use the fruit. This understanding was solidified during the Elbaf arc when Nico Robin uncovered the Harley, coupled with the mural found at the Adam Tree, confirming that Luffy is not the first Nika.
Mythological Context from the Harley
The Harley encapsulates the essence of the myth surrounding Nika:
First World
In an era engulfed by flames, humanity fell prey to its desires, igniting the forbidden Sun. From the depths of enslavement, the oppressed prayed fervently, and the Sun God responded. The Earth God, incensed, sealed the world in desolation, a bond never to be revived.
Second World
Life surged within the void, and the Forest God unleashed demons. The Sun brought forth only war. Amidst their dreams of the half-moon and full-moon, humanity vanquished the Sun, claiming its divine mantle, while the Sea God seethed. They would be irreparably parted.
Third World
Amidst chaos lies an empty void. A haunted shadow remembers a promised day, resonating with the voice of a fractured moon. As the Sun God dances joyfully, it beckons forth the world’s end—a new dawn and reunion will beckon in due time.
According to the Harley, the figure of Nika first appeared in the First World, long before the advent of Joy Boy and the Void Century. This era demonstrated humanity’s mastery over the Mother Flame, a perpetual energy source, which catalyzed numerous wars. Nika was born out of the anguish of enslaved individuals who sought liberation, marking an important milestone in the Devil Fruit’s timeline, linked to its emergence during the Second World.
The Second Known User: Luffy
It’s been well-documented within the series that Devil Fruits undergo a cycle of reincarnation upon the death of their user. This cycle ensures that these extraordinary fruits endure through time. Following the demise of Joy Boy, it was merely a matter of time before the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika resurfaced.
Despite the government’s efforts to seize this specific Devil Fruit for ages, their attempts were thwarted. A near acquisition occurred during an operation by Who’s Who and CP9, but their mission was interrupted by Shanks, who successfully liberated the fruit.
Ultimately, it was in Foosha Village that Luffy inadvertently consumed this fruit, marking him as its second user. He has adeptly harnessed its powers, culminating in his Gear 5 transformation.
The Possibility of Additional Users
Hints of Previous Gomu Gomu no Mi Users
Intriguingly, there is speculation regarding a possible intermediary user of the Gomu Gomu no Mi between Joy Boy and Luffy. Although the Gorosei asserted that they pursued the Devil Fruit for centuries without success, this does not necessarily imply that no other user existed. It is plausible that prior users did not awaken the fruit’s capabilities.
Moreover, as per the scriptwriter for One Piece: Film Red, a concept was previously floated wherein Luffy would travel back in time to interact with the Gomu Gomu no Mi’s earlier user. While this idea was eventually discarded, it intimates that a connection exists between Joy Boy and a possible successor of the fruit before Luffy’s era.
Fans can engage with One Piece through platforms like Viz Media, where the series is available for official reading. Furthermore, enthusiasts can enjoy it for free via the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. Look forward to the next chapter, One Piece 1140, scheduled for release on February 23, 2025.
For further information, you can check the source and images.
Leave a Reply