One Piece has delivered one of its most shocking revelations yet: Blackbeard’s illicit acquisition of Whitebeard’s Devil Fruit following the latter’s demise. This pivotal twist introduces another layer of intrigue with the announcement that Edward Newgate, known as Whitebeard, never fully awakened his Devil Fruit powers. In contrast, the self-serving motivations of Blackbeard suggest he may be poised to tap into this latent potential.
Whitebeard epitomized the notion of family, having achieved everything he desired during his life. This deep-seated devotion may have constrained the full manifestation of his Gura Gura no Mi powers. In stark contrast, Blackbeard thrives in chaos and destruction, making him a prime candidate for awakening this formidable Devil Fruit, particularly given his role as a primary antagonist in the series.
Disclaimer: This theory includes spoilers from the series.
Why Whitebeard Didn’t Awaken His Devil Fruit—And Why Blackbeard Will
According to Dr. Vegapunk, Devil Fruits originate from dreams and desires. This perspective implies that the Gura Gura no Mi was birthed from a desire to unleash devastation. Whitebeard, who sought to safeguard rather than destroy, never fully awakened this power, as his aspirations lay in protection rather than chaos.
Conversely, Blackbeard’s character embodies destruction and turmoil, pursuing chaos throughout his journey in One Piece. Given this intrinsic motivation, it stands to reason that Blackbeard, as a prominent villain, would be more inclined to awaken the Gura Gura no Mi, serving as a formidable power boost that aligns with his destructive nature.
This dichotomy between the two Yonko is further highlighted by their contrasting leadership styles. Whitebeard viewed his crew as family, always acting as their protector, whereas Blackbeard makes no qualms about replacing crew members if they fall or fail him. This dynamic sets the stage for a compelling narrative contrast.
The Enigma of Blackbeard
Blackbeard remains one of the most enigmatic characters in One Piece. Questions about his ability to wield multiple Devil Fruits, his enigmatic origins, and his ultimate motivations bring depth to his role as a villain. Fans are eagerly anticipating how Eiichiro Oda will develop this complex character further.
As a villain, Blackbeard acts like a wildcard amidst the overarching conflict. While the World Government, led by Imu and the Gorosei, stands as the primary threat to the Straw Hat crew, Blackbeard has consistently demonstrated his ability to upend expectations, suggesting he may play a pivotal role in upcoming events.
Concluding Thoughts
This theory hints that One Piece may be facilitating Blackbeard’s potential Devil Fruit awakening. Such a development seems plausible and would deepen the contrasting narrative between him and Whitebeard, enriching the tragic nuances of their complex relationship during the events at Marineford.