This article includes spoilers from the One Piece’s Elbaf arc.
Article Summary
- The Gomu Gomu no Mi, a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, is revealed to embody the Warrior of Liberation, known as Sun God Nika.
- This fruit possesses a consciousness that seeks out worthy users, explaining why Shanks chose not to consume it, despite having stolen it from the World Government.
- Shanks recognized that he was not destined to wield the fruit, contrasting with Roger’s legacy as a candidate for the Will of D.
Table of Contents
Shanks is undeniably one of the most pivotal and cherished characters in One Piece, having catalyzed Luffy’s journey to become the Pirate King. His influence on the story cannot be overstated, and it’s evident that he might have an even more profound connection to the ongoing plot involving the World Government and the enigmatic Void Century.
Shanks intercepted the Nika fruit, which the world recognizes as the Gomu Gomu no Mi after it was rebranded. Strikingly, he chose not to consume this fruit, implying an awareness that it was never meant for him. This notion hints at deeper secrets revealed by Oda within the storyline.
The True Will of the Gomu Gomu no Mi
- The Nika Fruit is categorized as a Mythical Zoan.
- Zoan fruits inherently possess their own will.
While the Gomu Gomu no Mi is renowned for granting its user a rubber-like physique, this is merely a fraction of its capabilities. The fruit’s true powers unfold upon awakening, transforming the user into the Warrior of Liberation, or Sun God Nika. With a malleable form, the user spreads joy and laughter, liberating those oppressed. The Sun God’s powers are boundless—imagination emerges as the principal weapon, enabling the user to transform thoughts into reality. The Gomu Gomu no Mi is fundamentally the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, disguised to protect its true legacy.
The Gomu Gomu no Mi’s true nature was concealed throughout history to keep its powers hidden. — Gorosei
Despite being reclassified as a Paramecia, the Gomu Gomu no Mi is, in actuality, a Mythical Zoan. The World Government manipulated its classification to obscure its real nature and power, resulting in a lack of awareness about Luffy’s Nika fruit for 800 years. Interestingly, all Zoan fruits possess an innate will, seeking out compatible users autonomously. This feature explains why the World Government ultimately failed to retain the fruit, as it eluded them time and again.
Why Shanks Never Ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi
Shanks Never Wanted to Eat the Gomu Gomu no Mi
Thirteen years ago, the World Government had seized the Gomu Gomu no Mi. They intended to transport it out of reach to prevent Nika’s return. It was then that Shanks intervened, deliberately retrieving the Devil Fruit from the Government. Interestingly, he tracked it down, suggesting he specifically sought this fruit, indicating a prior knowledge about its significance.
I’ve changed my mind. I’m not going to go for the One Piece. At least not yet. — Shanks
It’s plausible that Shanks understood the true identity of the fruit. Although he successfully acquired it, he refrained from consuming it, likely recognizing that it chose him not as its rightful master. The Gomu Gomu no Mi possesses its own will and could have intended for Shanks to remove it from the Government’s possession, guiding it towards Luffy, the true candidate.
Shanks Was Not a Candidate for the Fruit
Shanks was never considered a potential user of the Gomu Gomu no Mi for multiple reasons. Primarily, like Roger, he arrived too early to fulfill the Will of D. The two “sovereigns”referenced by the Sea Kings in One Piece Chapter 968 were already destined to emerge.
Shanks likely understood this, possibly acting on a directive from Roger to seek out the next sovereign predicted to arise a decade after the dissolution of the Roger Pirates. This insight into his purpose also explains why he paused his quest for the One Piece.
Stay tuned, as One Piece Chapter 1145 is set for release this upcoming Sunday. For readers in Japan, it will be available at 12 AM JST on Monday, but international readers can look for it on April 6. You can read the new chapter for free on Manga Plus.