Devil Fruits in One Piece represent a fascinating aspect of the series, encapsulating the idea of limitless human evolution and unimaginable power. When consumed, these mystical fruits grant extraordinary abilities to individuals, albeit at the cost of their natural swimming abilities. Devil Fruits fall into three distinct categories based on their unique capabilities: Paramecia, Zoan, and Logia.
Typically, only living beings can partake in the powers of these fruits; however, the genius scientist Dr. Vegapunk has invented a revolutionary process that allows even inanimate objects to consume Devil Fruits. This breakthrough enables them to harness the remarkable powers typically reserved for living entities.
While the intricate details of how Vegapunk achieves this remain a mystery, it is suggested that the distinctive characteristics of Zoan-type Devil Fruits, which allow for animal transformations, may play a crucial role. These fruits are thought to possess a will of their own, an aspect that may explain why inanimate items that gain powers from Devil Fruits are exclusively Zoan types.
Chronological List of One Piece Devil Fruits Consumed by Objects
1. Dog-Dog Fruit Model: Dachshund
The first notable instance of an object consuming a Devil Fruit is Lassoo, a weapon used by Babe, a former Mr. 4 of Baroque Works. When Lassoo ingested the Dog-Dog Fruit Model: Dachshund, it transformed into a sentient entity, effectively becoming a loyal, dog-like companion for Babe.
Functionally, Lassoo operates as a mobile cannon, capable of firing explosive baseballs independently. Babe’s superhuman strength allows him to hit these projectiles with immense force, resulting in significant devastation. With newfound autonomy, Lassoo can unleash these attacks without any assistance, highlighting the synergy between weapon and wielder.
Although Lassoo’s capabilities were impressive, Babe himself was less so, often portrayed as simple-minded. Their partnership faced challenges during the Arabasta Arc when they were outsmarted by the Straw Hat Pirates, Chopper and Usopp.
Though imprisoned after the fall of Baroque Works, Lassoo and Babe ultimately embraced a reformed life, running Spiders Cafe, where they now serve together in a more wholesome role, with Babe delivering pizza and Lassoo acting as the café’s mascot.
2. Elephant-Elephant Fruit
Another remarkable case involves the sword Funkfreed, wielded by the inept Spandam. Thanks to Vegapunk’s innovations, Funkfreed consumed the Elephant-Elephant Fruit, evolving into a formidable hybrid of sword and elephant.
Despite Funkfreed’s inherent potential, Spandam’s incompetence as a fighter significantly diminishes its effectiveness. Unable to comprehend even basic combat skills or Haki, Spandam highlights the tragic waste of a powerful weapon in the hands of a weak master.
In theory, Funkfreed could engage in combat independently, but in practice, it remains overshadowed by others, including Franky, who proved stronger in their encounter during the Enies Lobby Arc. Funkfreed’s cowardice mirrors its owner’s ineptitude, making it reluctant to engage in fighting.
3. Sala-Sala Fruit Model: Axolotl
One of the most peculiar instances involves the Sala-Sala Fruit Model: Axolotl. This fruit was ingested by Smiley, a sentient gas created by Caesar Clown from a chemical weapon explosion on Punk Hazard. Upon gaining life, Smiley could harness its Zoan characteristics, allowing it to transform into an axolotl.
This usage of a non-solid substance as a vessel for Devil Fruit power marked a significant moment in the series, illustrating a new frontier for the potential of these mystical fruits. Smiley was deployed against formidable foes like the Straw Hat Pirates and the G-5 Marines but ultimately returned to a more dangerous gaseous form after Caesar’s intervention.
4. Dog-Dog Fruit Model: Tanuki
In a delightful twist during the Wano Arc, a teapot owned by Tenguyama Hitetsu absorbed the Dog-Dog Fruit Model: Tanuki. This transformation brought Bunbuku to life, who then became a friendly companion to Tenguyama and his apprentice, Kurozumi Tama.
Bunbuku’s story draws inspiration from a Japanese folktale about a tanuki transforming into a teapot, blending cultural narrative with the fantastical elements of One Piece. Interestingly, Bunbuku’s transformation precluded its original function, as it could not be used to boil water any longer—a testament to its newfound existence.
5. Dog-Dog Fruit Model: Cerberus
The latest addition to the inanimate object Devil Fruit consumers is a mythical sword wielded by Saint Figarland Shamrock. This weapon, empowered by the Dog-Dog Fruit Model: Cerberus, has yet to appear in the anime, but its powers promise an exciting narrative future.
Capable of summoning a three-headed beast, the sword is sentient and can shift between forms at Shamrock’s command. This unique empowerment allows for strategic combat techniques, such as having the three heads detach to attack independently. So far, this weapon has been showcased in a darker context, highlighting the potential for significant malevolence within the world of One Piece.
Among all inanimate objects that have consumed Devil Fruits, Shamrock’s Cerberus is unique, being a Mythical Zoan and potentially the only one confirmed to have reached Awakening, indicating its remarkable strength and capabilities.