For many, the Netflix series of One Piece is a first encounter with the work of Eiichiro Oda. However, for fans, secrets are already hidden in the background that will only be unveiled much later in the anime and manga. In the 2nd season, there are first hints about Luffy’s most powerful form.
The Netflix series of One Piece not only attracts many newcomers to the world of the Straw Hat Pirates but also fans of the anime and manga. There is also much for them to see, as even in early episodes, it hides secrets and characters that will become important much later.
In the 2nd season, there are several clues to Luffy’s most powerful form, which actually appears much later in the manga and anime.
Fans can look forward not only to the 3rd season:
The so-called Sun God
Which form are we talking about? In the anime and manga, Luffy gains the ability Gear
. These are different forms of his fruit that make him faster or stronger. In the Wano Country arc in episode 1071 (manga chapter 1044), Luffy awakens the so-called Gear 5
, his most powerful form.
He gains white hair and clouds that float like a crown above him. In the process, it is also revealed that Luffy’s fruit is not just the Gum-Gum Fruit, but the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. Hito Hito no Mi is the Human-Human Fruit (Chopper ate a different variant). Through the fruit, Luffy can transform into the Sun God Nika. He was a legendary warrior, revered by giants and slaves among others.
You can watch Gear 5 here:
Which form can be seen in the Netflix series? The first hint of Nika comes in episode 2 of the 2nd season. To calm Laboon and save his friends from his belly, Luffy sings the pirate song. In doing so, he starts to dance. This is not just coincidental; he dances similarly to the silhouettes of the Sun God Nika. This happens around 45 minutes into the episode.
But that’s not all. In episode 4, the references to Nika continue. In episode 4, the Straw Hats meet Brogy and Dorry. Around minute 24 of the episode, Vivi and Luffy stand on a large wooden box, and three wooden figures are visible. One of them is Brogy, but the other two are special: One figure depicts Loki, the prince of the land Elbaph, and one is of the Sun God Nika. Loki himself has not yet been seen in the anime, only in the manga. He made his first appearance in chapter 1130.
You can see a comparison here:
Nika is even mentioned by name: Just before the battle between the two giants begins, Dorry and Brogy drink together. In the German version, Dorry says (around minute 35:30): May the Sun God Nika smile down on our duel and grant us a place in the great hall of heroes.
Why is the reference so special? Nika is not just an Easter egg for fans or a powerful form of Luffy. The myth surrounding the Sun God is firmly intertwined with the past, present, and future of the world of One Piece. It is relevant to political and social issues within this world and will become even more important throughout the manga and anime.
However, it will likely take some time before the Straw Hats engage with such topics in the live-action version. After all, the next season will already start with the crew getting involved in the politics of a country: Netflix confirms the start date for One Piece Season 3, also shows what it will be about
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