The manga One Piece first hinted at the legend of Sun God Nika in chapter 1018 through the character Who’s Who. Later, in chapter 1044, creator Eiichiro Oda revealed the full story of Sun God Nika when Monkey D. Luffy awakened the true power of his Devil Fruit. This awakening, known as the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, unlocked Luffy’s incredible Gear 5 form, transforming him into the Warrior of Liberation.
After the Wano Country arc, Luffy proved he can battle any strong opponent in the world of One Piece. But to become the strongest, he still needs to grow. The upcoming Elbaph arc is now setting up how Luffy will evolve, specifically by further developing his Nika transformation, making him even more powerful.
One Piece’s Elbaph Arc Shows Luffy’s Serious Side As The Sun God Nika
The Elbaph arc in One Piece has shown a different side of Monkey D. Luffy, particularly after learning about Loki’s past. After a 19-chapter flashback, chapter 1171 focused on Luffy and Loki, key characters in this arc. They immediately set off to confront the forces of Nerona Imu and the Holy Knights in Elbaph’s Sun World, which meant Luffy had to access the power of the Sun God Nika.
Interestingly, Luffy’s recent use of the Nika power felt different than before. Typically, when Luffy transforms using Nika, he acts very silly, which has been a common complaint from fans. Although Luffy’s Gear 5 is a hugely popular and recognizable transformation, its creator, Eiichiro Oda, has sometimes found it difficult to strike the right balance between humor and serious moments.
You will obey… or face death. Nika!! Nidhoggr!! This fight will change the world forever! — Nerona Imu, One Piece Chapter 1177, Elbaph Arc
Recent chapters of One Piece (specifically starting with chapter 1174, with key moments in 1176 and 1178) have addressed concerns about Luffy’s power level. These chapters depict a more intense and determined Luffy battling Sommers and Imu, suggesting a path for him to face even stronger enemies. This approach allows the story to maintain its excitement and develops Gear 5 in a meaningful way.
Why Eiichiro Oda Must Balance Seriousness With Comedy To Perfect Gear 5
The story of One Piece is now entering its final stretch with the start of the Elbaph Arc. This arc will lead directly into a massive war, as the author, Eiichiro Oda, revealed in chapter 1146. After the Elbaph Arc finishes, One Piece will bring Luffy closer to the ultimate prize – the treasure of the Pirate King – according to Oda in his Jump Festa 2026 message.
As the story nears its end, Eiichiro Oda needs to keep the tension high. While One Piece has always had a lighthearted side, the immense power and humor of Gear 5 sometimes undermine that tension. To strike the right balance, Oda needs to show Luffy’s more serious side more often and further develop Gear 5 itself, which seems to be happening in the final moments of the Elbaph Arc.
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God? Devil? What’s the difference? — Nerona Imu, One Piece chapter 1181
All Powers And Abilities Of Luffy’s Gear 5 So Far In Elbaph
Luffy’s Gear 5 is incredibly powerful and adaptable. It transforms him into the ‘God of Laughter’ and ‘Warrior of Liberation,’ allowing him to fight at his absolute peak. He’s become strong enough to defeat top-tier pirates like Kaido, one of the Yonko, and even overpower powerful Marine Admirals like Kizaru. This incredible power comes from awakening his Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, which makes his body exceptionally rubbery. Ultimately, it gives him the freedom to do anything he can imagine, even defying the natural laws of the world.
Luffy’s Gear 5 allows him to fight at his absolute strongest, combining his stretchy body with incredible, almost supernatural powers. He’ll need these abilities to defeat Nerona Imu, a powerful enemy. The final stages of the battle at Elbaf will push Luffy to use a more intense and powerful form of Gear 5 against Imu, hinting at even greater challenges to come in a large-scale war expected in late 2026.
All new chapters of One Piece can be read on Manga Plus.
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2026-05-05 19:07