One Piece: Unveiled – The Secret Guardian of Gomu Gomu no Mi

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf Arc.

Summary

  • Joy Boy was the first user of the Hito Hito no Mi fruit.
  • The fruit recirculated upon Joy Boy’s death, likely to Elbaf.
  • Scopper Gaban released the fruit, leading to Luffy becoming its true user.

The Gomu Gomu no Mi, also known by its true name of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, is a Devil Fruit full of mysteries, and one that is quite easily the most important in the entire One Piece story. This One Piece Devil Fruit allows one the power of a rubbery body to the user, and more importantly, gives them the freedom to fight however they want. The user becomes the Warrior of Liberation, bringing laughter, joy, and liberation to wherever they go, which is the true essence of the Devil Fruit.

It is known to be the most ridiculous power to ever exist and that is the core of Luffy’s ability. Fans have seen the Gomu Gomu no Mi in action quite a lot over the years, however, at the same time, it isn’t exactly clear as to where this fruit truly came from. In the Final Saga, Oda has promised to answer all the questions of the fans slowly, and he may already have dropped a bunch of hints pertaining to the true guardians of the Gomu Gomu no Mi in the story. All of this is linked directly to the arc that is currently going on, Elbaf.

The Death Of Joy Boy And The Fate Of The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika

  • Joy Boy Was The First User Of The Fruit
  • Joy Boy’s Death Led To The Fruit Recirculating

Although there were quite a lot of doubts about the very first user of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika for quite a while, now, it is clear in the story that the Nika fruit was actually first eaten by none other than Joy Boy himself. According to Vegapunk, Joy Boy was born about 900 years ago in a bountiful kingdom, which basically means that he was born in the Ancient Kingdom. According to what Vegapunk states, the Ancient Kingdom was a legendary kingdom with immense technological prowess. Their technology was absolutely incredible and far beyond anything that one can imagine. Even the technology that Vegapunk created pales in comparison to what the Ancient Kingdom possessed.

Long ago, approximately 900 years, he was recognized as “Joy Boy” and hailed from a prosperous realm that was abundant in resources.

Furthermore, the sacred texts of Harley clearly state that it is during this time period that the Devil Fruits came into existence. As such, Joy Boy himself was likely responsible for the creation of the Nika fruit, and eventually, he ended up gaining its powers. Nika’s true legends stem from Elbaf, where he is celebrated as a God. In the era of the Void Century, Joy Boy held the same power as the legendary Warrior of Liberation, Nika, and he could stretch and shrink, fighting in the most ridiculous of manners, but most importantly, bringing freedom and joy to wherever he went.

Readers may not be fully aware of all details surrounding Joy Boy and the Ancient Kingdom, but it’s evident that a devastating war took place against this ancient realm. A powerful coalition of twenty nations united with the objective of eradicating the Ancient Kingdom entirely. In this conflict, Joy Boy participated, yet ultimately, the Kingdom suffered destruction as a result. As followers are aware, Joy Boy was unsuccessful in his mission, and both his spirit and the Devil Fruit he possessed were passed down instead.

How The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika Found Its Way To Elbaf

The Fruit Came Back Into Recirculation

The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika is just like any other Devil Fruit. Once the user of the fruit dies, it recirculates. This was explained to the fans in the Dressrosa arc. Devil Fruits can have multiple users. It appears that the soul or the spirit inside the Devil Fruit that gives it powers leaves the body of the user, and then heads to the closest fruit of a similar type upon the death of the user. Clearly, this is what happened to the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika as well. Depending on where Joy Boy died, this would’ve decided where the Nika fruit respawned. A very likely location for the re-emergence of the Nika fruit is the Warland, Elbaf. Although, Joy Boy doesn’t have to have died in Elbaf itself. Whenever he died, the fruit eventually likely found its way to Elbaf.

This might be confusing to some fans, but it makes total sense.

He ate a legendary Devil Fruit that’s been passed down the royal line in Elbaf. — Giants

Recently, in the Elbaf arc, it was made clear to the fans that there is a certain Devil Fruit that has been passed down the royal line for centuries. This isn’t just any Devil Fruit. In fact, this Devil Fruit is clearly said to be a legendary fruit. Furthermore, the Giants themselves link this power directly to Nika himself. They believe the one who consumed this Devil Fruit was the Accursed Prince, Loki.

In fact, Loki himself believes that he’s the Sun God and that his aim is to destroy the world. The fact that everyone believes this Devil Fruit to be linked to the Sun God itself cannot be a mistake. The clear implication here is that after Joy Boy’s death, the fruit likely passed to the Giants of Elbaf, and with that, the Giants likely promised to safeguard it until Joy Boy’s eventual return. This is the Devil Fruit that was likely protected by the Kings of Elbaf for generations, until King Harald, who likely conspired with the Government and wanted to give it away.

How The Fruit Left Elbaf And Came To Luffy

Someone Released The Fruit At The Right Time

Clearly, if the Nika Fruit was in Elbaf, someone must’ve released it somehow, because there is absolutely no way Loki has the ability right now. Fans already know that Luffy ate the Devil Fruit long ago. This means the Nika fruit was released at some point into the wild by someone who senses the true intentions of the World Government. This most likely happened 14 years ago. It is entirely possible that 14 years ago, the Holy Knights were sent to Elbaf to recover the Gomu Gomu no Mi. However, Loki most likely stopped his father and killed him, along with King Harald. Loki was, of course, blamed for the death of his father, and he is also said to have consumed a Devil Fruit that day, which he believes is the one that gives him the power of the Sun God, but there most definitely was a misunderstanding here. Loki ate another fruit by mistake, and the Gomu Gomu no Mi was instead released into the wild by someone. This person could be someone who knew that the Gomu Gomu no Mi would find its rightful user due to being a Zoan, and hence having a will of its own. The most likely answer here is Scopper Gaban. There is a reason why Gaban has been on Elbaf all this time.

The fruit left Elbaf 14 years ago. 13 years ago, it was confirmed to have been found by the World Government, who were transporting it to Marijoa, with the CP9 guarding it. Shanks attacked the ship after tracking down the Devil Fruit, likely through his connection to Shamrock, and claimed it for himself. Upon setting base in the East Blue, the fruit eventually went to Luffy, whom the fruit was always meant for.

One Piece is available to read via Viz Media. The series can be read by the fans officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and the Manga Plus apps. The release date for the next chapter of One Piece, One Piece 1143, is set to be March 23, 2025.

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2025-03-15 23:39