Could Franky Have Been the Mera Mera no Mi User in One Piece?

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This post contains spoilers for One Piece.

Summary

  • Franky could have eaten the Mera Mera no Mi in Dressrosa but refused due to plot-related reasons.
  • Franky’s decision was influenced by his desire to retain his ability to swim and maintain balance in the crew.
  • It is unlikely that any remaining Straw Hats will consume a Devil Fruit due to their unique fighting styles and the advanced stage of the story.

In the world of One Piece, it’s the Straw Hat Pirate crew who take center stage as the principal characters. Regardless of their unique roles within the group, each member plays an indispensable part. Over the span of this epic series, the Straw Hat Pirates have significantly boosted their power levels. They’ve dedicated themselves to enhancing their physical prowess and discovering new talents along the way.

Eiichiro Oda carefully lays out the journey for each Straw Hat character, yet he doesn’t avoid adding intrigue by including hypothetical scenarios. Among these, one interesting speculation revolves around a Straw Hat potentially inheriting the Mera Mera no Mi, the Devil Fruit of Fire.

Franky Could Have Eaten The Mera Mera no Mi

During the Dressrosa saga, it was established that the Mera Mera no Mi had once again become available for consumption by anyone. Doflamingo succeeded in obtaining this Devil Fruit and transporting it to Dressrosa. There, he announced that the fruit would be awarded as a prize to the winner of the tournament held at the Corrida Coliseum. Doflamingo’s objective was to divert Luffy’s attention and encourage him to prioritize capturing the Devil Fruit.

After finding out about it, Luffy inquired from Franky if he would consume the Mera Mera no Mi. Luffy wished for Franky to acquire its powers for two specific reasons. Firstly, Luffy has greater trust in Franky and the rest of the Straw Hats compared to any other individual. Therefore, giving Franky the power of the Devil Fruit would provide Luffy with a sense of comfort. Secondly, Luffy wanted someone whom he knew well to uphold Ace’s legacy. Since Luffy trusts the Straw Hats, Franky seemed like an ideal candidate for this task.

Why Did Franky Refuse To Eat The Mera Mera no Mi?

Franky chose not to consume the Devil Fruit because he wanted to keep his swimming skills. With four Devil Fruit users already among the Straw Hats, adding another one would shift the balance. Given that they often sail on water, it’s beneficial to have more crew members who can help rescue the fruit users if needed.

I’m the Unbeatable Iron Pirate! —Franky

One could express that Franky declined a substantial proposal, however, it’s crucial to recall that the choice was primarily driven by plot considerations. Had Franky obtained the Mera Mera no Mi, Sabo would have been left without a Devil Fruit, who was a more suitable candidate. Sabo, being Luffy’s older brother, not only shared this bond but also had the same objective as Ace – to safeguard his younger sibling.

Will Any Straw Hat Eat A Devil Fruit?

  • Weaker Straw Hats could benefit from eating a Devil Fruit
  • There isn’t enough time for them to master it

Currently, six Straw Hat crew members haven’t eaten a Devil Fruit, and it seems unlikely that any of them will do so in the future. Each Straw Hat has a distinct fighting style, and consuming a Devil Fruit could significantly alter this. As we’re deep into the Final Saga, characters have limited arcs left to develop. It’s wiser for them to refine their existing styles instead of trying to adapt a new one at this stage.

Usopp Needs To Get His Act Together

It can’t be ignored that characters like Nami and Usopp could significantly improve with consuming a Devil Fruit. Particularly Usopp, who has been underperforming in every fight since Dressrosa, failing to make an impact on any of them. This assessment might seem harsh, but it’s crucial to recall that Usopp serves as the sniper of the crew. If he can’t master Armament Haki after Elbaf, it will leave him significantly behind his peers.

It’s likely that Usopp will receive a powerful upgrade in Elbaf, which could assist the crew in defeating one of the God’s Knights. In the latest installment, Usopp and some others faced off against Gunko, who intends to abduct Collun. This encounter presents an ideal chance for the sniper to demonstrate his capabilities and shield the child from danger. Although it’s possible that he may not make a significant impact in the battle, fans should remain hopeful as the storyline is still developing extensively.

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2025-04-16 18:14