In chapter 1069, Oda finally gave us a glimpse into the truth of the origin of Devil Fruits.
According to Vegapunk, Devil Fruits are the manifestations of the human dream and desire to evolve into something more. He says that every Devil Fruit and their power is a result of people’s wishes and represent the future of humanity.
This revelation is monumental, given that Devil Fruit history has for so long been shrouded in utter mystery. But simply believing that a Devil Fruit is the physical embodiment of a human desire, would be misunderstanding what Oda has just told us.
Vegapunk is the world’s greatest scientist. While his theory overtly states that Devil Fruits are the manifestation of people’s dreams, it is science that brought these dreams to reality. The true meaning of Vegapunk’s Devil Fruit theory is scientific, not mystical.
The Mystical (Superficial) Meaning of Vegapunk’s Theory
Vegapunk basically states that Devil Fruits are the result of humankind’s hopes and dreams, just like Haki is the result of a person’s will.
He says that each Devil Fruit is a possible evolutionary desire of man – someone in the past said to himself: “If I could only be like this…” and someone else: “If I could only be like that…” and somewhere down the evolutionary line, that desire turned into power demonstrated by a Devil Fruit.
There are several instances where a Devil Fruit power seems exactly the manifestation of a wish: it’s so possible to believe someone wishing for anything they touch to turn into food. Streusen’s Devil Fruit does exactly that.
In chapter 1069, Rob Lucci Awakens his Cat-Cat Zoan Devil Fruit, Model: Leopard, and watching him, our boy Luffy also transforms into his Awakened form, i.e., Gear 5: Nika. Looking at his loopy form, Vegapunk says that Luffy looks exactly like a God who last appeared in the oldest of texts.
He says that Luffy’s Gum-Gum/Gomu Gomu no Mi doesn’t even exist in the most ancient Devil Fruit books; this we already know: the true nature of Luffy’s Devil Fruit was revealed in Wano.
It is the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, which explains why his Awakening lets him take on the identity of the Sun God Nika, the “foolish and laughable warrior of liberation who brings smiles to all people.”
Vegapunk also explains that the reason no one has heard of Nika is because it’s a name that has been erased from all records. But changing a name – of a person or a Devil Fruit – does not change who or what it truly is. Vegapunk says:
“As long as people wish for him, his existence will never truly disappear! All things are brought into this world with hope […] even Devil Fruits.”
Vegapunk
If you remember, in chapter 100, Gol D. Roger says something on similar lines:
“Inherited Will, one’s dreams, the ebb and flow of time… As long as people continue to pursue freedom, these things will never cease to be!”
Gol. D Roger
Again, Blackbeard, in his famous speech in chapter 225, says the same thing:
“People’s dreams never end!”
Blackbeard
People’s dreams and hopes never die. They are reincarnated … as Devil Fruits? Just like people’s will results in Haki.
Sure, will is a real thing in One Piece, nobody can deny it, but Haki exists whether or not somebody has the willpower to use it, just like Devil Fruits exist with or without dreams.
Conceptually, Oda is likening Devil Fruits, Haki, Inherited Will, and Dreams. We know Luffy carries the will of Roger (and Joy Boy), and Sabo the will of Ace. There’s a theory that even states that the “D.” in Will of D. stands for Desire. The D. Clan were originally so strong-minded that they were able to manifest their desires into Devil Fruits.
While all these theories make sense, they do not have any empirical, practical, or scientific reasoning. Yes, One Piece is (peak) fiction, but everything that’s been presented to us so far, especially all the technological wonders at Egghead Island, makes me believe that there is more to Vegapunk’s theory.
The Scientific (True) Meaning of Vegapunk’s Theory
While there is much that is revealed in chapter 1069, it isn’t explained how the Devil Fruits actually came into existence. How did the physical manifestation come to be? How did dreams turn into fruits? Why?
The true meaning behind Vegapunk’s theory seems to be that someone from the Ancient Kingdom dreamed of having superhuman powers; that desire pushed the boundaries of science to give rise to what we know today as Devil Fruits.
Vegapunk’s Land of Science has shown us how intricately the past is connected to the future. Vegapunk’s goal is to find the source of ancient energy that can give power to everyone in the world.
This ancient energy used to be utilized in the past, likely the Ancient Kingdom. It is this energy that gave the giant machine soldier at Egghead the strength to move. This proves that primitive robots existed during the Void Century.
Perhaps the science at that time was even more advanced than today. We’d never know because the World Government erased everything from that era from existence.
It’s more plausible to believe that scientists and researchers in the Ancient Kingdom innovated and drove technology to create Devil Fruits to actualize the hopes and desires of people – in short, with the hope to advance the human race. As the chapter name suggests, “All things are brought into this world with hope” – even Devil Fruits.
In chapter 1068, Vegapunk emphasizes the role of science while hyping the ancient energy:
“… If we can simply convert it into a kind of power that you can see and use we would be eliminating one of the greatest causes of war in the world! Mark my words – science will one day reach that lofty realm!”
Vegapunk
This brings me to my next point: what if this ancient energy was the fuel that turned dreams to Devil Fruits?
Scientists may have converted this ancient energy into power that we can :see and use” in the form of fruits that need to be consumed to transform their potential energy into power.
Whether or not Devil Fruits are connected to ancient energy, they sure have something to do with evolutionary science. In chapter 698, Law revealed that Vegapunk had discovered the application of bloodline elements and how Devil Fruits alter a person’s Lineage Factor, resulting in supernatural output.
The cover page of chapter 1069 also features MADS, scientific research team comprising Vegapunk, Caesar, Judge, and Queen, renowned for its discovery of the Lineage Factor, also known as the “blueprints of life itself.”
Vegapunk’s Devil Fruit research has also previously helped replicate Devil Fruits; Momonosuke’s artificial Devil Fruit is a replica of Kaido’s, created using his Lineage factor.
The fact that Momo is able to fully utilize the abilities of his Devil Fruit, proves that science can successfully create Devil Fruits.
About One Piece
One Piece is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine since July 22, 1997.
The man who had acquired everything in this world, the Pirate King, is Gol D. Roger. The final words he said at the execution tower were “My treasures? If you want it, I’ll let you have it. Look for it; I left all of it at that place.” These words sent many to the seas, chasing their dreams, headed toward the Grand Line, in search of One Piece. Thus began a new age!
Seeking to be the greatest pirate in the world, young Monkey D. Luffy also heads toward the Grand Line in search of One Piece. His diverse crew is joining him along the way, consisting of a swordsman, marksman, navigator, cook, doctor, archaeologist, and cyborg-shipwright, this will be one memorable adventure.
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