The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, one of the most legendary Devil Fruits in One Piece, has played a crucial role in shaping the world’s history. While many originally believed that Monkey D. Luffy was its first user, deeper exploration into the Elbaf Arc has revealed surprising truths about the Sun God Nika, Joy Boy, and the origins of this fruit.
The fruit’s true nature and power were long hidden, but recent chapters have confirmed multiple users before Luffy. Let’s break down all known wielders of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika and explore the mysteries surrounding it.
Was Joy Boy the First User of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika?
Did Nika Exist Before the Devil Fruits?
For years, One Piece fans speculated whether Joy Boy was the first to wield the Nika Fruit, or if its powers existed in another form. Clarity on this matter came with the Harley of Elbaf, which revealed ancient records detailing the three World Ages and the role of Nika before the advent of Devil Fruits.
The Harley’s inscriptions provided the following account:
- First World – Nika existed as a divine figure long before Devil Fruits were created.
- Second World – The first actual user of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika emerged, marking the beginning of the fruit’s inherited will.
- Third World – The fruit was lost and resurfaced, eventually finding its way to Luffy.
This means that Joy Boy was not the first Nika, but rather the first person to awaken the Nika Fruit’s true power in history.
How Did Joy Boy Use the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika?
The original Joy Boy was a figure who stood against the 20 Kings, aiming to bring freedom and joy to the world. When he consumed the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, he became the Warrior of Liberation, gaining powers that let him fight with immense elasticity and creativity.
- Joy Boy used his awakened form to battle the 20 Kings.
- He failed in his revolution, ultimately perishing at the hands of Imu and the Celestial Dragons.
- His legacy lived on, with the World Government desperately trying to erase his existence from history.
After Joy Boy’s defeat, the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika was lost, but the World Government recognized its danger and sought to control its reincarnation.
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How Did the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika Reach Luffy?
Did Someone Else Use the Fruit Before Luffy?
It is a well-known fact that Devil Fruits reincarnate once their user dies, but the World Government spent centuries trying to prevent the fruit from resurfacing. However, despite their efforts, they were never able to fully control it.
Some key facts indicate the possibility of another user before Luffy:
- The Gorosei admitted that they had been chasing the fruit for centuries.
- The fruit had not been awakened for 800 years, but this doesn’t mean it was never eaten.
- Oda once planned a storyline where Luffy met a past user of the Gomu Gomu no Mi.
Although the identity of this possible intermediate user remains unknown, it’s clear that the World Government spent generations suppressing the fruit’s true power before it finally fell into Shanks’ hands.
How Did Luffy Become the Current User of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika?
Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of One Piece, inherited the fruit after Shanks stole it from the World Government. However, unlike previous wielders, Luffy was the first in 800 years to awaken it fully, allowing him to achieve Gear 5 and the true Nika transformation.
- Shanks and his crew intercepted CP9, who were transporting the fruit to the Celestial Dragons.
- Luffy accidentally ate the fruit as a child, unknowingly inheriting the power of Nika.
- During his battle with Kaido, Luffy fully awakened the fruit, achieving the Sun God’s form.
This made Luffy the second known person in history to reach the awakened state of Nika, marking him as Joy Boy’s successor.
Could There Be More Users of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika?
Although One Piece has yet to confirm another user between Joy Boy and Luffy, the possibility remains open. The fruit’s history is rich with mystery, and given Oda’s tendency to reintroduce scrapped ideas, we might one day learn more about its past wielders.
FAQs
What is the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika?
The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika is a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit that grants its user the powers of the Sun God Nika, making them a Warrior of Liberation.
Who was the first user of the Nika Fruit?
Joy Boy was the first known user, but the original Nika existed before Devil Fruits were created, as revealed in the Harley inscriptions.
Why did the World Government try to erase the Nika Fruit?
The World Government feared its power, as it was tied to Joy Boy’s revolution and threatened their rule over the world.
Was there another user before Luffy?
It is possible that another person ate the fruit after Joy Boy but failed to awaken it, as hinted by the Gorosei’s statements.
How did Luffy get the Nika Fruit?
Shanks and his crew stole the fruit from CP9, who were delivering it to the Celestial Dragons. Luffy ate it by accident as a child.
What makes Luffy’s Gear 5 special?
Gear 5 is the full awakening of the Nika Fruit, granting Luffy unmatched flexibility, creativity, and near-limitless freedom in combat.
Will we learn more about Nika’s history in One Piece?
Given Oda’s storytelling style, it is likely that more secrets about the Nika Fruit and its past users will be revealed.
Where can I read One Piece?
One Piece is available on Viz Media, Shonen Jump, and Manga Plus apps, with Chapter 1140 set to release on February 23, 2025.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
