Imagine a world where the fate of the seas depended on a single fruit. That’s exactly what happened when Luffy, the optimistic captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, stumbled upon the Gomu Gomu no Mi. Little did he know, this Devil Fruit held a treasure trove of secrets, starting from its unexpected arrival in Foosha Village, brought there by the notorious Red Haired Pirates. Shanks, the crew’s captain, had stolen it from the World Government, lighting the way for questions about Shanks’ true motives, especially since his team didn’t have any Devil Fruit users. Fast forward to One Piece Chapter 1169, and we’ve finally unlocked some of these long-standing mysteries about Shanks’ ambitions for the Gomu Gomu no Mi.
Spoilers Warning:
This article contains spoilers about the Gomu Gomu no Mi and Shanks. Proceed with caution.
Did Shanks Plan to Give the Gomu Gomu no Mi to Ace?
For years, fans debated whether the Roger Pirates knew about Portgas D. Ace, the son of their captain, Gol D. Roger. The mystery unraveled in Chapter 1169, when Gaban revealed he learned of Ace’s existence from Garp. This twist occurred during Shanks’ mission to Elbaf, where he discovered Ace wasn’t just a legend but a real person. His reaction? A heartfelt declaration claiming Ace as his little brother.
Shanks mentioned Ace potentially becoming the new Pirate King, following in his father’s footsteps. While Gaban quickly shot down the idea of the title being hereditary, it’s clear Shanks had great hopes for Ace. Over time, could it be that Shanks wanted to pass the Gomu Gomu no Mi to him?
Although we haven’t cracked the code on why Shanks was in Foosha Village those years ago, Chapter 1169 hints that after learning about Ace, he may have set sail to find him. His grand plan likely involved handing over the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, to let Ace fulfill a destiny Roger couldn’t complete.
Roger had once said they were too early upon reaching Laugh Tale. Perhaps this foresight is why Shanks placed faith in a younger generation, leaning on Roger’s son. But fate had a different script; instead of Ace, it was Luffy who ended up eating the Devil Fruit destined for Ace, altering everything.
Had things gone differently, Ace might have been the second coming of Nika, but destiny had its own story in mind. With Luffy now possessing the Gomu Gomu no Mi, Ace later embraced his own path with the Mera Mera no Mi. He bore the weight of expectation and eventually met a tragic end.
What is the significance of Gomu Gomu no Mi in the One Piece series?
The significance of Gomu Gomu no Mi goes beyond just granting Luffy rubber-like abilities. This fruit symbolizes the passing of legacy and the unpredictable nature of destiny within the One Piece universe.
Why did Shanks steal the Gomu Gomu no Mi from the World Government?
Shanks stole the Gomu Gomu no Mi to protect its power from falling into the wrong hands. By keeping it away from the World Government, he aimed to preserve the freedom of those who could potentially inherit its abilities.
How does this chapter impact the narrative of One Piece?
This chapter deepens the lore of One Piece, connecting the fates of beloved characters. It shows how the choices of one individual can ripple through time, shaping the paths of others, particularly Luffy and Ace.
What could have been different if Ace had eaten the Gomu Gomu no Mi?
If Ace had consumed the Gomu Gomu no Mi, he might have tapped into unimaginable powers that could have altered the course of his life. This alternate reality raises fascinating questions about destiny and legacy within the One Piece story.
As One Piece continues to weave its intricate web of narratives, the revelations about the Gomu Gomu no Mi and Shanks illuminate the rich tapestry of characters and their destinies. How do you think these twists will shape future events in the series? Share your thoughts below!