In One Piece, Luffy’s Gear 5 is known as the most ridiculous power in the world, as no other devil fruit can compare to it. The series built up Luffy’s powers for over two decades as it transforms from an ordinary Paramecia-type to a mythical Zoan fruit.

The anime adaptation of this shocking transformation took the internet by storm. Fans love the entertaining fight that provides some comfort after years of heart-breaking episodes of the Wano Country Saga.

After awakening his devil fruit, Luffy acquires a form strong enough to overpower Kaido, a Yonko. However, since Luffy doesn’t have an inner monologue, it’s unclear what exactly he thinks of this power. After all, the student awakening was just as shocking to him as it was for his fans. However, the recent One Piece episode features Luffy revealing the real reason behind his transformation.

Luffy reveals why Gear 5 transforms him in One Piece Episode 1090

Luffy and his crew rescue Bonney, a member of the Worst Generation Pirates, when she is stranded on the sea. After barely escaping from a sea monster, the Straw Hats are stranded on the Egghead Island. Bonney questions Luffy about his strange look in the wanted poster.

She believed his hair was permanently white, but it appears he can transform at will. Luffy responds that’s how he looks like when he’s free. Luffy’s short interpretation of his power makes sense, considering the devil fruit’s true history.

His Paramecia-type Gomu Gomu no Mi transforms into a Mythical Zoan-type Hito Hito no Mi: Model Nika after awakening. Nika was a mythical warrior who was once revered as the Sun God by slaves from ancient times. Dr Vegapunk claims that Nika’s existence is only mentioned in the most ancient books and is otherwise missing from more recent writings.

As such, Nika’s tale is not known by many people from the modern era. Hito Hito no Mi: Model Nika allows the user to gain Nika’s traits and abilities. It is believed to be the first Joy Boy’s power and has now been claimed by Monkey D. Luffy.

Therefore, as Zunesha claims, Luffy is the new Joy Boy, a “Warrior of Liberation.” Luffy has long since desired freedom, and becoming a Pirate King is the only way to achieve that. Saying that he is “free” in that form hints at his connection to Nika and Joy Boy.