Introduction
One Piece, the legendary manga and anime series created by Eiichiro Oda, is full of mysteries, twists, and deep lore. One of the most intriguing elements in the story revolves around the Gomu Gomu no Mi, which was later revealed to be the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. This fruit grants its user the powers of the Sun God Nika, allowing for ultimate freedom and unmatched strength.
However, a major question that has puzzled fans is: Why didn’t Shanks eat the Gomu Gomu no Mi when he had the chance? Shanks, being one of the Four Emperors (Yonko) and a former member of the legendary Roger Pirates, had every opportunity to consume the fruit after stealing it from the World Government. But he didn't. Was it fate? Or was it the fruit’s own will that guided its destiny?
Let’s explore the real reason why Shanks never ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi and why it ultimately found its way to Monkey D. Luffy.
The True Nature of the Gomu Gomu no Mi
A Mythical Zoan, Not a Paramecia
For the longest time, fans believed that the Gomu Gomu no Mi was a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that simply granted its user a rubber-like body. However, the shocking revelation during Luffy’s awakening in Wano proved otherwise. The fruit was actually a Mythical Zoan, one of the rarest types of Devil Fruits in existence. Its true name is the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, and it grants its user the power of the legendary Sun God Nika, the "Warrior of Liberation."
This transformation means that Luffy doesn’t just have rubber powers; he has the ability to fight in a cartoon-like manner, turning his imagination into reality. This makes him one of the most dangerous beings in the One Piece world, capable of challenging the likes of Kaido, the World Government, and even the Gorosei.
The Will of Zoan Devil Fruits
Unlike Logia and Paramecia, Zoan-type Devil Fruits have their own will. This means that they can choose their users, subtly guiding their destiny. We’ve seen similar cases with the Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu, which Kaido possessed, and the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Okuchi no Makami, which chose Yamato.
Since the Gomu Gomu no Mi is a Mythical Zoan, it also has a will of its own. This explains why it continuously escaped the grasp of the World Government for over 800 years and how it eventually ended up in the hands of Luffy.
Why Shanks Never Ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi
Shanks Knew the Fruit Was Special
Shanks isn’t just an ordinary pirate; he was a former member of Gol D. Roger’s crew, meaning he likely knew the true nature of the Gomu Gomu no Mi. When he and his crew stole the fruit from the World Government’s CP9, it wasn’t just by chance. They were actively searching for it.
Yet, despite knowing how valuable it was, Shanks never ate it himself. Instead, he kept it stored on his ship, and eventually, it ended up in the hands of Luffy, who accidentally ate it.
The Fruit Wasn't Meant for Shanks
It is widely believed that the Will of D plays a significant role in the fate of certain characters. Those who carry the D. in their name are often destined to challenge the corrupt rule of the World Government. Shanks, despite being powerful, does not bear the Will of D.
The Gomu Gomu no Mi was searching for a successor who could continue the legacy of Nika. That person was Luffy, not Shanks. The fruit had a will of its own and found its way into the hands of the person who would awaken its true potential.
Shanks’ True Role in One Piece
Shanks' role in the story goes beyond simply being a Yonko. He is a gatekeeper of fate, someone who ensures that events unfold as they are meant to. When he met Luffy in Foosha Village, he saw something in him—a reflection of Roger’s spirit.
Instead of keeping the fruit for himself, Shanks let fate take its course. He guided Luffy towards his destiny, sacrificing his own arm to save him and setting him on the path to becoming the Pirate King.
How the Fruit Found Luffy
Luffy Was Chosen by Destiny
Everything about Luffy’s journey screams fate. From being the son of Monkey D. Dragon, the world’s most wanted revolutionary, to inheriting the straw hat once worn by Gol D. Roger, Luffy was always meant for something greater.
By eating the Gomu Gomu no Mi, Luffy unknowingly accepted his destiny. He became the reincarnation of Sun God Nika, the liberator of the oppressed. His laughter, joy, and carefree nature perfectly align with the essence of Nika, proving that he was always meant to be its wielder.
The Fruit’s Role in Luffy’s Awakening
Luffy’s Gear Fifth transformation in Wano was the ultimate proof that the fruit had chosen correctly. His abilities became boundless, allowing him to fight Kaido in a completely unique way. He could defy logic, shape reality to his will, and bring smiles to those around him—all traits of the Sun God Nika.
If Shanks had eaten the fruit, he might not have awakened its true powers. His ambitions, personality, and role in the world were different. The fruit had been waiting for the right person to awaken its full potential—and that person was Luffy.
What This Means for the Future
With One Piece Chapter 1145 coming soon, we can expect more reveals about the connection between Shanks, the World Government, and the Will of D.
Here’s what could happen next:
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Shanks Might Reveal the Truth About the Fruit – If Shanks meets Luffy again, he may finally explain what he truly knew about the fruit and its significance.
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The Gorosei Will Hunt Luffy More Aggressively – Now that Luffy has awakened Nika’s powers, the World Government sees him as an even bigger threat than before.
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Shanks vs. Blackbeard Could Be Linked to the Fruit – If Shanks was willing to steal the fruit from the Government, Blackbeard may also have been searching for it. Their inevitable battle might hold deeper meaning.
Conclusion
The Gomu Gomu no Mi didn’t reject Shanks because of his lack of strength—it simply wasn’t meant for him. Shanks knew the fruit’s significance and ensured that it reached the right person: Monkey D. Luffy.
The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, chose Luffy because he embodies the spirit of Sun God Nika, bringing joy, freedom, and liberation to those in need. The fruit’s will guided its path, ensuring that the next great Pirate King would inherit its power.
As One Piece reaches its final saga, we can expect even more shocking revelations about Shanks, the Void Century, and how the Will of D ties into Luffy’s destiny.
Stay tuned for more updates on One Piece Chapter 1145 and the future of the Gomu Gomu no Mi!
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