Eiichiro Oda Addresses 10 One Piece Questions: Luffy’s Gear 5 and Figarland Garling’s Power Explained

The One Piece manga is currently on a two-week break as Eiichiro Oda is busy filming Season 2 of Netflix’s live-action series based on the beloved pirate franchise. However, fans can still get their fix, as the creator has vowed to address ten significant questions regarding some of the manga’s most captivating mysteries.

Since the announcement of Oda’s Q&A segment, excitement has been rampant among fans. With One Piece’s wealth of secrets and enigmas, it’s a rare treat for the author to shed light on any of them. Continue reading to discover the insights Oda shared in the special Q&A, scheduled for release in Weekly Shonen Jump issue #49.

Disclaimer: This content contains major spoilers from the One Piece manga up to chapter 1131.

Eiichiro Oda Addresses Ten One Piece Queries in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #49

1) How can Gear 5 enable Luffy to conjure objects at will?

Luffy creating goggles (Image via Toei Animation)

The first query delves into Luffy’s astounding capabilities within his Gear 5 transformation, where he can pull out items like goggles from his hair or transform a tree trunk into a bat. Oda explained that this almost magical ability unlocks Nika’s imagination.

This suggests that Gear 5 grants Luffy what is referred to as “toon force,” a power that allows him to defy the physical laws of reality for comedic purposes. By awakening the true essence of his Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, Luffy gains the ability to manipulate reality at his whim.

2) Did Sabo undergo training to master the Flame-Flame Fruit?

Sabo wielding the Flame-Flame Fruit (Image via Toei Animation)

The second question highlights Sabo and the Flame-Flame Fruit. During the Dressrosa Arc, Sabo consumed this Logia-type Devil Fruit to continue the legacy of his sworn brother, Portgas D. Ace.

Oda confirmed that Sabo underwent rigorous training daily to master the Flame-Flame Fruit, which was previously depicted in the manga, showcasing the dedication of the Revolutionary Army’s second-in-command as he honed his Devil Fruit abilities.

3) Did Dragon ever spend time with Luffy?

Dragon observing Luffy (Image via Toei Animation)

The third question explored the relationship between Monkey D. Dragon and his son, Monkey D. Luffy. Dragon left Luffy in the care of his father, Monkey D. Garp, when Luffy was just a baby, and Luffy grew up never having met Dragon, only learning about him as he pursued his pirate adventures.

Oda stated that Dragon did spend some time with Luffy, but Luffy has no recollection of it. Dragon, as the leader of the Revolutionary Army, was wary of exposing Luffy to potential threats. Oda added that Dragon experienced a profound emotion upon seeing Luffy in Rogue Town, unbeknownst to Luffy.

4) Is Blackbeard’s ship named after Rocks D. Xebec?

Blackbeard in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

The fourth question examined the association between Marshall D. Teach, known as Blackbeard, and Rocks D. Xebec. Teach, notable for consuming two Devil Fruits, named his ship the “Saber of Xebec.”

The World Government has eliminated all records of Xebec, leading most people to know him only as Rocks, the captain of the Rocks Pirates. Oda evaded a direct answer, hinting that the ship’s name might not be a mere coincidence. This insinuates a deep, yet undisclosed connection between Teach and Xebec that may unfold later in the One Piece saga.

5) Did Shanks learn Divine Departure from Roger or replicate it?

Shanks executing Divine Departure in One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The fifth question focused on Divine Departure, referred to as Kamusari in Japanese. This technique features a powerful slash infused with Conqueror’s Haki. Shanks utilized this move against Eustass Kid, although it is also known as Gol D. Roger’s defining technique.

Historically, Roger used it to overpower the legendary samurai Kozuki Oden. Oda clarified that Shanks idolized Roger and successfully emulated this technique, which highlights Shanks’ exceptional skill, as other members of the Roger Pirates couldn’t replicate it.

6) How does the Cross Guild’s bounty system function?

Oda explains the Cross Guild bounties (Image via Toei Animation)

The sixth question revolved around the bounty system established by the Cross Guild, an organization co-founded by former Warlords Dracule Mihawk and Crocodile, combining Mihawk’s impressive combat skills with Crocodile’s cleverness to realize the latter’s “Operation Utopia.” To divert attention from himself, Mihawk designated Buggy as the frontman of the Cross Guild.

This group has become a challenge for the Navy, issuing bounties on Marines, which has led to widespread chaos as citizens, lured by these rewards, began targeting the very protectors meant to safeguard them. Oda explained that the Cross Guild’s bounties are typically determined by a Marine’s official rank, although renown Marines could have exceptionally high bounties irrespective of their ranking.

Here’s how the system breaks down:

Fleet Admiral – Five crowns.
Admirals – Three crowns.
Vice Admirals – Five stars.
Rear Admirals – Three stars.
Captains and Commodores – One star.
Field officers below Commander rank – One million berries.
Company officers – One hundred thousand berries.

One star equals one hundred million berries, while one crown is valued at one billion berries. Consequently, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki “Akainu” has a bounty of five billion berries, ranking him as the third highest known bounty in One Piece, trailing only Gol D. Roger and Edward Newgate “Whitebeard.” Given that Cross Guild’s bounties are based on an officer’s rank, former Fleet Admiral Sengoku should also boast a bounty of five billion berries.

7) What role does Kuzan play within the Blackbeard Pirates?

Kuzan with Blackbeard (Image via Toei Animation)

Next, the seventh question explored Kuzan’s position in the Blackbeard Pirates. Previously an Admiral known as “Aokiji,” Kuzan departed the Navy following a heated battle with Akainu, which decided the future Fleet Admiral of the Marines. After his departure, he appeared to join the Blackbeard Pirates and became the captain of Teach’s Tenth Ship.

Oda elaborated that Kuzan does not particularly approve of Teach, but he resonates with his philosophy of living freely, rather than engaging in malevolent acts under the World Government’s directives. Although being part of a pirate crew may involve immoral actions, it offers him the autonomy to act according to his own will. Oda noted that Kuzan has already been involved in some destructive incidents due to his association with the Blackbeard Pirates.

8) What is the World Military Draft that Issho and Aramaki participated in to join the Marines?

Fujitora in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

The eighth query centered around the World Military Draft, a recruitment initiative during the two-year timeskip that led to Issho “Fujitora” and Aramaki “Ryokugyu” becoming the new Admirals, replacing Aokiji and Akainu.

Oda elucidated that each country can depend on formidable warriors within the One Piece realm. The World Government opted for a global draft to fortify the Navy’s military strength, enlisting the finest fighters globally. This decision inadvertently left some countries vulnerable as they relinquished their most capable soldiers, triggering revolts and regime changes.

As for Fujitora and Ryokugyu, these two are exceptionally powerful individuals dedicated to upholding order through their justice outlook. They earned their Admiral positions due to their extraordinary capabilities, deemed so impressive that Donquixote Doflamingo regarded them as monsters, referencing comments made during the Dressrosa Arc.

9) What transpired during the Rocky Port Incident that led to Koby’s rise to fame?

The island of Hachinosu (Image via Toei Animation)

The ninth question examined the Rocky Port Incident, which significantly escalated Koby’s popularity throughout the One Piece universe. Oda recounted that Trafalgar D. Water Law was the main architect behind the event. Learning of a certain Poneglyph on Hachinosu, Law hijacked a vessel named “Rocky Port” to infiltrate the island.

Initially, Law aimed to board a smuggling ship, not knowing it carried a king and nobles from another kingdom. Once at Hachinosu, Law engaged with various pirates. Blackbeard, along with Koby, arrived on the island with their own objectives.

Despite their differing motivations, Blackbeard, Koby, and Law united to confront the island’s ruler, a former member of the Rocks Pirates named Ochoku. Ultimately, Blackbeard declared himself the island’s new leader, while the World Government recognized Law as a Warlord for capturing the hearts of a hundred pirates. Koby distinguished himself as a hero by safeguarding the local civilians.

10) How formidable is Figarland Garling?

Figarland Garling in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

The final question inquired about Saint Figarland Garling, a Celestial Dragon crucial to the God Valley Incident. Oda simply confirmed that Garling is intended to be a remarkably powerful character and that there is a purpose behind this strength.

Garling, who previously served as the Supreme Commander of the World Government’s Holy Knights, was selected as the new member of the Five Elders after the departure of Saint Jaygarcia Saturn. Thus, One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda is hinting at Garling being a significant force expected to showcase his abilities in the near future.

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