Luffy’s Identity as JoyBoy Remains Despite Confusing Translation in One Piece Chapter 1122

On August 5, 2024, One Piece chapter 1122 was released. It received high praise for its stunning revelations, but also left readers puzzled with certain dialogues. Emeth’s statement, in particular, cast doubt on Luffy’s supposed identity as the new JoyBoy by stating that it was impossible for JoyBoy to still be alive.

Despite Luffy not being the original JoyBoy, it could complicate the story as he is expected to fulfill the promise made with Fisherman Island. However, it is fortunate that Luffy is still connected to the JoyBoy legacy, albeit in a different way from the one Emeth encountered in the past. This is evident from the distinct personalities and comparison to the Sun God.

Please note: This article may contain spoilers from One Piece chapter 1122 and includes the author’s personal opinion.

Why Luffy is still JoyBoy despite Emeth’s claims

Emeth's apology to JoyBoy as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha) — Emeth’s apology to JoyBoy as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

During One Piece chapter 1122, Saint Warcury tore Emeth’s hand, causing him to fall to the ground. He immediately began apologizing to JoyBoy, admitting that he should have realized he would not survive. Luffy then questioned if Emeth had mistaken him for someone else.

Emeth noted the striking resemblance between Luffy’s appearance and that of JoyBoy, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. After inquiring about Luffy’s identity, Emeth discovered he was a member of the infamous ‘D clan.’ With JoyBoy’s powerful Haki, Emeth untied the knot and caused a major stir in the world.

The controversy surrounding Luffy’s identity as JoyBoy stemmed from Emeth’s statement that JoyBoy was deceased. This raised doubts about Luffy’s ability to fulfill JoyBoy’s promise to Fishman Island. However, this confusion can be resolved by analyzing the similarities and differences between Nika, JoyBoy, and Luffy.

The first appearance of Sun God Nika (Image via Shueisha)

During the Wano arc, Nika, also known as the Sun God, was introduced by Who’s Who as a mythical deity. According to legends, Nika was renowned for rescuing slaves from their oppressors, although there was no evidence of its actual existence. However, the belief in Nika’s existence eventually gave rise to the creation of the Human-Human devil fruit, specifically the Model: Nika.

JoyBoy was the initial consumer of the devil fruit, utilizing its abilities to become the pioneering pirate of the Grand Line. Following JoyBoy’s reign, Monkey D Luffy consumed the fruit and eventually mastered its powers, unleashing Gear 5, also known as the Nika form.

Monkey D Luffy as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Luffy and JoyBoy are connected through the Human-Human devil fruit, but their true connection lies in the title of JoyBoy. As many fans are aware, JoyBoy is not a name, but a title bestowed upon those who bring happiness to those around them. The first pirate to conquer the Grand Line earned this title by spreading joy to those in his vicinity.

Likewise, Luffy is considered JoyBoy due to his possession of the Nika fruit and his ability to bring happiness to those around him. Therefore, in chapter 1122 of One Piece, Emeth’s statement implied that the original pirate of the Grand Line was deceased, but JoyBoy had been reincarnated within Luffy upon his awakening of the Human-Human devil fruit.

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