One Piece: Every difference between Nika, Joy Boy, and Luffy, explained

The release of One Piece chapter 1114 on May 13, 2024, clarified that Nika, Joy Boy, and Monkey D Luffy are distinct entities. This revelation about their origins heightened fans’ anticipation for the final saga of the series as it left no doubt in their minds.

The primary focus of the chapter revolves around Vegapunk’s confession of his wrongdoings, as previously mentioned in chapter 1113, and the shocking discovery of Mother Flame as a hidden weapon used by the Gorosei to eliminate the Transponder snails in an attempt to halt Vegapunk’s research.

The highlight of the chapter was the revelation of a legendary character as the initial pirate of the Grand Line, possessing the same abilities as the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Please note that this article contains the author’s opinion and may contain potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series.

Exploring the differences between three characters in One Piece: Monkey D Luffy, Joy Boy, and Sun God Nika

Existence

The protagonist as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
The protagonist as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The first chapter/episode of the series introduced Monkey D Luffy as its main protagonist. In chapter 1114, Vegapunk revealed Joy Boy to be a significant historical figure as the first pirate of the Grand Line in the series.

Contrary to these two, Nika is a legendary figure who may potentially be a mythical being from the Elbafian and Buccaneer race, as its name has been inherited through generations, much to the surprise of some fans.

The Sun God is not a real-life entity, unlike the other two characters who are confirmed to exist in the series.

Types of Devil Fruit Powers

The Human Human devil fruit (Model Nika) (Image via Toei Animation)
The Human Human devil fruit (Model Nika) (Image via Toei Animation)

The captain of the Straw Hat Pirates consumed the Gum-Gum devil fruit during his childhood, but it was later discovered to be a Human-Human devil fruit (Model: Nika) when the protagonist unlocked its potential in the form of Gear 5.

This granted him the ability to control his environment by transforming any object into rubber.

Despite being mocked by Vegapunk as the first pirate in the Grand Line with the ability to stretch his body, JoyBoy is believed to have possessed powers similar to the protagonist’s devil fruit. It can be assumed that this legendary figure also consumed the Human-Human devil fruit (Model: Nika) and may have been the first to do so, with Luffy becoming the second known user of this fruit.

The Sun God did not possess any devil fruit abilities, as its legend does not mention such powers. However, as a deity that could stretch its body, many believed that its dreams were responsible for the creation of the Nika devil fruit. Thus, while the first two individuals consumed the devil fruit, it was Nika who was credited with its creation.

Pirate Crews

The Straw Hat Pirate crew as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
The Straw Hat Pirate crew as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The Straw Hat Pirates, led by the series’ protagonist who aspires to become the Future Pirate King, is an Emperor crew and considered one of the most powerful on the Grand Line. The crew consists of a helmsman, navigator, sniper, and all other necessary positions for a proper crew.

It has been speculated by fans that Joy Boy may have led a pirate crew consisting of beings like Zunesha (the giant elephant) and the Iron Giant (the giant robot on Egghead Island), possibly due to a shared connection or debt to the historical figure.

Despite being a historical figure, it remains unknown if the Sun God had a pirate crew. However, it is possible that he did not require one.

Real Names

The protagonist as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
The protagonist as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The Straw Hat captain’s true identity is Monkey D Luffy, although he is frequently referred to as Straw Hat, Straw Hat Luffy, and various other variations of his name in different dialects within the series.

On the contrary, Joy Boy appears to be a pseudonym, as it was created based on his actions as a person who never loses hope and spreads happiness. Ultimately, the Sun God is the true given name of the deity.

Connection to the Legendary Treasure, the One Piece

Roger laughing at Laugh tale (Image via Toei Animation)
Roger laughing at Laugh tale (Image via Toei Animation)

The main character of the series is determined to become the next pirate king, a goal that is supported by all of his crewmates. In order to achieve this, he must journey to Laugh Tale to discover the fabled grand treasure and solidify his role as the ruler of the Grand Line.

Joy Boy is believed to have a connection to the grand treasure. Upon reaching Laugh Tale, Roger and his crew burst into laughter upon discovering the truth of the world. Roger himself revealed that the One Piece is a valuable treasure left behind by the renowned historical figure.

Interestingly, the Sun God’s connection to the grand treasure remains a mystery and has not been revealed as of the publication of this article.

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