One Piece theory: Dragon’s Devil Fruit powers hint Oda will pull influence from several ancient cultures

The enigmatic Monkey D. Dragon from One Piece has sparked curiosity among fans with his mysterious character. One of the most intriguing aspects for the fandom is the true identity of his Devil Fruit. While it is widely believed that he possesses one, the details of his abilities and the name of his Fruit remain a secret, leaving fans eager to witness the leader of the Revolutionary Army in action.

Over the years, there have been numerous One Piece theories surrounding Dragon, as author Eiichiro Oda has not revealed much about the character in the manga’s 1000+ chapters. As a result, it is understandable that fans are eager to delve deeper into the character through their own investigations. One recent theory proposes a potential Devil Fruit for Dragon, drawing inspiration from various cultures.

This article includes spoilers for the series, so be warned.

Exploring the Potential Influences for Monkey D. Dragon’s Devil Fruit in One Piece

Dragon in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

According to this theory proposed by X user @BlacktyonteXavi, the abilities of the Dragon’s Devil Fruit may have a connection to the Toltec society in Central America, which served as an inspiration for the Aztecs. This ancient culture was known for its numerous chiefs and deities, including Quetzalcoatl/Feathered serpent, Mixcoatl/Cloud serpent, and Tlaloc/The God Of Rain, leading to the speculation that Eiichiro Oda may have drawn inspiration from these figures

Additionally, it is elaborated that Quetzalcoatl was a historical figure who was named after the serpent deity. It is also speculated that the leader of the Revolutionary Army may have been given the name Dragon as a homage to a deity.

According to this theory, it is also suggested that these gods were destined to experience multiple deaths and rebirths, with Xipe Totec, ruling over the East, being one of them. This could be seen as a resemblance to Dragon’s ties to the East Blue, his place of origin, and the possibility that he holds a distinctive role.

The marks on Dragon’s face symbolize his mastery of his Devil Fruit. This implies that he possesses a unique Fruit that comes with great duties, leading to his elevated status as a near deity due to his exceptional abilities.

The Role of Dragon Throughout the Story

Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Shueisha/Colored by JLjarx)

The enigmatic Monkey D. Dragon is possibly one of the most enigmatic characters in the entire One Piece series, as Oda has revealed little about their motivations, past, and powers. As such, there is anticipation for this character to play a significant role in the final third of the story, though this is still a topic of discussion.

Despite being both Luffy’s father and the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon has been portrayed as a formidable opponent for the World Government. However, his actions in the series have been predominantly passive for over a thousand chapters, causing frustration among readers over the years.

Final Thoughts

There is a possibility that Dragon’s Devil Fruit may have been influenced by the Toltec culture, though this remains a topic of discussion. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for Oda to draw inspiration from various sources throughout the series.