How Is Monkey D Luffy Connected To The Sun God Nika And Joy Boy In One Piece? EXPLAINED

Here’s how Joy Boy, the Sun God Nika, and Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece are connected. Find out the DEETS here.

By Sneha Sam

Updated on May 08, 2024 | 11:07 PM IST | 198.5K

One Piece [Eiichiro Oda, Netflix, Toei Animation, Crunchyroll]

In this Article

But first, who is Joy Boy?
Who is Sun God Nika, and how is he connected to Luffy and Joy Boy?
Monkey D. Luffy: a culmination of Nika and Joy Boy’s past, present and future

The intertwined narratives of Joy Boy, Nika, and Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece has been a recurring theme ever since they were first revealed. With a complex web of myth, legend, and destiny, understanding the connection between these three figures requires delving into the incredibly rich lore within the One Piece universe, and piecing together the threads of their stories. Here’s what we know about these key figures, but be warned as spoilers lie ahead.

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One Piece [Eiichiro Oda, Netflix, Toei Animation, Crunchyroll]

But first, who is Joy Boy?

Joy Boy was first mentioned in One Piece Chapter 648, when Nico robin read a Poneglyph. As a figure shrouded in the mists of history, Joy Boy holds a pivotal role in the Void Century, the fate of Fish-Man Island, as well as One Piece protagonist Luffy. His legacy is steeped in prophecy and promise, with ancient texts foretelling his return approximately 800 years after the mysterious Void Century.

Joy Boy's puzzling actions, including his attempt to raise the colossal Noah with the aid of Poseidon, and his bequeathal of a treasure on the legendary Laugh Tale, cement his status as a legendary and necessary figure in the world of One Piece.

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Central to Joy Boy's legacy is his promise to Fish-Man Island, encapsulated in the apology etched upon the Ryugu Poneglyph. This promise, intertwined with the fate of Poseidon and the destiny of the ancient kingdom, lays the groundwork for the anticipation of Joy Boy's return and the fulfillment of his pledge.

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One Piece [Eiichiro Oda, Netflix, Toei Animation, Crunchyroll]

Who is Sun God Nika, and how is he connected to Luffy and Joy Boy?

Enter Nika, the mythical warrior revered as the Sun God by ancient slaves and enshrined in the annals of legend. Nika's existence is veiled in mystery, his deeds and attributes passed down only through generations among the nearly extinct Buccaneer race and the giants of Elbaf.

Nika's signature trait is his rubber-like body, granting him unparalleled combat abilities. Whether this ancient god truly existed has yet to be seen however, and even Vegapunk states that Nika's existence was only found on ancient texts after being erased in all modern documents by the World Government.

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The Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, ‘Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika,’ is a Devil Fruit that imbues its consumer with Sun God Nika's traits and abilities. This is the fruit that Monkey D. Luffy had eaten as a child, propelling him into the realm of myth and prophecy.

In One Piece Chapter 1044, when Luffy first awakened Gear 5, the ‘Drums of Liberation’ were heard within his heartbeat. Given that the drums were Nika’s calling card in the Buccaneer and Giant legends, this can be seen as Luffy officially manifesting Nika’s form.

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During this time, upon hearing the Drums of Liberation, Zunesha made the declaration that "Joy Boy had returned" in One Piece Chapter 1043. With what we know of Joy Boy so far, as well as what was revealed in the One Piece Chapter 1114 spoilers recently, it can be assumed that Joy Boy too once held the ‘Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.’ The revelation that Luffy awakened the power of an ancient “god” in One Piece Chapter 1104 further solidifies the connection between him, Nika, and Joy Boy.

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One Piece [Eiichiro Oda, Netflix, Toei Animation, Crunchyroll]

Monkey D. Luffy: a culmination of Nika and Joy Boy’s past, present and future

The parallels between Luffy, Nika, and Joy Boy extend beyond just their shared abilities. They represent a lineage of heroes bound by fate, each playing a crucial role in the fight against oppression and tyranny.

The Sun God Nika was revered as a symbol of hope and freedom, and inspired countless individuals to defy their oppressors. Joy Boy, with his lofty ideals and unyielding spirit, laid the groundwork for future generations to follow during his time (One Piece 1114 spoilers).

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In this context, Luffy emerges as the culmination of their legacies, the chosen one destined to fulfill Joy Boy's promise. His journey mirrors that of his predecessors, and while some may view Luffy's role as a predetermined fate, it ultimately reinforces the series' themes of inherited will and the power of individual agency.

However, Luffy's connection to Joy Boy and Nika raises questions about his identity and destiny. Is Luffy merely following in their footsteps, or does he possess a unique role to play in shaping the world's future?

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The ambiguity surrounding Joy Boy's true intentions and the nature of his legacy leaves room for interpretation. But regardless of these uncertainties, Luffy's journey as the successor to Joy Boy's legacy will continue, especially considering Joy Boy’s connection to the One Piece and Laugh Tale island. After all, in the end, it is not just Luffy's abilities that make him a hero but his unwavering belief in the creation of a better world.

For more explanations, theories and updates from the world of One Piece, keep an eye on Pinkvilla.

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