One Piece Creator Oda Officially Reveals Luffy’s Strongest Form Inspired by Dragon Ball

One Piece Chapter 1198 spoilers have revealed a startling new look for Monkey D. Luffy, one that brings Dragon Ball’s Great Ape transformation to mind. With black hair, fangs, a tail, and a large ape-like nose, the Straw Hat captain looks almost unrecognizable as he attacks the Rain God Zaza, based on the spoilers posted by @pewpiece:

ONEPIECE1198 BRIEF SPOILERS FOR ONEPIECE CHAPTER 1198 https://t.co/whiV8e3Sxo

The transformation arrives while Imu is wreaking havoc in Elbaf and Loki is struggling to hold his ground. It might be Luffy’s most fearsome form yet, and the way he uses it is just as surprising as his appearance.

One Piece Chapter 1198 Reveals Luffy’s Great Ape-Inspired Form

Gear 5 Luffy from One Piece | Credits: Toei Animation

The chapter, titled “The Island of Monsters,” reportedly ends with Luffy standing on a rooftop in the giant village, watching Zaza MMA. He suddenly leaps toward the creature, grabs its body, and bites it, causing an explosion. The giants are stunned. They cannot even tell who has just attacked the Rain God.

That final scene comes after a string of chaotic developments across Elbaf. Sanji shatters Killingham’s armor with a powerful kick, sending the Holy Knight flying. Killingham then flees in fear, much as Sommers previously ran from Zoro. Meanwhile, Zaza MMA stretches her body toward a ship, severs her own arm, and throws the kidnapped children aboard.

Imu is causing even more trouble. After Killingham senses Imu’s Haki, the mysterious ruler reveals a third form: a gigantic creature with an elongated torso, a long neck, and enormous horns. Loki responds by showing off his hybrid Zoan form. But the fight goes badly for him. Imu recognizes Loki’s strength and still brings him down with one devastating blow.

During their confrontation, Imu asks Loki about the ancient technology in Elbaf. Loki insists he knows nothing. Imu then turns his attention to Luffy, while warning that a return to Mary Geoise is urgently needed to avoid putting Imu’s own life in danger. Yet Luffy is nowhere to be found on the battlefield. Loki is surprised that he apparently ran away, and Gaban and Usopp are equally confused. Gaban’s observation that Luffy is a Zoan-type leads straight into the chapter’s biggest surprise: Luffy has taken on an entirely different appearance.

Dragon Ball’s Great Ape Form Is Written All Over Luffy’s New Look

For Dragon Ball readers, the first thing that stands out is the tail. Saiyans such as Goku and Vegeta have transformed into Great Apes, or Oozaru, through the power of a full moon. Their giant, intimidating bodies are a far cry from their everyday appearances. Luffy’s new look has that same wild energy, even if his transformation works differently.

The comparison is especially fun because Luffy is usually the last person anyone would describe as frightening. Gear 5 made him look like a living cartoon, complete with white hair, exaggerated expressions, and attacks that turn even serious fights into slapstick. Now he has fangs and an ape-like face, and his first move is to bite an enemy hard enough to make its body explode.

There is plenty of history behind Luffy’s changing appearance. His Devil Fruit, once believed to be the Gum-Gum Fruit, was revealed to be the Mythical Zoan Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. Gear 5 represents its awakening, giving him extraordinary freedom in combat. Gaban’s remark about Zoan powers makes this latest change even more intriguing, especially since the spoilers leave its exact nature unexplained.

The resemblance to Dragon Ball also brings back memories of young Goku’s terrifying transformation. His Great Ape form was a completely different beast from the cheerful, adventure-loving boy everyone knew. Luffy’s sudden change creates a similar contrast, particularly when the giants fail to recognize him. Whether this form proves stronger than Gear 5 remains an open question. What matters right now is the timing. Imu has just defeated Loki, the giants are in danger, and Luffy has reappeared looking like a monster himself. With a break scheduled after Chapter 1198, readers will have to wait a little longer to see what he does next.

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