More than four years after Gear 5’s debut, One Piece seems poised to introduce Monkey D. Luffy’s next major power-up. Chapter 1188 not only shows the Straw Hat captain suffering a devastating defeat against Imu but also confirms that Gear 5 is still too weak to challenge the World Government’s ruler.
This has led many fans to believe that Gear 6 is no longer just a theory but something Eiichiro Oda is gradually setting up for the story’s final arc.
Gear 5 powerless against Imu
One of the most shocking moments in One Piece Chapter 1188 is the battle between Luffy and Nerona Imu.
Before the fight, Luffy spent several chapters eating to fully recover his strength. When he finally entered the battle in Chapter 1186, he confidently declared he was at full power and couldn’t imagine anyone capable of defeating him.
But the reality was completely different. Even using Gear 5, Luffy barely put any pressure on Imu. He failed to land a single hit and was overwhelmingly dominated in a very short time.
The climax came when Imu unleashed the Blade of Nothingness: Vohu, piercing straight through Luffy’s body, leaving him severely wounded and unable to continue fighting. This marks Luffy’s most crushing defeat since awakening Gear 5.
Imu says Joy Boy is far stronger than Luffy
Beyond defeating Luffy, Imu made a statement that has sparked intense discussion among One Piece fans.
After stabbing Luffy, Imu declared that Luffy is not Joy Boy and that the Joy Boy of the past was much stronger. This detail carries huge significance.
For years, many believed Gear 5 represented the peak power of Nika and the strongest form Luffy could achieve. However, if Joy Boy once had similar abilities but was still far superior to Luffy to the point Imu acknowledges it, then Gear 5 is clearly not the final limit.
In other words, Luffy still has enormous potential to grow.
Gear 6 could be the next essential evolution
When Gear 5 first appeared in Chapter 1044 back in 2022, Luffy himself called it his “peak.” But recent events suggest that this might only be true for now and doesn’t reflect the full potential of the Nika fruit.
To reach a power level comparable to Joy Boy and stand a chance against Imu, Luffy will almost certainly need to evolve his Devil Fruit abilities further. This is why more and more theories predict Gear 6 will emerge during the Final Saga.
Even if the name Gear 6 isn’t used, Oda is likely to introduce a form stronger than Gear 5 or a more complete awakening of Nika’s power.
The mystery of the “Sun God” remains unsolved
Another detail that has caught fans’ attention is Nika’s title as the “Sun God.” So far, most of Gear 5’s abilities focus on cartoon-like environmental transformations, increased freedom in combat, and enhanced physical strength.
Interestingly, none of these skills directly relate to the Sun. Meanwhile, Oda has consistently introduced elemental powers with distinctive symbols behind characters.
Imu appeared with a black flaming halo, and the Rain God Zaza has a giant water ring. Luffy, however, has yet to display a similar symbol.
Many theories suggest that when Luffy fully awakens Nika’s power, he will generate a “solar halo” of flames behind him, truly earning the title of Sun God. This could be the key to unlocking Gear 6.
If Gear 6 does appear, it might be the power that finally puts Luffy on par with Joy Boy and gives him the chance to overthrow Imu and the World Government.