Four years after Gear 5 shook the world, Monkey D. Luffy’s so-called ultimate power is starting to show its limits against the overwhelming forces in the Final Saga.
Recently, during the intense Elbaf arc, creator Eiichiro Oda subtly dropped crucial hints paving the way for a brand-new power awakening fans are calling Gear 6.
The evolution of Luffy’s Gears and the current limits of the Sun God form
Looking back on nearly 30 years of One Piece, Luffy’s Gear transformations have been some of Eiichiro Oda’s most creative breakthroughs. Gear 2 debuted in 2005 during the fight with Blueno (chapter 388), followed by Gear 3 against Rob Lucci (chapter 421).
Ten years later, Gear 4 exploded onto the scene at Dressrosa to crush Doflamingo (chapter 783). Most recently, on March 28, 2022, chapter 1044 made history by awakening the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika Devil Fruit, introducing Gear 5 to the world.
Gear 5 helped Luffy defeat the “Strongest Creature in the World,” Kaido, officially elevating him to Yonko status. However, facing the World Government’s supreme forces at Elbaf, this form’s limits have started to show.
Although Luffy once claimed Gear 5 as his “peak,” shonen manga history proves that when villains reach “beyond-universe” power levels, the hero must evolve.
The mystery of the “Divine Circles” of gods in One Piece
The need for Gear 6 is no longer just fan speculation. It became clear through pivotal chapters 1179 and 1182 released in early 2026. Here, Oda officially introduced a new concept tied to entities known as the Gods.
In chapter 1179, when Nerona Imu revealed their full Devil Fruit transformation, readers noticed a striking detail: a black flaming circle (Omen) hovering behind Imu. According to the World King’s explanation in chapter 1181, “Omen is my military power. A source of strength residing in all living creatures.”
This black fire circle acts as an ultimate weapon, enabling Imu to unleash attacks that nearly killed Loki, while also serving as an impenetrable shield capable of blocking blows that could destroy entire nations.
Initially, many fans thought this was unique to Imu. However, in chapter 1182, when Saint Killingham used the awakened form of the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Kirin Devil Fruit to summon the Rain God Zaza, this entity also appeared with a giant water circle behind it, operating exactly like Imu’s.
This coincidence leads to a shocking conclusion: all true gods in One Piece possess a circle representing their elemental power. So where is the Sun God Nika’s circle when behind Monkey D. Luffy there is only a white cloud band?
Gear 6 awakens the blazing “Sun Circle”
During the Wano arc, the Five Elders trembled describing Nika: “Possessing a rubber-like body, fighting in any way they want, and bringing smiles to everyone… The Liberating Warrior, also known as the Sun God Nika!”
A paradox is that despite the title Sun God, all of Gear 5’s moves revolve purely around rubber traits and cartoonish antics, with no solar or fiery elements so far.
This missing piece is what Eiichiro Oda has saved for the ultimate rematch at Elbaf. When Gear 5 can’t break through Imu’s Omen defense, Luffy will have to upgrade his awakening to a new level. That’s when he will unlock the blazing Sun Circle behind him.
Essentially, this is a deeper evolution of Nika’s awakened form, but knowing Luffy’s style, he will surely give it a cool, memorable name: Gear 6.
Why Gear 6 is Luffy’s only path to victory
Looking at Luffy’s fights against Kaido and Admiral Kizaru, he is strong but still within Yonko limits. Meanwhile, Nerona Imu is on a completely different level, outclassing the rest of the world. Even Loki, the world-destroying force introduced in chapter 1130, struggles and falls short against this mysterious king.
Without evolving beyond his current form, Luffy stands no chance against Imu. To face an entity wielding a “dark circle,” the only solution is to counter with a “circle of light.”
Gear 6’s Sun Circle won’t just boost Luffy’s fighting pressure but will also be the key to unlocking his Conqueror’s Haki to unprecedented heights, similar to how Joy Boy did in ancient times.