Eiichiro Oda, the maker of One Piece has somehow managed to keep fans reeled into the story for the past 25 years now. With the ever-developing plot, the twists in the story seem to be never-ending. One such welcome surprise was the reveal of Gear 5 awakening of Luffy, an awakened form of the Gomu Gomu no Mi fruit, formerly known as Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, the fruit grants its user the ability to manipulate and transform the surrounding environment.
We got to see this awakening for the first time during Luffy‘s final battle with Kaidou on Onigashima.
Our protagonist has quite the arsenal of techniques with the help of Gear 5 awakening, with nine revealed techniques so far, it makes us wonder which ones really set themselves apart from the others. Following is a list of the five best techniques that we found to be the best ones out of the bunch.
5 – Gomu Gomu no Dasshutsu Rocket
With the literal meaning of “Rubber Rubber White Rocket“, this ability allows our hero to expand his body when he is stuck in certain situations. It can also be seen as the stronger version of Gomu Gomu No Rocket. He used this technique to escape from the inside of Yonko Kaidou’s body after he was swallowed whole by him.
4 – Gomu Gomu no Nawatobi
The technique when translated means “Rubber Rubber Skipping Rope“, which is exactly what Luffy did with Kaidou in his dragon form, this technique, like the last one, it is also very situational and Kaidou was able to counter it using Borobreath.
The technique can be considered helpful if used properly as it can make the target feel dizzy, making them lose their balance.
3 – Gomu Gomu no Kaminari
Meaning “Rubber Rubber Lightning“, this technique allows Luffy to literally turn a lightning bolt into rubber, which he then can grab and hurl at his opponent.
This is a pretty powerful attack considering how it is thrown at tremendous speeds, and can easily electrocute and burn the target if hit. Luffy used this technique against Kaidou but it was dodged by him.
This technique, meaning “Rubber Rubber Giant” allows Luffy to literally turn into the size of a giant. Pretty similar to what we get to see in Gear 3 awakening on his entire body, but is much much stronger than the Gear 3 techniques Luffy has.
He used this technique against Kaidou in an attempt to stomp him but ended up getting bitten instead as a counterattack.
1 – Gomu Gomu no Bajrang Gun
Meaning “Rubber Rubber Monkey God Gun“, this was the technique that Luffy used to finally defeat Kaidou. He inflates his fist almost to the size of Onigashima, infusing it with Busoshoku and Haoshoku Haki; then unleashes it at his opponent with the intention of punching them without making direct contact, through emitting Haki outward, for a devastating blow.
It was able to overpower Kaidou at last managing to break off one of his horns and sending him crashing to the ground.
“Bajrang” is a name inspired by the Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman, a potential inspiration for Son Wukong.
This is by far the most powerful Gear 5 technique that Luffy has ever used.
Situational Techniques
Out of all the abilities mentioned in the article, it is important to mention how some are situational, specifically Gomu Gomu no Dasshutsu Rocket, Gomu Gomu no Nawatobi, and Gomu Gomu no Kaminari, and can vary in outcomes.
These abilities when used against Yonka Kaidou, were easily either dodged or counter-attacked, ultimately forcing Luffy to switch his tactics and to use his other attacks.
Source: One Piece Fandom, GameRant
