Who Is Joy Boy In One Piece? Explained

Scheduled for release on August 6, One Piece episode 1071 promises to bring to life one of the most highly anticipated events in the Wano Arc and the entire One Piece manga. In the preceding episode, fans were treated to a thrilling transformation of Monkey D. Luffy, where steam emanated from his body and his hair changed color. This momentous occasion marks the long-awaited revelation of Luffy’s Gear 5, a moment fans have been eagerly awaiting for a considerable period.

Additionally, in the previous episode, Zunesha’s voice mentioned Joy Boy’s presence in Wano and the audible drums of liberation, which coincided with the sound of Luffy’s heartbeat. However, it is important to note that this does not imply that Luffy is the reincarnation of Joy Boy. Instead, it is more appropriate to consider him as the successor to Joy Boy’s legacy.

What is Luffy’s Relation With Joy Boy?

The preview for One Piece episode 1071, titled “Luffy’s Peak – Attained! Gear Five,” showcases a remarkable transformation in Luffy’s body. His hair turns white, smoke emanates from him, and sparks fly as he regains his footing with a triumphant smile. This newfound power grants Luffy unimaginable freedom, making him a formidable opponent against Kaido.

Although some might speculate that Luffy could be Joy Boy due to his physical changes, it is crucial to clarify that this is not a case of reincarnation. Joy Boy lived approximately 900 years ago during the enigmatic Void Century, which remains shrouded in mystery due to extensive efforts by the World Government to erase historical records and prohibit investigation.

Recently in the anime, the Five Elders disclosed that Luffy’s Devil Fruit, formerly known as the Gomu Gomu no Mi, is actually called Hito Hito No Mi, Model: Nika, belonging to the mythical zoan devil fruit category.

It is plausible that Joy Boy also consumed the same Devil Fruit and awakened it 900 years ago. However, since the end of the Void Century, the Gorosei and Imu have pursued this Mythical Zoan fruit without success, as it remains unawakened.

This suggests that by awakening his Devil Fruit, Luffy is on a path to becoming someone akin to Joy Boy—a world liberator—although his true destiny is yet to fully unfold. Zunesha has already sensed Luffy’s presence, indicating the significance of his actions and potential impact on the world.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, there are no signs indicating that Luffy is the Joy Boy in the world of One Piece. Reincarnation, the concept of a soul being reborn into a different body, does not exist in this universe. Even Imu is a living individual who has lived for centuries, not a reincarnation of anyone else.

The closest idea to reincarnation in One Piece is the passing on of Will, but it is fundamentally distinct from true reincarnation. In Luffy’s case, fans are witnessing a form of inheritance, where he carries forward the legacy of previous individuals, rather than experiencing a reincarnation of someone else’s soul.