Here’s When Luffy Obtains Each of His Gears? (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th)
One Piece, the epic manga and anime series, has taken fans on a thrilling journey filled with adventure, friendship, and extraordinary abilities. At the heart of this incredible tale is Monkey D. Luffy, the charismatic and determined protagonist who aims to become the Pirate King. Luffy’s journey is marked by the evolution of his powers, known as Gears. In this article, I will take you through the episodes where Luffy unlocks each of his Gears: Gear Second, Gear Third, Gear Fourth, and the recent revelation, Gear Fifth.
Gear Second – Episode 272: The Speed Demon Emerges
The journey into Luffy’s extraordinary powers begins with Gear Second, a technique that significantly enhances his speed and strength. This power made its debut in episode 272, titled “Luffy is in Sight! Gather at the Courthouse Plaza,” which aired on July 23, 2006, in Season 9 of One Piece.
Gear Second involves a unique ability where Luffy accelerates the flow of blood throughout his body, providing increased oxygen and nutrients to his muscles. This results in a dramatic boost in speed and strength, allowing him to execute his attacks with incredible swiftness. However, this power comes at a price, as it demands an immense amount of energy and leaves Luffy ravenous and exhausted.
The inspiration for Gear Second came after Luffy encountered CP9, who introduced him to the Soru technique. This ability allowed him to push his body’s limits, leading to the development of Gear Second. It’s a power that has proven invaluable in numerous battles, pushing Luffy to new heights in combat.
Gear Third – Episode 288: Unleashing the Giant
The next chapter in Luffy’s evolution of power is Gear Third, which he first employed in episode 288, titled “Fukurou’s Miscalculation! My Cola is the Water of Life!” on December 3, 2006, still within Season 9 of One Piece.
Gear Third showcases Luffy’s ability to inflate his body parts, particularly his arm, by taking a deep breath and blowing air into it. This process results in a massive increase in size and strength, turning his limbs into formidable weapons. However, this size enhancement comes at the cost of mobility, making it suitable for situations that require brute force.
In this form, Luffy’s bones become incredibly hard, resembling inflated tires, which allows him to withstand attacks with ease. He can move his gigantic arm with remarkable dexterity, and the air compression in his bones makes his strikes incredibly powerful.
But Gear Third has its drawbacks. The time it takes to transfer and channel the air within his bones can be a disadvantage, leaving Luffy vulnerable during the process. Nonetheless, this power has proved essential in some of his toughest battles.
Gear Fourth – Episode 726: The Boundman Rises
Gear Fourth, also known as “Boundman,” made its debut in episode 726, titled “Gear 4! The Phenomenal Boundman!” on January 17, 2016, in Season 17 of One Piece.
To activate Gear Fourth, Luffy begins by biting his left arm above the wrist and removing his flip-flops. He then injects air into his arm while imbuing it with Busoshoku Haki. This process results in his arm inflating, similar to Gear Third, but the air is distributed throughout his upper body, providing a balanced power-up.
Gear Fourth is a game-changer for Luffy, allowing him to switch between different forms, each specializing in various aspects of combat. However, this power comes with limitations. Gear Fourth has a time limit, and once it expires, Luffy reverts to his normal state and is left utterly exhausted. Additionally, he cannot use Busoshoku Haki for a significant period after employing this technique.
Despite its drawbacks, Gear Fourth has been instrumental in turning the tide in battles and facing formidable foes, including taking on the mighty Kaidou.
Gear Fifth – Chapter 1044 (Manga) and Episode 1071 (Anime): The Ultimate Revelation
Gear Fifth is the culmination of Luffy’s evolution, representing the pinnacle of his powers and abilities. This extraordinary power was first revealed in Chapter 1044 of the manga and later made its animated debut on August 6, 2023, in Episode 1071, titled “Luffy’s Peak – Attained! Gear 5.”
Gear Fifth’s unveiling was a momentous occasion in the One Piece world. Luffy’s evolution reached its zenith as he activated this new form. In doing so, he tapped into the true nature of his Devil Fruit, the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, a legendary Devil Fruit. It was a revelation that left fans awestruck.
Gear Fifth bestowed Luffy with unprecedented power and invincibility. His body became nearly impervious to damage, rendering him unstoppable. During his battle with Kaidou, Luffy’s ability to reshape his body at will allowed him to adapt effortlessly to Kaidou’s attacks, making them utterly ineffective. He could even use Kaidou’s dragon form as a jump rope, demonstrating the absurdity of his newfound strength.
However, Gear Fifth comes with a significant cost. It drains Luffy’s energy and leaves him unable to move for an extended period. Even after recovering, using Gear Fifth remains demanding on his body and stamina.
Conclusion
Monkey D. Luffy’s journey from a novice pirate to a formidable force in the world of One Piece has been marked by the development of his incredible Gears. From the lightning-fast Gear Second to the colossal power of Gear Third and the versatile Gear Fourth, Luffy’s evolution has enthralled fans for years. The recent revelation of Gear Fifth has taken his abilities to a whole new level, making him a force to be reckoned with.
As we eagerly anticipate further developments in Luffy’s journey and the unveiling of potential new abilities, one thing is certain: the evolution of Luffy’s Gears is a testament to the boundless creativity of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, and the enduring appeal of this legendary series.