Over 4 years ago, One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda unveiled to us, for the very first time, the Devil Fruit awakening of Luffy’s Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, in Chapter 1044 of the series, which was officially released on August 28, 2022. Since then, Luffy, with his Nika powers, has come far and upgraded his strength tremendously. The lore pertaining to Nika has also grown richer, but the Elbaf arc has cranked things up a notch and revealed to us quite a lot of exciting developments pertaining to this Mythical God.
For the vast majority of the Final Saga of One Piece, Nika, the Sun God, has been referred to as the Warrior of Liberation and the God of Laughter. However, One Piece chapter 1198, which was officially released on November 8, 2026, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 49, confirmed a different side of Nika to us for the very first time. Nika, after having taken over Luffy’s body, has now displayed his personality as a God of Chaos and Destruction, and this side of the Sun God is quite terrifying.
One Piece Chapter 1198 Unveils The Dark Side Of Nika As The God Of Destruction
On March 28, 2022, Eiichiro Oda released what was the most pivotal chapter when it comes to the lore pertaining to the Gods of the One Piece world in the 17th issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump of the year. In this chapter, Luffy, after having suffered a near-death situation against Kaido, awakened the powers of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, and became the Warrior of Liberation. Luffy then tapped into Gear 5, and with this newfound transformation, he was able to overwhelm Kaido and liberate Wano in the process.
“Possessing a body with the powers of rubber, and fighting in whatever way he fancies, bringing smiles to the faces of people, the Warrior of Liberation…also known as the Sun God, Nika!” — Elders explain Nika, One Piece Chapter #1044
As One Piece headed into the Egghead arc, Luffy was able to overwhelm the likes of Kizaru and the Elders as well, and it was quite clear to see that his strength was absolutely incredible. Up until this point, most of us assumed that Luffy was the God of Laughter and Liberation. While that is true, there are many sides of Nika which often clash with each other based on who is telling the story. In the Elbaf arc, the Giants made it quite clear that different people see Nika in different light, and that there are many tales surrounding this legendary God. While some believe Nika to be the Warrior of Liberation and the God of Laughter, others see Nika as a God of Mischief. There are also others who see Nika as the God of Destruction, who brings about the end of the world every time he descends upon the world.
“According to the Harley, our world has been destroyed twice in the past. And each time, the presence of the Sun God Nika is heavily tied to it. Is he the hero who appeared to save the world from disaster? Is he the God of Destruction who lays waste to it all? He appears when the world is about to undergo a major transformation.” — Elder Jarul explains the many sides of Nika, One Piece Chapter #1136
In reality, there is no singular version of Nika that stands above all. All the different versions of Nika that have been described in the story are parts of his personality, and One Piece chapter 1198, released on November 8, 2026, confirmed this. In this chapter, it was clear to see that the power of Sun God Nika had completely overwhelmed Luffy and taken over his body. This is not a surprise to any fan of the series because Eiichiro Oda had already shown us how awakened Zoan users can be taken over by the power of their Devil Fruits. The first time we saw an awakened Zoan user being taken over by their Devil Fruit power was in Impel Down. There, the Jailer Beasts were stated by Crocodile to be forcibly awakened and having lost their personalities by being overwhelmed by the will of the fruit. This chapter was released on June 1, 2009, which is 17 years ago now.
“These are forcibly awakened Zoan Jailer Beasts. They’ve lost control of their powers.” — Crocodile explains failed awakening, Impel Down Arc
Then, in the Egghead arc, Shaka, one of the bodies of Vegapunk, went on to say once again that Zoan Awakenings can often result in the user being completely taken over by the will of the fruit. This is exactly what is happening with Luffy now, which means that the real Sun God Nika has manifested himself in Elbaf for all to see. Based on the actions of this God, it is quite clear to see that he is not the Warrior of Liberation at this moment, but more akin to a God of Destruction, as he simply cares about chaos and destroying his enemies.
Why Nika Fits The Personality Of The God of Destruction
Nika’s title as the God of Destruction makes perfect sense when it comes to the lore of the One Piece world and doesn’t necessarily conflict with him being a Warrior of Liberation. Nika historically emerged from the land of Elbaf, and it is said that long ago he even fought against the God of War of Elbaf, who could transform into the Nidhoggr. It is also said that Nika descended upon the world when oppression was at an all-time high and then clashed with the Earth God and the Serpent of Hellfire in the First World, which eventually led to the destruction of the entire world. In the Second World, Nika’s powers were bestowed upon Joy Boy, who then utilized them to fight against Imu and the other Kings of the world. While Joy Boy lost, Nika was still seen as a hero by many.
“What happened to Luffy? He clearly turned into something and just ran off? Where did he go?” — Usopp comments on Luffy’s New Form, One Piece Chapter #1198
Naturally, many fans might be confused about how Nika can be a hero and a God of Destruction at the same time. The answer to that question is quite simple: it is the chaotic version in which Nika goes about destroying the oppressed that makes him a God of Destruction. Every single time Nika has descended upon the planet, it has led to the end of the world, and the third time is not going to be any different.
Sanji: Hey, Luffy! That’s…not you? Who is this guy?
Nika: Kikikiki!
Giants: Is that a monkey? No wait, that form is!!
— Elbaf Giants recognize Monkey God Luffy, One Piece Chapter #1198
Luffy, while embodying the power of Sun God Nika, is already predicted to destroy the entire world, specifically Fishman Island, as confirmed by Madame Shyarly in the Fishman Island arc of the series. As such, despite being a Warrior of Liberation and a God of Laughter, Luffy is also a God of Destruction because he is going to destroy the current world order as we see it.
Luffy’s God of Destruction Form Will Power Him Up Vs Imu
Interestingly enough, One Piece chapter 1198 gave Luffy a brand-new transformation when Nika took over his body. This new form is currently out of Luffy’s control, but once he gains a proper grasp of the powers of Nika, he should be able to transform into the full beast form offered by Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.
“He’s a Zoan type! He must’ve reached the critical stage as a Zoan!” — Scopper Gaban explains Luffy’s New Transformation, One Piece Chapter #1198
At the same time, Luffy should also be able to enter a Mythical Zoan hybrid between his base Gear 5 form and the full Nika monkey god form. By combining these two powers, Luffy still has two more transformations in store for us. We absolutely cannot wait to see his God of Destruction powers being brought out to the fullest extent in the next couple of chapters as he takes on Nerona Imu.
For now, One Piece is on break, and chapter 1199 is expected to be released on November 22, 2026, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump issue 51.