Eiichiro Oda officially confirms a new transformation stronger than Gear 5

This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Final Saga.

When it comes to shonen series, transformations are a big part of what excites fans, and One piece is no exception in this regard. Series creator Eiichiro Oda realizes this as well, which is why he's drawn countless exciting transformations over the years to excite his entire fan base. The most iconic and quite easily the most powerful transformation until recently was drawn by Oda in the Wano arc, and that is Luffy's iconic Gear 5. After awakening Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, Luffy's power reached sky high levels when he unlocked Gear 5.

This transformation allowed him to do things that were seemingly impossible and to make full use of his power of imagination. The results of Luffy's incredible new power were clearly seen when he managed to defeat Kaid in Wano. until now it could be said that Luffy's Gear 5 was the strongest transformation in One piecebut now a monstrously powerful new transformation that will leave even Gear 5 in the dust has appeared in the Elbaf Arc, and this transformation belongs to the Cursed Prince of Elbaf, Loki..

Gear 5 was the final transformation in one piece until Elbaf

• Luffy Achieved Gear 5 In The Wano Arc

• Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika is the most ridiculous ability

When it comes to massive changes, fans can't deny that Until recently, Gear 5 was the strongest in the entire series. Luffy's initial transformations, called Gears, paved the way for Gear 5 to eventually arrive. In the Enies Lobby Arc, Luffy used the power of Gear 2nd and Gear 3rd for the first time, offering him a significant boost to face the threats of the Grand Line. Luffy created Gear 4 with his multiple forms during the timeskip and it's safe to say that this power allowed him to fight even monsters.

But despite everything Luffy learned, it wasn't enough to defeat the highest levels of the One Piece world, which is where Gear 5 comes in. In order to reach the power of Gear 5, Luffy basically had to face death itself. In the battle against Kaido, Luffy actually died and that's when his Devil Fruit was awakened and Gear 5 was activated.

Gear 5 is Luffy's awakening Hito Hito no Mi Model: Nikaand it's safe to say that this power is on a whole other level than all the transformations seen in One piece to date. Gear 5 allows Luffy to perform even greater feats of physical strength and also gives him an advanced recovery rate. On top of everything else, it gives it an even rubberier body and the loosest combat of all.

First of all, Luffy can do anything he wants and the only thing he is bound by is his own imagination, which was very clearly seen in the battle against Kaido. When Luffy defeated Kaido, it was very clear that there was no one between them One piece the world will be able to stop his fight in vain and that he now truly deserves the title of Yonko.

Loki's mythical Zoan transformation appeared in one piece

All that being said, Luffy is still not the strongest in the One Piece world, and fans know of many characters that are above his level so far. As such, it really came as no surprise when Oda revealed an even more powerful figure in Elbaf in the form of Loki. When Loki first appeared, fans weren't sure what to make of his power. On one hand, Oda made it clear that Loki is a monster powerful enough to destroy not only Elbaf, but the entire One Piece world. On the other hand, Luffy himself said that if Loki went on a rampage, he would beat him up and put him back in chains. This gave fans some measure of confidence that Luffy was already stronger than Loki.

All of this was shattered in One Piece Chapter 1170 where Loki's power was revealed and it is very clear that his transformation far outshines even Gear 5 in terms of raw power.

Loki's mythic Zoan transformation surpasses Gear 5 in raw power

IN One piece Chapter 1170, Oda gave fans a proper look at Loki's mythical Zoan transformation. This transformation came after Loki ate the legendary Devil Fruit of Elbaf, which had been kept safe in the land for centuries. For starters, this Devil Fruit was untouched, not because Elbaf was waiting for the right person to eat it, but because no one could get to it because of Ragnir, the hammer, defending it. Ragnir is basically a warhammer that ate a Zoan Devil Fruit squirrel. Even Harald himself was unable to consume this legendary devil fruit and this truly proves that Loki was already a monster before he ate the fruit.

I am the Sun God enshrined in the legends of this land. You won't talk to me without permission, man. I consider myself the strongest living in the Lands. This is Warland, Elbaf's kingdom of violence. The most powerful nation in the world that once lived and breathed warfare. And I am the Sun God who brings the world to an end, Loki! — Loki introduces himself in the Arc of Elbaf.

Eventually, Loki managed to get his hands on this power and instantly transformed into the creature that Oda held in silhouette. This means that the silhouette itself does not matter. The power of the creature is important here, and Oda made sure to deliver it to the fullest. With the power of his Devil Fruit, Loki was able to defeat King Harald of Elbaf and even kill him..

Loki was able to defeat the Imu-buffed Harald

• Loki's powers are greater than Harald's

• Luffy is not at this level yet

One thing fans need to keep in mind is Harald's own power. At this point in the series Harald was polished using his Deep Sea Covenant. Before the Covenant, Harald was as strong as rocks. After Covenant, he reached a level even higher than Rocks, and yet Loki was easily able to overpower him and beat him repeatedly. Of course, in the end, Harald allowed Loki to kill him, but there's no denying that Loki was easily able to overpower King Elbafa like it was nothing at all.

King Harald died after a vicious battle with Loki. What you see are the scars from that fight. Loki is certainly strong, but King Harald was also known as a great warrior in his own right. All this destruction was inevitable. The only surviving members in the castle that day were Chief Jarul and Loki. — Born in the battle at Aurust Castle, 14 years ago

As such, when it comes to raw power, fans know it Loki's new transformation is even higher than Luffy's Gear 5. What's even crazier is that Loki had achieved all of this before reaching the Devil Fruit Awakening state. Maybe in the next eight years, until Loki fought Shanks, he even managed to awaken his Devil Fruit, and if that's the case, then Luffy, even with his Gear 5, can't hold a candle to Loki's power level right now. To be stronger than Loki, Luffy must reach the level of Roger, Rocks and Harald. Quite clearly, Luffy's Gear 5 is not yet at that level, and Loki's new Zoan transformation remains at the top as one of the strongest in the One Piece world.

Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the straw pirates who sail the seas to claim the great treasure known as One Piece. The manga is currently in its Final Saga. One Piece will be featured in Weekly Shonen Jump this week. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1171 is January 18, 2026. In Japan, One Piece drops on Monday at 12:00 PM JST, which is 11:00 AM EST or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read this chapter for free on Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps. This ensures that fans will always support the author.