One Piece is like an emotional buffet. Joy, grief, pain, etc., every emotion is a part of Eiichiro Oda’s magnum opus. For more than two decades, it has been entertaining the fans with beautifully crafted moments that often leave them speechless. Each character adds a different flavor to the plot. On top of that, there is Monkey D. Luffy, who is always up to something or the other. The protagonist is one of the most popular characters in anime history.
Recently, he unlocked his most potent form, Gear 5, during his fight against Kaido. Gear 5 is the awakening of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. Even though the transformation has great significance to the plot, the fans have chosen another transformation to be their favorite. They went as far as to label it stronger than Gear 5.
Gear Second Is Still The Most Iconic Transformation In One Piece
Gear 5 transformation broke the internet. The goofy transformation matched someone who brings smiles to the faces of their peer. It is truly a great transformation. But the One Piece fans still adore Gear Second. It was a life-and-death situation for Monkey D. Luffy. He previously experienced a crushing defeat at the hands of Cipher Pol number 9. So, he knew he needed to bring something more to the table to snatch away victory. Moreover, Nico Robin’s life was on the line.
18 years ago today Luffy used the iconic Gear 2 for the first time.pic.twitter.com/OZnKxIOzkk
— Pew (@pewpiece) July 23, 2024
After sparring with Blueno, he saw no other way but to show the world his new transformation. His body turned pink and released steam. By pumping his heart faster, he gained massive speed. His fast-paced hit packed a punch. Even Blueno’s defense failed to keep up. He defeated Blueno with a few more strikes. It was not only Gear Second, the situation and the iconic stance also played a massive role in its popularity.
The Gear’s second stance became so popular that athletes took that stance during several sporting events. Eiichiro Oda picked up the perfect moment to use the transformation. It was a crucial transformation since it helped him defeat Rob Lucci and save Nico Robin. The moment practically changed One Piece. Before that, there was no concept of Gears. Moreover, the internet and social media were not that popular. Otherwise, Gear Second would have crashed the streaming sites.
Fans Praise Gear Second On Its Birthday
Gear Second took place 18 years ago. So, there always remains the nostalgic hit. It was so sudden and unexpected, especially after the Straw Hats were crushed by the CP9 a few episodes back. On its birthday, the fans went to social media to appreciate the perfect transformation. They thanked Eiichiro Oda for giving them such an amazing moment. Old fans even say it to be better than the comparatively newer Gear 5.
This was more powerful than gear 5
— goat (@pokemonMinnale) July 23, 2024
The moment that changed One piece forever.
— Wallpaper Girl (@WallpaperBliss) July 23, 2024
Now THIS is iconic. That gear 2nd pose is so raw and almost every jet move is cool
— YungDbreezy/Son Whoaku #Himsey (@KidKinsey) July 23, 2024
Iconic moment pic.twitter.com/Pvu3C1xaCD
— Saint Tyrone🥩🍳🦪🍊🥛🥂 (@SaintTyroneRSGG) July 23, 2024
Peak Fiction🔥 pic.twitter.com/RfOLV26I47
— freeforall (@Sitback101) July 23, 2024
Best shounen transformation imo 🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/cIh51At36V
— ahmed (@vvvvjuuu) July 23, 2024
Oda sensei has given the fans several memorable moments, but Gear Second holds a special place in their hearts. Even the Water Seven and Enies Lobby arc had a few tear-jerking moments. Together, it was a reminiscing experience. With the final war nearing, the fans are expecting Gear 6. But still, it won’t be enough to dethrone Gear Second.
One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
