Eiichiro Oda found both a friend and a direct competitor in the form of Masashi Kishimoto. One Piece has often taken inspiration from Naruto and vice versa. Letting go of hostility, a friendly competition was accepted between the two that let their works grow in fame as each chapter came out. Kishimoto’s work is one that has inspired many. Whether it is the heroes or the villains, even the powers; a lot can be found inspiring.
Oda is not one to shy away from the same. He wanted to take inspiration, much like any other renowned mangaka. There can be the biggest things and even the smallest ones that give the much-needed push. However, the ability that took birth from that also gave way to a terrifying villain.
Eiichiro Oda was inspired by Masashi Kishimoto for a Devil Fruit
When talking about the Suke Suke no Mi in the official translation from the “Michi” book (via Game Rant), Eiichiro Oda opened up about how it was Masashi Kishimoto who had inspired him to create such a deadly Devil Fruit that gave the Straw Hat Pirates such a hard time. The Devil Fruit first belonged to Absalom, who fought against the entire team from the Thriller Bark arc.
“The one that surprised me the most was when one of Kishimoto-san’s bad guys turned invisible and went underwater. All you saw was this silhouette, and I thought that was really well done. I used that as inspiration for my own invisible character.”
The Devil Fruit gave him the ability to become invisible. It wasn’t just limited to his person but all that he touched, regardless of it being living or non-living. He constantly went about spying on people, especially Nami and Nico Robin. This particular ability was one that Oda found taking inspiration from Masashi Kishimoto.
Seeing how often characters, especially the villains in Naruto had the ability to go invisible and then have only their silhouettes visible was something he found intriguing.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Subtle Trick May Have Given Way to Zoro’s Opponent
During the Wano Country arc, Absalom visited Blackbeard’s Island, whereupon his misfortune, was killed off by Blackbeard’s people. The Devil Fruit abilities later went onto Shiryu. Being Blackbeard’s commander, Shiryu is one of the main antagonists of One Piece. His current stance in the manga makes him a formidable villain no matter who he fights, however, the most likely of the Straw Hat Pirates is also their greatest swordsman.
Seeing that both the Straw Hat Pirates and Blackbeard’s crew will most probably go head to head against each other, there is a strong possibility for Roronoa Zoro to find an opponent in Shiryu of the Rain. His ability to go invisible is surely to become a massive problem for the swordsman, one that he would have to overcome his other limitations.
The fight would give Zoro the opportunity to grow not just as a swordsman but also improve his other skills.
One Piece is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
