The One Piece Elbaf Arc may be preparing a huge power-up for Monkey D. Luffy. After Gear 5 struggled against Imu, a new theory has started to gain attention. Luffy may soon unlock a new form of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.
Gear 5 is currently Luffy’s strongest transformation. It gives him great freedom in battle. It also makes his body far more flexible and powerful. However, the fight with Imu has shown one clear problem.
Gear 5 may no longer be enough.
Because of this, Eiichiro Oda could be preparing another transformation for Luffy. Interestingly, Loki’s new form may have already given fans a major clue.

Gear 5 Has Reached Its Limits
Luffy entered the fight against Nerona Imu with great confidence. Gear 5 allowed him to use the full power of Nika.
At first, Luffy looked dangerous. His strange attacks made the battle hard to predict. His body could also stretch, twist, and change in unusual ways. As a result, he was able to put pressure on Imu.
However, the battle soon took a bad turn. In Chapter 1188, Imu defeated Luffy. More importantly, Imu did not seem to use their full power. The gap between the two fighters was still huge. Luffy was then saved by Scopper Gaban.
This moment showed that Gear 5 has a serious weakness. The form gives Luffy incredible power. However, it also consumes a lot of energy. Once Luffy runs out of energy, his performance drops fast.
Chapter 1192 made this problem even clearer. Luffy managed to break Imu’s Shield of Emptiness. It was a huge achievement. Yet, Luffy soon became exhausted.
Therefore, Gear 5 is not weak. Far from it. The problem is that Luffy needs a form that can help him fight a monster like Imu for much longer.
Loki’s Hybrid Form May Be the Biggest Clue
The events of Chapter 1193 may offer an important answer. Loki decided to help Luffy against Imu. He then activated the Hybrid Form of his Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Nidhoggr. This form combines Loki’s human body with the power of the mythical dragon Nidhoggr.
As a result, Loki can use the dragon’s power while keeping a humanoid body. This gives him greater control over his strength and abilities. The form is also very important for another reason. Loki used this form in the past. It helped him defeat Harald 14 years ago.
Now, he is using the same power against Imu. However, Loki still cannot defeat Imu. Even after Imu lost some of their power, the World King remains far too strong.
So, Loki’s main role may be to buy time. That gives Luffy a chance to return.
At the same time, Loki’s transformation creates an interesting question.
Could Luffy have a similar form?

The Hito Hito no Mi May Have Another Form
The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika is a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. Therefore, it should have more than one way to transform. Most Zoan users have three basic forms. They have their normal form. They also have a full animal form. Finally, they can use a Hybrid Form. Luffy’s Devil Fruit works in a much stranger way.
Before its true name was revealed, fans believed it was the Gomu Gomu no Mi. After its awakening, however, Luffy gained Gear 5. This form revealed the true power of Nika. Still, fans have only seen one major Nika transformation. That could be important.
If the Hito Hito no Mi follows the basic rules of Mythical Zoan fruits, there may be another form that Luffy has not unlocked yet. A Nika Hybrid Form could be one possible answer. This form could mix Luffy’s normal body with the power of Nika. It may also give him better control over his energy.
Of course, this is still only a theory. Oda has not confirmed that Luffy will receive a new transformation. However, the timing makes the idea very interesting.
Luffy’s Body May Already Be Changing
Another clue may have appeared in Chapter 1193. Luffy’s body suddenly reacts in a strange way during the battle. This detail could be easy to miss. Still, it may have a bigger meaning. Oda often uses small details to set up future events. Therefore, Luffy’s unusual reaction may not be random. It could show that his body is responding to the power of Nika.
If so, Luffy may be close to unlocking another stage of his Devil Fruit. The timing would also make sense. Loki is now fighting Imu. However, Loki cannot hold the enemy back forever. Once Loki reaches his limit, Luffy may have to return. That could be the perfect moment for a new transformation.

A New Nika Form Could Boost Luffy’s Haki
A new transformation would not only make Luffy physically stronger. It could also improve his Haki. Luffy has already mastered advanced forms of Armament and Observation Haki. He can also use advanced Conqueror’s Haki. However, Imu is still far above him.
Therefore, Luffy needs another major step forward. His next transformation could help him use his Haki at a much higher level. This is especially important for Conqueror’s Haki. Conqueror’s Haki is linked to a person’s spirit and will. It is not something that can simply be trained like a normal physical skill.
However, as Luffy grows stronger, his Haki can also reach a higher level. A stronger Nika form could support this growth.
As a result, Luffy may gain both more physical power and stronger Haki at the same time. That could be exactly what he needs against Imu.
The New Form Could Be Key to the Final War
The timing of this possible upgrade is also important. One Piece is now moving deeper into its final saga. Luffy is facing enemies that are stronger than ever. At the same time, the story is revealing more about Nika, Joy Boy, Imu, and the Void Century.
Because of this, Luffy’s next power-up should be something major. A simple increase in Gear 5’s strength may not be enough.
Instead, Oda could introduce a completely new Nika form. A Hybrid-style transformation would fit the story well. It could keep the freedom of Gear 5 while giving Luffy better control over his body. It could also reduce the biggest weakness of Gear 5: its huge energy cost.
More importantly, the new form could help Luffy fight Imu for a longer period.
Will Luffy Unlock a New Hito Hito no Mi Form?
For now, there is no official confirmation. The idea of a new Hito Hito no Mi transformation remains a fan theory. However, several details in the Elbaf Arc make it worth watching. Gear 5 has struggled against Imu. Loki has revealed a powerful Hybrid Form. Meanwhile, Luffy’s body may already be showing signs of change.
Together, these clues could point toward a major reveal. If Loki falls and Luffy returns to the fight, the moment may finally arrive. Luffy could awaken a new form of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.
If that happens, it could become one of the biggest transformations in One Piece. Gear 5 changed Luffy forever. His next Nika form could decide whether he is finally ready to stand against Imu.
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One Piece: Gaban’s Epic Haki Moment Rivals Shanks
Zoro’s Hidden Haki Power Revealed in One Piece 1193
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