In the world of One Piece, Devil Fruits are mysterious fruits that give whoever eats them a special power or ability. There are many different types of Devil Fruits, with paramecia, zoan, and logia being the main categories. Fans of the series often wonder if there is a lion Devil Fruit, given how popular and powerful lions are as animals.
What are Zoan Devil Fruits?
Zoan Devil Fruits allow the user to transform into an animal or hybrid human-animal form. Examples include Chopper’s Human-Human Fruit which allows him to transform into a reindeer, and Rob Lucci’s Leopard-Leopard Fruit which lets him become a leopard. Zoan fruits are useful for giving greatly enhanced strength, speed, and senses.
There are many different types of Zoan Devil Fruits in One Piece covering a wide variety of animals. We’ve seen fruits based on dinosaurs, insects, sharks, birds, and more. However, we have not yet seen a lion zoan Devil Fruit.
Why a Lion Fruit Makes Sense
A lion Devil Fruit would be a very fitting addition to the One Piece world. Lions are considered the kings of the beasts and are revered for their strength and ferocity. They are apex predators capable of taking down large prey. A lion zoan fruit would grant intimidating powers to match this reputation.
In terms of fighting style, lion powers would lend themselves well to close quarters combat. With razor sharp claws and crushing jaws, a lion zoan user could deal devastating damage up close. Enhanced senses would also aid in hunting down foes. Roaring loudly to intimidate enemies also fits the lion’s status as a ruler.
There are also many ways Oda could design the look of a lion hybrid form. Chopper demonstrates how creative zoan forms can be. A lion could be bipedal or quadrupedal, retain human attributes like hands for grabbing, and have varying proportions of lion features.
A lion would interact uniquely with the One Piece world. They are absent from jungles like Little Garden which are full of other predators. A lion zoan could establish themselves as the rightful king of an island’s wilderness. There is also opportunity for interesting lion prides forming under zoan users, as lions are highly social.
Other Feline Zoan Fruits
While there is no lion fruit yet, Oda has introduced some other feline Zoans:
| Fruit Name | User | Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Leopard Fruit | Rob Lucci | Enhanced strength, speed, claws |
| Cheetah Fruit | Bepo | High speed movement |
| Cat Fruit | Mr. Tamago | Cat hybrid forms |
While powerful, these felines don’t quite capture the regal image of a lion. So there is still room for a lion to feel distinct among One Piece’s cats.
Possible Lion Fruit Users
If Oda were to introduce a lion Devil Fruit, who might wield its power? Here are some candidates:
- A leader of a kingdom or organization
- The captain of a pirate crew
- A member of the revolutionary army
- A Marine admiral or fleet commander
- The ruler of the Mokomo Dukedom
- A member of the Beasts Pirates
- A leader of the Numbers
- A gladiator from Dressrosa’s Colosseum
Since lions represent royalty and strength, having the fruit’s user in a leadership position makes sense. They could rule over an isolated island or lead a powerful group. Ruler of an ancient kingdom would also work.
Would it go to Lion Vinsmoke?
Fans have speculated that if there is a lion fruit, it might go to a member of the Vinsmoke family. Specifically the brother named “Lion” Vinsmoke who has yet to be revealed.
As the Vinsmokes are named after poisons and assassination techniques, “Lion” could indicate something deadly like a lion’s power. However, this is just speculation and Oda could take Lion’s character in a different direction.
What would a Lion Fruit be called?
Here are some possible names Oda might give the fruit:
- Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Lion
- Shishi Shishi no Mi
- Raion Raion no Mi
- Lion-Lion Fruit
Oda has flexibility in naming fruits. He might use Neko Neko no Mi Model Lion to fit with Rob Lucci’s Leopard fruit being Neko Neko no Mi Model Leopard. Or he could go a totally unique route like the Raion Raion no Mi.
Awakening a Lion Fruit
As an extremely powerful Zoan, a lion Devil Fruit would have the potential to be awakened. Awakening grants even greater power and versatility.
The jailer guards of Impel Down demonstrate some model awakened Zoan abilities. This includes being able to transform selectively parts of their body, greater strength/stamina, and more bestial appearances.
An awakened lion zoan could gain the ability to transform single body parts like their arms or head. Their hybrid form might become larger and more lion-like. Stamina and power could increase tremendously to reflect the lion’s tireless hunting ability.
There is also the possibility of applying awakening in unique ways. For example, imbuing attacks with the power of their lion form for extended range and damage. Or unleashing shockwave roars capable of destroying the surroundings.
If used by a top fighter, an awakened lion zoan fruit could be extremely formidable. It would take mastery of Busoshoku and Kenbunshoku Haki to match the power of the lion.
Conclusion
In summary, while no lion Devil Fruit currently exists in One Piece, there are many reasons why it would make an excellent addition:
- Lion zoan fits One Piece themes and would have cool, intimidating powers
- Oda could get very creative with the hybrid form’s design
- Many strong character types like pirates, Marines, and revolutionaries could utilize its potential
- It would interact uniquely with One Piece’s world and other animals
- When awakened, it could become one of the strongest Zoans
Introducing a lion fruit at some point in the future would be impactful and open many story possibilities. Oda is fantastic at worldbuilding, so a lion zoan would likely exceed fan expectations whenever revealed. For now, fans will have to wait patiently and see if the king of beasts joins the Devil Fruit roster.