One Piece is currently in the climax of the Elbaf arc, and here, Eiichiro Oda has expanded upon Monkey D. Luffy's Hito Hito no Mi Model: Nika powers drastically. After being introduced in the story and properly explained around four years ago, the powers of Hito Hito no Mi Model: Nika are dramatically growing.
In Elbaf, Luffy tested his Nika form against Nerona Imu and was utterly outclassed. More recently, Luffy ran out of steam completely before Loki took over in battle to cover for him. However, just as Loki has now tapped into a new hybrid Ryu Ryu no Mi Model: Nidhoggr transformation, Luffy is likely to receive a new Hito Hito no Mi Model: Nika transformation of his own, which we are all eagerly waiting to see.
Monkey D. Luffy has most certainly been impressive against Nerona Imu. He joined the battle officially at the end of One Piece chapter 1186 on June 29, 2026, in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #31. However, shortly after, in One Piece chapter 1188, Luffy was beaten by Imu and utterly outclassed without even going all out. The difference in strength between the two couldn't have been clearer. Had it not been for Scopper Gaban, who stepped in at the right moment to save the life of the Yonko, Luffy would most certainly have died right there and then. Thankfully, due to Gaban's interception, Luffy was able to live longer and rejoin the battle against Imu in the underworld.
"That's right! Listen, in this sea, the higher you climb, the more enemies you gain! The 'Pirate King' is a title given to someone whose death is rejoiced! Because everybody wants to sit on that throne! If you think you can become the 'Pirate King' peacefully, cheerfully, and merrily, go back to your home!" — Scopper Gaban saves Luffy, One Piece Chapter #1190
Now, in One Piece chapter 1192, which was released on September 6, 2026, in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #41, Luffy launched a powerful counterattack against Nerona Imu and broke through his Shield of Emptiness: Tohu Va Vohu, in the process. However, he is now out of gas completely, meaning Gear 5 is ineffective. Despite being an incredibly powerful transformation, the battle between Luffy and Imu confirmed to us that Gear 5 is tremendously limited in the grand scheme of things. Against someone as strong as Imu, this transformation simply cannot help Luffy win the battle, and that goes to show that Luffy still hasn't finished his evolution into an elite pirate just yet.
"Why am I still alive? If I go out of this form, it'll be bad news! Hey old man, I'm sorry. You lost an arm because you were defending me." — Luffy confirms Gear 5’s limits, One Piece Chapter #1191
In One Piece chapter 1193, Loki decided to cover for Luffy and tapped into the hybrid form of the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Nidhoggr. This form will give Loki access to all the powers of the Lightning Dragon Nidhoggr in his humanoid body, making him stronger than ever before. This is Loki's strongest form, which helped him fight against Harald and defeat him in combat 14 years ago. Now, this very same power will be utilized against Nerona Imu. While it will certainly help him hold his own for a while, it will, in the grand scheme of things, not be enough to take down the King of the World. Nerona Imu, despite being nerfed, is simply way too powerful for Luffy or Loki to defeat as things stand. This means that the best Loki can hope to do here, with his new transformation, is to buy more time for Luffy.
"Dogahaha! Looks like you're at your limit!! I'll be the one to finish him off! You just rest there!" — Loki uses his Hybrid Nidhoggr form, One Piece Chapter #1193
سەرچاوەی فەرمی بە زمانی ئینگلیزی: https://gamerant.com/one-piece-new-hito-hito-no-mi-form-luffy/
