Vegapunk once mentioned that “awakened Zoan users tend to lose their sense of self,” which has sparked intriguing discussions among fans. We’ve observed several awakened Zoan users in One Piece, such as Luffy and Lucci, leading to a theory about what makes a successful Zoan awakening.

One theory proposes that beyond mastering the Devil Fruit, there’s a deeper connection between the user and the animal they transform into. Essentially, it suggests that a Zoan user’s ability to awaken their fruit might depend on how well they embody the traits or essence of the animal. This concept can be likened to having a “spirit animal”—being a living representation of the animal’s characteristics.

Luffy and the Sun God Nika

Luffy’s awakening of the Sun God Nika fruit seems to align perfectly with this theory. Nika is the embodiment of freedom and liberation, traits that mirror Luffy’s own journey. He has repeatedly fought against oppression and liberated countries throughout his adventures. His character and actions embody the essence of Nika, suggesting that his deep connection to the spirit of the Sun God is key to his Zoan fruit’s awakening.

Lucci and the Leopard

Similarly, Rob Lucci, who possesses the Leopard Zoan fruit, also reflects the traits associated with leopards. Leopards are often seen as symbols of violence and bloodlust—traits that are central to Lucci’s character. His fierce and violent nature aligns with the leopard’s characteristics, supporting the idea that embodying the animal’s traits is crucial for awakening.

Kaku and the Giraffe

In contrast, Kaku’s Giraffe Zoan fruit raises questions. While we can speculate, the connection between Kaku and the giraffe is less obvious. However, if the theory holds, it suggests that Oda might have a specific reason for Kaku’s awakening or that the traits of a giraffe might not be as clear-cut as those of a leopard or Sun God.

The Impel Down Guards

This theory also sheds light on the Impel Down guards who were Zoan users. They had technical mastery over their powers but lacked a deeper connection to their animals. Their transformations might have been incomplete or unstable due to a misalignment between their personal traits and the essence of their Zoan fruits. Zoan fruits are said to have wills of their own, so if the user’s traits do not resonate with the animal’s spirit, the fruit’s power might not fully align with the user’s body.

In summary, the theory posits that a successful Zoan awakening involves not just technical mastery but also a profound alignment between the user’s traits and the animal they represent. This connection might be the key to unlocking the full potential of a Zoan Devil Fruit.