of Ichiro Oda a piece Features an incredibly expansive power system powered primarily by Devil Fruit abilities. As such, many characters sport unique transformations using their powers. Until recently, in the strongest transformation a piece Monkey D. Luffy's Gear was 5, which is the awakening of his Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, which was tapped in Shuisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump issue #17 on March 28, 2022, chapter 1044.
Now, 4 years later, One Piece has officially removed Luffy's Gear 5 with the latest revelation of Nerona Emu's Devil God transformation, stemming from the use of his Akuma no Mi powers, officially confirmed in One Piece Chapter 1179 in Shuisha's Weekly Shonen Jump #1690.
A fragment unleashes Nerona Emu's transformation into Akuma in chapter 1179, surpassing Luffy's Gear 5
a piece Chapter 1179 was released on April 6, 2026, and it marked a landmark moment in the entire series for us. It is this chapter that officially unveils Nerona Emu's full character design for the first time as she decides to land on Elbaf in an attempt to wipe both the Sun God Nick and Nidhoggar from existence. In doing so, Eiichiro Oda gave us all an accurate glimpse of Nerona Emu's power, and it was confirmed that he was indeed the bearer of the Devil Fruit.
Creator of World Government (one of the first 20)
Power: Akuma no Mi
King of the World Saint Nerona Emu
— Nerona Imu introduction box from One Piece Chapter #1179
Interestingly, Nerona Emu's Devil Fruit is very different from all the others that exist in the One Piece world, and is called Akuma no Mi. Using the power of Akuma no Mi, Nerona Emu can transform himself into Satan or the 'Devil God' as he likes to call himself. This Devil God transformation began in chapter 1179, and its powers were shown in subsequent chapters, from 1180 to 1183, in which Brooks' flashbacks officially took over.
Loki: So your power is Lordship of the Gods? I think you mean a deal with the devil!
Emu: God? Satan? What's the difference?
— Imu explaining her Akuma no Mi ability in One Piece Chapter #1181.
Nerona Imu's Akuma no Mi adaptation is unique. It gives him two large horns, a pair of large black wings, leathery skin, and a naginata as a weapon. He can also use the power of Omen, which he calls his military power, and use it to create various weapons such as bullets, bombs, shields, morning stars, swords, and spears, which are officially displayed in chapters 1180 to 1183.
“The omen is my military power. It is a power that resides in all living things.” — Nerona Emu explaining her Akuma no Me Omen, One Piece chapter #1181
Emu's physical prowess is at such a level that even with the power of Ice Squirrel Ratatoskar by his side, he can easily defeat Loki. He can one-shot Zoro, Sanji, and Hazrudin each, as has been officially demonstrated. a piece Chapter 1180 was released on April 20, 2026 in Shuisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump Issue #21. Clearly, right now, Nerona Emu stands tall as the strongest One Piece character in the current era, and her Akuma transformation is the strongest we've seen in the story so far.
Why Akuma no Mi is a unique Devil's Fruit transformation
Nerona Emu's Devil God powers are special in more ways than one. This Devil Fruit not only empowers Omen by granting him power, as well as various contracts and spells, but it is also special in the sense that it carries unique abilities that make it far different from any fruit that exists in the world of One Piece. All Devil Fruits that exist in the One Piece world fall under a specific naming pattern. Each Devil Fruit has a naming pattern that is repeated twice, and all of them are usually written in kanji by author Eiichiro Oda. For example, Luffy's Hito Hito no Mi, Buggy's Bara Bara no Mi, Kuzan's Hie Hie no Mi, and Ace's Mera Mera no Mi, all follow the same naming pattern. Imu's Akuma no Mi is very different.
Akuma no Mi only has a singular name, and instead of kanji, it uses katakana. In other words, it's the ultimate Devil Fruit in the One Piece world, with a name that clearly embodies that as well. Wielding the power of a Devil Fruit that surpasses all others that exist in the world of One Piece, Nerona Emule Monkey D. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the likes of Loffy's Gear 5 or Loki's Nidhoggar using transformations.
“What's going on? Even in God Valley, I've never felt like this Hawkeye!” – Scooper Gaban confirms that Emu's transformation is the strongest, one piece chapter #1180
Luffy can develop a new transformation to overcome Nerona Emu's Akuma powers
After the Elbaf arc of One Piece concludes with Brooke's flashback, Monkey D. Setting up the final battle between Luffy and Nerona Emu, which will continue. a piece Chapter 1185 in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump issue #29 on June 14, 2026. As things stand, Luffy doesn't stand a chance against Imu, and even his Gear 5 isn't enough to take him down. This is evident from the fact that Luffy and Loki measure at the same level of power, but Loki seems to be struggling to land even a fair hit on the world's sovereign.
“Having a body with the power of rubber, and fighting in any way possible, bringing smiles to people's faces, a warrior of liberation…also known as the Sun God, Nika!” – Gorosei explaining Sun God Nick's power, One Piece Chapter #1044
For Luffy to defeat Nerona Emu or push him back, he needs a strong transformation, and that's what Eiichiro Oda can present at the climax of the Elbaf arc after the conclusion of the Brooke flashback. This transformation could be by Luffy upgrading his Haki and combining it with Gear 5, or it could be as simple as taking his Devil Fruit awakening to a whole new level and gaining an overall level of strength. If Luffy manages to do so, then he gains access to a unique transformation that directly rivals the power of Nerona Imu's Akuma no Mi.
We are curious to see how Eiichiro Oda starts the Luffy vs Imu battle and what abilities he gives him. At this point, what can be said with absolute certainty is that Luffy needs to be very strong if he is to fight Nerona Emu, and if he doesn't, Elbaf and Luffy themselves will be crushed.
All new One Piece manga chapters by creator Eiichiro Oda can be read through Manga Plus and Viz Media.
