The Goru Goru no Mi is the golden Devil Fruit of One Piece. Here’s why. Have you ever wondered if King Midas could also control the gold he created with his mind? Well, neither have we, but that is sort of the situation we find ourselves in. Control over gold is what the Goru Goru no Mi grants its user, but what does that mean for the world of One Piece? Can this power lead to unforeseen riches or topple kings? Is it just a neat party trick for elitist figures to clap at like starving seals? Today, we’re going to do our best to explain what makes this devil fruit tick, and why some have even killed to attain it.
A Devil Fruit With It’s Own Movie
The Goru Goru no Mi is exclusive to the One Piece Film: Gold storyline and is not part of the main One Piece manga and anime series created by Eiichiro Oda. It was introduced as the central plot device in the film, serving as the source of Gild Tesoro’s extraordinary power and influence within the Gran Tesoro, a massive and extravagant city-ship known as the “Ship of Gold.”
What Does The Treasured Goru Goru no Mi Look Like?
The Goru Goru no Mi, or “Gol-Gol Fruit,” is a fruit with a rich, dark yellow hue that, according to the One Piece Fanbase, seems to blend the characteristics of a “gourd and a pineapple.” We’d have to agree, as long as the pineapple is very ripe. Decorated with a handful of leaves at its crown, the fruit widens at its center. In some ways, it’s a fitting aesthetic and a foreshadowing element if you haven’t seen the movie yet. Plus, similar to all other natural Devil Fruits, its exterior boasts intricate swirling patterns. They somehow just look cooler in gold.
Goru Goru no Mi Devil Fruit Ability
We kind of made it obvious, but it is best to sum it up before moving on. The primary ability of the Goru Goru no Mi is the manipulation and channeling of gold. This power is classified as a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. For most fans, this fruit is not necessarily considered canon, and it has been lambasted by the One Piece community for being a bit one-dimensional. That said, it holds some fun characteristics that help its supporters while debating on forums. So who claimed it? How did it end up in their hands?
Gild Tesoro: “Casino King” and Master of Greed
For starters, Gild Tesoro is a fan of the bling, often sporting a wide arrangement of necklaces and accessories. As a result of his impoverished upbringing, he turned to a life of criminality. However, his path took a different turn when he crossed paths with a young enslaved girl named Stella. Falling deeply in love with her, he aspired to one day secure her freedom. Sadly, this dream was shattered when Stella was purchased by a World Noble, leaving him devastated.
A New Dream
It was at this point that Tesoro’s fixation on wealth began to consume him, leading him to set a goal of accumulating such vast riches that he could wield unparalleled power in the world.
His journey towards this ambition began when he stumbled upon the Goru Goru no Mi at an auction that ultimately proved to be a deceptive facade. In an act of sheer determination, he used force to obtain the Devil Fruit, despite the Donquixote Pirates intentions of not actually selling it. This aggressive acquisition marked the beginning of a hostile relationship between them. At his peak, the Gol-Gol Fruit made Tesoro one of the richest men to ever live. So, what else can it do?
How Does Gild Tesoro Use The Goru Goru no Mi?
The user possesses the innate ability to swiftly transition gold between its solid and liquid states and vice versa, giving them unparalleled control over its form. Tesoro expertly utilizes this power to sculpt gold into virtually any shape or structure of his choosing. His mastery extends to crafting immense cascades of liquid gold, ensnaring his adversaries within its gleaming (but hostile) embrace. He also wields the capability to infuse gold dust and delicate flakes into the bodies of others, gradually transmuting their skin into gold. Hence the reference to Midas earlier.
Awakening and Difficulties
In the event that this power undergoes an “awakening,” it ushers in a heightened realm of influence over gold. This augmentation expands the user’s sensory connection to gold like a massive organic grid, forming an intricate perceptive network. Disturbances or alterations to said gold become readily apparent to the user, giving them an acute awareness of their surroundings through this fluid metallic body he’s made for himself.
Unlike King Midas, Tesoro can really only manipulate the precious metal, rendering his power slightly null if he were to go without it. If you’ve been following our series of Devil Fruit segments, you’d know there is a significant difference between Logia and Paramecia. The only real exception to this rule appears to be the Mochi Mochi no Mi. Anyway, without the present element, It would be easy to subdue Tesoro.
A Lesson… Even If Non-Canon… Should Be Learned
In One Piece, Devil Fruits are plentiful and imaginative, each with their own set of powers and abilities. The Goru Goru no Mi is a prime example of the creativity and complexity that Eiichiro Oda (and the One Piece creative team) bring to their storytelling, even in non-canon works. Tesoro’s Devil Fruit exhibits the potential for both awe-inspiring feats and moral lessons within the world of One Piece. Whether or not the Goru Goru no Mi gets into the main storyline… it doesn’t really matter. It’s still a fun element for fans willing to suspend disbelief.