The Neko Neko no Mi deserves a One Piece analysis.
Many times during this devil fruit series, we’ve delved into the symbolism that enhances each one and its power. Today, we’re getting right into it. The Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Leopard is a Zoan-type Devil Fruit that grants its user the ability to seamlessly shift between a hybrid leopard-human form and a complete leopard form at their discretion, effectively transforming them into a Leopard Human. So what has the Neko Neko no Mi done for One Piece and what gives it claws?
The Man of The Hour: Rob Lucci
The owner of this ferocious delicacy is Rob Lucci. Rob Lucci is a slender yet tall, muscular individual known for his distinctive arched eyebrows and a neatly trimmed goatee. His shoulder-length, wavy black hair is occasionally tied back in a ponytail. In moments of reprieve from combat, his loyal pet pigeon, Hattori, can often be found perched quietly on his right shoulder.
Lucci exudes an aura of icy detachment and professionalism as a Cipher Pol agent. Also, he comes across as nearly sociopathic and morally indifferent to the world around him. Throughout his extended undercover assignments, Lucci typically maintained a stoic presence, relying on Hattori as his preferred means of communication. That is when he’s not tearing people apart.
The Power of the Neko Neko no Mi
Rob Lucci has primarily harnessed the fruit’s powers for combat, stoking his insatiable thirst for battle. Upon awakening, the user’s Human-Beast form undergoes a dramatic physical metamorphosis. Their size increases and their physique becomes either more lean or muscular, intensifying their power.
A dark, fiery mane takes shape down the user’s back and arms, while a cascade of ethereal flames encircles their shoulders. Notably, in his hybrid state, Lucci exhibits the ability to catapult both Luffy and Zoro through a building. Thus propelling them across the city of Water 7. The latter was promptly made unconscious and sent hurtling off the island.
Hybrid Strength
In their half-leopard form, the user becomes massive, with their original height and mass expanding beyond comprehension. The fruit imparts the user with a plethora of leopard-like abilities. Including enhanced strength, leveled durability, swiftness, agility, strong teeth and jaws, retractable claws, and superior climbing and leaping skills.
No Weakness For The Beast
Individuals who have a transformation into such animals inherently wield heightened danger and physical fighting improvements, often showing advantageous attributes like special appendages for battle. As noted by Tony Tony Chopper, Zoan users assuming the form of carnivorous animals tend to present a more naturally ferocious face than their peers.
Up to this point, this particular fruit does not have any distinct weaknesses beyond the standard vulnerabilities tied to all Devil Fruits. According to Lucci, those who have consumed fruits of this nature tend to be specialists in physical feats and excel in close-quarters battles. This can manifest in different ways.
Fighting in Three Dimensions: Kamisori
Lucci uses a fusion of Geppo and Soru techniques, hitting Soru with a zigzag trajectory while airborne. This technique enables rapid, multidimensional movement, granting him crazy agility and speed. Other CP9 agents have also demonstrated the utilization of this move or variants thereof, facilitating swift aerial maneuvering.
Seimei Kikan: The Fourth Form
While typical Zoan Devil Fruits typically offer three transformation states, Lucci holds the exceptional ability to access a fourth form through Seimei Kikan. In this additional form, Lucci not only gets heightened speed but also the ability to deliver a greater number of hits compared to his standard half-leopard state. Additionally, he adopts a more compact profile, making himself a notably smaller target, particularly when juxtaposed with his regular hybrid form.
Storm Leg: Both Versions
There are two forms of this. The first: Rob Lucci conjures a formidable Rankyaku resembling a swirling vortex, propelling it toward the adversary like a razor-sharp projectile. Upon contact, it inflicts damage and induces a state of disorientation, capable of launching the enemy through the air if it becomes ensnared within its path. The second: Lucci crafts a substantial bird-shaped Rankyaku using his clawed limbs in his half-leopard configuration. This particular Rankyaku has an expanded range, heightened offensive potency, and the impressive ability to slice through steel, a feat unparalleled by other iterations.
Six King Gun or Rokushiki Ogi
This represents the pinnacle of Rokushiki techniques, powered by Neko Neko, capable of giving internal damage to the opponent akin to the Impact Dial. Or possibly even surpassing the intensity of the Reject Dial. However, this technique stands out as more strong and can be executed without the adverse consequence of causing intense pain to the user. It manifests as a pair of fists positioned closely together, delivering a devastating blast of force crazy enough to make even Luffy cough up blood and approach the brink of mortality.
A Move Learned Through Awakening: Shugan
In his awakened state, Lucci maintains all five fingers fully extended and thrusts his entire hand toward the adversary. Essentially, this ends up impaling them. From what is shown in the manga, it’s insanely brutal. Plus, it is hard to imagine how they can plug it into the live-action without leaving viewers terrified. This is arguably more powerful than anything exhibited in the anime. That said, it’s really up for debate. We’ll let the fans decide.
The Neko Neko no Mi: A Force of Nature
Zoan devil fruits sometimes come off as a little basic. That doesn’t mean they aren’t creative in their own way, but it’s kind of like comparing the Hulk to Iron Man. Sure, there’s overlap, but there are so many layers to Stark’s inventions. Every time you peel one back, there’s this fresh take on something everyone loves. That’s kind of what one gets with the Neko Neko no Mi. At first, it seems like another dull animal-based attribute. Then suddenly, the leopard’s strength is enhanced with martial arts. Now, you have yourself a jungle cat assassin with the ability to spar with Bruce Lee.
