Definitely one of the more basic types of Zoan Fruits, the Human-Human Fruit seems pointless at first. Also known as the Hito Hito no Mi in the Japanese version, these Devil Fruits allow the user to turn into… human? Well, not entirely humans, unless it’s the basic Model that Chopper uses. No, the Human-Human Fruit class of Zoans is another level entirely when it comes to anything besides the basic model.
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What is the Human-Human Fruit?
Human-Human Fruits are a model of Zoan Type Devil Fruits, which, you guessed it, are based on humans. Only in the normal form though, as when Mythical Zoan Fruits come into the equation the category expands significantly. Turns out, the basic form only works on animals, giving them human-like characteristics. The kind that Chopper eats allows him to walk, move, and talk like a human now in addition to his normal reindeer form. That’s only scratching the surface of the Human-Human Fruit’s incredible diversity of power though.
When the Mythical Models start to come into play, things change completely. Only two have been seen so far in the story, but both take the form of gods or legendary heroes. So far the only ones seen are of Buddha and Nika, one a real historical religious figure while the other is exclusive to One Piece. Though Nika is based on some real-life religions, in the story of One Piece he’s powerful enough to get an entire Zoan Devil Fruit dedicated to his power.
Basic Model
The basic model of the Human-Human Fruit is eaten by Tony Tony Chopper, the Straw Hats’ resident doctor. The little reindeer was already a pariah from his herd, with his blue nose making him different from all the rest. He eventually accidentally eats the Human-Human Fruit, unsure of what it does, and suddenly undergoes a massive transformation. Stuck in Heavy Point for a long time, he’s considered a monster by humans who don’t know any better, all while he’s still learning to be one of them. Thankfully, the power of the Human-Human Fruit gives him the eventual ability to speak human language and eventually, he warms up to them.
The powers the Human-Human Fruit that Chopper holds allow are more based on his own genius. Through experimenting with it, Chopper has figured out how to morph his body into different forms using various human-figure builds. From strengthening his muscles in Heavy Point to going on a rampage in Monster Point, the little doctor has figured it all out. The Human-Human Fruit has allowed him to evolve not just physically, but mentally in order to use his Devil Fruit power to the fullest extent. There’s still plenty of room for Chopper to improve too, constantly bettering himself for the crew.
Mythical Model: Sun God Nika
The Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Model: Sun God Nika is better known still as the Gum-Gum Fruit. Originally hidden away as a Paramecia, once Awakening goes into effect the user effectively turns into the Sun God, a freedom bringer. Nika sounds the Drums of Liberation with his heartbeat, bringing joy and freedom to all around him as he fights freely, morphing his body in any way he chooses. It’s Luffy’s ultimate sign of freedom, showing him unbound by physical limits and only at the boundaries of his own mind in battle. Nika’s white hair and stretchy movements end up turning the user into something else entirely.
If it’s different through another user, who knows? The Sun God Nika’s powers through the Human-Human Fruit turn the user into a living, breathing, cartoon character. All the Loony Tunes hijinks come with it, from flattening himself on being hit to changing his entire body into a propellor, Luffy has no limits. This is his peak, all thanks to the Mythical Human-Human Fruit he unwittingly eats as a kid. Now, the Sun God Nika shines down on the Grand Line, bringing liberation for all through his drum beat.
Mythical Model: Wise Buddha
Probably the least used and least explored Mythical Zoan we have in the story. Sengoku’s Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Model: Wise Buddha turns him into a massive, incredibly round golden Buddha. The living embodiment of wisdom and thoughtfulness apparently comes with the ability to shoot freakin’ beams of light. That really doesn’t seem to contribute to the zen nature of Buddha that we know at large, but it makes for a lot of cool powers. Sengoku even gets a massive gold afro out of it, and it looks cool as hell. The power behind it still needs a lot more exploring though.
Buddha is the wise one that’s the basis for Buddhism in real life. Usually, he’s depicted as a portly, jolly man in a constant state of happy meditation. It fits as Sengoku’s Human-Human Fruit, considering how much time he spends thinking about literally every decision he makes. It’s not enough thinking though, because the first time anyone sees this massive Mythical Zoan form is during the Marineford Wars. Yeah, if Sengoku had thought that one out more, the Grand Line might not be hurtling toward a fiery war right now two years later. Win some, lose some though.
Mythical Model: Onyudo
Eaten by Onimaru, a fox living in the samurai graveyards of Wano, this Human-Human Fruit is more mysterious than others. As with Chopper’s basic model, this one was eaten by an animal originally and gave them human intelligence and speech. The difference with this version though is that it takes the form of a yokai, specifically a big monk. He’s a huge monk for that matter, and his fighting power is almost enough to overpower Zoro during his time in Wano. Onimaru uses the power in determination to keep the graves of Wano’s samurai from being pillaged for swords. It’s a noble pursuit, and just having this Devil Fruit makes it possible.
The form grants Onimaru increased size and strength, along with a boost of weapon proficiency. He uses a massive polearm for attacks, almost resembling Whitebeard’s style. When in the Human-Human Fruit’s form, he takes on the name Gyukimaru. It gives him strength, crossing blades with whoever tries to cross the bridge to reach the graveyard. It’s not often anyone gets by him, either.
The Human-Human Fruits in One Piece still have a lot of exploring left to do in the story. There have to be plenty more out there, especially if we’ve gotten ones based on Buddhism and the amalgamation of gods used in Nika’s creation. Imagine Human-Human Fruits of Hindu or Norse Gods, infamous human-like terrors like the Titans of Greek mythology like Kronos. It’s a world of possibilities in One Piece, especially when it comes to a Devil Fruit just based on something as simple as humans.