There are very few things one can eat that HELP them eat more. Funny enough, the Baku Baku no Mi of One Piece is among them.
There is a lot of talk surrounding Devil Fruits like the Baku Baku no Mi, and there’s a good reason for that. Sometimes it’s the character that makes the fruit, using something simple in a complex way like chess. This… isn’t necessarily one of those times, but the Baku Baku no Mi is still a fun fruit to discuss. It is both comical and semi-terrifying. So, what is the Baku Baku no Mi in the One Piece universe? Why should new and old fans care? From usage to user to contributions to the story, we’ll do our best to show you why!
What Does the Baku Baku no Mi Look Like?
The Baku Baku no Mi or “Munch-Munch” Fruit is arguably among the most interesting we’ve mentioned… when considering aesthetics. The Baku Baku no Mi is a fruit resembling a purple plum, with a distinctive zigzag split at its center, resembling a pair of jaws. At its apex, it features a curling green stem, and its peel is festooned with the customary swirl patterns. But enough of this. What does it actually do?
The Power of The Munch-Munch Fruit
The most intriguing aspect of the Baku Baku no Mi is its unique ability to “munch” and assimilate objects. Essentially consuming and adding them to its user’s body. This ability extends to various types of materials, including wood, metal, and even other Devil Fruits. We hate to bring it back to Super Smash… just kidding we love it. This is definitely another parallel to be drawn next to Kirby. There. It’s been said. No turning back now. So, who found it?
The Discovery of The Baku Baku no Mi
The Baku Baku no Mi was initially introduced in the Drum Island Arc of One Piece when the eccentric character, Wapol, consumed it. Wapol was the self-proclaimed king of Drum Island and the ruler of the Drum Kingdom, known for his gluttonous and selfish nature. He came across the fruit while on a journey with his crew, and without hesitation, he devoured it. Little did he know that this would grant him the incredible powers associated with the Baku Baku no Mi. And knowing him, perhaps it would have been better in someone else’s hands.
Who is Wapol in One Piece?
Wapol, once a prince in the region, ascended to the throne of Drum as its monarch following his beloved father’s passing. He is a peculiar-looking individual, characterized by his portly figure, dark violet hair, and a distinctive, cylinder-shaped jaw constructed from tin plates, earning him the moniker “Tin-Plate.” In his role as the ruler of the Black Drum Kingdom, Wapol wields absolute authority over both the kingdom and its inhabitants, granting him the privilege of attending the Levely. However, it’s worth noting that he previously held a similar position on Drum Island before his eventual exile and deposition.
Holding Onto Power
Despite his unassuming appearance, Wapol possesses a surprising level of cunning. He devised a strategy to assert control over his nation, although he appears to lack combat experience and generally relies on his underlings for such matters. Remarkably, despite his corpulence, Wapol demonstrates impressive resilience. With the assistance of the Baku Baku no Mi, he withstood Dalton’s sword strike and even endured consecutive punches to the face from Luffy, swiftly bouncing back each time.
Wapol’s insatiable appetite knows no bounds. It’s sort of fitting really. He takes gluttony to extremes, particularly when utilizing his Devil Fruit powers. His willingness to resort to cannibalism becomes apparent when he makes a full-on attempt to devour Luffy.
Some Strengths of The Baku Bakuno Mi
Just to clarify. The primary power of the Baku Baku no Mi allows its user to eat and digest almost any non-living object. This includes everyday items such as utensils, furniture, and weapons, as well as more significant structures like buildings or ships. When Wapol consumes something, it disappears into his body, seemingly stored within him. The assimilated materials serve various purposes, depending on their nature. For instance, if Wapol eats a sword, he can transform his arm into a metallic weapon resembling the sword he consumed. This adaptability makes the Baku Baku no Mi a formidable weapon in both offense and defense.
Human Weapon
This ability of the Munch-Munch Fruit is on full display when Wapol uses Ningen Heiki or Human Weapon. According to Wapol, his most formidable transformation occurs when he devours all the weapons stored in Drum Castle’s armory, a process he dubs the “Baku Baku Shock.” This transformation allows him to convert his entire body into a formidable arsenal of weaponry.
Hunger in One Piece
The Baku Baku no Mi plays a crucial role in the Drum Island Arc of One Piece, where Wapol, the user of this Devil Fruit, is the main antagonist. His ability to consume and assimilate objects and even other Devil Fruits makes him an emblematic adversary for the Straw Hat Pirates and the inhabitants of Drum Island. Throughout the arc, Wapol’s abuse of his Munch-Munch powers, his tyrannical rule over Drum Island, and his insatiable greed serve as central themes. The Baku Baku no Mi’s abilities are showcased in various battles and confrontations, adding deeper more meaningful layers to the storyline.
Ultimately, the defeat of Wapol and the removal of his devil fruit from the equation allowed for the restoration of Drum Island’s rightful rulers and the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity. Very few Devil Fruits provide this much symbolism. That said, they are all still incredibly fun to talk about!
