The Lineage Factor has taken center stage in the World of One Piece. The study of genetics is a fickle thing. Although there is hard science revolving around each discovery, people inherently struggle with new truths. It’s almost poetic to see how fiction reflects the ongoing human desire to “play god.” In this particular case, there is an ongoing tug of war between understanding versus weaponizing. Recently, the most prominent figure in this battle has been Vegapunk, as well as his past colleagues desiring to shape the world around them. So, what is the Lineage Factor in One Piece? How has this changed the game forever? Will it make a permanent difference? Let’s go.
Revelations: How Devil Fruits Affect Genetics in One Piece
The Lineage Factor is the fundamental genetic code inherent in all living organisms. Its revelation emerged from the efforts of a single group. In an illicit research consortium known as MADS, Vegapunk collaborated with Vinsmoke Judge, Caesar Clown, and Queen. While the majority of scientists within this group concentrated on developing weaponry, Vegapunk dedicated his efforts to the creation of products promoting peace.
It was during this period that Vegapunk unearthed the Lineage Factor, and the MADS team achieved the remarkable feat of cloning Stussy. A lot of this success can be attributed to Vinsmoke Judge, who was particularly focused on genetic enhancement. This would later come to a head as many fans witnessed what happened during Sanji’s childhood and subsequent mistreatment.
What Did The Lineage Factor Reveal?
The Lineage Factor unveils the connection between consuming a Devil Fruit and the alteration of one’s natural code. Thus resulting in the acquisition of supernatural abilities. Every living being possesses the Lineage Factor. Its manipulation from an early age can significantly influence the development of an organism. For fans (new and old) that aren’t well versed in Biology, this story is loosely based on James Watson and Francis Crick. These two scientists were very real, and they formally discovered the double helix structure; which would go on to be understood as the building blocks for life itself. There. Now you know a little more about One Piece and actual Biology. You’re welcome.
Kaidou and The Beginning of The End
Approximately three decades ago, when Kaidou fell into the clutches of the Marines, Vegapunk managed to procure a sample of his Lineage Factor for the purpose of replicating his Devil Fruit. However, this endeavor did not yield a flawless outcome. This is thoroughly analyzed in the One Piece Artificial Zone Segment. Momonosuke retains the ability to fully transform into a dragon and summon flame clouds for flight. This suggests that, despite being labeled as a “failed” experiment, the fruit closely emulates the functionality of a genuine Zoan Devil Fruit. The World Government expressed a keen interest in obtaining it, but Vegapunk declined to surrender the fruit to them. This sort of adds to the scientist’s moral ambiguity during the series.
Further Scientific Achievements
Through the utilization of the Lineage Factor, Caesar Clown successfully engineered SAD. A critical component employed in the creation of Synthetic Devil Fruits referred to as SMILES. Moreover, during Alber’s period of captivity as a research subject, Vegapunk harnessed his Lineage Factor in conjunction with the Seraphim, endowing them with the unique abilities associated with the Lunarian Tribe. Additionally, Vegapunk uncovered another practical application of the Lineage Factor, giving rise to Green Blood; an innovative solution enabling the integration of Paramecia’s abilities into his Seraphim project.
The Dark Side Of The Lineage Factor
Comparatively, Vinsmoke Judge’s behavior, at least at this part of the story, would be like if Crick decided to leave Watson and make mutant out of his children. Which is… exactly what the monster did. During his wife’s pregnancy, Judge compelled her to undergo a surgical procedure aimed at manipulating the Lineage Factor of the four unborn children she carried.
The result was the successful modification of her sons, Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji. These three siblings acquired an Exoskeleton, experienced enhanced healing capabilities, and, through rigorous training, significantly boosted their strength and resilience. Later, Vinsmoke Judge embarked on a series of research endeavors and experiments involving the Lineage Factor, ultimately achieving the capability to artificially produce human beings to fulfill the ranks of Germa 66’s soldiers.
Lessons Of The Lineage Factor
As stated, this scientific plotline sort of acts as a mirror for how the world approaches this form of discovery. In many ways, the Devil Fruit is the embodiment of the more mysterious components of the natural world. As curious beings, we have a Star Trek-level interest in understanding something to its smallest detail. Depending on the character of the researcher, experimentation can manifest in terrifying or miraculous ways. Sometimes both.
In the case of the Lunarians, their legacy can live on with these scientific achievements, but the cost was to capture and violate a sentient being. Vinsmoke had such a deep desire for supremacy that he tortured his own family to achieve his dreams, and the moderate success will undoubtedly lead to further hardship down the line for countless others. Caesar Clown is high on his own arrogance, using the Lineage Factor discovery to turn so many into paralyzed husks without an identity. As we try to understand the world, our instinct is to often act on what little we know. The Lineage Factor acts as this neutral component to the story that can save or destroy. Essentially, the One Piece message is: The choice is yours!
