Are you interested in Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear 4 transformations in One Piece?
While you’ve witnessed his Gear 5 debut in the 2022 movie “One Piece Film Red,” let’s rewind: when does Luffy use Gear 4?
Gear 4 stands among the formidable arsenal of techniques wielded by the series protagonist, utilizing his rubbery physique bestowed by consuming the Gomu Gomu no Mi Devil Fruit.
“When does Luffy use Gear 4? What episode does Luffy use Gear 4?” we hear you asking. In this article, we’ll provide answers to all your questions, including Gear 4 techniques in One Piece.
What are Gears in One Piece?
In the world of One Piece, “Gears” aren’t mechanical components but rather special combat techniques employed by Luffy to take on formidable foes. These maneuvers entail Luffy pushing his rubbery capabilities to their limits, manipulating his body in extraordinary ways.
To draw a comparison, think of Gears in One Piece as a character’s ultimate ability in a video game, reserved for facing off against bosses.
Each Gear comes with its own set of drawbacks, including heightened strain on Luffy’s body and limited duration. Nonetheless, they’re indispensable techniques in his toolkit, enabling him to confront ever-stronger adversaries.
What is Gear 4 in One Piece?
Gear 4, also known as “Boundman,” is one of Luffy’s most powerful and versatile techniques in One Piece. He learns Gear 4 during his training with Silvers Rayleigh on Rusukaina Island during the two-year time skip.
To activate Gear 4, Luffy inflates his muscular structure, significantly increasing his size. Unlike Gear 3, where Luffy inflates specific body parts like his arms, Gear 4 inflates his entire body, giving him a more balanced increase in size and strength.
In Gear 4, Luffy’s appearance undergoes a dramatic transformation. His body becomes larger and more muscular, with his arms and legs covered in Busoshoku Haki (a defensive aura). He also gains steam-like emissions from his muscles, giving him a somewhat surreal and intimidating appearance.
Gear 4 greatly enhances Luffy’s physical strength, allowing him to deliver devastating blows capable of inflicting massive damage on opponents.
Despite his increased size, Luffy retains his speed and agility. Gear 4 enhances his speed even further, enabling him to move swiftly and dodge attacks with ease.
Luffy’s inflated form provides him with enhanced durability, allowing him to withstand powerful attacks from formidable opponents.
In Gear 4, Luffy can infuse his attacks with haki, making them even more potent against enemies who possess strong defenses or Devil Fruit abilities.
Luffy’s Gear 4 techniques
Within Gear 4, Luffy has developed several specific techniques to maximize its effectiveness. Some of them are:
- Gomu Gomu no Leo Bazooka – Luffy delivers a powerful punch using both arms simultaneously.
- Gomu Gomu no King Kong Gun – Luffy concentrates his power into one massive fist, delivering a devastating punch capable of causing immense destruction.
- Gomu Gomu no Culverin – Luffy delivers a standard straight punch to his opponent, enhanced by his stretching abilities.
- Gomu Gomu no Kong Organ – Luffy rapidly punches his opponent with multiple arms, overwhelming them with a barrage of blows.
Despite its incredible power, Gear 4 has a time limit. After prolonged use, Luffy’s Haki starts to recede, and he reverts to his normal form, leaving him vulnerable.
However, Luffy has shown the ability to extend the duration of Gear 4 through training and experience.
When does Luffy use Gear 4?
Luffy first uses Gear 4 during his battle against Donquixote Doflamingo in the Dressrosa Arc of One Piece.
Luffy activates Gear 4 in Chapter 784, titled “Gear 4.” This chapter was first published in Weekly Shonen Jump on April 27, 2015.
What episode does Luffy use Gear 4?
Luffy activates Gear 4 in One Piece episode 726 of the anime, titled “Gear 4! The Phenomenal Boundman!” This One Piece episode aired on January 17, 2016.
In this One Piece episode, Luffy is locked in a battle with Donquixote Doflamingo and finds himself overwhelmed by his incredible strength and abilities, including his mastery of the String-String Fruit (Ito Ito no Mi). Despite his best efforts, Luffy struggles to keep up with Doflamingo’s attacks and faces the risk of defeat.
Recognizing the need to surpass his limits, Luffy unleashes a new technique he developed during his training. He activates Gear 4 for the first time, dramatically transforming his appearance and enhancing his abilities to an unprecedented level.
With Gear 4 activated, Luffy gains the upper hand against Doflamingo, overwhelming him with his increased strength, speed, and unique techniques.
Their battle intensifies as Luffy showcases the devastating power of Gear 4, using techniques like Gomu Gomu no Leo Bazooka and Gomu Gomu no King Kong Gun to deliver powerful blows.
Despite Doflamingo’s resilience and counterattacks, Luffy’s Gear 4 proves to be too much for him to handle.
The battle reaches its climax as Luffy delivers a final, colossal punch, ultimately defeating Doflamingo and saving Dressrosa from his tyranny.
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