Luffy transforms into a simian creature and splits the fandom in One Piece chapter 1198

Chapter 1198 of One Piece brings one of Luffy's strangest transformations to date. The leaks, circulating since November 5, show the protagonist with simian features, a tail, fangs, and a dark appearance, though he retains elements of his Nika power. The scene has been enough to split the fandom in two.

The chapter officially releases this Sunday, November 8, but the images are already spreading across social media. In them, Luffy appears in another part of Elbaph, far from the main battlefield, facing Zaza, the so-called Rain Goddess.

An appearance no one expected

Eiichiro Oda's story continues to develop the confrontation against Imu and the Holy Knights. While Sanji gets the better of Killingham and Loki shows a new form in his battle against Imu, Luffy disappears without warning. Not even his own crewmates understand what happened.

The final scene shows Luffy attacking and destroying Zaza. The giants witnessing the moment wonder what kind of creature they are looking at. The transformation looks like nothing we have seen before in the series, and that is precisely what has sparked the debate.

Gear 6 or something else?

Some fans are already talking about a supposed Gear 6, but there is no official confirmation. Oda has not explained what this new appearance means or whether it is an evolution of Gear 5, of the Nika power, or of something completely different.

Reactions have not been long in coming. Some celebrate the twist and believe Oda has taken the story to another level, while others question the direction of the series with phrases like "Where is my pirate series?" Others, meanwhile, claim that "Oda reached the peak of the story."

What do you think of this new transformation? Do you think it is Gear 6 or something else? Tell us in the comments.