When a character is forced into a corner, there are only two things that they can do: they can either give up or they can use their trump card. In most cases, the trump card is their strongest form. InOne Piece, there have been many instances when a weaker character has taken down a stronger opponent with the help of their new transformation.
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Eiichiro Oda has created many jaw-dropping transformations that have become iconic over time. While there is no shortage of character transformations inOne Piece, there is a disparity in the hype that they generate. With that in mind, here are the best transformations in the series.
7Sulong
The Sulong transformation was revealed inthe Whole Cake Island arc. When the Straw Hats were struggling to deal with the threat of the Big Mom Pirates, it was Carrot who stepped up and helped the crew. Carrot’s Sulong form completely altered her appearance. In this form, her hair, tail, claws, and ears grew longer, and her eyes turned red. Furthermore, the fur around her neck becomes thicker, giving her a much more regal appearance.
Along with changing her appearance, the Sulong form also increased Carrot’s physical abilities drastically. She became quicker and stronger, making her more of a threat in fights. However, Carrot cannot maintain the form for too long as it is very taxing on the body.
6Ashura
This is another example of a character awakening their latent power after being pushed to the extreme. In the Enies Lobby arc, Zoro had to fight Kaku. Like many of Zoro’s pre-time skip opponents, Kaku also gave him a hard time. Zoro was in a bad state, and nothing seemed to be going his way. As Kaku was getting ready to unleash his final attack, Zoro calmed his nerves and revealed a new transformation.
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Zoro created the illusion of two additional heads and four more arms. The new heads and hands allowed Zoro to hold six more swords, bringing the overall count to nine. After dispersing Kaku’s attack, Zoro landed Asura Ichibugin to take down his opponent.
5Raid Suit
For Sanji, the Whole Cake Island arc was quite emotional. Years after running from his abusive father and siblings, Sanji had to confront them again. Sanji detested almost everyone in his family, save for Sora and Reiju. Despite his hatred toward them, Sanji still saved them from their impending deaths.
In return,the Vinsmoke Family gave Sanjia raid suit. Sanji didn’t want to use the technology his father had, but he had to use it in the Wano Country arc. When Sanji used the raid suit, he became clad in a black suit with the same color cape. His face was covered with a mask, which helped him keep his identity a mystery. The raid suit grants its user increased resilience, speed, and strength. It also gives the user access to special abilities. In Sanji’s case, it enabled him to turn invisible.
4Gear Second
Luffy’s Gear Second may be his weakest power, but it is arguably his most iconic transformation. After beinghumbled by CP9 in Water Seven, Luffy knew that he had to come up with new powers to defeat them. When he arrived at Enies Lobby, the first victim of his new power-up was Blueno.
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The CP9 agent believed that it would be an easy victory for him, but little did he know that Luffy was much stronger than before. In order to use Gear Second, Luffy would put one hand on his knee while he placed the other hand on the ground. Over time, Luffy mastered the ability, and now he no longer needs to make the pose.
3Complete Phoenix Form
Marco is one of the strongest characters in the series. He is the former First Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Marco has excellent control over his Haki, which is only bettered by the handling of his devil fruit. He ate the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Phoenix, aMythical Zoan-type devil fruit.The devil fruit allows him to turn into a phoenix at will.
Marco debuted his powers in the Marineford arc, where he played an important role. To save his underlings from harm, Marco transformed into a majestic phoenix. In this form, Marco’s body is covered with blue flames that are capable of healing all sorts of injuries. Marco’s devil fruit also prevents him from taking any damage in fights until he decides to stop using its power.
2Azure Dragon
Kaido was the ruler of Wano and the captain of the Beasts Pirates. Decades prior to the current timeline, Kaido and his crew came to Wano and killed Kozuki Oden. Kaido ruled the country with an iron fist, and nobody dared challenge his might.
For a long time, Kaido’s abilities remained a mystery, but Oda finally revealed his power once the Straw Hats entered Wano. In the arc, it was confirmed that Kaido had the Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu. The devil fruit allowed Kaido to transform into a majestic azure dragon that was strong enough to destroy an entire town.
1Gear Fifth
Gear Fifth is the epitome of Luffy’spowers. The transformation was revealed toward the end of the Wano Country arc. When Luffy was knocked out by Kaido, he managed to awaken the latent power of the Gomu Gomu no Mi.
In this state, Luffy’s hair turns white, and his neck is covered by white clouds. Luffy’s pupils turn red, and his eyebrows become swirled. The transformation has not been covered in the anime yet, but it is expected to break the internet once it does.
