Luffy first uses Gear 4: Boundman in episode 726 of the One Piece anime, titled “Gear Fourth! The Phenomenal Boundman!” This pivotal episode marks a turning point in Luffy’s battle against Doflamingo, showcasing the incredible power he developed during his two-year training with Rayleigh.
The Debut of Gear 4: A Clash of Titans
The fight against Doflamingo on Dressrosa pushes Luffy to his absolute limits. Doflamingo, with his incredibly powerful string-string fruit and Awakened abilities, proves to be a formidable opponent. Previous Gear transformations weren’t enough, forcing Luffy to reveal a new, potent technique honed during his time on Rusukaina.
Episode 726 is not just a spectacle of animation; it’s a dramatic crescendo building up from previous episodes. The anticipation is palpable as Luffy announces his new form. The subsequent transformation sequence is visually stunning, demonstrating the unique and somewhat bizarre mechanics of Gear 4. The episode does an excellent job of conveying the sheer force and unpredictability of Luffy’s new abilities, leaving viewers in awe of the Straw Hat captain’s growing strength. The raw power is amplified by the expert animation, making the battle feel incredibly impactful.
The Anatomy of Boundman
Gear 4: Boundman involves Luffy covering himself in Busoshoku Haki and inflating his muscles with air. This creates a bulky, bouncy appearance and gives him incredible strength and elasticity. Crucially, Boundman allows Luffy to compress the air within his muscles, storing kinetic energy that is then unleashed in devastating attacks. The form’s limitations, such as its high Haki consumption and the recovery time needed after its usage, add a layer of strategic depth to its application in battle.
Delving Deeper: Gear 4 FAQs
To further explore the intricacies of Gear 4, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this iconic transformation.
FAQ 1: What is Gear 4 based on?
Gear 4 is directly inspired by the animals Luffy fought during his two-year training on Rusukaina. Specifically, he mimicked the elastic properties and powerful striking techniques of the island’s dominant creatures, adapting them to his own fighting style. The “bouncing” aspect of Boundman directly relates to these creatures’ resilience and ability to quickly rebound after taking damage.
FAQ 2: How does Gear 4 work?
Luffy combines Busoshoku Haki with his Gum-Gum Fruit powers. He bites into his arm and forces air into his muscles, inflating them to an extreme degree. The Haki coating makes his rubbery body incredibly resistant to damage while enhancing the power of his attacks. The pressurized air amplifies his elasticity and allows for powerful, compressed punches and kicks.
FAQ 3: What are the different forms of Gear 4?
So far, three primary forms of Gear 4 have been revealed:
- Boundman: The original form, focusing on powerful, compressed air attacks and high mobility in the air.
- Tankman: A defensive form utilized against Cracker. Luffy inflates his stomach to an enormous size, creating an impenetrable barrier and allowing him to launch massive counterattacks.
- Snakeman: A form designed for speed and precision, allowing Luffy to curve his attacks to hit opponents who are trying to evade him.
FAQ 4: What are the weaknesses of Gear 4?
Gear 4 has several significant drawbacks:
- High Haki Consumption: Using Gear 4 rapidly depletes Luffy’s Busoshoku Haki.
- Time Limit: After the Haki runs out, Luffy is unable to use it for a significant period, leaving him vulnerable.
- Recovery Period: After deactivating Gear 4, Luffy experiences a period of exhaustion and cannot use Haki effectively for a while.
FAQ 5: How does Gear 4 affect Luffy’s body?
The extreme inflation of his muscles puts a strain on Luffy’s body. While his rubbery constitution can handle the pressure, repeated use of Gear 4 without sufficient recovery time can lead to physical exhaustion and long-term damage. His reliance on Haki also takes a significant toll.
FAQ 6: Why does Luffy bounce around so much in Gear 4: Boundman?
The internal pressure created by the air inside Luffy’s muscles causes him to constantly bounce. This bouncing is not just a stylistic choice; it’s integral to the form’s power, allowing him to store and release kinetic energy with each bounce, enhancing his attacks.
FAQ 7: Against whom has Luffy used Gear 4?
Luffy has used Gear 4 against several powerful opponents, including:
- Doflamingo
- Cracker
- Charlotte Katakuri
- Various fodder enemies and commanders in the New World.
FAQ 8: Is Gear 4 stronger than Gear 3?
Yes, Gear 4 is significantly stronger than Gear 3. While Gear 3 focuses on increasing the size and power of individual attacks, Gear 4 combines size, speed, elasticity, and Haki enhancement for a more versatile and potent offensive capability.
FAQ 9: Can other Devil Fruit users use Gear-like techniques?
While other Devil Fruit users can theoretically develop similar techniques that enhance their abilities, the combination of Luffy’s specific Gum-Gum Fruit and his mastery of Haki is what makes Gear unique. It’s unlikely other Devil Fruit users can replicate Gear 4’s exact mechanics.
FAQ 10: Will Luffy develop a Gear 5?
The possibility of a Gear 5 has been a long-standing question among One Piece fans. While not yet revealed at the time of writing, the series progression suggests Luffy will undoubtedly continue to push his limits and develop new techniques, potentially leading to a fifth Gear form.
FAQ 11: What is the difference between Haki and Gear?
Haki is a spiritual energy present in all living beings, while Gear is a specific technique Luffy developed utilizing his Devil Fruit powers and his training with Haki. Haki enhances a user’s offensive, defensive, and perceptive capabilities. Gear, on the other hand, is a transformation that boosts Luffy’s physical abilities beyond their normal limits, utilizing Haki for further enhancement.
FAQ 12: What makes Gear 4 so impactful to the story?
Gear 4 represents a significant power leap for Luffy, demonstrating his growth and determination to protect his friends and achieve his dream. Its introduction marked a crucial turning point in the New World saga, allowing him to contend with increasingly powerful opponents and highlighting the ever-escalating stakes of the story. It is a testament to Luffy’s adaptability and ingenuity.
In conclusion, episode 726 of One Piece remains a pivotal moment in the series, marking the debut of Gear 4: Boundman and showcasing Luffy’s evolving strength. The transformation’s unique mechanics, drawbacks, and impact on the narrative solidify its place as one of the most iconic and impactful moments in the entire One Piece saga.