Luffy finally defeats the seemingly invincible Enel in Episode 195 of the One Piece anime, titled “Take Back the Lower Half! Luffy vs. God!” This monumental clash concludes the Skypiea arc, marking a significant turning point in Luffy’s journey and showcasing his unwavering determination.
A Showdown of Titans: Luffy vs. Enel
The Skypiea arc is a pivotal chapter in One Piece, renowned for its intricate world-building and the formidable antagonist, Enel. Enel, possessing the Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit), wielded the power of lightning, declaring himself a god and ruling Skypiea with an iron fist. His seemingly invincible logia-type abilities, coupled with his Mantra (Observation Haki), made him a truly daunting opponent. Luffy, with his Gomu Gomu no Mi (Gum-Gum Fruit), initially seemed to be at a severe disadvantage.
The Road to Episode 195
The episodes leading up to 195 are crucial for understanding the gravity of the final confrontation. These episodes detail:
- Enel’s Reign of Terror: Witnessing the devastation Enel inflicts upon the Skypieans and the Shandians.
- Luffy’s Determination: Following Luffy’s relentless pursuit of Enel, undeterred by the overwhelming power disparity.
- The Unveiling of Enel’s Plans: Understanding Enel’s ultimate goal of destroying Skypiea and escaping to the moon.
- The Strategic Use of Rubber: Realizing the unique advantage Luffy’s rubber body possesses against Enel’s lightning.
The Climax: Episode 195 Explained
Episode 195 showcases the culmination of Luffy’s efforts and the unraveling of Enel’s god-like facade. Luffy, through sheer willpower and strategic application of his rubber abilities, manages to land decisive blows against Enel. The rubber’s insulative properties render Enel’s electricity ineffective, leveling the playing field. The episode culminates in a final, powerful Gomu Gomu no Ogon Rifle, shattering Enel’s golden bell and ultimately defeating him. This victory not only saves Skypiea but also solidifies Luffy’s reputation as a rising force in the Grand Line.
Deep Dive: Frequently Asked Questions About Luffy’s Victory Over Enel
Here are some common questions and answers about Luffy’s epic battle with Enel:
FAQ 1: Why was Luffy immune to Enel’s lightning?
Luffy’s Gomu Gomu no Mi grants him the properties of rubber, which is a natural insulator. This means electricity cannot pass through his body, making Enel’s lightning attacks ineffective. While not entirely immune (intense heat could still affect him), the lightning offered no direct damage.
FAQ 2: Did Enel truly die after being defeated by Luffy?
No, Enel did not die. He was defeated but managed to escape Skypiea using his ark, Maxim. He later went on to explore the moon, as depicted in the Enel’s Great Space Operations cover story.
FAQ 3: What role did Wiper play in weakening Enel?
Wiper’s use of the Reject Dial significantly weakened Enel. The Reject Dial unleashes a massive burst of energy, inflicting serious damage, although it also damages the user. Wiper’s sacrifice bought Luffy valuable time and weakened Enel’s defenses.
FAQ 4: How did Mantra (Observation Haki) help Enel?
Enel’s Mantra, a form of Observation Haki, allowed him to perceive the thoughts and movements of people across Skypiea. This gave him precognitive abilities, making him incredibly difficult to hit and allowing him to anticipate attacks.
FAQ 5: What made Enel such a difficult opponent despite being “weak” compared to later villains?
Enel’s power was initially perceived as overwhelming due to his Logia-type Devil Fruit and his ability to control vast amounts of electricity. Coupled with his Mantra, he possessed an unmatched advantage in Skypiea. He was less experienced in hand-to-hand combat and relied heavily on his Devil Fruit power, which Luffy countered.
FAQ 6: What is the significance of the Golden Bell in the Skypiea arc?
The Golden Bell is a symbol of hope and unity for the Shandians. It represents their lost city and their connection to the past. Luffy’s ringing of the bell at the end of the arc signifies the restoration of hope and the reconciliation between the Skypieans and the Shandians.
FAQ 7: Does Luffy’s fight with Enel teach him anything about Haki?
While Luffy doesn’t explicitly learn how to use Haki during the Skypiea arc, witnessing Enel’s Mantra provides an indirect introduction to the concept of Observation Haki. This experience likely contributes to his later understanding and development of Haki.
FAQ 8: Where does the Skypiea arc fit chronologically in the One Piece story?
The Skypiea arc takes place after the Alabasta arc and before the Water 7 arc. It is a relatively self-contained arc, though it foreshadows future events and introduces important concepts like Haki and Ancient Weapons (specifically, hints about Pluton).
FAQ 9: Was Enel’s goal to destroy Skypiea from the beginning?
No, Enel’s initial goal was not to destroy Skypiea. He initially aimed to rule it as a god. However, his ultimate ambition was to reach the Vearth (the moon) and create a new world. Destroying Skypiea was a means to an end – a way to clear the path for his departure.
FAQ 10: How strong is Enel compared to other early One Piece villains like Crocodile?
While both are formidable opponents, Enel is generally considered stronger than Crocodile at the time of their respective arcs. Enel’s Logia-type Devil Fruit and Mantra provide a significant advantage. However, Crocodile’s cunning and strategic thinking make him a dangerous adversary. Power scaling in One Piece is complex and depends on various factors.
FAQ 11: What impact did Luffy’s victory over Enel have on the World Government?
Luffy’s victory over Enel indirectly impacted the World Government. While they weren’t directly involved in Skypiea, Luffy’s actions, especially the ringing of the Golden Bell (which was heard across the Blue Sea), further solidified his reputation as a dangerous and unpredictable pirate, putting him even more on their radar.
FAQ 12: Are there any hints about the moon or Enel’s future plans in the main One Piece storyline?
The main One Piece storyline has yet to directly revisit Enel or his activities on the moon. However, the cover stories detailing Enel’s exploration of the moon are considered canon, hinting at potential future connections and the significance of the moon in the overall One Piece narrative. The discovery of lunar automatons and possible ties to ancient civilizations could eventually become relevant to the main plot.
By understanding the events leading up to episode 195, the significance of Luffy’s rubber abilities, and the nuances of Enel’s powers, viewers can fully appreciate the impact of this pivotal moment in the One Piece saga. The victory over Enel represents not just a single battle won, but a step forward on Luffy’s path to becoming the King of the Pirates.