How did Bonney transform into Nika in the One Piece anime? Explained

Bonney and Luffy
Bonney and Luffy's Nika form (Image Source: Toei Animation)

One Piece anime presented an incredible surprise with Jewelry Bonney's appearance in Episode 1151 with her flowing white hair, cloud of smoke, and big smile like the Sun God Nika. No one would have imagined that Bonney was going to show her dual-Nika ability while standing next to Luffy, who also had activated his Gear 5, and they faced off against the Five Elders as two Liberators in the Egghead Arc.

Bonney manifested this form by weaponizing her Distorted Future technique to envision her most liberated self in the One Piece anime. Watching Luffy activate Gear 5 provided the crucial visual blueprint she needed. Her Toshi Toshi no Mi now allows her to utilize limitless possibilities as opposed to only being able to observe timelines. When Luffy encouraged her to transform with him, Bonney made the connection between her childhood dream and the new reality of her being a warrior.

Bonney reminiscing on her father's stories (Image Source: Toei Animation)
Bonney reminiscing on her father's stories (Image Source: Toei Animation)

In addition to the manipulation of age, Bonney's powers allow her to manipulate her own future, giving her the ability to create alternate versions of herself. This was accomplished thanks to her Toshi Toshi no Mi Devil Fruit. Bonney's use of this ability resulted in her becoming her second incarnation as the 'freest' form of herself on the day that she became known as the second Nika. In doing so, Bonney became intimately connected to the concept of freedom that Nika represents.


Why Bonney Could Become Nika in One Piece Anime?

Bonney's first transformation into Nika (Image Source: Toei Animation)
Bonney's first transformation into Nika (Image Source: Toei Animation)

The story of the legend Nika impacted Bonney throughout her life in the One Piece anime. Since her infancy, Bonney's father, Bartholomew Kuma, recapitulated stories from the Sun God to her. Thus, these tales acted as the foundation of her beliefs that played an important role in her transformation. Bonney learned about Nika's stretching abilities through her father, which allowed her to project and reach an iteration of herself with those same abilities using her Distortion Future reawakening.

Initially, Bonney struggled to accomplish this, as Saturn's manipulation had caused Bonney to lose faith when things were not certain, nor did Bonney know beyond doubt whether Nika was real or was a mere figment. The climax of the Egghead Arc in the One Piece anime brought about everything that she had aspirations to see when she was young.

By witnessing Nika in his ultimate white transformation, Bonney encountered a true realization of Nika's appearance, abilities, and fighting skills, giving Bonney the realization of everything she had hoped to know for many years. The answer Bonney was seeking was thus revealed through a single witness.


Limitations of Bonney's Nika Form in One Piece Anime

Bonney using Elephant Gun infused with Armament Haki (Image Source: Toei Animation)
Bonney using Elephant Gun infused with Armament Haki (Image Source: Toei Animation)

Although Bonney has an amazing transformation into Nika, her version has limitations as well. Bonney cannot use the Distorted Future indefinitely and ultimately is unable to maintain her transformation. Bonney is unable to connect to the Nika fruit like Luffy, and therefore, she relies on her imagination and stamina.

Additionally, Bonney's inability to use Haki makes her a less formidable target than Luffy. As a result, Bonney cannot sustain a long battle in the same capacity as Luffy. Furthermore, Bonney's powers rely upon her belief; should she not believe a certain event can take place, she will be incapable of manifesting that event.

The physical toll on Bonney from using her powers is also apparent, due to the high energy demands of maintaining such an advanced transformation. As Bonney is only 12 years old, her physical body cannot handle the same output that Luffy can produce through his natural Nika fruit abilities.


What Does This Mean for Future Arcs?

Bonney’s new abilities create many new directions for the One Piece anime, including that of a second Nika. It may play a key role in major future confrontations with primary antagonists. The World Government is now facing a previously unthought-of issue with the emergence of a Devil Fruit user capable of replicating the form that they fear most.

The revelation also raises questions about other characters' potential. If Bonney can become Nika through imagination and belief, what other legendary forms might be achievable through similar means? This mechanic adds layers to the power system without contradicting established rules.

Bonney’s relationship with the Straw Hats may evolve further. Although Bonney is currently committed elsewhere, it leaves open the opportunity for a temporary alliance. Both Bonney and Luffy share connections beyond the bonds of traditional pirate relationships as Nika warriors.

The revealing of Bonney’s abilities by transforming into Nika represents one of the most shocking and thematically complex moments in the latest episodes of the One Piece anime. With her Distorted Future ability to accomplish the impossible through her relentless faith and support from Luffy, Bonney did achieve what was believed to be impossible.

Edited by Akihito Chakma