Understanding Blackbeard’s Third Devil Fruit in One Piece

This article includes spoilers from the Final Saga of One Piece.

Main Insights

Blackbeard possesses two distinct Devil Fruit abilities, an unprecedented achievement in the world of One Piece.
Oda frequently emphasizes the number three in relation to Blackbeard, suggesting the potential for a third Devil Fruit in the storyline.
There are rampant fan theories proposing that Blackbeard might acquire a formidable Zoan-type Devil Fruit, potentially linked to either a Kraken or Cerberus.

As one of the most powerful figures in One Piece, Blackbeard has long been positioned as one of Luffy’s primary antagonists. Despite initially operating under Whitebeard’s command, Blackbeard harbored nefarious intentions from the start, ultimately asserting himself among the Emperors of the sea. His meticulously crafted strategy facilitated his transformation from an inconspicuous pirate into a formidable limit in the New World.

Fear stemming from Blackbeard’s power largely comes from his unique ability to wield two Devil Fruits, a feat unmatched throughout the One Piece timeline. His unusual physiology allows him to potentially possess even more than two Devil Fruits, with hints suggesting the emergence of a third power in recent chapters of One Piece.

Blackbeard and the Significance of Three

The Number Three’s Connection to Blackbeard
Blackbeard’s Potential for Three Devil Fruits

In the world of One Piece, fans recognize Oda’s penchant for symbolism, conveyed through various means, including numerical patterns. Particularly with Blackbeard, the emphasis on the number three is notable. For instance, Blackbeard’s Jolly Roger features three skulls, underscoring an unspoken significance that cannot be overlooked. Jolly Rogers typically convey vital themes, as seen with Kaido’s Oni skull representing his crew’s leader, or Luffy’s Straw Hat symbolizing his essence. The three skulls on Blackbeard’s flag hold similar importance, yet their specific meaning remains mysterious.

“This ability chose me, Ace!”– Blackbeard

Moreover, all of Blackbeard’s ships are constructed from three massive logs, and even his appearance showcases a connection to the number three; his beard is split into three strands, and he wields three flintlock pistols, with an absence of three teeth. The infamous duel with Shanks resulted in Blackbeard leaving three distinctive scratches on Shanks’ face, further illustrating this symbolic relationship.

Oda typically does not introduce such motifs without intention. Thus, the repeated association between Blackbeard and the number three suggests a deeper narrative purpose. Notably, his two known Devil Fruits are of distinct classes: the Logia-type Yami Yami no Mi and the Paramecia-type Gura Gura no Mi. This leads to speculation regarding the possible acquisition of a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, completing a trilogy of powers for Blackbeard as he ascends to greater heights.

Blackbeard’s Initial Two Devil Fruits

Blackbeard Holds the Yami Yami no Mi and the Gura Gura no Mi

Blackbeard’s initial intake of a Devil Fruit transpired fairly recently in the timeline of One Piece. After Thatch, the fourth division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, acquired the Yami Yami no Mi, Blackbeard killed him to claim the fruit for himself. This act fundamentally severed his ties with the Whitebeard Pirates, setting Blackbeard on a path to overthrow him and secure his legacy as one of the ocean’s most formidable pirates.

The face-off with Ace marked the unveiling of Blackbeard’s powers, showcasing his extraordinary ability against even a commander of Ace’s caliber. Notably, he demonstrated these abilities at Impel Down and during the monumental Paramount War, where his ambitions took a darker turn.

In the height of the Paramount War, Blackbeard murdered Whitebeard and acquired the latter’s Gura Gura no Mi, marking him as the first individual in One Piece’s lore to survive the consumption of two Devil Fruits.

“Now, I’m the strongest!!”– Blackbeard

With the power of the Gura Gura no Mi, the most potent Paramecia-type fruit, Blackbeard asserted himself as the strongest, effectively gaining notoriety within the New World. Following the Rocky Port incident, he further cemented his status as an Emperor after taking control of Pirate Island.

Since then, Blackbeard’s thirst for power has only deepened, as he actively seeks out additional Devil Fruits. While he is known to distribute these fruits among his crew members, speculation exists regarding his intent to consume further fruits himself.

Recently, Blackbeard ventured to Amazon Lily with designs on acquiring Boa Hancock’s Devil Fruit. Though it may appear he aimed to bestow another power upon his Commanders, it becomes apparent that each member of the Blackbeard Pirates already possesses a Devil Fruit. This suggests only one logical conclusion: the fruit was intended for Blackbeard himself, should he pursue the notion of wielding three Devil Fruits. However, he ultimately failed to secure Hancock’s power, redirecting his interests toward other schemes.

Blackbeard’s Possible Third Devil Fruit in One Piece

Blackbeard May Acquire a Potent Zoan-Type Devil Fruit

At present, many fans are confident that Blackbeard will eventually gain a third Devil Fruit during the Final Saga. Currently, Blackbeard possesses the most powerful Logia with the Yami Yami no Mi and the mightiest Paramecia with the Gura Gura no Mi. Hence, logic leans toward the conclusion that he will consume the strongest Zoan Fruit available, possibly a Mythical Zoan.

Exciting theories circulate around two possible candidates: a Kraken/octopus or Cerberus. Both options resonate with Blackbeard’s symbolic character, amplifying his capacity for harboring multiple abilities. Some fans even speculate that Blackbeard may have already wielded such a Devil Fruit prior to consuming the Yami Yami no Mi, explaining his unique capability of possessing multiple fruits.

Creatures like these, known to possess multiple heads or hearts, strongly align with the narrative trajectory surrounding Blackbeard. Fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of Blackbeard’s third Devil Fruit—a powerful Zoan—that could elevate him above the Yonko ranks, establishing him as potentially the strongest pirate of this era.

Readers can access One Piece through Viz Media, enjoying official free readings via the Shonen Jump and the Manga Plus apps. Mark your calendars for the next chapter release, One Piece 1130, on October 20, 2024.

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