Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Enel's strength has been a hot topic among fans of the series for a long time. Interestingly, around the 100th volume, the creator provided some crucial details about Enel, revealing that if Enel were to have a bounty, it would be approximately 500 million Berries. This revelation was quite surprising to many fans who had viewed the Rumble-Rumble Devil Fruit as one of the strongest Logia types available.
Enel's combination of this powerful fruit ability with his Mantra, allowing him extensive range for gathering intelligence and launching attacks, had led some to speculate that he might be on par with the Four Emperors. However, this bounty information provided by Oda seemed to contradict that assumption, especially when considering that Blackbeard, a contender for the Four Emperors, has a bounty that's four times higher than Enel's.
This lower-than-expected bounty might suggest that Enel isn't as powerful as initially thought. It appears Oda might be using this to balance the narrative, especially given Luffy's victory over Enel, which some fans found hard to justify at the time.
The reality in the world of One Piece is that the formidable nature of Logia devil fruits diminishes significantly in the second half of the Grand Line, where many fighters possess Armament Haki, which can neutralize Logia abilities. Furthermore, while Enel's extensive Mantra range is impressive, it's arguably excessive for most combat situations where the ability to cover just the battlefield is sufficient.
Moreover, Enel's reliance on his devil fruit for this extended sensory range suggests limitations in his own combat tactics. This was subtly highlighted by Oda through Enel's defeat; before Luffy even engaged him, Shandia's Wyper nearly ended Enel with a surprise attack, suggesting Enel's vulnerabilities and deficiencies.
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In the heart of Upper Yard, where the shrine once stood as a symbol of Enel's absolute rule, now lay only ruins. Enel, struck down again by Luffy, was buried in debris, blood spilling from his mouth. Gone was his usual laziness and arrogance, replaced by shock and disbelief.
Luffy landed heavily on the ground, kicking up dust around him. He looked a bit roughed up; close combat was his style, and getting near Enel meant braving the storm of lightning.
Enel, realizing Luffy could dodge his strikes, had shifted tactics to broader, more devastating area attacks. Every time Luffy landed a punch, he was met with a fierce counterattack of thunder. Thankfully, Luffy had handed off his straw hat to Bai Ye, keeping it safe from being charred.
Despite his singed clothing and some minor injuries, Luffy's resilience was a nightmare for Enel. To Enel's dismay, he faced an opponent who seemed immune to his best weapon—thunder.
This was due to Luffy's unique powers from the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. While not fully awakened, Luffy's rubber-like body naturally resisted electricity, not to mention his fruit's incredible healing abilities.
Curious about Luffy's resistance, Nami had once orchestrated a test where Luffy was struck by multiple bolts of lightning, after which Chopper conducted a medical examination. Luffy emerged unscathed, puzzling Chopper and making him question everything he knew about human biology—and briefly consider dissecting Luffy to learn more.
Enel, amid the ruins, unleashed a deafening roar: "How can a mere human resist thunder! Resist God's punishment!!" It was the kind of outburst you'd expect from a villain in his final moments.
Crackling with energy, lightning surged from Enel's body, swirling around him and gathering into a massive storm. With this electric power, Enel hovered above the ground, his figure shrouded like a specter returning from the underworld.
200,000,000 Volts Amaru
Enel harnessed every volt of electricity in his body, morphing into a gigantic figure of pure lightning power.
At this sight, Zoro, who had been resting, opened his eyes wide. "Looks like another Logia user pulling a final trick," he commented, recalling a similar situation with Crocodile.
Bai Ye, watching alongside, smirked slightly. "Eating a Logia fruit does set you up to be strong," he said. "So, Zoro, interested in a Devil Fruit? Just ask..."
Zoro cut him off sharply, "No jokes!" He touched his sword, his tone serious, "Using a fruit to win doesn't count in my quest to be the world's best swordsman."
Understanding Zoro's dedication to his craft, Bai Ye didn't push further. He knew well Zoro's commitment to his promise with Kuina, and his refusal to rely on anything but his own skill.
Meanwhile, Sanji, tending to something else, kicked aside some debris. "How long will this take? Dinner's almost ready."
Indeed, the scent of roasting bird was beginning to fill the air. Where did the cooking gear come from? Bai Ye had prepared well, having a full picnic set stashed away just in case.
Bai Ye glanced at the battling figures, one towering and one defiant. "It should be over soon," he remarked. "He's using his strongest attacks now."