Based on previously laid out repeating patterns all through the series, I’ve come to the conclusion that not only is Joy Boy and the Sun God Nika the same person, I also propose the backstory of Joy Boy himself.
I think that “The One Piece” was a treasure and a dream inherited by Roger himself when he found Laugh Tale. What Roger actually discovered on that island is simply a story detailing the life of Joy Boy – and a declaration that whosoever finds the island and it’s secret now gets to have the “One Piece”.
But let’s start at the beginning. A great calamity was set loose upon the world – a being so legendary and terrible that his actions caused great turmoil upon the world. A giant, the strongest one, so strong that it is said that he could pull continents, was causing great harm upon many nations. This great giant was known as Oars.
And so…many warriors came from far and wide to try and stop this creature. And here comes none other than the great warrior Nika! Hair a flaming red and one who had strange abilities – the ability to stretch! Finally, the two meet in an epic battle – one that lasts many days! And to everyone’s surprise…the two are completely evenly matched! And in their battle, an appreciation for each other grew…and eventually, an understanding.
Nika realized why Oars had been so upset. He’s simply hot…burned by a sun that he cannot hide from due to his immense size. And so…Nika realized the only way to stop him. Not by combat…but by creating for him…a hat. A Straw Hat. A gigantic Straw Hat.
Oars, being the simpleton that he was…claimed that Nika had control over the sun! A Sun God!
This scenario alone already uses a lot of pre-established tropes, themes and previous scenarios within One Piece. Just to name a few:
- A fierce battle between two fighters over a trivial cause – Dory and Broggy.
- Norland and Calgara’s relationship from enemies to friends.
- Zoro and Sanji’s unceasing rivalry.
- The argument between Dog Storm and Cat Viper, Duke of Night and Day.
- Shanks and Buggy’s rivalry and Buggy bringing it up due to the hat.
- An unlikely friendship between a smaller creature and a giant (Usopp and the Giants, Robin and Saul, Brook and Laboon, Ace and Oars Jr.).
It was the Ace and Oars Jr. comparison specifically that made me draw that direct comparison. Ace created a japanese STRAW HAT to shield Oars Jr. from the sun.
Also, due to Sun God Nika’s lanky and flexible silhouette, I’m inclined to believe, due to other plot points literally revealed by the same character in Chapters 1017 and 1018, that Sun God Nika had none other than the power of the Gomu Gomu no Mi.
This is why that devil fruit was valued. The same way that the World Government is keeping the giant Straw Hat by Oars. They are RELICS, symbols of power and objects that are a direct evidence to the true story hidden in the Void Century. More on this later.
After Oars was defeated, after the “Sun God calmed the Disaster”, the two became the best of friends. They would both laugh and laugh, so much that Oars’ laugh can be heard for miles. But then, finally, Nika must depart and continue on his journey. Oars is both sad and intrigued. Why does he leave? To which Nika simply responds – to see the world. And it’s great treasures! For you see, Nika was not just some warrior…he was a brave warrior of the sea. A Pirate, even, to some. And one probably in search of a great treasure…
Oars is inspired. And he decides to help his newfound friend. But instead, he wants to compete. He wants to find the great treasure first…and give it to Nika. And so, the two agree on a promise…Nika sails one direction…while Oars sails the other. And then, at the other halfway point of the world…they will meet again. And perhaps, either one will now have the Greatest Treasure in their possession.
