One Piece: Which devil fruit holds the true potential?

In One Piece, Devil Fruits grant special powers, but many users never unlock their fruit’s full potential. However, one Devil Fruit has now reached its true form, and it belongs to Monkey D. Luffy. After over 1,000 episodes and manga chapters, the real identity of Luffy’s Devil Fruit was revealed during the Wano arc. What was once believed to be the Gum-Gum Fruit is now confirmed as the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, a mythical Zoan-type fruit.
The World Government had hidden the truth about this Devil Fruit for 800 years, changing its name to avoid attention. According to official lore, the Nika Fruit grants the powers of Sun God Nika, a legendary figure known for spreading joy and freedom. After Luffy’s defeat by Kaido, he awakened the fruit and entered a new state called Gear 5, unlocking its full abilities.
With Gear 5, Luffy gains increased strength, flexibility, and the power to affect his surroundings in unusual, cartoon-like ways. This transformation marks the complete awakening of the Nika Fruit. In this form, Luffy uses the fruit’s powers not only to battle opponents but also to create unpredictable effects during combat, bending the environment in exaggerated ways. His battle against Kaido in Wano highlighted the fruit’s true capabilities.
The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika had not awakened in centuries. The World Government actively tried to stop its rebirth by hiding its name and nature. Its abilities were considered dangerous because they represent complete freedom, laughter, and resistance against control.
Luffy's personality and goals directly align with the fruit’s legendary figure, Nika. Throughout the series, Luffy has fought to protect his friends and help others achieve their dreams. He shows a strong belief in personal freedom, which fits with the known traits of the Nika Fruit.
In recent arcs, Dr. Vegapunk explained that Devil Fruits are born from human dreams and desires. The Nika Fruit, representing the wish for freedom and hope, is now fully awakened through Luffy. Its powers were kept secret for generations, but the transformation in Wano confirmed that Luffy is using the fruit exactly as it was meant to be used.
With Luffy now fighting as the awakened Nika user, the story of One Piece enters a new stage. The full potential of the Nika Fruit has been revealed, and it is now one of the most powerful and symbolic abilities in the entire series.