In this article, we take a closer look at Monkey D. Luffy’s most powerful technique as of Chapter 1043 of the manga, along with when and how he has used it.

One of Luffy’s most effective weapons in One Piece has been his Fourth Gear technique. In addition to giving him an advantage in tougher fights, it has also allowed him to hold his own against opponents who would normally be much stronger. When Luffy appears in this form, even the Emperors of the Sea must be careful.

The release of Gear Fourth is rare for how special it is. During Luffy’s New World travels, he never had the occasion to use the technique. Moreover, it leaves him weak after each use, so it is usually only used as a last resort as long as it adds to the spectacle when the technique finally emerges. The following is a complete overview of Gear Fourth and its appearances thus far in One Piece’s canon.

How Does the Gear Fourth Technique Work in One Piece?

The Gear Fourth form increases his strength, speed, and defensive capabilities at the same time, so it’s a step up from the fast-but-weak Gear Second and the strong-but-slow Gear Third, respectively. He becomes a hulking, top-heavy mass when he blows air into his muscles. His body is also covered in Armament Haki, while he emits steam in a distinct pattern.

As of right now, Gear Fourth has been shown in three variations: Bondman, Tankman, and Snakeman. Bound Man is Luffy’s most often seen attack, allowing him to use powerful, compression-based attacks. When he is in this form, he is at his most devastating.

Its main focus seems to be defense rather than offense, and it is good at absorbing enemy blows. As well as capturing opponents, it can also launch them like a cannonball. So far, this form has only been seen in its bloated “Manpuku Version.”

What Was Luffy’s First Use of Gear Fourth?

As part of his two-year training program on Rusukaina, Luffy developed Gear Fourth. At first, the island’s giant animals required the use of this Gear. It has since become one of Luffy’s most reliable techniques for challenging battles.

Despite looking like a cartoon character, Gear Fourth metabolized all those biscuits in a matter of minutes. He then used the Tankman “Manpuku Version (full stomach version)” to finish off the Sweet Commander in Chapter 842, “The Power of a Full Stomach.” Charlotte Cracker and her army of biscuit soldiers were again threatened by Bondman in Chapter 837, “Luffy vs. Commander Cracker.”. However, this did not work, and Luffy ate the soldiers instead.

Luffy later used another quickie Bondman line in Chapter 871, “You Can Do It, Caesar!” Supposedly running away from Big Mom, he punched her when she called him a coward. Fortunately, the Emperor’s superior, Armament Haki, deflected his punch.

In Chapter 887, “The Big Guy’s Not So Tough,” Luffy and the crew are all captured by the Big Guy himself. After Lasseter is knocked out, Luffy and Brook come up with a plan to escape by jumping off a cliff. The Big Guy catches them in mid-air and tries to kill them. Luckily, they are saved by Sanji, who is also being held captive by the Big Guy.

The Big Guy promises not to eat the Straw Hats in exchange for letting them go. Later, the Big Guy comes back and demands that Luffy release the others, but Luffy refuses. The Big Guy then starts to get angry and kicks Luffy off a cliff. When Luffy lands on the ground, he finds out that the Big Guy has been holding the rest of his crew hostage. The Big Guy says that if the Straw Hats don’t let him go, he’ll kill them all. Luffy is surprised at this, but Brook says it’s no use talking to the Big Guy like that. Luffy and Brook decide to take matters into their own hands. Luffy is going to go after the Big Guy, while Brook will stay behind and take care of the others.