@Chikmagnet7:
Well, it's just an idea. I'm sorry you almost puked after reading a one piece theory. Maybe that means you should take a break for a while, because you're probably taking this story too seriously.
sigh … Well I didn't feel like puking literally, but think what you want. Just try not to take it personally that I don't like your "theory".
@Chikmagnet7:
And that way is…? First, let's be clear. The ill effects of the gears are minimal when compared to their benefit. Luffy "tiring himself out" during gear 2nd is something that can likely be mitigated with practice and training. The gears are Luffy's greatest strength, and not just because of the power they grant him in battle: they represent creativity and a willingness to surpass his limits. As long as Luffy wants to grow stronger, he will use that creativity to reach new heights.
You're overlooking how damaging those effects really are. The fact that Luffy has reached a limit, having needed to combine gears 2 and 3 to defeat Moria, while damaging his body to the point that his body didn't react normally to the aftereffects suggests that they are not minimal at all. They are actually a great cause for concern, as Ussop noticed and confirmed on the behalf of the SH's. Never mind how Lucci stated how bad it was when Luffy was using it at the beginning stages. I agree that as of now his gears are his greatest strength, but we've seen a limit to where those gears can take him. That is why I stated, there needs to be another way for him to gain strength while not depending on his gears. Creating another gear is just going to create more problems for Luffy down the road. And even if we do assume that Luffy will learn how to use his gears at a more efficient level, plus a fourth one, it doesn't take away the fact that those damaging effects will still be a huge problem for him as they been in the past. Not to mention how much damage he'll incur while training to be more efficient in using his gears. A 4th gear is as bad as his other gears as they hack away at his life. To deny this is stupefying.
I've even read a theory, that because Akainu came close to magma fisting Luffy near his heart, means that Luffy will not be able to use Gear 2nd again. I can't remember exactly the specifics, but from what I remember, it was that because his body was heavily injured, the possibility of him having a long term problem in the area that was "gutted out"/injured by Akainu may mean that Luffy will not be able to forcefully pump blood throughout his body as is done in Gear 2nd. Meaning the area near his heart can be somewhat permanently damaged, even though Law fixed him up. It's worth considering this theory, I think.
@Chikmagnet7:
I appreciate the fact that your question makes logical sense; I just don't see it's relevance.
You usually don't.
I also have no idea why you think the main character needs to become stronger at a much faster pace than what we've seen in the past? There's a time-skip coming up for himself to train on his own. There is also plenty of time for him to grow in the future. There's no reason for the pace to quicken.
@Chikmagnet7:
I think it's humorous how people who write on forums dedicated to longstanding stories implicate themes that just aren't there. It was the same with Naruto on this very issue, but at least in Naruto there was some evidence of support. In this, there is none.
Well, that was my idea. Not that you have proof that the theme between Luffy and Blackbeard isn't there. And don't bring the subject of Naruto in here. It's irrelevant.
@Chikmagnet7:
There's never been any issue in one piece about "relying too much" on one's devil fruit. It is a power that the user has been granted.
Thriller Bark arc suggests otherwise.
@Chikmagnet7:
Not taking full advantage of that power would be a form of waste, not a form of over-reliance.That said, obviously there are other important things in a fight, such as haki, skill with weapons, overall fighting style, etc. But there has never been any issue of anyone overusing his or her devil fruit and likely never will be.
While Luffy can take advantage of his DF abilities, he's using them in ways that is slowly killing him. While it is amazing that Luffy would risk his life to such an extent to prove how strong his will is, he obviously cannot continue in this manner. It's not about taking advantage of his powers anymore. It's about him using his DF powers in ways he shouldn't. It's pretty obvious Luffy is overusing his DF abilities.
@Chikmagnet7:
So far, all I've heard was "derp I hate ur theery i barf derp." I hope you actually have a legitimate reason why you think it's "horrible" and aren't just saying that because I wrote it. What would that say about your credibility?
Are you feeling better by repeating stale humor you found on the internet because I upset you? Well, I'm sorry if I did make you upset by stating your theory is crap. From my own subjective point of view, I don't like it. It's not because you wrote it, because as I said before, I've read a similar theory and I didn't like it then either. I'm not out to get you if that's what you're implying. But it's also a bad theory as far as the development of the story is concerned and I've mentioned why that is so above. Keep in mind, I'm not even entering why it's bad based on why it's impossible for his body to react in that manner.