Discussion Will of D Explained

[Hannibal Psyche]

Note: The numbers in brackets correspond to the chapter it's sourced from.
⁽¹⁾ = Image from Chapter 1.

The Will of D​

Source: Chapter 100​

What is a Will?​

Wills are passed on after death; a will is an instruction or task imposed on specific person(s), and in some cases, a will is an unfinished project or goal that one decides to execute irregardless of not being specifically instructed.

Theme of Wills and Dreams​

These are things that can't cannot be stopped; inherited wills, the destiny of an age and the dreams of its people. As long as people continue to pursue the meaning of freedom, these things will never cease to be! - Gol D. Roger

Roger is basically saying man d will eventually die due to the flow of time; in contrast, abstract things... concepts like "Dreams" and "Wills" which seem to lack the substance of man (life) never die as long as time goes on because, either someone will have similar dreams and aspirations, or they'll be inspired through stories; It inherently makes these abstract concepts immortal because they're forever.

An example would be Calgara's promise⁽²⁹¹⁾ to Norland; the Shandians and SHs heard the story of Calgara and were inspired⁽²⁹³⁾ to carry it out⁽²⁹⁹⁾. Just like Calagar's desire was carried out, we can expect the Will of D to follow suit.

Why the 'Will of D' Exists​

Remember, the Ancient Kingdom (the D's Kingdom) were wiped out because they held strongly to a philosophy and idealthat threatened the WG's agenda⁽³⁹⁵⁾. Though, the Ancient Kingdom were at war with the 20 kingdoms, it climaxed in its 100ᵗʰ year. As a contingency plan(they knew defeat was imminent), they left messages on indestructible blocks called Poneglyphs⁽³⁹⁵⁾ to make sure the records of these events (along with other things) wouldn't be lost.

Who Created the Will?​

The originator of this Will is Joyboy (the Ancient Kingdom's representative); he had Noah built⁽⁶⁴⁹⁾ for a specific purpose, but due to inability to carry this out, he had a promise written on the Poneglyphs from himself to Fishman Island. He let them know he wouldn't be able to carry out his promise⁽⁶⁴⁹⁾ most likely because the Ancient Kingdom was about to be destroyed, but assured the people of Fishman Island to patient wait for a successor in his stead.

The D Initial & Voice of All Things​

Before this goes amiss, bare in mind that Joyboy devised the inscriptions that were written on a Poneglyph and sent it to Fishman Island; the fact that he was able to pass on messages in this language mean he's from the Ancient Kingdom; anyone capable of messaging in this foreign language⁽⁵⁰⁷⁾⁽³⁰¹⁾ (the Ancient Language) is unequivocally a descendant of this Kingdom; the implications are Gol D. Roger who possessed Voice of All Things (VOAT) which enabled him to interpret the language is a descendant of this Kingdom.

We've come to find that Monkey D. Luffy also possesses this ability⁽⁶⁴⁸⁾ that Roger possessed enabling him to understand the Ancient Language, and it's unlikely to be coincidence that both Roger and Luffy bare the D initial. With that said, it's fair to conclude as previously stated:

• That Joyboy is a D.
• All Ds are descendants of the Ancient Kingdom.
• and all Ds possess the Voice of All Things.

Is there a "Chosen" One?​

There's been explicit remarks made about a chosen person (cliché). During the Marineford war of the best, Whitebeard in death⁽⁵⁷⁶⁾ said someone will rise to challenge the world and Otohime repeating Joyboy's⁽⁶²⁶⁾ promise, mentioned about a chosen one who will change the world; it's quite evident that this chosen individual, is none other than Luffy himself, and Whitebeard also lets us know Teach⁽⁵⁷⁶⁾ is not the one Roger was waiting for, pertaining to the carrying out of the 'Will of D'. Interestingly enough, Whitebeard makes his crew support Luffy⁽⁵⁷⁰⁾ after witnessing his strength and courage because he believes he's possibly the chosen one.

Is there a Prophecy?​

Source: Chapter 576​

One of the most explicit panels prophetically occurs in Marineford; Whitebeard proclaims that someone will challenge World Government carrying the hidden history of the world in order to bring Freedom to the world that is subjugated by the World Government (who are controlled by Tenryuubito/Celestial Dragons).

What is the 'Will of D' Advocating?​

The Will of D is ultimately advocating Freedom. If we go back to Luffy's childhood and follow his progression since he became a Pirate, his motivation is freedom. The reason he even wants to be Pirate King is to be the freest man alive just like Roger.

Though, his personal freedom in the scheme of things isn't the focus point, what's important is the world around him. The slavery that's been going on for 100s of years⁽⁵⁰¹⁾, the inhumane crimes committed⁽⁴⁹⁷⁾ and the racism⁽⁵⁰⁰⁾; this is in essence, a fight for Freedom for all mankind irregardless of race.

Charisma​

Another interesting aspect of Luffy's adventures and the D bearers whom have been associated with becoming Pirate King and finding One Piece is, they possess overwhelming charisma. When it comes to charisma, no one holds a candle to Luffy in this respect.

Source: Chapter 561​

As the Prophecy stated, an individual will lead the world into great change, and such a feat requires that this individual possess an ability to draw allies which Mihawk touched on, and many examples of this is highlighted in every arc:

1. Luffy at the battle of Marineford...
   Spoiler

   all the way from Impel Down was beint assisted by a Revolutionary Captain, and then assisted by the crew of an Emperor? That's outrageously unusual.
2. At Fishman Island...
   Spoiler

   Luffy was able to gain the support of Merfolk whom through history have feared humans and thus, despised them, support him in his aid to take down another Merfolk, pretty ironic.
3. Luffy liberating Dressrosa and the Tontatas was..
   Spoiler

   again, due to his charismatic nature. He had powerful Pirates whom he had defeated (despite hating him and bearing grudges) on their own choice, choose to ally with him, and even forcefully escalated this temporary alliance into a permanent one.

Conclusion​

To conclude, the Will of D is the Will of the Ancient Kingdom, which originates from Joyboy. Joyboy is from the Ancient Kingdom and everyone who has the "D" initial is a descendant of this Kingdom.

One day, someone with the D. initial (who is certainly not Teach) will fulfil Joyboy's mission in Fishman Island which I'm sure is to carry Fishmen to the surface (as will be the case for other races like the Minks), while the other is to oppose the World Government and end their tyrannical oppression over the world.

In the lead to fulfilling this will, Luffy's charisma is the centre of all this progression, to enable him to bring about Freedom to the World and ultimately, enjoy more adventures the company of his Nakama.

 

[ProGoddess]

Thanks for the great analysis of the "will of D".

Though there may be "luck" as you have mentioned, it may also be "sincerity", "truthfulness" and "genuine" characteristics in the people like Luffy and Roger. Their personality may actually make them more attractive to people around them.

Take Luffy for instance, he has a common look with simple dressing. But he gains many people's trust whenever he has close encounter with them. Even his enemies did not deny it (though they did not say it out). In the case of Bellamy, when Doflamingo knew that Bellamy had become Luffy's friend, Doflamingo did not seem to be surprise or in shock. He was like acknowledging the fact and just told Bellamy to kill Luffy to show his loyalty to him. So I reckon that Luffy's charisma comes from his kind nature or personality.

For Roger and Garp, one may query if he/she doesn't know about the relationship between them. They were able to come to terms and Garp was willing to take care of Roger's son. What's more? Law was well-protected throughout his childhood and the secret was sealed so well by Garp. This just shows the personality of people with "D".

Throughout the entire series, it has been portraying "freedom" and many people, kingdom and nations have been set free from bondage, oppression, cruelty, and so on, be it physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically. It is like all is free from everything. I believe what the manga is trying to say about the will is probably referring to this "freedom".

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

Thanks for the great analysis of the "will of D".

Though there may be "luck" as you have mentioned, it may also be "sincerity", "truthfulness" and "genuine" characteristics in the people like Luffy and Roger. Their personality may actually make them more attractive to people around them.

Take Luffy for instance, he has a common look with simple dressing. But he gains many people's trust whenever he has close encounter with them. Even his enemies did not deny it (though they did not say it out). In the case of Bellamy, when Doflamingo knew that Bellamy had become Luffy's friend, Doflamingo did not seem to be surprise or in shock. He was like acknowledging the fact and just told Bellamy to kill Luffy to show his loyalty to him. So I reckon that Luffy's charisma comes from his kind nature or personality.

For Roger and Garp, one may query if he/she doesn't know about the relationship between them. They were able to come to terms and Garp was willing to take care of Roger's son. What's more? Law was well-protected throughout his childhood and the secret was sealed so well by Garp. This just shows the personality of people with "D".

Throughout the entire series, it has been portraying "freedom" and many people, kingdom and nations have been set free from bondage, oppression, cruelty, and so on, be it physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically. It is like all is free from everything. I believe what the manga is trying to say about the will is probably referring to this "freedom".

Thanks .

Luffy is certainly a charismatic character, we see how easily he can make allies and this is what Mihawk was referring to as the World's greatest power. Luffy gained allies without trying, that is indeed a dangerous power to possess, perhaps charisma may be more to do with it than luck; very nice pointed out, never saw it from that perspective.

 

[TitaniumOxide]

Everything seems pretty backed up by good evidence and I agree except for the voice of all things.

The Sea Kings pulling Noah was like woah! Wtf!? He seemed to have heard us just like some dude from a couple decades past (Roger). Granted it isn't like people search out Sea Kings to hear their thoughts even if they are a D. But it has been shown there are quite a few of them left and some may be hidden like Law hiding his initial. No other Ds have exhibited the same power besides Luffy and Roger. If they did wouldn't they be able to hear poneglyphs speak to them? Maybe these other Ds just haven't awakened that power yet an as such cannot exhibit it or maybe they just don't want to show their ability. Either way, the only confirmed person who is alive who can hear the voices of all things is Luffy.

Perhaps this can tie into your speech on Charisma. Maybe if you are a D and have a high enough willpower and charisma, you can unlock this ability.

--- Double Post Merged, Mar 16, 2016, Original Post Date: Mar 16, 2016 ---

Everything seems pretty backed up by good evidence and I agree except for the voice of all things.

The Sea Kings pulling Noah was like woah! Wtf!? He seemed to have heard us just like some dude from a couple decades past (Roger). Granted it isn't like people search out Sea Kings to hear their thoughts even if they are a D. But it has been shown there are quite a few of them left and some may be hidden like Law hiding his initial. No other Ds have exhibited the same power besides Luffy and Roger. If they did wouldn't they be able to hear poneglyphs speak to them? Maybe these other Ds just haven't awakened that power yet an as such cannot exhibit it or maybe they just don't want to show their ability. Either way, the only confirmed person who is alive who can hear the voices of all things is Luffy.

Perhaps this can tie into your speech on Charisma. Maybe if you are a D and have a high enough willpower and charisma, you can unlock this ability.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

Everything seems pretty backed up by good evidence and I agree except for the voice of all things.

The Sea Kings pulling Noah was like woah! Wtf!? He seemed to have heard us just like some dude from a couple decades past (Roger). Granted it isn't like people search out Sea Kings to hear their thoughts even if they are a D. But it has been shown there are quite a few of them left and some may be hidden like Law hiding his initial. No other Ds have exhibited the same power besides Luffy and Roger. If they did wouldn't they be able to hear poneglyphs speak to them? Maybe these other Ds just haven't awakened that power yet an as such cannot exhibit it or maybe they just don't want to show their ability. Either way, the only confirmed person who is alive who can hear the voices of all things is Luffy.

Perhaps this can tie into your speech on Charisma. Maybe if you are a D and have a high enough willpower and charisma, you can unlock this ability.

Before this Zou arc, I'd have never questioned the correlation since only 2 Ds have demonstrated this ability.

However, we saw Luffy near a Poneglyph with no interaction or connection being drawn, so I'm somewhat sceptical now.

Even more, Momonosuke said he heard a voice while entering into the Whale and he apparently isn't a D, which is where the Poneglyph was, it seems Law also heard this voice too while others were unable to, so maybe this is a hint. The rather odd aspect of that scene was why can Momonosuke hear this voice even though he isn't a D, so maybe it's not limited to Ds as I thought.

Even more perplexing and destabilizing how strongly I felt about this D. and ability, Luffy seemed to hear a voice which could be Zunisha.

I'm going to be flexible about this Voice, and see how things develop except there's something being missed to link it all together and make sense out of it.

 

[Ginopastino]

From an old analysis of mine:

"It has been always been buggling me how the will of the D. has been passed since the void century... But since Punk Hazard we've been given a precious information : devil fruits can be passed. With chapter 731 a further connection has been made : devil fruit perhaps pass "wills".

Too much information is storming through my head now so I'll just put it down as it comes :

- We know Devil Fruits can be, well, "synthetised", therefore produced. What if they are artificial to begin with??

- What if SAD is just reverse-engeneering of something which has long since been created?!

- What if their true purpose is to PASS A WILL?

- What if that hidden function only works with the D's, because : "Their body make up is not ordinary?" (Marco)

- What if IT IS THE CONTRARY INSTEAD : their true purpose ONLY manifests within someone carrying a D beacause they are mean to work that way???

- Law already pointed out that devil fruits are know to affect the user's blood some way.
What if the original method of transmission of the Will of the D. was by blood? What would have happened if everyone carrying that blood would be exterminated???

- What if devil fruits have been created to make up for that circumstance???

- What if they've been created to prevent THAT WILL FROM DISAPPEARING IF EVERYONE OF THAT LINEAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED like it's been happening for 700 years???

- What if a devil's fruit absorbs his user's will too when it disappears? WHAT IF FRUITS ARE JUST A MEDIUM, A DATA STORAGE DEVICE?

- D's are human so it's obvious that the fruits works on others too, but what if the abilities are just a camouflage to hide their original purpose?

- WHAT IF SMILES ARE NOT PERFECT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO "WILL" WITHIN??? They only carry the powers that way.

- Gol D. Roger has been, on more than one instance, called A DEVIL ; and here we come to my breakthrough theory :




Fruits that carry precious data, A WILL, AND THE "POWER" TO STATE THAT WILL.

THE WILL OF THE DEVIL."

 

[ProGoddess]

From an old analysis of mine:

"It has been always been buggling me how the will of the D. has been passed since the void century... But since Punk Hazard we've been given a precious information : devil fruits can be passed. With chapter 731 a further connection has been made : devil fruit perhaps pass "wills".

Too much information is storming through my head now so I'll just put it down as it comes :

- We know Devil Fruits can be, well, "synthetised", therefore produced. What if they are artificial to begin with??

- What if SAD is just reverse-engeneering of something which has long since been created?!

- What if their true purpose is to PASS A WILL?

- What if that hidden function only works with the D's, because : "Their body make up is not ordinary?" (Marco)

- What if IT IS THE CONTRARY INSTEAD : their true purpose ONLY manifests within someone carrying a D beacause they are mean to work that way???

- Law already pointed out that devil fruits are know to affect the user's blood some way.
What if the original method of transmission of the Will of the D. was by blood? What would have happened if everyone carrying that blood would be exterminated???

- What if devil fruits have been created to make up for that circumstance???

- What if they've been created to prevent THAT WILL FROM DISAPPEARING IF EVERYONE OF THAT LINEAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED like it's been happening for 700 years???

- What if a devil's fruit absorbs his user's will too when it disappears? WHAT IF FRUITS ARE JUST A MEDIUM, A DATA STORAGE DEVICE?

- D's are human so it's obvious that the fruits works on others too, but what if the abilities are just a camouflage to hide their original purpose?

- WHAT IF SMILES ARE NOT PERFECT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO "WILL" WITHIN??? They only carry the powers that way.

- Gol D. Roger has been, on more than one instance, called A DEVIL ; and here we come to my breakthrough theory :




Fruits that carry precious data, A WILL, AND THE "POWER" TO STATE THAT WILL.

THE WILL OF THE DEVIL."

Thanks for your interesting post on the "Will of D".

For so long, I have been wondering about the connection between the "will" and the "devil fruit". Little did I think the way you have thought about it. Very good theory indeed!

You mentioned about the devil fruit being the medium (or as a storage device, so to speak), what I'm thinking is about the "person" him-/her-self.

Recall Sabo who has eaten Ace's Mera Mera no mi, I don't suppose he would obtain the "will" since he isn't a "D". Maybe those who are "D"s are a special group of people and every generation will inherit the will through their blood line. It's like a genetic make-up from generation to generation similarly to what we have in our modern term called "traits" and "genes" (or DNA) in which a particular unit or a group of units of heredity (DNA) is passed from parents to their offspring. Perhaps for this reason, we tend to see the similarity of behaviour or habits from those who are part of the blood line of "D". One of the distinctive features is their "strange" smiles. We have a number of witnesses on such encounter. Roger and Ace were among those who died smiling.

The Will of the Devil - we don't have the answer yet, but who knows you might hit the jackpot.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

From an old analysis of mine:

"It has been always been buggling me how the will of the D. has been passed since the void century... But since Punk Hazard we've been given a precious information : devil fruits can be passed. With chapter 731 a further connection has been made : devil fruit perhaps pass "wills".

Too much information is storming through my head now so I'll just put it down as it comes :

- We know Devil Fruits can be, well, "synthetised", therefore produced. What if they are artificial to begin with??

- What if SAD is just reverse-engeneering of something which has long since been created?!

- What if their true purpose is to PASS A WILL?

- What if that hidden function only works with the D's, because : "Their body make up is not ordinary?" (Marco)

- What if IT IS THE CONTRARY INSTEAD : their true purpose ONLY manifests within someone carrying a D beacause they are mean to work that way???

- Law already pointed out that devil fruits are know to affect the user's blood some way.
What if the original method of transmission of the Will of the D. was by blood? What would have happened if everyone carrying that blood would be exterminated???

- What if devil fruits have been created to make up for that circumstance???

- What if they've been created to prevent THAT WILL FROM DISAPPEARING IF EVERYONE OF THAT LINEAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED like it's been happening for 700 years???

- What if a devil's fruit absorbs his user's will too when it disappears? WHAT IF FRUITS ARE JUST A MEDIUM, A DATA STORAGE DEVICE?

- D's are human so it's obvious that the fruits works on others too, but what if the abilities are just a camouflage to hide their original purpose?

- WHAT IF SMILES ARE NOT PERFECT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO "WILL" WITHIN??? They only carry the powers that way.

- Gol D. Roger has been, on more than one instance, called A DEVIL ; and here we come to my breakthrough theory :




Fruits that carry precious data, A WILL, AND THE "POWER" TO STATE THAT WILL.

THE WILL OF THE DEVIL."

Nice idea.

Based on my take, all Wills so far have been passed on from being told as stories (influential sources) or from relationships with someone:

1. Chopper inherited Dr. Hilluk's will from hearing about it through his relationship with him.
2. Luffy inherited the Will of Roger/D through his relationship with Red Hair and hearing the crew's tales of freedom and adventure.
   Spoiler: Shank's Influence

   
3. Sanji probably inherited the Will to find "All Blue" by readings books since we know he's an avid reader.
4. Shandians inherited Calgara's will by listening to his story during their youth.

The Will of D is no different to the other Wills which could easily be called:

1. The Will of Dr. Hilluk.
2. The Will of Calgara.

They're all goals inherited by relations, stories or influence of some sort. As far as we know, DFs have no way to influence. If DFs influence people:

1. Then why isn't Blackbeard doing things that'd be consistent with Whitebeard? He's doing the exact opposite.
2. Would Burgess really inherit Ace's will to protect Luffy?

Sabo already had Ace's will irregardless of the Mera Mera no Mi, the will was to protect Luffy, and why is this the will? It's because of their relationship and the fact they're brothers. Fruits are just sentimental objects in certain contexts, and only purpose is to bestow abilities.

 

[2mytrompess]

Bump...

Blast from the past while watching Episode of Nami.

http://www.mangareader.net/one-piece/78/19

Bellemere could be a D?
1) She died smiling.
2) Living with her foster daugters could be considered a pursuit for freedom and having family a dream.

 

[M3J]

Upon re-reading Dressrosa, I believe Will of D is a big area to cover. One thing it seems to be about is toppling rulers or gods. Luffy beat Eneru, Crocodile, Arlong, and Doflamingo - four rulers of their domain - and punched a Tenryuubito, a group actually seen as gods. Dragon is taking down kingdoms with evil rulers, while Blackbeard killed Whitebeard, someone who had a huge territory. this would tie into Law sayin the Ds are natural enemies of gods, which doesn't just mean Tenryuubito.

Another thing about Will of D is that they inspire followers and allies. The Monkey family are great examples of this, especially Garp and Luffy with how wild and reckless they are or can be. Blackbeard is also another example because despite having powerful crews like Shiryu, they seem to be quite loyal. And then you have Ace, who was pretty much liked by everyone he met, from Buggy to Shanks. And I think on top of Conqueror's Haki, which he and Luffy have, it makes them even more likable or likely to get more allies because it draws people to them even more, along with their spirit and persistence in fighting for what they want, no matter what.

I'll add more to this, but I didn't want to dig up this thread again so I felt like posting a rough draft.`

 

[kcd]

Interesting writeup @HP.

There's one panel though that makes me believe devil fruits also transfers will like what @Ginopastino said.

- What if a devil's fruit absorbs his user's will too when it disappears? WHAT IF FRUITS ARE JUST A MEDIUM, A DATA STORAGE DEVICE?."

After defeating Burgess, Sabo said -
"Ace said he won't forgive you",
And that was long after Ace died, I don't think Ace ever spoke to Sabo again after they got separated as kids, so it kinda looked like he could feel what Ace was saying at that moment due to the fruit, kinda like the connection The Avatar has with his past lives.
What do you think @HP ?

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

Interesting writeup @HP.

There's one panel though that makes me believe devil fruits also transfers will like what @Ginopastino said.



After defeating Burgess, Sabo said -
"Ace said he won't forgive you",
And that was long after Ace died, I don't think Ace ever spoke to Sabo again after they got separated as kids, so it kinda looked like he could feel what Ace was saying at that moment due to the fruit, kinda like the connection The Avatar has with his past lives.
What do you think @HP ?

Thanks.

Fruits do not transfer wills, otherwise, Blakcbeard should have Whitebeard's will. Whitebeard would have the will of the person before him and it's be an infinite regression of sorts.

Sabo was speaking figuratively. Don't forget they're being sentimental. Sabo said "Ace here said you deserve it" and he's looking at the fire. The fruit is just symbolic of Ace as he was the previous owner, it's not a literal speech.

We do this in real life, we get a memento of a lost one, we can make similar sentiments. It's not literal.

Burgess consuming the fruit wouldn't have begun to care for Luffy.

 

[tony p]

well that does match well with a BM's ending. Destroying Fishman Island, put them all on Noa, using sea monsters to wipe out BM's navy.

 

[kcd]

Thanks.

Fruits do not transfer wills, otherwise, Blakcbeard should have Whitebeard's will. Whitebeard would have the will of the person before him and it's be an infinite regression of sorts.

Sabo was speaking figuratively. Don't forget they're being sentimental. Sabo said "Ace here said you deserve it" and he's looking at the fire. The fruit is just symbolic of Ace as he was the previous owner, it's not a literal speech.

We do this in real life, we get a memento of a lost one, we can make similar sentiments. It's not literal.

Burgess consuming the fruit wouldn't have begun to care for Luffy.

Speaking figuratively?,
Well, that's a possibility, but I'm thinking he's not.
Before he made that comment, he said he was gonna let him go, then added "but" before making the statement " Ace said you deserved it", like it wasn't his intentions to act but something influenced him to act anyway.

In another translation, before he made that comment, he said he didn't care, but then said afterwards that 'Ace said he won't forgive you", meaning that action was on behalf of ace. In both cases, there was clearly some sort of communicated will.

The way I see it, wills can be communicated, not forced, I think it depends on whether the person is willing to accept it, that could explain why somebody like Burgess won't all of a sudden start caring for luffy if he had eaten the fruit because he'll never be willing to do such even when told physically.
In Sabo's case, it seemed like he didn't want to initially, but then decided to carry out Ace's Will because of how close they were.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

Speaking figuratively?,
Well, that's a possibility, but I'm thinking he's not.
Before he made that comment, he said he was gonna let him go, then added "but" before making the statement " Ace said you deserved it", like it wasn't his intentions to act but something influenced him to act anyway.

You do realise that Burges tried to stab him? He'd have attacked him either way. He only said it after Burgess attacked.

Sabo and Ace are literally 2 sides of the same coin, it's why Sabo only picked up from where Ace left after Ace died. It's only because Ace died that he recovered his memory. Both characters are devices used to strengthen Luffy. Ace died so Luffy could grow, Sabo is just another Ace so to speak carrying on from where Ace left off. It's not coincidence that Sabo miraculously regains his memories only after Ace's death.

In another translation, before he made that comment, he said he didn't care, but then said afterwards that 'Ace said he won't forgive you", meaning that action was on behalf of ace. In both cases, there was clearly some sort of communicated will.

In Sabo's case, it seemed like he didn't want to initially, but then decided to carry out Ace's Will because of how close they were.

I gave you an official translation, that's a lot more reliable.

And Sabo would still have attacked Burgess nevertheless; you really think Sabo would just have casually walked off after being the attempt of a stab?

Sabo is just speaking figuratively and tauntingly. Ace is not there literally, but he's symbolic of the fire, that's literally all.

The way I see it, wills can be communicated, not forced, I think it depends on whether the person is willing to accept it, that could explain why somebody like Burgess won't all of a sudden start caring for luffy if he had eaten the fruit because he'll never be willing to do such even when told physically.

Devil fruits don't pass on wills. Sabo always was going to look after Luffy regardless of fruit.

 

[M3J]

Interesting writeup @HP.

There's one panel though that makes me believe devil fruits also transfers will like what @Ginopastino said.



After defeating Burgess, Sabo said -
"Ace said he won't forgive you",
And that was long after Ace died, I don't think Ace ever spoke to Sabo again after they got separated as kids, so it kinda looked like he could feel what Ace was saying at that moment due to the fruit, kinda like the connection The Avatar has with his past lives.
What do you think @HP ?

That was said after the shit Jesus said about Ace and his final moments. Sabo said he was gonna let him go, but after Jesus made fun of Ace, Sabo retaliated. I wouldn't look into it any deeper than Sabo just being angry for what Jesus said.

Interesting thing about the Will of D is that Blackbeard is the only D to fear death and the only D who betrayed and killed his own crewmate. Is it possible that he descended from a D who betrayed the others? But it seems the Will of D are controlled by fate, POSSIBLY steered towards helping Luffy accomplish what the Will of D is supposed to. It looks like he's the chosen one that Roger and others were waiting for, with how the story is going. Otherwise it seems another thing those with the Will of D have in common is loyalty from their group.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

well that does match well with a BM's ending. Destroying Fishman Island, put them all on Noa, using sea monsters to wipe out BM's navy.

It said Luffy was the one to destroy Fishman Island, not Big Mom. Also going by the way things are unfolding, this could be the end of the BMP. Katakuri defeated, her fleet defeated by German, Big Mom out of commission, and I don't see the SHs being able to head to Wano if Big Mom is going after Fishman Island since they know it was the SH+Fishman that caused the destruction of her chateau with the Tamatebako. Jimbei can't head to Wano knowing Fishman Island is in danger, so more likely this will be the conclusion.

Luffy will likely destroy Fishman Island for a reason unrelated to Big Mom.

 

[kcd]

That was said after the shit Jesus said about Ace and his final moments. Sabo said he was gonna let him go, but after Jesus made fun of Ace, Sabo retaliated. I wouldn't look into it any deeper than Sabo just being angry for what Jesus said.

Interesting thing about the Will of D is that Blackbeard is the only D to fear death and the only D who betrayed and killed his own crewmate. Is it possible that he descended from a D who betrayed the others? But it seems the Will of D are controlled by fate, POSSIBLY steered towards helping Luffy accomplish what the Will of D is supposed to. It looks like he's the chosen one that Roger and others were waiting for, with how the story is going. Otherwise it seems another thing those with the Will of D have in common is loyalty from their group.

OK, it makes sense he was only reacting to Burgess's actions, but he shouldn't be quoting ace, it's OK to recognise or act for someone but saying the person "said" will give the wrong impression, like he was somehow communicated to.

--- Double Post Merged, Jan 21, 2018, Original Post Date: Jan 21, 2018 ---

Is it possible that he descended from a D who betrayed the others? But it seems the Will of D are controlled by fate, POSSIBLY steered towards helping Luffy accomplish what the Will of D is supposed to. It looks like he's the chosen one that Roger and others were waiting for, with how the story is going. Otherwise it seems another thing those with the Will of D have in common is loyalty from their group.

Yea, I was just thinking about that, it could be, but right now it's just speculation.
The funny thing about being the chosen one to fulfil the will is that there were others before him, like ace, Blackbeard wasn't recognized by white beard probably because his will and ideals wasn't inline with thus saith the ancestors.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

OK, it makes sense he was only reacting to Burgess's actions, but he shouldn't be quoting ace, it's OK to recognise or act for someone but saying the person "said" will give the wrong impression, like he was somehow communicated to.

What's wrong with quoting Ace? It's sentiment. Just requires reading into. Even Blackbeard said the same thing. He said the Mera Mera no Mi would be like having Ace in the crew. It's sentiment, not literal. It's because the fruit was used by Ace, therefore people associate with the previous user.

The funny thing about being the chosen one to fulfil the will is that there were others before him, like ace, Blackbeard wasn't recognized by white beard

Ace was recognised, why else do you think Whitebeard aimed to make Ace Pirate King? Ace showed ambition so Whitebeard invested in him and tried to groom him; Blackbeard hid his intentions, so no point in Whitebeard trying - he also brought up Blackbeard to Roger after being told the full story on the Will of D.

 

[M3J]

OK, it makes sense he was only reacting to Burgess's actions, but he shouldn't be quoting ace, it's OK to recognise or act for someone but saying the person "said" will give the wrong impression, like he was somehow communicated to.

--- Double Post Merged, Jan 21, 2018, Original Post Date: Jan 21, 2018 ---

Yea, I was just thinking about that, it could be, but right now it's just speculation.
The funny thing about being the chosen one to fulfil the will is that there were others before him, like ace, Blackbeard wasn't recognized by white beard probably because his will and ideals wasn't inline with thus saith the ancestors.

he wasn't quoting Ace, he was just reacting to what Jesus said about Ace. I don't think majority of the readers interpreted it the way you did. Had Jesus not said anything about Ace, Sabo wouldn't have said that. If JEsus talked shit about Luffy, Sabo likely would have said the same thing, just because he knew Ace loved Luffy as well.

Whitebeard did recognize Blackbeard until Blackbeard killed Thatch. When Blackbeard was about to kill Whitebeard, Whitebeard said Teech wasn't the person Roger was looking for, after the flashback to his convo with Roger. I'm not sure if Whitebeard truly planned to make Ace the pirate king as the claim is a secondhand source, but Whitebeard likely did see Ace as one of the inheritors.

But man, I really wanna learn more about this Will of D and the Void Century. Pretty sure they're both so strongly linked.