In the latest SBS (Q&A) section for volume 115 of One Piece, released on July 3, series creator Eiichiro Oda has finally addressed a long-standing plot hole concerning the limited number of flying Devil Fruit abilities.
The controversy stems from chapter 169, published in January 2001, where Pell, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user with the Model: Falcon ability, states that only five Devil Fruit powers in the world grant the ability to fly. This claim has been repeatedly contradicted throughout the manga's extensive run, with numerous characters demonstrating flight through various Devil Fruit powers, including Logia-type elemental abilities and transformation-based powers.
Fans have often attributed these inconsistencies to the natural evolution of a long-running series, suggesting Oda simply changed his mind over time. However, Oda's explanation offers a different perspective. He clarified that Pell's statement was intended to reflect the character's limited perception of the world rather than an objective truth within the narrative.
Oda also revealed that the line served as a personal reminder to himself. As a pirate manga, One Piece was conceived to maintain a strong focus on the sea and sailing ships. As the power system developed and more unique abilities were introduced, Oda aimed to curb the proliferation of flight powers, which he felt contrasted with the series' core themes. In essence, it was an authorial attempt to self-regulate the use of flight within the narrative.
Despite Oda's intentions, the prevalence of flight-capable characters has significantly increased. Recent arcs alone have featured numerous individuals with aerial capabilities, including Luffy's reality-bending Gear 5 powers, Loki's Devil Fruit transformations, and Sanji's signature Sky Walk technique. Oda himself acknowledged this in his SBS response, noting that maintaining flight as a rare ability has proven challenging.
This acknowledgement of a 25-year-old lore detail highlights the dedication and keen observation of the One Piece fanbase. It also provides a fascinating glimpse into Oda's world-building process and his efforts to maintain narrative consistency and thematic focus, even as his series has grown in scope and complexity.