In a groundbreaking episode of One Piece, Rayleigh unveils the crucial reason why Gol D. Roger could never be the legendary Joy Boy before Luffy. This revelation sheds light on the profound connection between destiny, timing, and the essence of true freedom, setting the stage for Luffy’s role as the world’s liberator.
The long-awaited explanation reveals that Roger, despite his immense power and ambition, arrived too early in history. The chaotic events of God Valley and Roger’s own limitations made it clear that he was not the chosen one. He understood that Joy Boy’s time had not yet come, as the world required a different figure to truly embody the dawn of a new era.
Rayleigh emphasizes that Roger lacked the essential elements needed to fulfill the prophecy. The ancient weapons were scattered, Poseidon had not yet been born, and the true core of the prophecy—the Nikafruit—remained hidden from the world. Without these crucial components, Roger’s spirit and determination were insufficient to awaken the divine essence of the sun god.
Moreover, Roger was fighting against time, suffering from a terminal illness that prevented him from living long enough to complete his mission. His dramatic execution was not a failure but a strategic act to pave the way for a new era, one that would see the emergence of someone capable of achieving what he could not.
Luffy, the unexpected hero from the East Blue, embodies the spirit of freedom and joy that Roger could not offer. The Hitohito Nomi model Nika chose Luffy as its user, sealing his destiny as Joy Boy. Unlike Ace, who sought purpose and struggled with internal conflict, Luffy represents pure freedom and the ability to inspire hope in others.

This contrast is crucial. While Roger inspired pirates, Luffy inspires entire nations, igniting revolutions and restoring dignity wherever he goes. His innate ability to bring people together and uplift them is what sets him apart as the true Joy Boy, the liberator the world has awaited for 800 years.
As the story unfolds in the current Elbaf arc, the stakes have never been higher. With the world plunged into chaos, Luffy’s awakening as Joy Boy is perfectly timed with the resurgence of ancient powers and the rise of new alliances. This convergence of destiny signals that only Luffy can confront the looming threat of Emu and the oppressive world government.
The narrative emphasizes that Joy Boy is not merely a title but a symbol of liberation, hope, and the will to inspire change. Luffy’s journey, filled with laughter and adventure, contrasts sharply with Roger’s burdened past. The world is now ready for a Joy Boy who embodies the essence of freedom and joy, and Luffy is that figure.
In the end, the revelation is clear: Roger opened the path, but Luffy was destined to cross it. With his unique combination of power, purity, and unpredictability, Luffy is poised to fulfill the promise that Roger could only dream of. As the final confrontation approaches, the world holds its breath, ready to witness the birth of a new era led by Monkey D. Luffy, the true Joy Boy.