What Is Killer’s Devil Fruit? Understanding the Smile and Its Impact
Killer, a formidable member of the Kid Pirates, doesn’t possess a true Devil Fruit power in the traditional sense. Instead, he was forced to consume a failed artificial Devil Fruit known as a SMILE, resulting in severe and lasting consequences.
The Dark Side of Artificial Devil Fruits
The One Piece world is filled with fascinating powers, many derived from eating Devil Fruits. These mystical fruits grant incredible abilities, but come with the significant drawback of rendering the user unable to swim. However, not all Devil Fruits are created equal, nor are they always real. A particularly disturbing example of this is the SMILE, the product of Donquixote Doflamingo’s and Caesar Clown’s illicit dealings.
What Exactly is a SMILE?
SMILEs are artificial Zoan-type Devil Fruits created from the substance SAD, a chemical compound synthesized by Caesar Clown. These fruits are intended to replicate the power of real Zoan fruits, allowing the consumer to transform into an animal or a hybrid. However, SMILEs are notoriously unstable and often result in horrific side effects. They are a key part of Kaido’s Beast Pirates’ power structure, as the Gifters, those who successfully gain some animalistic traits, bolster their ranks.
The Horrifying Effects of SMILEs
The primary problem with SMILEs is their extremely low success rate. Only about 10% of those who consume a SMILE actually gain any animalistic powers. The remaining 90% suffer a terrible fate:
- Inability to Express Negative Emotions: Consuming a failed SMILE permanently locks the user into a state of perpetual laughter, preventing them from expressing any other emotions, regardless of their circumstances. This forced joy is incredibly distressing and psychologically damaging.
- Deformation: Failed SMILEs can also cause physical deformities, further adding to the misery of the victims. These deformities vary widely, and the results are often grotesque and painful.
- No Devil Fruit Powers: Those who consume a failed SMILE gain no powers whatsoever. They are left with the psychological and physical trauma without any of the benefits.
- Dependence on the Supply: SMILE users are beholden to the distribution networks, further cementing the user’s relationship with the Beast Pirates.
Killer’s Tragic Transformation
Killer’s case is particularly poignant. To save his captain, Eustass Kid, from Kaido’s wrath, he was forced to consume a failed SMILE. This act of self-sacrifice transformed him from a stoic and deadly assassin into a perpetually laughing, broken man. He endures the constant forced laughter while desperately trying to maintain his composure and fight alongside his crew.
The Significance of SMILEs in Wano
The SMILEs are a crucial element of the Wano Country arc, highlighting the suffering inflicted upon the populace by Kaido and his allies. The forced consumption of these fruits symbolizes the oppression and control exerted by the Beast Pirates.
The Power of Emotions
In direct opposition to the imposed joy of the SMILEs, the Wano arc demonstrates the incredible power of genuine emotion in combat. This is demonstrated by the strength and fortitude shown by the alliance in their fight against Kaido.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a SMILE and a real Devil Fruit?
A SMILE is an artificial Zoan-type Devil Fruit, while a real Devil Fruit is a natural occurring fruit with unique and diverse powers (Paramecia, Zoan, and Logia). Real Devil Fruits are much more powerful and reliable, but they are also much rarer. SMILEs are mass-produced using SAD, making them readily available but of significantly lower quality and with devastating potential side effects.
Can someone have both a real Devil Fruit and a SMILE power?
No, a person can only possess one Devil Fruit power, whether real or artificial. Eating a second Devil Fruit, or a SMILE, will result in their death.
Are all SMILE users part of the Beast Pirates?
While many SMILE users are indeed part of Kaido’s Beast Pirates, this is not universally true. People throughout Wano have been forced to eat them. Killer, for example, is a member of the Kid Pirates and was compelled to consume a SMILE under duress.
Is there a cure for the effects of a failed SMILE?
Currently, there is no known cure for the psychological and physical effects of a failed SMILE. This makes the situation of those affected particularly tragic.
Can a SMILE grant abilities besides animal transformations?
No, SMILEs are designed to mimic Zoan-type Devil Fruits only, meaning they can only grant animalistic transformations or hybrids.
Does the user have control over the animal transformation granted by a SMILE?
The level of control varies. Some Gifters seem to have a decent level of control over their animal transformations, while others struggle.
How is SAD produced?
The specific process for producing SAD is not fully detailed in the series, but it is known to involve advanced chemistry and technology that was pioneered by Vegapunk, and later improved by Caesar Clown.
What is the significance of the name “SMILE”?
The name “SMILE” is deeply ironic and reflects the cruelty and despair associated with these fruits. It highlights the forced happiness imposed upon those who consume failed SMILEs, masking the suffering beneath a constant, hollow grin.
Does Killer retain any of his previous fighting abilities after consuming the SMILE?
Yes, despite the psychological trauma and forced laughter he endures, Killer retains his exceptional fighting skills and agility. He continues to be a formidable combatant.
Is there any chance Killer can overcome the effects of the SMILE?
The possibility of Killer overcoming the effects of the SMILE remains uncertain. Oda has shown a propensity to explore how characters deal with trauma and the mental effects of their powers, so a possibility is that the power of friendship or an extreme act of vengeance may provide psychological catharsis to negate the affects of the SMILE.
Does consuming a SMILE make you weaker to sea water like a real Devil Fruit user?
Yes. Like those with real Devil Fruits, users of SMILEs are vulnerable to sea water and Seastone, inhibiting their power.
Why did Kaido use SMILEs when he could have used regular Devil Fruits?
The primary reason is mass production and control. Real Devil Fruits are incredibly rare and their powers are uncontrollable. SMILEs, while flawed, allowed Kaido to quickly build a large army of Gifters, even if many were failures.