Is Pluton The Thousand Sunny? Decoding a Popular One Piece Theory
The short answer is a resounding no. The theory that the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hat Pirates’ beloved ship, is actually the Ancient Weapon Pluton is a popular one, but it’s one that falls apart under scrutiny when considering established plot points and character motivations within the One Piece universe. The idea, while intriguing, clashes directly with Franky’s arc, the history of Pluton, and the overall narrative direction of Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece.
The Foundation of the Theory: Why It Persists
The core of the theory lies in several points:
- Franky’s involvement: Franky possessed the blueprints for Pluton and is an incredibly skilled shipwright. This leads some to believe he secretly integrated Pluton’s design or technology into the Sunny.
- The Sunny’s capabilities: The Thousand Sunny boasts impressive capabilities, including the Coup de Burst, its immense durability (thanks to Adam Wood), and various advanced weaponry. These feats lead some to believe the Sunny has more up its sleeve than is apparent.
- Potential for a late-game twist: The sheer scale and complexity of One Piece naturally leads to speculation about hidden secrets and surprising reveals. The theory suggesting that the Sunny is Pluton taps into this desire for a shocking plot twist near the story’s climax.
However, these points are circumstantial and easily refuted.
Why the Theory Doesn’t Hold Water
Franky’s Dream vs. Pluton’s Purpose
The most significant counter-argument revolves around Franky’s personal journey. Throughout the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs, the overwhelming concern was that the Pluton blueprints would fall into the wrong hands. Franky made a conscious decision to destroy the blueprints, preventing anyone from misusing the ancient weapon. This action highlights his moral integrity and commitment to preventing large-scale destruction.
Building Pluton in secret, even disguised as his dream ship, would completely undermine this sacrifice. It would betray the trust placed in him by Iceburg and go against his established character arc. He explicitly stated his desire to build his dream ship, not recreate someone else’s design. The Thousand Sunny embodies Franky’s ingenuity and creativity; it’s a culmination of his skills, not a vessel secretly imbued with the destructive power of Pluton.
The Sunny’s Design and Functionality
While the Thousand Sunny is undoubtedly a powerful ship, its power derives from advanced shipbuilding techniques and specifically chosen materials rather than ancient weapon technology. The Adam Wood, from which the ship is constructed, provides exceptional durability. The Coup de Burst is a creative, if somewhat unconventional, propulsion system powered by Cola. The ship’s cannons are well-designed but not fundamentally different from other warships in the One Piece world.
There’s no evidence to suggest that the Sunny possesses capabilities that vastly exceed the established technological level of the One Piece universe. Pluton, on the other hand, is described as a warship capable of destroying entire islands with a single shot. The Sunny, while formidable, has never displayed such destructive potential.
The Location of Pluton
The location of Pluton is another critical point. While its exact nature remains shrouded in mystery, the Poneglyphs suggest it is located in Wano Country. Robin deduced from the Arabasta Poneglyph that Pluton was in Wano, a fact later confirmed by Kozuki Sukiyaki. Therefore, the Sunny being Pluton would require a significant retcon of established lore.
Oda’s Storytelling and Themes
Eiichiro Oda is a master storyteller, and his writing is characterized by consistency and thematic depth. The theory suggesting that the Sunny is Pluton feels like a departure from Oda’s established style. The theme of following one’s dreams and pursuing one’s passions is central to One Piece, and Franky building his dream ship aligns perfectly with this theme. Secretly building a weapon of mass destruction goes against the core message of the series.
Ultimately, the idea is an interesting fan creation, but it lacks support within the text and would contradict established characters and themes. The Thousand Sunny is Franky’s masterpiece, a symbol of freedom and adventure, and it should be appreciated for what it is, not for what it isn’t.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pluton and the Thousand Sunny
1. Who has the Pluton ship in One Piece?
Currently, the actual Pluton ship has been lost to history. It was supposedly built on Water 7 during the Void Century.
2. What weapons are on the Thousand Sunny?
The Sunny is equipped with sixteen cannons: seven traditional cannons on each side, the Gaon Cannon in the figurehead, and the Coup de Burst cannon at the stern.
3. Will Sunny become Pluton?
Highly unlikely. The theory lacks any concrete evidence within the manga and anime. It contradicts Franky’s character arc and the established lore surrounding Pluton.
4. What is Pluton?
Pluton is an Ancient Weapon, a massive warship with the power to destroy islands, built during the Void Century.
5. How is Vivi related to Pluton?
Vivi’s connection to Pluton lies in the Poneglyph located in Alabasta, which details the location of Pluton. Her family has been protecting this secret for generations.
6. Was Pluton ever built in One Piece?
Yes, according to lore, Pluton was built sometime during the Void Century on Water 7.
7. Can Pluton be revived?
Theoretically, Pluton could be revived if someone possessed the blueprints. However, Franky destroyed them, preventing its reconstruction.
8. Who built the Thousand Sunny?
Franky designed and built the Thousand Sunny with the help of Yokozuna, Iceburg, and the remaining Galley-La foremen.
9. Whose ship is the Thousand Sunny?
The Thousand Sunny is the second ship of the Straw Hat Pirates, replacing the Going Merry.
10. Is the Thousand Sunny the best ship?
The Thousand Sunny is arguably one of the most technologically advanced ships in the One Piece world, boasting exceptional durability and unique features.
11. Why does the government want Pluton in One Piece?
The World Government desires Pluton due to its immense destructive power. Whoever controls Pluton could potentially conquer the world.
12. Does Robin know what Pluton is?
Yes, Robin is one of the few people who know about Pluton’s existence and location, thanks to her ability to read the Poneglyphs.
13. Why was Pluton created in One Piece?
Pluton was likely created as a weapon of mass destruction during the Void Century, possibly to combat a threat the ancient civilization faced.
14. Did Franky burn the real Pluton blueprints?
Yes, Franky destroyed the Pluton blueprints in front of Nico Robin.
15. Is the Thousand Sunny bigger than the Going Merry?
Yes, the Thousand Sunny is significantly larger than the Going Merry, at least double its size.
The world of One Piece is full of surprises and mysteries, and fan theories are a natural consequence of such a rich and engaging narrative. While the theory of the Thousand Sunny being Pluton is an interesting thought experiment, it doesn’t align with the established lore and themes of the series. It’s more important to appreciate the Sunny for what it is: a symbol of the Straw Hats’ dreams and the embodiment of Franky’s ingenuity. If you want to learn more about the educational aspects of games and storytelling, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.