Chapter 1096 teased the Okama King becoming the King of the Beasts – One Piece could have been much different if Ivankov and Kaido switched powers.

In One Piece Chapter 1096, “Kumachi,” the origins of Bartholomew Kuma and Kaido’s Devil Fruits were revealed. They were initially prizes for the Celestial Dragons’ Native Hunting Competition on God Valley. Kuma’s group, including Emporio Ivankov and Ginny, lured the Rocks Pirates to the island and used the chaos to steal these coveted Fruits. They didn’t know it, but Ivankov was about to eat the Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon. Of course, Charlotte Linlin burst in on the kids and wrestled the Fruit out of Ivankov’s grasp; this would allow her to give Kaido the Fruit later that day.

This peek into One Piece’s past indicates how close audiences were to a scenario where Ivankov was the Azure Dragon. This could conversely lead to a future where Kaido ate the Horm-Horm Fruit. While Devil Fruits are technically eaten at random, they often go to people they suit. In Ivankov and Kaido’s cases, they’re practically defined by the Fruits they ate. Giving them each other’s powers could change a lot about who they are, their roles in the story, and how they fight.

What If Ivankov Ate the Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon?

A lot would change about Ivankov’s legacy if he had eaten anything besides the Horm-Horm Fruit. One of his most commonly used techniques involves using his hormone-manipulating powers to play around with genders; it represents the foundation of his Okama empire. He can still be the Okama King, though he can’t use his powers to turn people into their desired gender. His followers would either have to stick to crossdressing or undergo reassignment surgery. There could also be hormone treatment, but it must come from drugs rather than Devil Fruit powers.

Ivankov’s ability to heal people would also be reduced. This would be especially critical during the Impel Down and Marineford Arcs. Luffy depended on the Miracle Person’s hormones to help his body fight off Magellan’s poison and develop an immunity to it. He also needed adrenaline shots to stay in the battle; Ivankov might be able to replicate this with drugs. If Luffy wanted to make it out of either arc alive, he’d need to play things much more carefully.

On the positive side, Kaido’s Devil Fruit would boost Ivankov’s offensive capabilities. In One Piece proper, he can increase his head’s size to deliver devastating shockwaves. He can accomplish the same feat by assuming his dragon form. Additionally, the scene of him bursting out of Impel Down might feature Luffy and the prisoners riding all along his serpentine dragon body, not just his head (although there would still be plenty of passengers aboard that overgrown noggin).

Ivankov could also breathe fire, generate wind scythes, and “fly” on flame clouds. Even if his support role is reduced, his offensive presence on the battlefield would more than make up for it. If Luffy somehow survived Magellan’s poison without Ivankov’s assistance, the latter could compensate him in the Paramount War at Marineford. There would likely be far more enemy Marines he could beat (or at least keep out of Luffy’s way).

What If Kaido Ate the Horm-Horm Fruit?

If there’s a scenario where Ivankov ate Kaido’s Devil Fruit, there should be another one where the reverse is true. This would imply a Kaido who ate the Horm-Horm Fruit and became a Hormone Controlling Human. He likely wouldn’t get the same kind of mileage out of it as the Okama King, but it would still change many things about his story. This Paramecia Devil Fruit could alter Kaido’s beast motif. He’s presumably called the Strongest Creature because, among other things, he can turn into a dragon. He could still be called a creature because of his horns, but the Devil Fruit establishes a necessary theme. The Beast Pirates (if they can still be called that) would have to pick up the animal-theme slack for their boss.

Thankfully, all of Kaido’s top men in the All-Stars and Tobbi Roppo are Zoan Devil Fruit users. The Gifters’ artificial Devil Fruits would still be Zoan since those are the only types that can be synthesized. Even if the leader can’t turn into an animal, enough of the crew should fit the motif to maintain the theme. In this regard, Kaido can still be called King of the Beasts the same way Tarzan could be called Lord of the Apes. The power to change people’s gender could also influence the life of his son Yamato, who was biologically born a girl. Kaido always raised her more like a son than a daughter (“Yamato” is even a boy’s name), though the Oni Princess didn’t decide to call herself a man until she began emulating Kozuki Oden. Kaido could turn his son into a biological man with the Horm-Horm Fruit, but he might instead dangle that favor overhead to ensure loyalty. In any case, if Kaido were ever to find a use for his gender-altering powers, it would be here.

Would Kaido Still Be Strong With Ivankov’s Devil Fruit?

There’s also a question regarding the notoriety of Kaido and his Devil Fruit. One must wonder whether Kaido became infamous because of the Fruit or if the Fruit became coveted because of the user. Chapter 1096 suggests the Azure Dragon Fruit already had a reputation before Kaido ate it, which would explain why the World Nobles made it a prize for their Native Hunting Competition; it would also explain why the World Government commissioned Dr. Vegapunk to replicate it. This Devil Fruit has an undeniable role in molding the King of Beasts’ identity.

That said, Kaido didn’t believe in relying on Devil Fruits for power. He instead deemed Haki as the dominant power system. His durability has less to do with his dragon scales and more with the Conqueror’s Haki he coats them in. Even without Devil Fruit powers or Haki, his body is naturally strong. The Azure Dragon’s powers may be a boon, but he isn’t helpless.

In any case, Kaido could still power himself up with the Horm-Horm Fruit, just not in the same ways. He could use adrenaline boosts and painkillers to keep himself in the fight when his body would ordinarily give out. Enlarging his body would add to his offensive force. Even changing into a woman would improve his agility and flexibility; he might also turn do it during his Flirty Drunk phase. He could also maximize his body temperature to recreate his Kaen Daiko technique. His natural durability should allow him to survive the aftereffects of using so many hormones on himself.

Src: cbr.com