According to a popular theory proposed by X users @writingpanini and @breaking2good, Dragon’s Devil Fruit may be a Mythical Zoan modeled after the thunderbird, a mythical creature of great power that can control not only thunder and lightning but also the wind and storms. The thunderbird is a significant aspect of Native American culture and mythology and the possibility of Dragon possessing a Devil Fruit modeled after it would better explain the several instances Dragon has been seen affecting the weather as a whole, as opposed to a wind-based Logia fruit.

As far-fetched as it may sound, One Piece appears to have already made several discreet references to the thunderbird and Native American culture, with clues hidden in the symbols of the Freedom Fighters and the Revolutionary Army, as well as Dragon’s tattoo, which has mystified fans for ages.

The Thunderbird Has Made Several Appearances in One Piece

The symbol that appears on the sails of the Freedom Fighters’ ship in chapter #1097 bears a striking resemblance to the thunderbird as popularly seen on totem poles. If Dragon does indeed have the ability to turn into the mythical creature as theorized, it would make perfect sense for the symbol of the Freedom Fighters to be modeled after it seeing as Dragon is the head of the group. Moreover, this bird motif seems to have also carried over to the symbol of the Revolutionary Army.

The logo of the Revolutionary Army, particularly the symbol in the center, appears to be a rendition of the thunderbird with similar wings sprouting out on either side. The art style of the symbol also resembles that of Native American illustrations, further hinting at Native American culture being the inspiration behind Dragon’s Devil Fruit. Most importantly, the thunderbird itself is far from a foreign concept within One Piece and has already made an explicit appearance as one of Enel’s attacks during Skypiea. Thus, there is a possibility that the thunderbird exists as a myth within the series, making the existence of a Zoan Devil Fruit modeled after it a possibility as well.

Dragon’s Tattoo Is Tied To the Thunderbird

Interestingly, the Native American origins of the thunderbird might also explain the mystery of Dragon’s peculiar tattoo, which has been the object of many theories since his introduction. As @writingpanini points out, Dragon’s tattoo appears to be inspired by the style of tattoos of the Algonquian peoples, which also believed in the thunderbird. That said, seeing as Dragon acquired his infamous tattoo at some point during the eight years after Kuma joined the Freedom Fighters and before Ginny was captured, it is difficult to say for certain what significance it has or how it could be tied to his Devil Fruit.

Dragon’s Powers May Surpass Controlling the Wind

Though fans have popularly theorized that Dragon’s Devil Fruit is a Logia, the simple fact that Dragon was able to control not just the winds but also the rain and lightning seems to contradict the assumption. Luffy was saved by a well-placed strike of lightning at Loguetown, and it seems unlikely that a wind-based Logia would allow Dragon that sort of ability. Additionally, with Mythical Zoans presently establishing their dominance in the series, there couldn’t be a more fitting power for the formidable head of the Revolutionaries. Still, One Piece has always had a penchant for the unpredictable, so it is impossible to say what the series will bring.

One Piece is available from Manga Plus and Viz Media.