Energy refers to power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines.
Overview
As mentioned directly above, the primary use of energy is to create alternative sources of light and heat in a similar manner to the sun, as well as to enable various contraptions to operate constantly and independently. Advanced contraptions like machines and other technology often need to draw on energy constantly in order to activate and operate.
Since the conclusion of the Void Century, the majority of the world has had limited means of energy production and its technological level, by and large, is much more primitive than the real world's, being roughly equivalent to the technology of two to three centuries in the past. Thus, many people rely on the sun for warmth and light, and on the wind or other living beings to achieve assisted motion, as they do not have the ability to draw energy from other sources. However, certain people and societies have attained more advanced technology that relies on a more constant influx of energy, which can be generated from a variety of sources. The known sources to produce energy are all limited, and because of energy's beneficial impact on societies, many of them wage war to secure these resources. The scientist Vegapunk has the dream of finding a clean and abundant energy source that everyone in the world can access, thus putting an end to these conflicts. He believes that energy can be drawn from anywhere in the world, including the air around people, and it is a matter of finding a way to draw it.[1]
Certain races in the world can naturally generate energy from their bodies, such as fire from the lunarians and electricity from the Mink Tribe, although it is unknown if the amount is sufficient to power contraptions for an extended period of time. Notably, certain Devil Fruits—particularly those in the Logia class—can generate significant and renewable quantities of energy, and the users of these fruits have been able to utilize the energy to power large machines.
Types of Energy
Ancient Energy
The Ancient Energy (古代のエネルギー, Kodai no Enerugī?) is a formerly abundant energy utilized in the world, particularly the Great Kingdom, prior to the kingdom's downfall during the Void Century 800 years ago. With this energy, the Great Kingdom could power a large variety of advanced machines and was substantially more advanced technologically compared to the present day. This energy powered the giant robot Emet, and Vegapunk was unsuccessful at reactivating it with different power sources; although Emet has mostly been deactivated since the Void Century, it has powered up twice in the last two centuries, indicating that traces of this energy have been able to remain in it. The knowledge of this power source became lost following the Void Century, and Vegapunk has sought to rediscover it to achieve his dream, but has been unsuccessful to this point.[1]
Fire
Fire is an extremely common form of energy utilized in the present day; Lilith once said it can be converted into all types of energy. The scope and scale of its use varies dramatically; in ordinary locations, it is commonly used to give light and warmth in candles, lanterns, and furnaces; if generated to a great enough degree, it can power advanced technology, with Vegapunk depending on fire to power his many machines in and around his Egghead laboratory.[2] The drawback to fire is that it requires constant fueling from various substances, it generates smoke that can pollute the air if the blaze is large enough, and it can be extremely destructive if it finds fuel and spreads beyond its designated area.
The Logia-type Mera Mera no Mi can generate fire; one of its users, Portgas D. Ace, powered his ship with this ability.
Mother Flame
The Mother Flame is a unique form of fire energy developed by Vegapunk. Its composition and method of production are currently unknown; it is intended as an "undying flame", though has been stated to be incomplete. The Mother Flame is capable of powering an Ancient Weapon, a feat that has seemingly not been achieved in quite some time, and with its power the Ancient Weapon could annihilate the Lulusia Kingdom in an instant. The Mother Flame is a finite source, and must be produced through unknown means to prevent depletion.[3]
Electricity
Electricity is a less common form of energy generated from electrical charges; it is most frequently manifested in nature with lightning bolts, as well as in limited quantities through the physiology of the Mink Tribe, which is known as Electro. Generating constant flows of electricity using various fuel sources and powering machines in this manner is not commonly seen in the world, although Enel is able to do this with ease with the power of the Goro Goro no Mi, and used it to power the flying vessel Maxim.
Wind
Wind is a form of natural energy caused by the collision of warm and cool air. Many ships in the world harness this energy using sails to navigate the Blue Sea. However, it is very difficult to generate and maintain sustained wind gusts, and natural wind is insufficient to power machines; thus, it can only be utilized in certain situations.
Carbonated Liquid
Franky has achieved the use of carbonated cola to power parts of his cyborg body as well as the Thousand Sunny; a notable technique of his contraptions which draws upon the carbonation is collecting large amounts of oxygen and blasting it out in a large wind gust. Non-canonically, the Cidre Guild uses carbonated water to power most of their equipment, including jet packs.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 106 Chapter 1068 (p. 6-8) and Episode 1098.
- ↑ One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 105 Chapter 1065 (p. 4) and Episode 1094.
- ↑ One Piece Manga — Vol. 110 Chapter 1116 (p. 3-4, 7), Vegapunk talks about the Mother Flame and its theft.
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