The question of whether Silvers Rayleigh taught Monkey D. Luffy Gear Fourth is a recurring point of discussion among One Piece fans. While the manga and anime never explicitly state Rayleigh's direct involvement in its development, analyzing Luffy's training arc and the nature of Gear Fourth offers insight into the plausibility of Rayleigh's contribution.
Rayleigh's Training: Focus on Haki
Rayleigh's tutelage primarily focused on honing Luffy's Haki, encompassing Observation, Armament, and Conqueror's Haki. He didn't explicitly teach new fighting styles or techniques beyond refining Luffy's existing abilities. Gear Fourth, on the other hand, is a significant transformation of Luffy's body, demanding extreme control over his muscles and a profound understanding of his physical limits.
The Absence of Direct Instruction
The anime and manga depict Luffy mastering Gear Fourth during his two-year training separation from Rayleigh. This temporal separation suggests Rayleigh didn't directly teach him this specific technique. The development of Gear Fourth seems to be a result of Luffy's own intense self-training, pushing his physical and mental boundaries to unlock previously untapped potential.
Gear Fourth's Nature: Internal Discovery
Gear Fourth is a manifestation of Luffy's innate abilities, driven by his intense determination and relentless pursuit of strength. The transformation fundamentally alters his body's composition, a testament to his natural resilience and willpower. This suggests an internal discovery rather than direct external instruction.
The Role of Inspiration and Foundation
While Rayleigh didn't teach Gear Fourth directly, his training provided a crucial foundation. Luffy's enhanced Haki mastery undoubtedly played a significant role in controlling the power and potential drawbacks of Gear Fourth. Rayleigh's instruction likely instilled the discipline and mental fortitude necessary for Luffy to utilize such a taxing technique.
Conclusion: Indirect Influence, Not Direct Instruction
It's highly improbable that Rayleigh directly taught Luffy Gear Fourth. However, his training undeniably laid a strong foundation for its development. Rayleigh's mentorship empowered Luffy with the fundamental skills—particularly in Haki—necessary to not only discover but also control this powerful fighting style. Therefore, Rayleigh's influence is significant, though indirect, in the eventual mastery of Gear Fourth.
